Chem321:Discussion 7
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This discussion is based on discussing two questions, and it is set to take place on the wiki, over the next few days (until midnight on Thursday, 25th July). Be sure to watch both videos: Prof. Robert Ewy on growing willow, and Prof. Ken Visser on small wind turbines. Consider the question with two scenarios in mind - (a) where fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil (maintaining gasoline prices at around $4/gallon in the US) or (b) where use of fracking has been limited after an environmental disaster, and global oil demand has surged ahead of supply, so there is a price spike for gasoline and similar liquid fuels.
We will leave comments on the page below, in response to (and under) the questions posted or the related responses. Be sure to start your text with a *, and sign your responses with four tilde marks at the end. You should post one original response to each question, and then post one followup comment on another student's posting. I will respond to each.
Biofuels in the North Country
What the the possibilities for biofuel production in the North Country? Could willow or something similar provide a major cash crop for local farmers with marginal land? (Post answers below here)
- There are several possibilities for alternative and renewable energy development in St. Lawrence County. As we observed in the video by Dr. Ewy, willow is one particular alternative. Though it was also apparent that while some varieties of willow thrive, others are less adequate or prone to do well in colder climates or in marginal soil that has not been used exclusively or recently for agricultural development. Industrial hemp is another good alternative energy resource that easily proliferates in colder climates. It has been known to grow well even in Northern and Central Russia. Industrial hemp has been cultivated near the Northern Border of Agriculture (66° N, approx.): from Arkhangelsk the northern limit of hemp-cultivation was extended to Mezen, then reached Pechora River (Ust-Tsilma), to Tobolsk Province, Surgut (61° 17'N)(http://vir.nw.ru/hemp/hemp2.htm). Hemp is not only well suited to cold climates with low temperatures in Spring and short Summers, in fact farming just 6% of the continental U.S. acreage with biomass crops like industrial hemp would provide all of America's energy needs(http://www.hempcar.org/hempfacts.shtml#one).Haw7thorne (talk) 17:18, 24 July 2013 (EDT)
- Fuels obtained from plants are a very viable source of energy for the North Country. It is rich in areas that have the ability to produce agriculture. The only issue is that many plants can not survive through the harsh winters that we experience in the North Country. Willow however is an exceptional plant that is able to thrive even in the cold temperatures. These plants are able to grow on marginal lands that typically can't be used for much else. This will help with farmers who can't sacrifice growing other crops that typically sell well to grow the willow. They can plant the willow on unused land and it will still be able to grow well. It is also ideal because it requires little input of resources and upkeep. After cutting down for harvesting one season it will grow back again without needing to replant seeds. (Magenta (talk) 12:05, 25 July 2013 (EDT))
- If the growth of willow or plants of the like, is successful in northern NYS, then contributing biomass fuels to replace some of the natural gas fuels would certainly be helpful. Like in the video, this growth can be optimized. And if willow is as easy to grow as Dr. Ewy makes it seem - then it would not be too hard for farmers to plant and leave these plants on open patches of dirt for the sake of an extra penny. For this to be successful, the cost of raising and processing the plants would have to remain below the cost of removing natural gas from the ground through techniques such as hydraulic fracking. Considering the known dangers and downsides of fracking, such as the downstream effects of pumping chemicals into the ground (reaching drinking water) in ~half a million wells across the states - the successful growth of the biofuel industry would certainly be a welcome change. http://www.dangersoffracking.com/ Tom.fuchs (talk) 13:49, 25 July 2013 (EDT)
Small wind turbines in the North Country
Suggest some suitable applications for small wind turbines in St. Lawrence County and nearby counties. (Post answers below here)
- I think that the most suitable usage for small wind turbines would likely include either private use or use by public entities such as colleges, universities, or publicly owned utilities in order to supplement local power supplies. However, private use would naturally only be viable if the individual(s) in question were able to afford the cost for purchasing and installing a small wind turbine, and its use even on a small scale would of course be limited. For instance, the small three blade turbine shown in the video and which is being tested by Clarkson University generated only 1kw per hour I believe. A smaller privately owned turbine like the one I am describing would be great however for powering a heat pump in order to heat say a small house.Haw7thorne (talk) 18:43, 24 July 2013 (EDT)
- Small wind turbines seem to be a very viable source of energy for local St. Lawrence communities. This area has a very reliable source of wind since it is on the water and has lots of open fields. These turbines could be implemented into local farms as they showed on top of silos. Farmers would have to pay the initial cost but it would result in a lot of their energy costs being paid for in this way. There are so many farms in this area that this could really cut the costs of energy in the County. Also putting the turbines along the river in areas close to communities can supplement some of the energy to these areas as well. (Magenta (talk) 12:12, 25 July 2013 (EDT))
