Where design and sustainability cross paths

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Ford to Generate Electricity…from Paint!

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ford fumes to fuel2

If ever there was a time to stand in awe of the world of science, it is now, in this burgeoning age of clean tech geniuses coming up with fascinating (if not mind-blowing) solutions to the energy and environmental challenges with which we’re faced.  One such remarkable solution is being launched by U.S. automaker Ford, whose own team of such geniuses have come up with a method of harnessing the electricity-generating potential of VOC’s in autobody paint.  To be launched at their Oakville, Ontario plant, the process called Fumes-to-Fuel involves the sequestration of VOC’s in a 2,000 gallon vat of carbon beads, where they are absorbed.  The carbon beads are then processed themselves, to release the VOC’s for conversion into fuel for a 300 KW fuel cell that will power the plant itself.  According to Ford, the electricity generated by the fuel cell is enough to power about 150 homes, and the process will result in an 88% reduction of carbon dioxide and elimination of nitrogen oxide, two negative aspects inherent in autobody painting.

By utilizing VOC’s for good, Ford has set the stage for other automakers to take up a similarly progressive clean tech mantle.  Reducing noxious gases and CO2 within their plants, and converting paint fumes to power their own facilities, are no small feats, however the automaker still must strive to quickly develop super-efficient vehicles in the same progressive vein.  In fact, it must do so to survive, as Japanese and German (VW and BMW) automakers are already making strides in alternative fuels and fuel efficiency.  Nonetheless, Ford’s Fumes-to-Fuel program is surely a sign of things to come, as more and more companies push the envelope, and emerge with the right solutions to our energy dependent world.

Ford

Ford’s media announcement on Fumes-to-Fuel program

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Providence Police to Go Electric?

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(Photo courtesy of City of Providence)

With U.S. gasoline prices rapidly surpassing the $4.00/gallon mark, it’s no surprise that city agencies throughout the country are beginning to seek alternatives to power their fleets, and the Providence, Rhode Island Police are doing just that. In fact, they are turning to Middletown, Rhode Island-based Vectrix Corp., who have agreed to loan the force four of their emissions free all-electric Maxi street bikes for a three month trial this summer. Joining the Sacramento Police, NYPD, and LAPD (the first to actually purchase the bikes), who are currently doing similar tests with Vectrix, Providence Mayor David Cicilline and Police Chief Dean Esserman, view this as an opportunity to move away from fossil fuel dependency while helping to decrease air pollution in the City. In comparison, a 400 cc motorbike would yield about two tons of carbon dioxide in one year, and would cost the city the increasing burden of purchasing gasoline, as well as the typically more involved maintenance required for gasoline engines.

The Vectrix Maxi can reach a top speed of over 60 mph, and with the aid of its regenerative braking system, achieve a range of 60 miles on a single charge. It can be charged with standard household current in about three to five hours. Although it may not replace the the faster gasoline-based bikes or cars within a police force fleet, the Maxi offers a solid alternative to the standard vehicle, and a peek at things to come, as the vehicle market makes the transition away from fossil fuels to electric and fuel cell-based technologies. The City of Providence will determine whether to actually purchase the bikes based on user experience as well as community response. For more details on the technology employed in the bike, please visit the company’s Tech Specs web page.

Vectrix