Lesser Known Energy Sources: A Study of Biogas and Tire-based Fuel

Authors

  • Carl Benjamin Smith Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar, University of Florida
  • Cristián Cardenas Lailhacar Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar, University of Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2322

Abstract

The objective of this article is to investigate two reasonably uncom-
mon energy sources: biogas and scrap tire-based fuel and their potential
use in industry. The article will discuss germane background information
about the energy sources, such as current and potential uses, operational
constraints, advantages, and disadvantages. In addition, this article will
explore each fuel source’s potential capacity for energy generation and
fuel savings. The quantitative section on biogas analyzes the amount
of power biogas digesters can provide based off on varying types and
numbers of farm animals and generation methods. The scrap tire fuel
section analyzes potential fuel savings with cement kilns, explores these
values using several examples, and conducts cursory financial analysis
of tire fuel projects. Lastly, this article concludes that there exists great
potential for fuel and cost savings with these types of alternative energy
sources.

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Author Biographies

Carl Benjamin Smith, Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar, University of Florida

Carl Benjamin Smith obtained his BS in industrial and systems en-
gineering from the University of Florida. He was a research assistant and
team leader of the DOE-funded Industrial Assessment Center. He has
performed more than 20 energy assessments to manufacturing facilities
in the US. He is currently living in Endicott, in the greater Binghamton
area of upstate NY. He is working in the New York offices of Lockheed
Martin. Ben Smith can be reached by email at cbsmith@u fl.edu

Cristián Cardenas Lailhacar, Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar, University of Florida

Cristián Cardenas-Lailhacar holds BS and Masters degrees in
chemistry from the University of Chile, a Ph.D. in computational
chemistry, and a certi ficate in chemical physics from the University of
Florida. He currently serves as a faculty member at UF Department of
Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is also the technical manager of
the DOE-funded Industrial Assessment Center. He has performed more
than 170 energy assessments to manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and
in Latin America. He has published book chapters, over 20 refereed
journal papers, conference papers, and given lectures at national and
international conferences. Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar can be reached
by email at cardenas@ise.ufl.edu

References

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state.ct.us/wst/recycle/tires.htm

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cling/awareness/facts/tires/tirefuel.htm

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bage/tires/basic.htm

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and Francis. 2006

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Council. Nov 1992.

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Published

2008-03-19

How to Cite

Smith, C. B. ., & Lailhacar, C. C. (2008). Lesser Known Energy Sources: A Study of Biogas and Tire-based Fuel. Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 23(2), 35–72. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2322

Issue

2008: Vol 23 Iss 2

Section

Articles