Enjoy more cups of coffee now. It can back the worldwide efforts to reduce energy crisis somewhat. A team of researchers at the University of North Dakota is working on a technology to convert garbage from coffee processing plants into biofuel. Well, all waste from the grains to the packaging in coffee processing plants can be used to produce green energy.
In developing the innovative biofuel production system, the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) of the University has tied up with a bio-energy firm Wynntryst LLC and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. The researchers have shaped up a gasification power system to soak up coffee residue including its plastic packaging and cups and other items.
The gasifier can turn the hodgepodge mixture from coffee processing plants to clean synthetic gas, named syngas. According to the researchers, this product can be converted to biofuels passing through an internal combustion engine. Thus, waste in a coffee processing plant turns to clean and high-value biofuels or chemicals in a matter of hours.
Currently, the researchers are working to check how much syngas could be generated using the waste from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters only. For the purpose, a series of pilot-scale tests could be conducted. The technology will be up for commercial use once proven that it is a completely dependable way to get rid of coffee waste and produce alternative fuel from it.
The researchers previously developed small gasification systems powered by waste items such as forest residues, turkey litter and other biomass. The EERC researchers have now succeeded in developing a method to process coffee waste as well, says Chris Zygarlicke, the center’s deputy director. Well, now you can have some more cups of coffee with a satisfaction of enriching efforts to create alternative fuel.
Via: Earth911
