September 2008 Archives
Whisper Tech Limited, operating out of Christchurch, New Zealand, has completed capitalization and started operations of its joint venture with Mondragon and Meridian Energy Limited to manufacture its WhisperGen microCHP (combined heat and power) Stirling engine generator in Spain for distribution in Europe in time for the 2008/2009 winter heating season.
The Stirling engine in the WhisperGen is arranged in a 4-cylinder configuration with a unique "wobble-yoke" connection between the cylinders and the electric generator. The WhisperGen uses a natural gas flame to provide heat and a household water supply to provide cooling, but in theory could work by burning any biomass material to provide a temperature differential inside the Stirling engine. The Stirling engine connects to an alternator to provide up to 1000 watts of electrical power into the grid, and also provides from 7.5 to 12 kW of heat energy directly into the water supply, which can be used for radiant heating or can tie directly into the water heater.
In addition to this on-grid system, Whisper Tech has a WhisperGen off-grid system available for marine, automotive, and off-grid home use. This system uses diesel fuel to power the Stirling engine, and can output 800 watts of electrical power at 12 or 24 volts, as well as 5.5 kW of heat energy. Because the WhisperGen uses an external combustion heat engine, it should be very easy to convert the generator system to run on biodiesel; in addition, the WhisperGen system has a noise level of only 55 dB when running, thanks again to the Stirling heat engine. The WhisperGen off-grid system is popular in large motor yachts, where it can burn the same diesel fuel the boat runs on at a much lower noise level to provide electricity and heat for the living quarters.
In addition to this on-grid system, Whisper Tech has a WhisperGen off-grid system available for marine, automotive, and off-grid home use. This system uses diesel fuel to power the Stirling engine, and can output 800 watts of electrical power at 12 or 24 volts, as well as 5.5 kW of heat energy. Because the WhisperGen uses an external combustion heat engine, it should be very easy to convert the generator system to run on biodiesel; in addition, the WhisperGen system has a noise level of only 55 dB when running, thanks again to the Stirling heat engine. The WhisperGen off-grid system is popular in large motor yachts, where it can burn the same diesel fuel the boat runs on at a much lower noise level to provide electricity and heat for the living quarters.
Precer, a Swedish company developing biomass vehicle powerplants, has released a biofuel series hybrid vehicle called the Bioracer. The powertrain consists of a wood pellet burner which acts as the heat source for a stirling engine generator. The stirling engine charges the traction batteries, which in turn drive an electric motor to power the Bioracer. Precer is also experimenting with steam turbines, and claims to have a new engine concept under development that could replace the stirling engine currently in use.
The Bioracer is a 900 pound off-road vehicle with dual A-arm suspension in the front and swingarm suspension in the rear, much like an ATV or sand rail. The vehicle is powered by a 16 hp electric motor and is available with 2 or 4 wheel drive. Energy is stored in a 24 to 96 volt, 100 to 400 amp-hour battery pack depending on the customer's specifications, providing up to 3 hours of driving on battery power alone. The stirling engine consumes 3 to 6 pounds of wood pellets to provide enough charge for 10 miles of driving, also depending on the customer configuration.
Precer's goal is to significantly improve the economy and environmental aspects of vehicles today, by using environmental biofuel that is compatible with all future vehicle requirements. The biomass drivetrain Precer has developed can also be adapted for use in any modern vehicle, with the advantages that once switched over to wood pellets as fuel, consumers are able to domestic raw materials that do not require refining, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
Precer's goal is to significantly improve the economy and environmental aspects of vehicles today, by using environmental biofuel that is compatible with all future vehicle requirements. The biomass drivetrain Precer has developed can also be adapted for use in any modern vehicle, with the advantages that once switched over to wood pellets as fuel, consumers are able to domestic raw materials that do not require refining, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
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