[Stoves] Gasification Workshop #2 in June: GEK building and Honda Accord converting

[jim mason]

this workshop is not directly stoves related, but the workshop will
cover the science of drying, pyrolysis, combustion and reduction,
which are of course central to stove design.

the gek unit might also prove a relevant starting point for
institutional cooking and heating situations where you are going to do
a minor amount of gas piping and distribution.  though a tarry gas is
fine for direct combustion, i have found the mess it makes in the
pipes and values makes it not very attractive in actual
implementation.  the notion that we can use simple updrafts for such
situations i don't think is very realistic.  maybe the gek will prove
an interesting starting point for combined energy, cooking and heating
gas.

there is also new info up about the kit, and now with prices, here:
http://allpowerlabs.org/gasification/gek/index.html

and now the workshop . . .


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: jim mason <jimmason at whatiamupto.com>
Date: Fri, May 23, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Subject: Gasification Workshop #2 in June: GEK building and Honda
Accord converting
To: Icp <icp at spaceship.com>


GASIFICATION WORKSHOP #2 AT SHIPYARD LABS:   GEK Building and Honda
Accord converting

Gasification Lecture and Demo: Thurs, June 12, 7:30-9:30PM
Build Days: 4 Saturdays (June 14, 21, 28 and July 5), 11am - 7pm
Cost: $350 (or free with purchase of a GEK kit, Level II or higher)

Workshop Info: http://allpowerlabs.org/gasification/gek/powerexchange3.html
GEK info: http://allpowerlabs.org/gasification/gek/index.html


The recently launched Gasifier Experimenters Kit (GEK) grew out of the
first Gasification Workshop held at the Shipyard last spring and the
following Mechabolic project.  Now that we have an easy to assemble
and well performing kit, the next Gasification Workshop will focus on
building these kits and documenting their performance over various
configurations, fuels and use scenarios. We will be using our new 6
gas sensing rig, tar tester, thermocouples, moIsture meters and other
instrumentation to generate quantitative run data and resulting
refinements.

The main group project will be using the GEK kit to convert a Honda
Accord to run on walnut shells. (Thank you Tom Price for the Honda and
thank you Williams, CA for the endless supply of walnut shells).  The
goal is a polished and automated installation that is acceptable as a
daily driver. Towards this goal, we'll be developing air/syngas
mixture automation mechatronics, condensate/steam reinjection systems
and other automated sensing and control devices.

Along side the Honda Accord project, participants are encouraged to
build their own GEK for personal projects. Maybe you want to convert a
vehicle, generator, forge, lawnmover, hot water heater, or fire art
project. Or maybe even a racer for the Escape from Berkeley, by any
non-petroleum means rally (www.escapefromberkeley.com). Now's your
chance to get started.

All tools and help needed to assemble the kits will be provided during
the weekend build days. You will need to buy at least the Level II
form of the kit, but not any of the assembly options. The workshop is
FREE for anyone who purchases the material kit.

The workshop begins with an evening talk and discussion on the science
of gasification, and a survey of its design and social history. Both
beginning and expert reactor assemblies will be presented, with
pointers to further reading and current issues and opportunities in
the field. Also included is a basic introduction to biochar / Terra
Preta and the related pyrolysis reactors that can make it happen.

http://allpowerlabs.org/gasification/gek/powerexchange3.html


jim



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jim mason
website: www.whatiamupto.com
current project: gasifier experimenters kit (the GEK):
www.allpowerlabs.org/gasification/gek
announce list: http://lists.spaceship.com/listinfo.cgi/icp-spaceship.com