Since you are working in the biomass or related energy areas, here are my usual comments which I deem to be of GREAT IMPORTANCE, to which kindly respond:

As we embark on this global alternative-energy adventure it is important, FROM THE OUTSET, that with wind or water turbines, for instance, all wildlife (BIRDS, FISHES, and others - swimming or diving, flying and climbing etc) be protected with alarm or protection devices (even special colors, paints, fluorescents etc perhaps?) and which also be well maintained and kept in good repair ........

SOME OF YOU SCIENTISTS AND INVENTORS PLEASE INVENT SUCH METHODS OR DEVICES !!! ..... It might be the best thing you could do, and you might become famous and/or rich, even if you were not to win in this competition……..

Considerable MULTIDISCIPLINARY considerations must go into ALL ENERGY PROJECTS today. This type of thinking is an ABSOLUTE MUST today, with global population size soon reaching the TEN billion (10,000,000,000) people mark at current growth rates…! JUST 200 YEARS AGO, THINGS WERE STILL DIFFERENT. Until then, global population was under ONE billion. In fact, it was less than HALF that number (1/2 billion people) throughout more than 99% of our human existence on earth...!!! The planet is overly stressed now…! ….

When it comes to biomass, perhaps we might ask: Can byproducts from energy conversion be utilized to replenish the earth with NATURAL nutrients from the organic fertilizers they might provide for exhausted soils, for agriculture, edible gardening, and other purposes (pastures, lawns, flower gardens, reforestation, new forests, new arable land, etc) and not just as effluents to be dumped carelessly into streams where they may not be needed or even become a nuisance……. And can we preserve valuable animal dung in its natural, live form that nourishes soil-restoring microbes and earth worms, to be applied to the earth (as in organic gardening and agriculture)? This methodology has existed ever since animal life appeared above and on land……

ALSO, therefore, if we all reflect on our actions, inventions, and activities before we engage in them, and if we reduce our birth rates, put our thinking hats on instead of being indifferent, pro-create responsibly rather than mindlessly, then we can make it; our offspring can then have a future, and we can de-stress the planet, our kids, and ourselves…….

WE MUST NOT continue pushing other creatures out of existence, or waste precious materials by misusing and not recycling them while we continue to pollute the waters or the air...! ….

ADDITIONALLY: Large numbers of SMALL WINDMILLS or SMALL WATER TURBINES that have INEFFECTIVE or NO PROTECTIVE DEVICES AT ALL could potentially HURT flying or swimming and diving wildlife even MORE than large ones…!?

Another concern I have is that in the area of biofuel, the temptation is great to genetically modify plants to GMOs to make them even more suitable or higher yielding for biofuel production. This is extremely hazardous on "edibles" (corn, soybeans, and the like, if genetically crossed with non-plant material such as bacterial DNA) and it could upset the ecological balance even for plants that are not consumed, plus endanger our bees… Great caution is indicated.

http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=C38B1227-0E27-4FE4-AEBE-7308310E9B11

Hi Mr. Clouston,

Congratulations on your successful completion of the first round of the GE challenge! We are now in the second round; the period of judging and results. Your idea will contribute to the transformation of energy sector.

In the “Connect” category, GE is seeking breakthrough ideas to improve grid efficiency by three means: reducing losses, reducing voltage and improving system reliability. I will take these three solutions one by one.

First, delivery losses occur due to the complexity of the grid. The grid consists of several energy sources which are interconnected. This complex interconnectivity which also includes a grid-tie inverter (that converts DC power from the grid to AC power) contributes to the reduction of the expected capacity of the grid. The grid capacity needs to be freed up. The solution to these losses is by using an off-grid photovoltaic array which operates independently; it is not connected to other energy sources or the grid. It is more efficient. It has its own simple stand-alone inverter, rechargeable storage battery (to serve during off-peak periods) and a charge controller (to prevent the battery from overcharging).

Second, over-delivery of energy is a technical phenomenon associated with grid-related systems. It occurs due to increase in power drawn from the grid. This makes consumers or subscribers to the grid pay for unused energy; they usually pay a higher rate. The solution to this is by using an off-grid photovoltaic array because it has a fixed or rated capacity and output; it is not interfered by other energy sources. This solution is economical because consumers do not have to pay for bills or overcharged bills.

Third, system unreliability results from power outages due to poor identification and isolation of faults. These faults affect the entire system and may lead to power outage of a city or a larger region. The solution to this is by using off-grid photovoltaic arrays because it can easily be maintained and faults can easily be detected. Even if faults were not detected on time, the power outage would only affect a single building or premises and not an entire city.

Please, critically analyze and comment on my idea: “off-grid photovoltaic arrays.” From your opinion, is my idea feasible? Will it potentially make a significant impact on the global energy challenges we face?

Thanks and good luck.

http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=B1C8A072-AE7B-4F2D-A58A-F9CCFACC4541

GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES FOR YOUR IDEAS! TO BE IN THIS CHALLENGES IS ALREADY A WINNER! LET’S ALL GREAT,REALISTIC,COST EFFICIENT, AND ALL IDEAS WITH GREAT IMPACT BE UNITED AND IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENTED TO MAKE IT A REALITY FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND OUR BELOVED PLANET EARTH!

Hi Mr. Sidney Clouston,

Thanks for your comment. I was so surprised that you are familiar with the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto until I went through your profile on www.linkedin.com and discovered that you were a project developer for the new Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence for West Africa, and you made an agreement with that university. From your profile, I discovered you are versatile.

My academic grades are good. I will graduate by August 2010. I am interested in working with your company, Clouston Energy Research; I want to develop my ideas and knowledge in the field of renewable energy after graduating. I will also appreciate if you link me with any other renewable energy firm. The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is high due to the large turnout of graduates yearly and few industries available. You may reply through my email. Thanks.

Best wishes,

Augustine Umunnakwe
Email: ucaugustine@yahoo.com

Hi,

You have a brilliant idea. Your idea will surely ameliorate the global energy situation. You are a genius. I have voted for your idea. Take a look at my idea on “off-grid photovoltaic arrays:”

http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=B1C8A072-AE7B-4F2D-A58A-F9CCFACC4541

Good luck!

Because of Distributed Generation the loss in the Transmission and Distribution lines is available. This may be seen as energy efficiency.
The strategy that I propose has an Ethical valuation as suggested by John S. Mill the Philosopher and Economist of Utilitarianism. The test of ethical action is this; What creates the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This ideal is mandated by the Messiah Jesus (AKA Isa) of Islam and Christianity as recorded in Matthew 25 : 31 to 41. Thus we ought to be inclusive of the people in need of opportunities and Vocational Training for
Rural Development for billion or more people without electrical power. They
can afford these systems if they grow the feedstock for Bioenergy and Biofuels.
My group in Africa is the Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence for Western
Africa that is Inclusive of the poor. With an income they can repay their Microfinance loans or Community Cooperative loans from the additional incomes.
Grants and other inputs may favor this Type Two Partnership of Governments, Non
profits (University and Tax Exempts) as well as For profit Businesses of the team. The Energy Commission of Nigeria is a major facilitator. www.energy.gov.ng

You have my vote
That's a good idea.
If you can vote on my ideas I'll be very happy.
In one of my projects I intend to use a stirling engine to use the gas produced in gasifier biomass and capture the carbon dioxide emitted in a chemical reaction that will produce fertilizer.
In another project I propose an inflatable solar panel that will reduce the cost and installation of heating systems.

http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=BB6A1427-6AC9-4761-8F1A-4DCD062E975C

http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=1066311F-3EA9-4EBD-8219-B1A209B92C0D

Welcome to GE Ecomagination Challenge - You’ve got our vote just for being here! – Just joining this Challenge lets us know that like us at Clean Legacy, you are one who is also concerned with the future of the environment and the world we must leave to our children! The Clean Legacy Group with its flagship product, the Skylight PP-CPV and its related family of alternative energy products seeks to join with others to bring our low carbon footprint products to everyone everywhere. I hope you’ll join us and visit our page and cast your vote of support for our clean, green – eco friendly alternative energy machines. To view our offering please visit the Clean Legacy vote page by clicking here. - http://challenge.ecomagination.com/ct/ct_a_view_idea.bix?c=ideas&idea_id=E2620471-DDE7-497B-9D08-7B40F2ABB9EF You can also reach us on Facebook, just friend me @ John L Coulson

Remember it’s the top five ideas that GE determines that move ahead and not the top five vote getters, so just entering the Challenge gives us all an equal chance and an excellent way to network with many others in the alternative energy field. Imagine what we could accomplish together! - Let’s talk clean energy sometime soon. IamInventing@gmail.com or www.webstarts.com/IamInventorHope to see you in November! – Regards and best of luck to everyone! JLC Inventor/Founder - The Clean Legacy Group – A proud Canadian “For Profit” Environmental enterprise.

Renewable Energy has a job to do in Rural Development around the World.

http://vimeo.com/14270751
As Africa’s population continues to rise, the demand for domestic and institutional energy increases. Access to grid electricity across East Africa is low: just about 14% in Kenya, 11% in Tanzania and about 5% in Uganda. Households typically rely on Kerosene lamps or candles for lighting and dry cell batteries for any electrical items and biomass fuel for cooking and heating.

GVEP International believes that the energy market in East Africa has the potential to be expanded. This video documentary shows how, through the Developing Energy Enterprising Programme, businesses can be incubated and developed to meet the needs of people.

Hello Augustine:
Thank you and everyone for the votes. This project is needed. In addition you
can check in Nigeria the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)where I have signed
a Memorandum of Understanding. We are working to establish a regional center
at the Sokoto University called Usmanu Danfodio University one of the five R&D
Center at the five universities funded by the ECN. Solar powered Drip Irrigation is favored by me and it is for Rural Development which is maninly
off grid. Discuss your idea with Dr. A.S. Sambo the Director General of the
ECN www.energy.gov.ng Tell him that Sidi (Abdallahi) Clouston said hello.