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Small Steam Electric Generation: Theme for 2004 IAASP International Steam Power Conference
Since the events of 9/11, energy security has become more important than ever to Californians and throughout much of the world. Standby electrical generators have been installed in record numbers, and many have considered self-generation. Worldwide terrorism has added to the humanitarian needs for compact electric generation in isolated locations, operating on indigenous fuel. Small efficient steam electric distributed generation has the potential to meet these needs while accelerating the introduction and use of renewable resources and hydrogen fuels, reducing waste heat and the net production of greenhouse gasses and other environmental residuals. Motivated, perhaps in part, by recent world events, and by the low investment required to develop small steam engines, grass roots steam power research, development, and production efforts have sprung up in various parts of the globe, and steam power pioneers are emerging.
Additional communication, international cooperation, and research in steam electric technologies suitable for small, distributed self-generation is warranted. The International Association for the Advancement of Steam Power (IAASP) is the only organization focused clearly on this effort.
Small Steam Electric Generation will be the focus of IAASP’s activities in 2003 and 2004, and the theme of IAASP’s 2004 International Steam Power Conference.
Conference Goal
The goal of IAASP’s 2004 International Steam Power Conference is to dramatically and measurably accelerate the advancement of steam power in the small steam electric generation sector. The conference will create a forum wherein individuals and organizations involved in the research, development, and manufacture of small steam engines, steam-electric generators, and associated technologies will come together and share in this process. The conference will be designed to attract international experts, policy makers, developers, craftsman, and scientists in the field, as well as individuals who might be interested in purchasing or investing in small steam power systems.
Location Information
Look for conference date, location, and other program information to be announced soon, right here at www.iaasp.org.
Program
Help shape the IAASP 2004 International Steam Power Conference program - submit your papers and session ideas for consideration. Contact Us for more information.
Sponsors/Exhibitors
IAASP is now looking to expand the conference program and activities with sponsors and exhibitors. Interested in joining us next year as a sponsor or exhibitor? Contact Us for details.
Site of the Month
Enginion:
In keeping with the small steam electric generation theme, our site of the month for June 2003 is enginion.com The English page is at http://www.enginion.com/en/index.html. Take a few moments to explore the entire site. We were thrilled to see the level of effort and care that has gone into presenting this small steam electric technology. If you are looking for a potentially revolutionary steam power concept that looks to be poised for the small steam electric generation market, you need to look at the enginion.com site.
Links Updated
Our Links page has been updated to reflect our recognition of the role that small steam electric generation will play in the re-revolution of steam power. Take a look! We welcome new links, so let us know of any website that needs to be added to our Links page.
Raycing Anyone?
The American Solar Challenge (July 13-23, 2003) is the longest solar car race in the world. The racing event begins at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and concludes with the finish line in Claremont, California.
The race, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, EDS and Terion, Inc. is an educational sporting event in which companies and solar car clubs from around the world compete to build and race solar-powered cars across the country. Starting in Chicago, the race follows what remains of Route 66 through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
For more information about the American Solar Challenge, visit their website at: http://www.formulasun.org/asc/
Maybe in a few years we will be reporting on the International Steam Challenge. Perhaps this will be a race of non-gasoline-fueled steam powered vehicles of totally new design. Or, like the Solar Challenge, these vehicles could be powered by engines of less than five horsepower. How about the same engines now being developed for small steam electric generation? It’s worth some thought.
All of us at IAASP join in the hopes and prayers for peace in 2003.
IAASP News
Key Domain Names AcquiredIAASP now owns www.steampower.org, www.steampower.info and www.steampower.com. Look for the new addresses to be integrated into the expanded IAASP website during 2003. Our goal is to continue to improve the usefulness of and accessibility to the information available to anyone interested in the future of steam power. Our future updates will be at least quarterly, and as news develops.
Steam Locomotives Live
We have received numerous communications regarding steam power research going on in the area of steam locomotives. In fact, we had a couple of NEW steam locomotives, quietly being tested here in Sacramento a few months ago. No details as yet on these engines, but we will pass along details as they become available.
In response to requests for some background on renewable energy as it applies to steam power, we have included a new “Background” page button to our main menu. Please check it out and pass it along to friends who might still be confused about renewable energy.
Steam Power System Finalist: Most Promising Pre-Commercial Technology Development of the Year
In its 4th year the Platts/BusinessWeek Global Energy Awards received over 170 nominations-more than any other year-from energy companies around the world. The McGraw Hill Company’s Platts/Business Week announced September 18, 2002, selection of Clean Energy Systems (one of the IAASP sites of the month from 2002) as a finalist for the 2002 Global Energy Award for "Most Promising Pre-Commercial Technology of the Year"
Company Announces Fuel Cell Bicycle
So, after you read the following excerpt from July 2002 corporate announcement on fuel cell technology, ask yourself how this can be a springboard for steam power in similar applications.
Thursday July 13, 10:01 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.
Manhattan Scientifics Unveils Proprietary Hydrogen-Powered Bicycle At International Fuel Cell Conference
Company Sees Significant Co-Manufacturing Opportunities
LUCERNE, Switzerland, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MHTX - news) unveiled a demonstration prototype fuel cell powered bicycle at the European Fuel Cell Forum this week in Lucerne. The demonstration produced loud applause from attendees as Petra Koschany, NovArs General Manager and wife of chief fuel cell scientist, Dr. Arthur Koschany, rode the bike around the hall.
Engineered in the company's Passau, Germany facility, the new Hydrocycle is a motorized electric bicycle fueled by hydrogen. It is noiseless, ecologically clean and completely pollution-free. The Hydrocycle produces no emissions other than a small amount of water vapor and can run for about 100 kilometers at speeds up to 30 km per hr. Representatives from large and small bicycle and scooter manufacturing companies in Asia, Europe and the United States have contacted Manhattan Scientifics COO Jack Harrod for more details.
Sites of the Month
Clean Energy Systems
If you still have not checked out Clean Energy Systems website, here is the address again: http://cleanenergysystems.com/. As evidenced by the 2002 Global Energy Award recognition (above) this site is a “must see”.
Ranotor
Here is a site with a lot of potential. The concepts described for the Ranotor engine (including oil-less lubrication) are very intriguing.
http://www.ranotor.se
IAASP News
The New Year is well upon us, and the Steam Power Industry continues to grow! So too does the IAASP list of friends, as you will see from the Sites of the Month and list of New Links.
Special thanks to all of you who have contributed to our contact list, and for your continued support for Steam Power! We salute the modern Steam Power pioneers!
Sites of the Month
Since we have so many new sites for January 2002, here are just a few tidbits (quotes from the links themselves) to get your attention and give you a flavor for their content. But be sure to check out their links and all the New sites on our Links page!
"PRITCHARD STEAM NEWS (Updated February, 2002)
INTRODUCTION
Why am I still interested in Using Modern Steam Power in Applications such as Stationary and Automotive? Because it has unique advantages - It is the most versatile engine known in its ability to utilize a wide range of fuels including renewable fuels and can also utilize solar energy. It can solve pollution problems at low cost.
The above advantages are now of vital importance as we enter an age where the supply of oil may not be able to keep up with demand. The December 2001 issue of Australian Energy News has more information here.
Any wonder I have come out of retirement and am again on the bandwagon pushing for the use of good, modern steam power!!..."
Source <http://prsteam.inventdata.com.au>
"Clean Energy Systems has advanced a superior power generation concept.
Using aerospace technology, a high energy gas generation system has been developed that powers turbines which in turn produce electricity with no emissions or pollutants...."
Source <http://cleanenergysystems.com/>
"Modern Steam Locomotive Developments Steam locomotives may be 'dead in the water' as far as virtually every railway administration in the World is concerned, but a few dedicated individuals are still working on developments..."
Source <http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/javatour/trains/modern.htm>
If you have any steam power-related news items that you think someone else in the world might want to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
Remember, http//www.steampower.org/ is the easiest and most complete link to steam power advancement news and information. So tell others to spread the word about steam power. Thank You!
June, July, August, and September 2001
Great News!
Our application for Federal tax-exempt status has been approved at last! With yet another organizational milestone behind us, we at IAASP will be turning our attention to finalizing our business plan, funding, and services. For those of you have asked how and when you can participate, "it won’t be long now". Thank you for your continued contacts and encouragement! Keep checking in with us for the latest updates.
Sites of the Month:
New Engine
Here is a site you have to see! We will let this quote from the Quasiturbine site peak your interest?
"The Quasiturbine is at the crossroad of the 3 modern engines :
Inspired by the turbine, it perfects the piston, and improves on the Wankel.
The Quasiturbine is a continuous flow engine at intake and exhaust.
An engine's piston completes 4 strokes in two rotations, the Quasiturbine completes 32!
High torque, low RPM, zero vibration, potentially oil free, fast acceleration, less noise, less pollution, and high power density (a factor of 4) in volume and weight
Engine for hydraulic, pneumatic, steam (solar), gasoline, diesel, Jet fuel, natural gas, ... photo-detonation mode and hydrogen compatible"
You can find the Quasiturbine at http://www.quasiturbine.com/QTIndex.html
Energy
Given the renewed interest in energy diversity, we continue our look at Hydrogen fuel.
Check out these California Energy Commission Sites:
1) Request For Proposals # 600-01-601 for the Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure Study has been posted on the CEC website. You can find it at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html#RFP_600-01-601
2) A Notice of Availability of revised volumes of the Guidebook for the Renewable Energy Program is available via links on the Renewable Energy page. http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/index.html#notices
The revised Guidebooks are available in PDF format on the Renewable Energy documents page: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/documents/index.html
If you have any steam power-related news items that you think someone else in the world might want to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
Remember, http://www.steampower.org/ is the easiest link to steam power news and information. So tell others to spread the word about steam power. Thank You!
Energy shortages and rising electricity prices in California continued to dominate the local headlines in May. At the same time, progress has been made in sectors that will prove beneficial to steam power development.
Our sites of the month are focused on two technologies that may prove foundational for the advancement of steam power -- Hydrogen Fuel and Fuel Cells.
The following recent quote unintentionally demonstrates the relationship of steam power, hydrogen fuel, and fuel cells relative to vehicular applications:
When fueled by hydrogen, fuel cell vehicles have zero emissions - the byproduct of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is water and heat.
Source: Press release of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (http://www.drivingthefuture.org/), April 20, 2001
Of course, the emission and thermodynamic characteristics of vehicular fuel cells are not necessarily any better than stationary sources. So, in addition to the obvious (but as yet unexplored) use of steam power as a bottoming cycle, using the waste heat and water from the fuel cell, the potential benefits to be derived from the integration of the three technologies are immense!
Sites of the Month:
The California Fuel Cell Partnership Will advance a new automobile technology that could move the world toward practical and affordable environmental solutions. For the first time ever, automobile companies and fuel suppliers will join together to demonstrate fuel cell vehicles under real day-to-day driving conditions. Their address is: http://www.drivingthefuture.org/
The mission of the California Hydrogen Business Council?: http://www.ch2bc.org/, is Harnessing the Power of Hydrogen for the Future of Mankind. Their award-winning site is well worth a look.
The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Investor: http://h2fc.com/news.html
The National Hydrogen Association: http://www.ttcorp.com/nha/
Santa Clara Demonstration Project: http://www.advancedceramics.org/fccg/scdpnew1.htm
If you have any steam power-related news items that you think someone else in the world might want to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
Remember, http://www.steampower.org is the easiest link to steam power news and information. So tell others to spread the word about steam power. Thank You!
Our site of the month is the place to go if you have a great new idea that you think may be able to patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Web Patent Databases page: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html
If you are familiar with search techniques, and think you are ready to start that search for a particular idea or steam gadget, then you might just skip ahead to the Boolean Search engine on the same site, at:
http://164.195.100.11/netahtml/search-bool.html
Try typing ?steam engine? (with the quotes) in the search box number 1. It’s point-and-click from there...
The Patent and Trademark Office has made terrific strides to make patent information available, and this site is an amazing resource. However, keep in mind that patent searching is complex and can take some time to figure out. The text is easy to get, but you might need to add a ?plug-in? to get the patent images?so be persistent.
If you have any steam power-related news items that you think someone else in the world might want to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
Remember, http://www.steampower.org is the easiest link to steam power news and information. So tell others to spread the word about steam power. Thank You!
Well, our application for Federal tax-exempt status is in the mail! And, with that behind us, we at IAASP will be turning our attention to new areas, including expanding our website and services. For those of you have asked how and when you can participate, we hope to have our IRS non-profit status (and be really up and running) this summer. Thank you for your continued contacts! Keep checking in with us for the latest updates.
Still in the spotlight (despite the mild weather in California this month), electric power generation continues to not only make the headlines, but also light the way for steam power entrepreneurs. According to early reports, a [nearly] statewide electric rate hike approved by the California Public Utilities Commission on March 27, will have big energy consumers paying more than 16 cents for each kwh used over 1,000 kwh. Some customers’ rates are projected to increase by 46%! Numerous power plants (mostly combined cycle steam units) are now being planned for licensing and construction within the next two years.
One of our three new links this month (http://www.sensiblesteam.com/) is listed as a brand new partnership, offering residential-sized and larger ?Steam engines, boilers, generators and complete steam gensets... All available right here? [along with some great information and common sense suggestions!].
Let me know if you get (or already own and operate) one of their units, so we can report on your results.
If you have any steam power-related news items that you think someone else in the world might want to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
Remember, http://www.steampower.org is the easiest link to steam power news and information. So tell others to spread the word about steam power. Thank You!
As we reported last month, electric power generation has taken the spotlight here in California. We have decided this month to ?focus? our links update on electric generation-related sites.
Our featured sites are the B&W Steam book site and the US Department of Energy’s Concentrating Solar Power site.
Those of you in California or in the western United States are well aware of this area’s big news: Electric Power Blackouts. For those who haven’t been following what’s been going on in the past two days, you might want to take a look at http://www.sacbee.com. Natural gas curtailments were also announced in both northern and southern California.
In international news, the Oil Ministers have once again cut production in an effort to boost oil costs above $30 per barrel. They expect to have further production cuts in March.
What do these news items have to do with the future of steam power? Many folks in California are talking about buying ?some kind? of electric generator for their home. I have friends calling me with questions about solar, fuel cell, and steam-electric generation options for their home. The news media is warning that businesses will leave California if firm sources of power are not provided ? and soon. Yesterday, I was drawn into a discussion of a ?hydrogen-based economy?. The electric utilities, California legislature, and Energy Commission are being pressed to accelerate and streamline the power plant licensing process and expand electric generation research and development.
No one can say for sure what the future holds for fuel sources and electric generation resources, but we are clearly in a time of change ? big change. And this big change can help drive big opportunities for the advancement of steam power!
If you have local steam power-related news items that you think the world needs to know about, please let us know at info@iaasp.org.
As we do every month, we have updated our Links page with link updates from around the world. Check out the steam-powered RC airplane?.
You can now get to IAASP through one of our new domains at http://www.steampower.org. This summer it is scheduled to take on a life of its own. For now, it is the easiest link to remember to spread the word about steam power.
Happy Holidays from IAASP!
Here at IAASP we have been busy securing our California State Tax Exempt Status. Now that we have completed that task, we are on to the federal forms.
We have updated our Links page and have formulated our New Year's Resolution to bring you monthly news and links updates from around the world.
We will be expanding IAASP in the coming year. We have already secured several key domain names which we will be developing over the coming months.
You can now get to IAASP through one of our new domains at http://www.steampower.org. Early next year it will take on a life of its own.
The IAASP is working to be your source for the latest information on the new developments in steam power.
Check out our Links page for our initial sites specifically associated with steam power. Heading up our Latest Advancements in Steam Power category is a site from Canada, that details an exciting new steam-electric hybrid vehicle under development:
http://www.ecovia.ca/en/main.html
We will have lots to say about this and more in next month's IAASP News for October 2000.
If you would like to add your website to our Links page, or have news or other information to share, please contact us.
Thank You!