Alternative Energy
Crutchfield engineering has been involved in research in the following areas it is our intention to proceed with commercialisation in the following areas
- Biomass Gasification
- Bio fuel technology
- Solar – Coming Soon
- Micro Hydro
- Micro wind generation
Biomass gasification is based on a hundred year old gasifier technology and is being viewed today as a possible alternative to fossil fuel. In the gasification process biomass materials are reacted to produce a gas that may be used in for many varied applications. The gasification process comprises a gasifier, gas treatment system (cooling/filtration) and a means of energy conversion (burner/IC engine).
Small wind turbines are wind turbines which have lower energy output than commercial wind turbines, such as those found on wind farms. These turbines may be as small as a fifty watt generator often used in marine applications for charging batteries used by communication or navigation systems. There generators are usually driven directly and have aeroelastic blades and use a vane to point into the wind.
Micro hydro Systems typically generate around 2 to 100 kW of power using the natural flow of water.Micro hydro systems are flexible and can be utalised in various environments. They are dependent on the volume, head and velocity of water the source. Electrical energy can be stored in battery banks at sites that are remote from the facility or alternatively used as a backup to a direct on line installation to meet peak demand. These systems have a low environmental impact unlike large hydroelectric systems.
Biofuel is fuel derived from biomass. Biofuels are gaining increased attention, driven by factors such as oil price increases, the need for increased energy security, concern over greenhouse gas emissions.