Solving two problems at once, researchers at Purdue University are working on a generator that creates useful energy by munching up all sorts of garbage. Dubbed the "tactical biorefinery," it's being designed with soldiers' needs in mind. They can tote this thing around to not only give them mobile electricity, but to take care of their garbage as well. It doesn't seem to care what kind of junk you stick into it, which is pretty amazing. Just tip that trash can on in and power your plasma TV for a couple of days.
It supposedly creates 90% more energy than it uses, which is damned impressive. Alright, when can this be ready for consumer use? A device that both gets rid of waste and creates energy without putting a strain on the environment is pretty incredible, and it's something that should be fast-tracked to the market. Let's see it, Purdue.
editor@dvice.com
By cfletch630 at 9:13 AM ON 02/08/07
Looks very much like this device, which was developed by a private company and is being tested by local farmers.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:mZ8-WRxa0vIJ:www.guardonline.com/%3Fmodule%3Ddisplaystory%26story_id%3D38019%26format%3Dhtml+noah+makes+power+from+biomass&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
some vague info at www.power-rec.com
By keatspersona at 1:26 PM ON 02/08/07
Great idea,but, uh, "poops energy?"
ewwwwww!
By guest1234999 at 8:01 PM ON 02/08/07
I did no research whatsoever on this issue. But:
I just graduated last month in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University...
And when someone comes to me and says "I've created a way to create free energy"
I laugh.
Didn't anyone take thermodynamics?
Uhh, i bet you believe in wireless power cords too...
(I actually made an account on scifi just so i could write this...)
By guest1234999 at 8:08 PM ON 02/08/07
One last thing. I hope i am wrong about this article, the benefits of such a discovery will be far reaching...
However, i want my reservations noted like the nice little science student i am...
By pistachio4311 at 12:19 AM ON 02/09/07
it's not free energy, the thing needs to be fed garbage to work, it needs an outside source of energy. the machine needs a certain amount of energy to operate (ie process the garbage) but the energy as a result of converting that garbage to electricity is much greater.
i think it was just worded badly to imply 'free energy' is made.
By donclarkatlanta at 5:21 AM ON 02/09/07
It would seem that completing an 'Electrical Engineering' course at KSU was not enough to teach you to read...
Read the title again - 'Generator eats garbage, poops energy'. Garbage in, energy out. No contradictions of the laws of thermodynamics required.
Gah!
By donclarkatlanta at 5:22 AM ON 02/09/07
One last thing.
Dumbass.
By donclarkatlanta at 9:05 AM ON 02/09/07
But will it power my flux capacitor?
By jeffhodapp at 10:16 AM ON 02/10/07
Wow, this is like the car that runs on grass trimmings. I want the enzyme that turns grass into sugar.
By Frogthroat at 5:05 PM ON 03/05/07
"Uhh, i bet you believe in wireless power cords too..."
You know this guy called Nikola Tesla?
"Read the title again - 'Generator eats garbage, poops energy'. Garbage in, energy out. No contradictions of the laws of thermodynamics required."
Um.. It also says "It supposedly creates 90% more energy than it uses" - Which then... Well.. Thermodynamics, anyone?