Alternative Fuels

[SARKY]

How many of you have looked into homemade alternative fuels? Has anyone checked out the Chineese Tallow Tree(also known as the popcorn tree) ? The fruits from this tree can be squeezed, filtered and used as desiel fuel with no other processing. For a homesteader with a desiel tractor and generator, a plot of these trees would keep you in fuel!

[Rick]

From what I read it's an invasive specie and changes the soil conditions that it grows in.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/02/020225084502.htm

[RobertRogers]

I was just going to write that, Rick.

We really need to be careful about bringing in new species. Not only the species themselves, but also the diseases, insects, fungi, etc that may be hitching a ride.

[SARKY]

The trees are already in the country and in fact are being used as a diesel fiel source.

[endurance]

Do a google search on biogas fermenters and you can find some amazing things to do with animal manure. Basically making methane on a small scale from waste. Cool stuff. While compressing it to run a car might be impossible, using it off the tap to cook and heat with (possibly even running a propane/natural gas generator?) seems like a very doable option with the right animals and set up.

[Rick]

There are a number of farms in the Midwest doing just that. That capture the methane from the manure and use it to power the farm.

[OICU812]

The methane gas from manure is some work but is a good alternative or a great primary in the field for short periods of time.

[SARKY]

The farmers in Maine would run coils of pipe in their manure piles to heat water for the house and tap the gas for cooking and the furnace.

[Rick]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/4285577.html

[Mountain Man]

The farmers in Maine would run coils of pipe in their manure piles to heat water for the house and tap the gas for cooking and the furnace.

Good idea, easier than digging and burying them!