In this section you can find information on using bio-mass to generate energy. It includes information on using wood stoves and pellet stoves as well as updates on alternative transportation fuels such as ethanol, vegetable oil diesel, and methane compost.

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articles on Bio Energy

Advantages of the production and use of gasohol and biodiesel as a clean, renewable energy resource from sugar cane juice. by Lois Correa JA. Sugar-Journal 65, 2002.

The Art of the Wood Cookstove by Gulland, John. Mother Earth News 207, 2005.

Biodiesel company sets fast pace with waste materials. by Emerson D. BioCycle 44, 2003.

Biodiesel from palm oil -- an analysis of its properties and potential by Kalam MA, & Masjuki HH. Biomass-and-Bioenergy 23, 2002.

The effect of a waste vegetable oil blend with diesel fuel on engine performance. by Dorado MP, Arnal JM, Gomez J, Gil A, & Lopez FJ. Transactions-of-the-ASAE 45, 2002.

The Finnish Fireplace: Construction Manual by Barden, Albert A.Maine Wood Heat Company

From the Ground up by McNight, Jim, Klein, Mark and Lee, Lauren.Home Power 122, 2007. Describes the building of an energy efficient house including the use of a high-mass masonry wood heater.

Fueling a Revolution by Barden, Albert A.Home Power 122, 2007. This article describes a new solar powered gas station in Eugene, Oregon which specializes in providing biodiesel fuels. Good discussion of combining solar and biofuel solutions.

Getting Off the Petroleum Grid with Biodiesel by Durkee, Scott. Home Power 93, 2003.

Going Pro with Biodiesel by Kolod, Emily. Home Power 89, 2002.

Living with a Masonry Stove by Mink, Kate. Home Power 103, 2004.

My Chrysler is a Furnace and it Runs on Biodiesel by Mone, Carol E. Home Power 97, 2003.

Responsible Wood Heating: A Kind-to-the-Environment Guide by Gulland, John. Home Power 99, 2004.

Wood-Fired Central Heat by Pahl, Greg. Mother Earth News 196, 2003.

Woodstove Buyer's Guide by Gulland, John. Mother Earth News 189, 2002.

Would You Use Veggie Oil to Fuel Your Vehicle? by Wacker, Tim. Mother Earth News 225, 2007. This article describes some of the pros and cons of using vegetable oil to fuel a car. Includes a good section on the legal limitations currently in place which make this approach legally challenging.

Heating Efficiency

Wood heating appliances are not all created equal. They can vary tremendously in efficiency depending upon the type of stove. Here is a rough indicator of efficiency by stove type:

Type of Unit	%
Standard Fireplace	10%
Fireplace Insert	30%
Franklin Stove	30%
Airtight Stove	60%
Catalytic Stove	80%
Pellet Stove	90%

New Products

Cast Iron Boxwood Stove

This cast iron stove from stove from Vogelzang has fully sealed joints to burn wood safely and efficiently, supplying heat into any room. Swing-away top makes refueling easy. Two lift-out lids facilitate fry pan and tea kettle. Slide-out ash plate makes cleaning easy and also acts as draft control. Cool-touch spring handle and lid lifter included. Stove boasts 96,000 BTU and measures 32in.L x 19in.W x 26in.H. Firebox is 24in deep. Uses a 6in. flue. Meets or exceeds EPA requirements for exempt stoves.

Bio Stats

Biodiesel Temperatures

Biodiesel fuels are thicker than regular diesel and become too thick to use at low temperatures. Here are the low temperature limits depending on the biodiesel to diesel mix:

Mix   Temperature
100%   40º F
50%    20°- 40° F
20%   -20° - 6° F

Bio Factbook

Gasoline containing 10% ethanol has approximately 3% less energy than regular gasoline. So much for those who fear a loss of oomph when using ethanol mixed fuels.

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