This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Power up waste recovery
The phoenix was a legendary bird that arose from the ashes to spread its wings in a bright new beginning. Likewise, a long-forgotten engine may arise from obscurity to a bright future in the world of energy production. The cause of the rebirth is the near-insatiable demand for clean electricity today.
Typical power plants waste more than half their energy as smokestack heat. The Stirling engine captures this waste heat and converts it back into electricity. The engine installation costs money, but it permanently reduces fuel use, operating cost and pollution.
Unlike the phoenix, the Stirling engine is not legendary. It is currently in production in Boulder, Colorado. Slow start time makes this engine poorly suited for automotive uses, but its ability to run off sunlight or waste heat make it ideal for electrical production. Further, many industrial applications waste megawatts that this engine can convert into electricity.
Very much like the legendary bird that arose from the pyre, the waste heat of current electrical plants may cause this bird to rise again and fly to new heights in a world of greater efficiency, cleaner energy and lower cost. Power companies, stop stalling and invest in waste-recovery technology.
Justin Bell
Spokane