 |
| FAQ | DONATE A STOVE | ABOUT US | CONTACT | SITE MAP |
What is ethanol? Ethanol is an alcohol that can be made from sugar-bearing crops (sugar cane and its byproduct, molasses), starches (cassava, potatoes, maize), and cellulose (wood, grasses, agricultural residues). What is methanol? A close relative of ethanol, methanol is an alcohol fuel that can be made from anything containing carbon. The two primary sources of methanol are biomass (wood, grasses, coal, oil, etc.) and natural gas. Nearly all methanol in the world today is produced from natural gas. Why does Project Gaia use the CleanCook stove? Dometic’s CleanCook stove was designed to burn methanol and/or ethanol using an innovative reusable fuel canister that contains a permanent, porous, refractory mass that absorbs and holds the fuel so that it will not spill, even when the canister is inverted. This patented canister creates a safe and convenient method for storing liquid fuel without sacrificing efficiency or heating rate. In addition, the stove’s burner is extremely effective at mixing primary and secondary air. For these reasons we believe the CleanCook is the best stove available to help us achieve our project’s goals. What are the benefits of burning ethanol and/or methanol in the CleanCook stove? Indoor air quality will improve because no smoke is produced, resulting in improved respiratory conditions in the kitchen, home, and neighborhood. Burning alcohol fuels will result in no soot buildup, keeping pots bright and clean. Other benefits include reduced need to harvest fuel wood, reduced carbon emissions, increased fuel efficiency, and use of otherwise wasted byproducts. How durable is the CleanCook stove? Properly maintained, the affordable CleanCook stove will last at least five years. The prototype CleanCook stove used in Project Gaia is based on the ORIGO® 3000 stove, which had a life span of approximately 15 years when properly cared for. That stove, however, was much more expensive to make, and it was more difficult to transfer the technology to developing countries. What is the cost of a CleanCook stove to the consumer? The CleanCook stove, manufactured locally, will cost about US$35. Currently the stoves must be imported, but a factory in Ethiopia is beginning stove production late in 2008. Watch this page for updates. What do ethanol and methanol cost the consumer? A liter of ethanol currently costs about US$0.25 to 0.35 on the market. Methanol is slightly cheaper, at about US$.20 to .30 a liter. What are the burning times for ethanol and methanol in the CleanCook stove? A full canister of ethanol or methanol will burn for approximately 4.5 hours in an open air setting, without any screen to block air currents. What is Project Gaia? Project Gaia is a technical working group pioneered by Dometic AB and the Stokes Consulting Group. It includes members of business and industry, concerned nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Project Gaia promotes the use of alcohol fuels as a solution to the dramatic and pervasive energy shortage experienced throughout the developing world. What is Dometic AB? Based in Sweden, Dometic AB, formerly a part of Electrolux, is the world’s leading manufacturer of alcohol appliances for the home, boat, and recreational vehicle markets. Since 1998 Dometic has collaborated with the Stokes Consulting Group and other research partners to explore the feasibility of introducing alcohol-powered appliances through the developing world. What is the Stokes Consulting Group? Founded in 1969 by Dr. Charles A. Stokes, the Stokes Consulting Group provides expertise to energy companies and the emerging fuels industry. Dr. Stokes’ expertise came into increasing demand with the first major oil crisis in 1973 and the rising interest in a national energy policy. An early project accomplished by the Stokes Consulting Group was the first in-depth study, funded by the DuPont de Nemours Company and the U.G.I. Corporation, of how to manufacture fuel methanol from Eastern bituminous coal. How can I donate a CleanCook stove to a family in poverty? To learn how you can provide a stove to a family in need, read about our stove placement program. For just a few dollars, you can make a difference in the daily life of a family in poverty. How do I contact Project Gaia?
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |