Author: Ing. Jesús V, November 9, 2023.
Introduction
Transportation is an aspect present in all facets and activities of human beings, due to its wide demand, it is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases worldwide. Considering its great influence on climate change, concepts and technologies have been developed over time to counteract its impact and achieve sustainable mobility. One of the most interesting concepts is that of a “garbage car”, which not only seeks to revolutionize this sector, but also expand the portfolio of the energy industry.
As its name indicates, the main characteristic of the automobile is its operation through the use of waste, which can mean a series of benefits for the environment. In the following article, we will learn different details of the project that aims to change the way we understand energy generation processes.
What is junk car?
This is the result of a 12-year investigation carried out by engineer Edmundo Ramos, who, while searching for projects, considered addressing the problem of the imminent shortage of fossil fuels.
Taking into account that agricultural machinery, which is part of the planting and harvesting of food, will be affected by future fuel shortages, this engineer decided to develop a sustainable solution. This gave way to what is currently known as the “garbage car”, a vehicle that is powered by gas from waste (see figure 1).
The gas is known as “ gasura ” and its implementation process does not pollute, it also offers a contribution of oxygen to the environment as a result of the thermolysis that takes place in the system 1 . In short, it is an alternative energy source that contributes to ecological well-being.
The operation of the car to trash
The principle of operation of the vehicle begins with the selection of the raw material to be used as fuel. This is extremely important, since, depending on the type of waste, the energy generation process will be more optimal and efficient, allowing the vehicle to travel greater distances.
The next stage is carbonization, it is the process necessary to condition the waste with an acceptable density and allow it to be used later. Once this is achieved, they are stored to avoid getting wet.
Next, the biomass is transferred to the gasifier, a large-volume metal container (see figure 2), in which the charred garbage will be burned to generate “gas” or carbon monoxide 1 . On the other hand, water will be constantly added, in order to generate thermolysis, a process that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen, much more volatile gases than the one mentioned above.
At this moment it is not yet possible to operate with the gas due to the impurities in its composition, for this reason, it is transferred through three different filters to eliminate any type of particle it drags.
Finally, the gas is expelled through a multivalve until it dissipates and becomes completely transparent. This is the indication that it can now be used as fuel for the vehicle, leaving as the last step the redirection of the gas through the valve to the engine for use.
The innovation of sustainable mobility
Sustainable mobility constitutes a set of strategies and measures aimed at promoting the efficient use of vehicles, both private and public 2 , with the aim of satisfying transport demands while generating the lowest possible environmental impact.
Currently, there are government policies that focus on mitigating traffic congestion and encouraging the adoption of vehicles powered by alternative energy sources . Initially, these policies were focused on urban areas, but they have progressively been extended to different localities and sectors.
Taking into account the context of development of vehicles that operate with waste as a source of energy, sustainable mobility becomes more relevant, addressing the need to reduce polluting emissions and reuse resources in the generation of energy for the propulsion of automobiles, contributing significantly to the preservation of the environment and the promotion of cleaner propulsion technologies.
Advantages
- Environmental sustainability: One of the approaches to garbage disposal is to guarantee its efficient operation while ensuring a balance with the environment. Analyzing its energy generation system and process, using waste to propel vehicles is a concept; it does not imply any type of environmental damage, but quite the opposite, projecting itself as a more than sustainable scheme.
- Use of resources already used: Implementing material that was originally destined for the landfill is one of the greatest advantages that this amazing vehicle system offers us. When the waste is carbonized, it can later be used as fuel, allowing a new use of these resources.
- Energy diversification: As time goes by, the world seeks alternative energy sources in order to minimize dependence on fossil fuels. To achieve this, we seek to develop an increasingly broader energy portfolio, and waste-based energy is a promising option.
- Waste Management: Due to the constant generation of waste globally, waste management is an increasingly difficult task. However, the concept of reusing said waste and converting it into fuel represents a sea of possibilities in waste management and minimization.
- Rural development: The energy sustainability of rural vehicles was one of the main causes that began the development of this research. And if this new energy scheme is adopted, the rural sector can evolve and develop through practices such as sustainable plantations and harvests, as well as the commercialization of already carbonized waste.
Impact on the energy industry
Reducing dependence on polluting fuels:
The implementation of the garbage car propulsion system would contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, one of the main sources of energy today. By using waste as raw material, these vehicles reduce the need to extract and process polluting fuels.
Reduction of Polluting Emissions
A car powered by waste emits significantly less polluting gases compared to internal combustion vehicles 1 . This reduction contributes both to the improvement of air quality and to the mitigation of negative impacts on public health.
Boost to the circular economy
The circular economy is promoted through an economic model that seeks to reduce waste and maximize the use of resources. By transforming waste into fuel, new value is created from materials that would otherwise be discarded, generating a more sustainable and efficient economy.
Promotion of Renewable Energy
The use of gasura as an energy source can be complemented with renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind. The synergy between these approaches allows the creation of more sustainable and decentralized energy systems, resulting in greater energy independence.
Viability in sustainable mobility
The idea of being able to power a car using carbonized garbage allows us to project a great future for sustainable mobility and green energy. However, to put this concept into practice, certain aspects must be raised that may affect its viability on a large scale.
One of the main details to consider would be the continuous supply chain of already charred waste. Although it is a renewable energy source because it is residual biomass, guaranteeing constant supply would involve factors such as an optimal production and logistics system.
Another challenge that this new energy system presents is technological development. Although we have already known the first car that works using garbage, implementing its system in different vehicle models and ensuring that they meet efficiency and safety standards, can entail long-term investigations.
These are some of the main obstacles that need to be overcome to ensure the correct implementation and adoption of an energy model using biomass. However, they are challenges that can be addressed and overcome with the help of the energy sector to achieve a greater impact, in a shorter amount of time.
Conclusion
Waste propulsion not only reduces waste accumulation and carbon emissions, but also stimulates social development. The interconnection between sustainable mobility and the energy industry is a clear example of how this concept can transform environmental and energy sustainability together.
As a society, we are in a new era in which alternative energy sources seek to take on an increasingly larger role in the world, and energy generated by biomass is a key piece of this puzzle called the energy transition. If the logistical and technological challenges are overcome and efficient infrastructures are established, the trash car will be much more than an interesting invention, it could be the change in the way we obtain and use energy.
References
- Ramos, E. (2022). FREE guide to a simple system that works . Retrieved on November 10, 2023, from https://autoabasura.com/archivos/Guia-Espanol-AaB-V4.pdf
- Ferrovial. (sf). What is meant by sustainable mobility? . Retrieved on November 10, 2023, from https://www.ferrovial.com/es/recursos/movilidad-sostenible/
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