Feasibility of Meeting the Energy Needs of Army Bases with Self-Generated Fuels Derived from Solar Energy Plantations
Abstract
This project thoroughly investigated the possibility of collecting and storing solar radiation in plants especially grown for their fuel value as a source of fuel on U. S. Army bases. The study investigated the merit of producing this fuel at energy plantations at or near the bases. The fuel would be used for directly fired steam generators, hot water heaters, space heaters, and cooking. The research examined the major characteristics of energy plantations; analyzed plant-matter production rates from deciduous plants; and examined fuel consumption in stationary facilities at major troop training centers. The possibilities and requirements of energy plantations at Fort Benning, Fort Leonard Wood, and at Army bases in general were detailed. It was concluded that energy plantations could be feasible at approximately 15 large Army bases and that the cost of solid fuel produced from them would be approximately $1/1 million Btu; the cost of synthetic natural gas produced from plants was determined to be approximately $3.10 to $4.20/1000 standard cu ft. Besides being a perpetually renewable fuel source, it was found that energy plantations could provide independence from other fuel sources, reduction in future environmental problems caused by present fuels, and will productively use land not now in active use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031163
Entities
People
- George C. Szego