VW Twin Drive Hybrid

Our favorite German automaker has announced a plug-in hybrid diesel, the Twin Drive Gulf. Here’s a link to AutoBlog for the full details and some pictures.

New BioDiesel Ratings

Looks like some changes are taking place that would allow auto manufactures to allow for higher percentage biodiesel to be used in their cars without voiding the warranty.  For the full story go here.

Jerry Rig Takes Shape

Thanks to DCELL and his contact with a guy that is welder ,by profession, I was able to get the drain pipe welded on.  This now allows me to begin assembling the major parts of my processor and begin making 11 gallon batches of biodiesel.  Hoping to begin making some during the 4th of July weekend.

TDI Sexiness

Yet another gratifying moment to be a TDI owner and enthusiast.  Audi dominated the 24 Hours at LeMans race.  See the article here.

June 7th GTG

Well, not exactly the way we had wanted the day to be.  It was a crappy & rainy day so we weren’t able to brew any biodiesel.  We did take the opportunity to sit and discuss the formation of a formal CO-OP for the brewing biodiesel.

The main issues discussed were:

1. Location- We need to find someone with the space and building to host the processor, as no one really wants to have a 200+ gallon biodiesel processor running in their garage.  So, if you know anyone that might be willing to let us use a small space let us know.
2. Non-profit – We agreed that the main impetus for the CO-OP is the collaboration in brewing and financially sharing the costs and knowledge.
3. Oil Collection – We discussed the best approach when contacting vendors and asking for their oil.  Polite & kind is the way to go!  Don’t ask for all the oil maybe just for 5 gallons a week if they are already under contract.  CO-OP may have to compete and offer to purchase the oil if need be.  Also, invite them to become a member and share how biodiesel is made.  OH!! GO DURING SLOW BUSINESS HOURS!!!
4. General BS – Talked about the use of electrolysis to create a  small hydrogen generator and feed hydrogen into air intake.  If your interested in this check this out.  We also discussed general TDI stuff.

All in all not a bad time.

TDI Power

An article about Audi’s R10 TDI powered racing here.  Here’s a link to the Audi’s racing page.

 

June TDIndy GTG

Posted a poll on the TDI Club discussion to get date set for the next GTG.  We will be discussing and doing a demo of home brewing biodiesel.  Another topic to be discussed is the formal formation of a biodiesel CO-OP.

For those that want a great primer into biodiesel go here.  Great read.

Jerry Rig Design 2

Well, after some thought I’ve come up with my final design for a cone bottom biodiesel processor.  In order to save space I’ve chosen to go with a 16 gallon drum in order for the setup to fit in my shed out back.  Having a hard time finding someone to weld this sucker together!  

One guy wanted to charge me $586 + tax just to make the cone and weld the other parts on!

processor_plans

TDIndy Timing Belt Replacement GTG

Saturday’s timing belt GTG at Mad_Dashers house was a great event and opportunity to get to know everyone a little better. Festivities began at around 9:30 and ended around 4pm. Fyrsail did the majority of the mechanical work with the guidance of Mad_Dasher. From what I’ve been told the car started right up and the timing was dead on!

Here are some pictures from the GTG.

Rand Paper on Diesel & Hybrid beating out Gas & E85

Here’s an article from the non-profit Rand Corporation detailing how diesel & hybrid technologies out perform current gas & E85 fueled vehicles.  Very interesting reading and more proof that diesels are GREAT!  Here’s some excerpts from the study:

“….Among the key findings from the consumer perspective:

• For all three vehicle types, the advanced diesel offers the highest savings over the life of the vehicle among the options considered. These savings increase with the size and fuel use of the vehicle: $460 for the car, $1,249 for the SUV and $2,289 for the large pick-up truck;
• The hybrid option has smaller but still considerable savings for SUV applications ($1,066), moderate savings for pick-up applications ($505) but minimal savings over the life of the vehicle for car owners ($198);
• The vehicles operating on E85 cost all three owners more over the vehicle life, with a greater net cost burden for larger vehicles and increased fuel consumption: (-$1,034 for cars, -$1,332 for SUVs, -$1,632 for pick-ups).”….

“…..The key findings from the societal perspective are similar to those of the consumer perspective, including:

• The advanced diesel again shows the most promise, particularly for the larger vehicles: $289 for cars, $1,094 for SUVs and $2,199 for large trucks.
• The net benefits for hybrids are somewhat less positive, with moderate-to-small values of $481 for SUVs and $132 for light trucks, and an increased cost for cars (-$317) over the life of the vehicle
• Results for E85 remain uniformly negative, even more so for larger than smaller vehicles: -$1,046 for cars, -$1,500 for SUVs and -$2,049 for light trucks…….”

Link