Topic: Biodiesel Fuel, Robin Midgett, Vandrebuit University
Robin Midgett will provide us with a practical explanation of how a diesel passenger vehicle can be modified to burn waste cooking oil that is blended with regular diesel fuel. Currently the diesel fuel and the waste oil must be processes by the consumer. The process requires commonly available chemicals and a relatively easy procedure, which Robin will describe. Robin will also include a cost summary of several actual conversions and typical cost of converting fuel to Biodiesel.

Robin says that this technology is economically favorable, and no government subsedy is involved. The conversion process is within the capabilities of most maintenance men and hands-on of Engineers. Robin has converted his own vehicle to using the biodiesel fuel that he produces and is using it to commute to work.

Rick Carson, TVA's Program Manager of Renewable Operations, traced the history of windpower, begining from the earliest days of windmills used to grind grain and pump water. He described developments in the 20th century and the current use of wind power worldwide. Rick then described advantages of the "Dutch design" used in the units TVA has today in support of the Green Power Switch program. The first designs were vertical axis systems. The horizontal axis designs tend to be twice as efficient as the vertical axis designs. The earlier windmill designs that generated elecrticty produces it in DC form; modern designs use AC gerentation and utilize generator slip to synchronize the wind generated power with the grid.The wind turbine systems being used by TVA today have fiberglass blades that will not interfere with television reception, and are much quieter than the wind turbines TVA tested in the 1980's. Typical modern units operate most of the time at partial load with capacity factor of about 27%. TVA cuuently operates three wind tubine gerators on Buffalo Mountain, near Oak Ridge. The company recently issued an RFP for additional wind powered generators to support their Green Power Switch program. Federal subsidy and generation tax credits are helping to encourage installing new technology. An informative web site on wind power can be found at: http://telosnet.com/wind

FUTURE MONDAY MEETINGS _____________________________________
July 15 Topic: Playground Equipment - Innovative Technologies for Playground at Siskin, Jerry Sterling
July 22 Topic: Invasive Plants – Steve Manning
July 29 Topic: Global Warming - How Real the Threat? Marilyn Brown, ORNL
August 5: Methane Hydrate - A New Fuel or a Green House Gas? Dr. Roddy Judkins

WHERE WE MEET _______________________________________________
Unless we note otherwise, all of our presentation meetings are held at the Cellar Restaurant in the Tallan Building, Union Square Downtown Chattanooga from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Our meeting room and luncheon service are open by 11:30 a.m. Lunch buffet is $10.00 per person (inclusive). No reservation is required. Free parking is available in the Days Inn Motel (on Carter St. and MLK Blvd,) courtesy of the Days Inn management. When you park there, be sure to place a note on your dashboard indicating you are attending the Engineers Club meeting.

Your input is important and needed. Don't be shy! Call potential speaker then call for a time slot. If you have any questions about program items please call Steve McGuire at 756- 4430 or e-mail him at stevemcguire@comcast.net. You can find references to other Chattanooga Engineers Club members at our web site: www.chattanooga.net/engineer/CEC