GARBAGE TO FUEL
much plastic in the fuel pellets. In addition, a large percentage of the synthetic gas was inert and could not be used as viable fuel. As ECBC’s project director for TGER, Valdes led a team that successfully re-engineered a new prototype, TGER 2.0, to address concerns that surfaced during testing.
A horizontal gasifier with an auger device was developed to rotate the trash, eliminating the mechanical step of pelletizing it. Te TGER 2.0 prototype also injects steam into the gasifier, which allows a larger conversion of output gas
to become energetic. According to Valdes, the old system produced 135 BTUs (British thermal units) per cubic foot of gas, whereas the TGER 2.0 prototype produces 550 BTUs, more than tripling the amount of usable energy.
TGER 2.0 also features an automated interface with a touch-screen panel, making it easier for workers to input information and monitor every part of the machine, from oxygen levels in the gasifier to ethanol production and power output. It used to take three technicians
to operate the machine. Now it takes two people: one to feed the garbage and another to monitor progress. Valdes hopes that as the prototypes advance, TGER eventually could require only one technician or Soldier to operate.
Te advanced prototype was shipped back to the manufacturer for modifications after a final 80-day field trial at APG, where the green technology was tested to see how long it could run at maximum garbage input. Te result: Within two hours of powering on, TGER 2.0 can
THE SECOND GENERATION
The TGER 2.0 prototype was developed after the original TGER 1.0 trash-to-fuel generator was tested at Camp Victory in Iraq in 2008. In response to issues raised during testing, TGER 2.0 features improved technology for rotating the trash, greater conversion of output gas into usable energy and automation that reduces the manpower needed for operation.
“IF YOU’RE A FORWARD OPERATING BASE, YOU DON’T WANT A LOCAL CONTRACTOR COMING IN TO HAUL YOUR GARBAGE OUT, BECAUSE YOU DON’T KNOW IF THEY’RE GOOD GUYS OR BAD GUYS. YOU ALSO DON’T WANT TO BE HAULING FUEL IN, BECAUSE THOSE CONVOYS ARE TARGETS AND RISK THE LIVES OF SOLDIERS AND CONTRACTORS.”
140
Army AL&T Magazine
April–June 2013
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