Request for Proposals
Bozeman Biofuels has initiated a cloning program to address the variety of projects we would like to do but simply do not have time. We are now taking applications to develop the projects described on this page - the main requirements are:
- Must be developed with minimal input and assistance from
Bozeman Biofuels;
- Must be developed with the seed money provided, final award to be issued
only upon successful demonstration of the project meeting all goals listed;
- Bozeman Biofuels owns all equipment & materials when project is complete.
Seed $ is what it should take to purchase supplies for the
project. Additional expenses must be pre-approved to be
reimbursed. Award $ is to cover labor and thinking costs for
completed, proven projects.
PROJECT LIST
Alcohol Still for gas car fuel
Seed $ = $200 to successful applicant
Award $ = $500 after product demonstration
Fuel stock must be local product, preferably waste or easily collected fuel
such as field potatoes after harvest. Still must be net energy
positive, meaning you can't use a bundle of natural gas or electricity to
produce less alcohol energy. Energy inputs should be scavengable, ie.
oak firewood, solar, vegetable oil dregs, etc. Output must be at least
20 gal per month, either as fuel or consumable product (vodka). Apply
here.
Solar Air
Heating Panel Kit
Seed $ = 400
Award $ = 300
Produce a solar air heating panel as described here:
http://builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/solar_barn_project.htm,
install on shop wall, and create templates. Finished unit size to be
16 feet wide x 12 feet high. All pieces must be drawn and documented for easy
reproduction, so a detailed supply list and instruction manual must be
included with first unit, including suggestions for improvement.
You'll notice that this is a very low tech heating unit. We have built
and installed one already, which can be studied before embarking.
Prototype unit needs to be completed in time for pre-production for Fall
2008 installations. Apply
here.
Oak Tailings
Projects
Seed $ = to be decided based on project
Award $ = tba
Open project - utilize oak and alder strips of wood that I currently process
into firewood. See
http://tulikivifuel.com/ for photos of wood. Unlimited supply,
great summer project, some wood may be used in building the solar air
heaters above. Ideas: campground firewood bundles to sell at grocery stores,
chopping blocks and chopping block table tops, picture frames, raised garden
beds, etc. Apply
here.
Flatbed Bike
Trailer
Seed $ = 50
Award $ = 150
Build a flatbed bike trailer with a minimum width between the wheels of 30".
Must be lightweight as well as capable of hauling 150-200 lbs. Bike
attachment must be quick and easy to use, and obviously durable. Build
one, evaluate, build many and sell them to people who won't need their car
for grocery store trips anymore. Apply
here. Great web site to start off with:
http://drumbent.com/trailer_big.html
For more info on electric mowers, bikes &
cars, start with my EV page on the left link bar.
Collapsible Fruit Dehydrator
Seed $ = 50
Award $ = 150
Build a fruit dryer that can be collapsed for traveling. We currently
use metal framed storm window screens, but need them placed in a rack that
holds 10-20 screens, and itself is screened off from bugs. Should be a
good ReStore project. Must be light weight and fold up to the size of
the screens and be less than 1 foot high when collapsed. Consider
making a giant closet shoe bag, sewing clips into the sides that the metal
screens can attach to.
To be notified of additional projects on this page, click here and send me an email.
Bringing Biofuels to Bozeman and Southwest Montana
Fuel Local - Drive Sustainable - Be A Solution
Bozeman, Montana