Vanderbilt University - AEC
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- The Alternative Energy Club (AEC)
at Vanderbilt University is a student-led, university-wide initiative. Our
organization seeks to both educate students about diverse alternative energy
resources (including biodiesel, wind, and solar power) and provide career
enhancement opportunities.
Product Portfolio
Learn more about Vanderbilt Alternative Energy Club.
WHAT IS THE AEC?
- The Alternative Energy Club is a student organization
at Vanderbilt University with a unique mission. The purpose of the
Alternative Energy Club is to:
Educate students about diverse alternative energy sources including
Biodiesel, Wind, and Solar through Vanderbilt facilities in this area;
Provide career enhancement opportunities and guidance to members through
guest seminars, field trips, and hands-on technical practice related to
alternative technologies: measurement, production & maintenance from the
aforementioned portfolio.
Membership information will be available soon. For the time being, check out
our comprehensive constitution
to learn more about how we operate!
WHAT WAS VBI?
- The Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative was a
self-sufficient, sustainable, student-run biodiesel production system at
Vanderbilt University. The biodiesel production system is used to convert
local waste vegetable oil into environmentally responsible biodiesel fuel
that can be used in any of the university's diesel-fueled engines. These
include vehicles such as student activity vans, medical center buses, and
landscaping machinery. The goal was to curb the consumption of
petroleum-based fuel by the Vanderbilt community with a system that is
economically and environmentally sustainable. Also, the initiative aimed to
educate others about the viability of biodiesel as an effective alternative
fuel. In Fall 2010, the Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative will be fully
integrated into the Alternative Energy Club. The Alternative Club will carry
on the mission of the Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative while also providing
members with unique opportunities previously unavailable anywhere else on
campus.
HOW WAS THE AEC STARTED?
- Before the Alternative Energy Club, there was the
Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative. Producing biodiesel on campus was an idea
first conceived by a group of WilSkills instructors while brainstorming more
environmentally responsible ways to take their weekend trips to Tennessee's
beautiful rivers, caves, bluffs, and mountains. In Fall 2006, along with
members of SPEAR, they decided to apply for the Eco-magination grant, a
campus greening contest hosted annually by GE and mtvU. Vanderbilt was
selected as a top ten finalist out of more than 100 entries. A similar
biodiesel project at MIT won the contest, but university-wide interest was
sparked. That support enabled the initiative to succeed even without the
$25,000 prize. During Spring of 2007, the group met frequently at the
director's (Derek Riley) home to construct and test a pilot system. Over
that summer space was allocated for the initiative on campus and Plant
Operation's sponsored the construction of our production facility. We began
producing fuel in our new home on campus in Fall of 2007 where to date, we
have produced over 1,300 gallons of biodiesel and 100 gallons of soap for
Vanderbilt. In Spring 2010, with the graduation of founding leaders Derek
Riley and Stacey Worman, the Biodiesel Initiative which includes production
engineer Robin Midgett was looking for ideas to expand its agenda. When we
consulted Dr. Anilkumar of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, he
suggested that the organization should concentrate on merging the Biodiesel
initiative with new energy facilities that were coming on board such as the
wind turbine & solar pilot facility being set up near campus. The argument
was that students should meet the minimum biodiesel obligation and
concentrate on a wider alternative energy portfolio that includes wind and
solar. Further, the club should focus on career enhancement opportunities
for members. Accordingly, a new Alternative Energy Club was launched. This
club will be guided by Dr. Anilkumar, and the ME Department will provide
additional funding to help run activities.
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
- AEC is an umbrella organization for a campus wide
effort which is only successful because of its many contributing partners.
Plant Operations
- Plant Operations provides facilities support for all
construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central
space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million
square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational
space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care
for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the
Medical Center.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
- The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides
extensive support to the Alternative Energy Club by both providing the
supervision of faculty members Robin Midgett and Dr. Amrutur Anilkumar and
by sponsoring monthly seminars held exclusively for members of the
Alternative Energy Club.
Wilderness Skills
- Wilderness Skills is Vanderbilt University's premier
outdoor experience. The course is designed to integrate academic study with
practical experience in the wilderness. It utilizes both the classroom and
the environment, combining lectures, films, and discussions with trips to
the surrounding areas. The trips are designed to teach students the basic
techniques of backpacking, caving, rock climbing, and whitewater paddling.
The course is offered each Fall and Spring semester and is open to all
current Vanderbilt students, both undergraduate and graduate.
Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety
- Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety partners with
the Vanderbilt University community to facilitate and promote safety, health
and environmental management. Their vision is to achieve excellence through
stewardship for safety, health, and the environment.
Vanderbilt Dining
- Vanderbilt Dining has a passion for providing excellent
food at the highest levels of quality, value, convenience, and service.
Their mission is consistent with Vanderbilt's vision to enter the top ranks
of American research universities, and we embrace our role as builders of
community and campus life. To achieve their goals and to ensure long-term
stability, we will be innovative, creative, proactive, and financially
self-supporting in our business endeavors.
Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG)
- Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG), comprised of elected
and appointed members of the student body, represents the student voice in
all aspects of the University, ensuring that student interest is the first
priority in the decision-making process. We aim to ensure that life at
Vanderbilt meets the needs of all of students both academically and
socially. We host a variety of programs including annual parties, cultural
symposium, and service projects, in addition to co-sponsoring events with
student organizations. Overall, we lobby for policies and practices that
will enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Vanderbilt students.
Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and
Responsibility
- Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and
Responsibility (SPEAR) will increase environmental awareness and promote
more environmentally sustainable habits and infrastructure within the
Vanderbilt and Nashville community.
WHERE IS THE BIODIESEL PROCESSING FACILITY LOCATED?
24th Avenue S. and Vanderbilt Place
- Our facility is located in the Coal Power Plant yard in the heart of
Vanderbilt's Campus. We have a 16' by 20' (320 square feet) shed with
electricity and running water. Before construction the area was used for
power plant parking and storage.
HOW IS THE SYSTEM SET UP AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
- This sketch roughly illustrates the current setup of our
system, a 120 gallon batch processor. Waste vegetable oil, the main
feedstock, is heated and mixed with methanol and KOH. After the reaction
completes, a layer of glycerin settles to the bottom and is drained off,
leaving biodiesel in the main reaction tank. To remove the impurities in the
fuel, first the biodiesel is heated and the fumes are sent through a
condenser to recover any unreacted methanol. Then Magnesol, a synthetic talc
powder that attracts the impurities, is mixed in and then removed by
centrifuge. The fuel is pumped through several filters to a storage tank,
where it is ready to dispense.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT AEC'S BIODIESEL PRODUCTION PROCESS?
- Our biodiesel production facility is unique in that we
are have a zero-waste process. We take a waste product, used vegetable oil,
and turn it into a fuel. But all other by-products of the reaction also have
a use! The glycerin is made into a soap (EcoSuds) which is then bottled and
distributed. The synthetic talc power is high in pot ash and is used in
landscaping. Finally, any excess methanol is recovered and reused for the
next batch.
WHERE DO WE COLLECT OUR WASTE VEGETABLE OIL?
-
We are currently collecting from Rand and the Commons,
two of our cafeterias on campus. We also are collecting from a few local
area restaurants and are actively looking to expand our sources of waste
vegetable oil. We are registered as a 501.c3 non-profit organization so any
oil donations are also tax deductible. Please contact us for more
information.
HOW MUCH BIODIESEL IS PRODUCED?
-
We are currently running a batch (~120 gallons) about once every other week.
Operating at full capacity, without any alterations to our system, we could
in theory produce as much as 360 gallons per week. We are currently limited
by the amount of waste oil we collect and personnel to run the system.
WHO USES THE BIODIESEL?
- Plant operations uses the fuel in their diesel-fueled
equipment (A vaccum truck, lawn mowers, tractors, front-end loader,
fork-lift, and woodchipper).
- As envisioned, Wilskills is now taking their weekend
trips to the South Eastern hills, bluffs, caves, and rivers in their B100
Dodge sprinter.
If you are a member of the Vanderbilt community and operate any diesel
fueled vehicles or machinery, we are looking for more partners so please
contact us about using our fuel!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PRODUCE?
- The fuel we produce has a marginal cost of approximately
$1 per gallon. Please note that this is only a "rough estimate" because it
incorporates many unsteady variables like changing input prices, oil quality
deviations, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures. Therefore the below price
breakdown should not be taken as fact, but merely as a starting point. For
more information, the full cost analysis can be found in Amelia's 2008 VBI
WHO CAN BUY THE FUEL?
- We are currently not authorized to sell fuel to the
general public due to regulatory issues. Some of our partners who are
actively involved in the project are able to use our fuel. For more
information about becoming a partner, please email us.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
- Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date with what we
are doing! More information on how to join will be available soon.
Students with a passion for alternative energy are the backbone of our
organization! As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to…
- …see how our biodiesel is made in our unique production shed from
waste vegetable oil collected from campus dining halls and local
restaurants. After completing a safety training session, you can become
part of the process by being actively involved in collection and
production!
- …participate in the making of EcoSuds! One major by-product of the
process is glycerin, which is made into a soap we call EcoSuds. It’s all
part of our no-waste process!
- …attend monthly meetings to stay informed about how AEC is continuing
to implement and promote alternative energy around our community, and
how you can help. Meetings are important to being a part of Vanderbilt’s
alternative energy community!
- …go on field trips to local companies, and attend guest seminars.
These trips and seminars are excellent ways to see how businesses and
organizations are successfully using renewable resources to power our
world.
So what are you waiting for? Visit our How to Join to learn how to apply!
How to Join
-
AEC is open to anyone in the Vanderbilt community who has an interest in
alternative energy, including faculty and staff. Our goal is to unite
everyone with common interests in alternative energy processes and
protecting the environment. Becoming a member is easy! Just send us an
e-mail and we’ll be happy to let you know when our next meeting is.
As an active member, you’ll have the opportunity to attend unique seminars
and participate in the production and distribution of biodiesel at our on
campus facility. We also encourage members to come up with their own unique
projects and initiatives!
WHAT ARE ECOSUDS?
- EcoSuds is a new environmentally friendly soap produced
right here on Vanderbilt campus. Glycerin, a by-product of making biodiesel,
is the main ingredient in our EcoSuds soap, which makes it very moisturizing
(usually, companies remove glycerin from soap because it is more profitable
to use in lotion as a moisturizer). Therefore, EcoSuds make a great hand
soap, but it also works well as a shower gel, dish soap, carwash, blood
stain remover, or laundry soap. The only contents added to the glycerin is a
nautral scent - all soap kills bacteria, EcoSuds just does it without lots
of chemical additives. AEC is currently promoting the use of Ecosuds in
bathrooms around campus.
WHERE CAN I FIND ECOSUDS?
- Ecosuds are currently available in many of the bathrooms
in Featheringill Hall. If you would like Ecosuds for your residence or
classroom building, please contact EcoSuds Chair Emma Steigerwald!
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
- Past News Articles:
If you have more questions or are interested and would like to be
involved, please contact our EcoSuds Chair Emma Steigerwald