Alternative Energy Solutions

Glosten looks for innovative ways to help our clients implement alternative fuel sources; for example, instead of running diesel-driven generators while in port, electricity can be accessed by plugging into shore power or into a fuel cell barge.

Call Glosten for evaluating alternative energy sources, such as:

• Solar Panels
• Fuel Cell Technologies
• Electric-Battery Hybrid Designs
• Towing Kite Propulsion Systems
• Natural Gas
• Biofuels

Recently, Glosten was invited by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to assist Washington State University and Washington State Ferries in conducting a pilot project to test the use of biodiesel in State vessels.  Glosten’s role as a marine engineering consultant was to:

• Support WSF in providing uninterrupted service.
• Develop testing and system performance monitoring protocols in compliance with USCG and ABS requirements.
• Act as a 24-hour on-call, technical resource and liaison between the ferry operators and the science team.

The successful trial ended in January 2009.  The project demonstrated the feasibility of burning up to 20% biodiesel blends from canola, soy, and high-cloud-point feed stocks under conditions found in the Puget Sound region.  The study team, of which we were proud to be a member, developed a valuable cache of information and of experience which is being used to develop guidelines for the use of biofuels by the Washington State Ferries and other marine operators.