GreenHouse FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
E-Fuel MicroFuelerTM
How does the process work?
Production of the much cleaner and more efficient ethanol fuel is accomplished by pouring GreenHouse feedstock, comprised of sugar, brewery waste, compost or carbohydrates (plant fiber), into the E-fuel MicroFueler. The MicroFueler then distills the waste into water and liquid ethanol.
Is it easy to install a MicroFueler at my home or business?
Yes. To operate the MicroFueler, you will need an 110v electrical hookup with a 20-amp circuit breaker, a tap water supply with drain, level installation, feedstock and an internet connection.
Is the MicroFueler safe to use at home? What about the feedstock?
The MicroFueler is completely safe for home use. The feedstock is neither flammable nor toxic. The MicroFueler removes any risk by replacing combustion and heating elements used in commercial ethanol plants with a proprietary, patent pending, ethanol membrane distillation system. This makes the MicroFueler process a much safer way to make ethanol.
Who repairs the equipment if it fails or needs replacement parts?
A partnership of GreenHouse and E-Fuel MicroFueler serves as the full service provider of the equipment and supplies needed to operate the MicroFueler equipment. GreenHouse technicians are fully trained and available to perform any required maintenance.
When will the E-Fuel MicroFueler be available for me to purchase and use?
We anticipate that commercial and residential installation will be available by the third quarter of 2009.
How much space is needed for installation of a MicroFueler?
The dimensions of the MicroFueler are 42x24x75 inches for the pump unit and 67x24x58 inches for the organic fuel tank, making the MicroFueler the size of a moderate to large household appliance.
What permits are needed to produce, store, and dispense the bio fuel?
A free permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau for the MicroFueler is required. No other permits should be necessary, as the storage tank is less than 55 gallons, which is the permit threshold.
Is there an application for offices, retail stores, restaurants, or manufacturing businesses?
Yes. The commercial application of the MicroFueler parallels residential use and can be used for business or fleet vehicles, while the wastewater can be used for irrigation.
Distribution
How often will I need to restock?
The MicroFueler will interface with the internet using the E-Fuel Global Network (EGN), to provide reliable alerts when it’s time to refill the feedstock tank or provide service. As long as the tank has feedstock, the MicroFueler will continue to produce E-Fuel.
How will I be able to get the feedstock?
Once alerted by the EGN that your MicroFueler needs restocking, the GreenHouse feedstock supply team will be dispatched to deliver the product directly to your home or business in an ethanol-fueled GreenHouse truck.
What are the differences between using liquid feedstock provided by GreenHouse versus user provided sugar, water and yeast?
GreenHouse supplied liquid feedstock is already fermented, requires no sugar and reclaims water from the liquid feedstock as a byproduct of ethanol production.
Is this technology easy to install for home use?
The technology is specifically designed for easy and reliable home use. The appliance-sized unit stores up to 50 gallons of distilled feedstock, making it a convenient, cost effective and environmentally beneficial way to fuel your vehicle. Each MicroFueler is delivered, installed and maintained by the GreenHouse distribution team.
Car
What kind of mileage can I expect to get?
Fuel mileage will vary greatly based on vehicle type, age and driving habits. Users can expect about the same fuel mileage that they get with conventional gasoline.
Will the conversion kit work in my car? Where can I get it installed?
The conversion kits are specifically designed and engineered for automotive use. With minor adjustments related to individual vehicle design, converter kits will be installed at GreenHouse’s facilities or at your local automotive repair center.
How much does the conversion kit cost? Is it necessary to make vehicles function on 100% biofuel?
The conversion kit’s estimated cost is $100-$200, with an additional installation fee that is less than $100 per unit. Once equipped with the conversion kit, any car manufactured after 1991 is capable of running on 100% ethanol. While it is necessary to have the conversion kit, the kit simply makes it possible for a car to recognize the new type of fuel on the vehicles dashboard display.
Will conversion-equipped vehicles be able to also burn gasoline?
Yes.
E-Fuel
How much will the gas cost me?
The cost per gallon of E-Fuel produced by the MicroFueler is approximately $2.00. E-Fuel carbon credits are also available and can be used to further reduce the cost.
What is the E-Fuel Carbon Credit Coupon Program?
E-Fuel Corporation will provide MicroFueler owners with coupons that may be redeemed to offset the cost of E-Fuel ethanol. A carbon credit is created with each gallon of ethanol pumped from the MicroFueler. Every dollar earned from these carbon credits will go directly to E-Fuel's Carbon Credit Fund. The Carbon Credit Fund will be distributed to E-Fuel customers in the form of Carbon Credit Coupons in order to help keep the price of E-Fuel ethanol low. These coupons will discount the fuel produced in the customer's MicroFueler, thus rewarding E-Fuel customers for reducing their carbon footprint.
Will my car run on E-Fuel?
Any car manufactured after 1991 is capable of running on 100% ethanol if it is equipped with a proper conversion kit. Like any after-market equipment, this kit can be purchased and installed by trained mechanics for less than $100.
How much E-Fuel can the MicroFueler produce per week?
Each E-Fuel100 MicroFueler can produce up to 250 gallons of ethanol per week, enough annual fuel to power three mid-sized vehicles.
Environment
How is E-Fuel better than gasoline for the environment?
Ethanol burns considerably more cleanly and efficiently than conventional automotive gasoline. Ethanol reduces C02 emissions by about 85% when used in vehicles in place of gasoline.
Isn’t ethanol just as bad for the environment as gasoline?
No. Ethanol is made from sugar through a process called fermentation, while corn is a starch grain which must be chemically converted to sugar before the ethanol fermentation process can begin. This conversion consumes energy and increases C02 emissions. Sugarcane is six times more efficient in reducing CO2 emissions than corn and since there is a surplus of sugarcane, which is the most abundant feedstock product in the world, there is no threat of taking food off the dinner table.
How will this reduce my carbon footprint?
Every gallon of ethanol is expected to emit 19.5 lbs of carbon less than a gallon of conventional gasoline.
Costs and Financing Incentives
How much will the equipment cost me?
The suggested list price of the E-Fuel MicroFueler is $9,995. Customers in the United States may be eligible for a federal tax rebate of up to $5,000, and many states also offer rebates and tax incentives which further reduce the cost of the unit.
How much will the fuel cost me?
The E-Fuel will cost $2.00 per gallon.
Are financing programs available?
Yes, GreenHouse has multiple financing options available on approved credit.