Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Multi-Fuel Motor Invented

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Apr 21 2008 (IPS) - A motor made from scrap metal, cans, old pipes and computer discs, and which runs on any source of heat, is destined for use by small farmers, its inventor, Aldemir Chaim, of the government's agricultural research agency EMBRAPA, told Tierramérica. The motor can run on field stubble or wood, alcohol or even solar power. “We simplified an older technology,” invented by the Scottish brothers Robert and James Stirling in 1816, for an untold number of current applications, such as charging batteries, pumping water and illuminating homes, explained Chaim. “It is very cheap and easy to build,” added the agronomist, who exhibited his product at an agricultural fair in April. The idea of reviving this motor, though not as powerful as a gasoline or diesel engine, emerged as a way to help poorer farmers to recharge batteries for electrostatic sprayers, also developed by Chaim, which help cut in half the use of agrochemicals.