OrbitFuel

06/01/2025

Hoping and praying for a strong start and finish! LET'S GO FOR SCIENCE!

31/10/2024

For stove fuel test.

14/10/2024

Goals, again. Try, again. Hope, again.

11/10/2024

The stove is here.

29/09/2024

"Modern jeepneys are priced three to four times higher than their traditional counterparts. This steep financial burden leaves many jeepney drivers and operators at risk of taking on unsustainable debt through loans to afford the new vehicles. For the small-time operators who dominate the jeepney industry, the high cost of entry into the new system makes the transition feel impossible without substantial government subsidies or financial support.

For renewable energy solutions like biodiesel to be widely adopted, the jeepney industry must first navigate this modernization hurdle. If operators cannot afford the transition or if they remain uncertain about whether their new vehicles will be compatible with biodiesel technology, the broader adoption of clean energy alternatives could be significantly delayed."

LINK:

The uncertainty surrounding the jeepney phase-out in the Philippines presents significant challenges for renewable energy initiatives…

26/09/2024

"One of the most significant advantages of using clean-burning cooking fuels is the positive impact on indoor air quality. Traditional fuels, such as wood or coal, can release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These emissions can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly."

As we become more conscious of our environmental impact, the shift towards cleaner, greener cooking fuels is gaining momentum. While the…

24/09/2024

"Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, that your actions produce, directly or indirectly. Everyday activities, including cooking, contribute to this footprint. Traditional fuels like charcoal and fossil fuels release high levels of carbon emissions, which are harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change."

In an era where environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, every small change we make can contribute to a larger positive impact on…

22/09/2024

"The future of cooking is evolving. As consumers, we have the power to make choices that not only benefit us but also the world around us. The next time you prepare your meals, think about the fuel you’re using. Clean-burning alternatives are not just a trend—they’re the future of eco-friendly cooking."

As more people become environmentally conscious, we’re all looking for ways to make our lives greener and more sustainable. One area of our…

04/09/2024

People who work in the domain of access to cooking energy will know the shocking statistics: 3 billion people around the world, approximately 40% of the world’s population, depend on open fires or inefficient stoves to cook food. Exposure to smoke from fires used for cooking causes an estimated 3....

28/08/2024

"Team OrbitX, one of the aspiring leading forces in the Philippine space and renewable energy sectors, has been at the forefront of this movement. Through relentless advocacy and few strategic proposals to the national government, the team has managed to push the envelope, achieving early successes in its initial plans. However, as with any groundbreaking initiative, the existing frameworks have struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of end consumers."

The Philippines has long been a nation grappling with the dual challenge of modernizing its public transportation system while addressing…

21/11/2023

[STORY TIME] We recently upgraded our biofuel tank with a larger and more compact oil filtration device, along with simple plumbing and hoses. The upgraded system is working flawlessly so far. We may consider adding a motor in the future, depending on specific requirements.

The new oil filtration device provides enhanced performance and efficiency compared to the previous one. Its compact size allows for space optimization, while its larger capacity ensures more effective filtration of impurities from the biofuel.

The addition of simple plumbing and hoses simplifies the biofuel delivery system and improves its overall functionality. These components ensure smooth flow and efficient transfer of biofuel from one process to another.

We are pleased with the results of this upgrade and are confident that it will contribute to the overall performance and reliability of our biofuel system. The ability to add other parts (like a motor) in the future provides flexibility in adapting the system to specific needs and applications.

We are committed to continuous improvement of this version and will continue to evaluate and optimize our biofuel system to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and efficiency in order to service the Filipino public transportation sector.

13/11/2023

[STORY TIME] Our journey in renewable energy started with algae-based fuel research in 2019, driven by a vision to harness the potential of "lumot" (algae) for sustainable energy solutions in heavy industries like aerospace and transportation. We forged a collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to explore algae's untapped potential. That same year, we expanded our research to other waste materials and partnered with SGS, a renowned testing laboratory, to validate our findings.

As 2020 dawned, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, hindering our ability to procure essential materials and transport them efficiently. Public transportation, a crucial aspect of our research, faced significant limitations. Despite these challenges, we persevered, successfully prototyping a smaller machine (with few leaks, lol) that could convert waste food oil into affordable renewable fuel.

The pandemic also forced us to halt our algae research, as we lost access to PUP's laboratories. Undeterred, we continued our experiments with different engines and fuel mixtures, seeking alternative solutions to our renewable energy goals.

In late 2022, we rekindled our efforts to introduce waste-derived fuel to the Filipino public, particularly the public transport sector and its commuters. The initial scale-up phase proved successful with few learnings, capturing the attention of environmentally and financially conscious "Mamang Tsuper" (Filipino public transport drivers). I personally dedicated my efforts to preventing the nationwide traditional jeepney phase-out, a move that could have adversely impacted the livelihoods of many Filipino drivers.

Through our interactions with Mamang Tsuper as well as commuting with the public, I formed deep connections with my fellow countrymen, an experience that resonated with the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, my favorite national hero who championed systems thinking, social justice, and empowerment.

Yesterday marked the official commencement of "Scale-up 2" for our fuel research initiative. This phase will introduce more advanced tanks and methods to streamline operations and enhance fuel quality. Our ultimate goal is to produce extremely affordable green fuel options that will support our nation's transition to a more renewable future, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

At OrbitX, our aspirations soar beyond rockets and other Filipino-made technologies. Despite the hurdles of limited resources, lack of frameworks, and unforeseen obstacles, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous research and development, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of an advanced, sustainable, and equitable future for all Filipinos.

- DPBJr.