36 
ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
information briefs from E Fe DA 
The Energy Research & Development Administration (ERDA) has announced that: 
—the first significant production of electric power from a solar-driven turbogenerator was 
demonstrated in early July at a test facility in New Mexico. The facility uses parabolic 
trough-shaped reflectors which track the sun and focuses its heat onto pipes positioned in 
front of each reflector. Through heat-transfer systems a turbine and generator were driven 
to produce the electricity. The 32 kilowatts of electricity generated represented the largest 
amount ever produced by a solar thermal electric process. 
—a new type of powerful battery, which could store about 20 times more energy for its size 
and weight than the lead-acid battery in present-day cars, is under investigation for use in 
electric cars. An electric auto powered with such a battery could perform comparably to 
today’s compact, gasoline-fueled cars; however, operating costs now appear to be about 
two or three times greater, but could be reduced with further development. 
—grain and crop drying are among the biggest energy-consuming processes in American 
agriculture. America’s high-yield farms produce large crops that are harvested quickly, 
usually while still relatively wet. Because wet crops spoil quickly, high capacity gas — or 
oil-fired hot air dryers are used to reduce moisture content so the harvest can be stored. 
Therefore, a microwave-vacuum technique is being tested for use in grain drying due to 
its potential to save energy while assuring high product quality. 
—special research is being conducted to determine whether electric fields produced by future 
high-voltage overhead transmission lines will affect creatures on the ground below. 
According to Francis F. Perry, ‘‘This research is particularly important because before we 
develop and use ultra high voltage transmission lines, public safety must be assured.’’ The 
studies are being conducted near Richland, Washington. 
—special manned balloon flights originating in St. Louis have been launched to follow 
industrial and air pollution into the surrounding countryside, and to record the changing 
concentration and chemistry of the pollutants. Through much of the 23 July flight which 
landed in northeast Kentucky, the balloon floated in, and scientists recorded detailed data 
from, a “‘plume’’ of air pollutants which emanated from the St. Louis area. Early findings 
indicate that high levels of ozone and sulfur dioxide, two major air pollutants, persisted 
throughout the flight. 
(President’s Message continued from page 2.) 
new Eagle refuge when it is purchased and dedicated. Donations may 
be made at any time and can be ear-marked for the Bald Eagle Fund 
as the new preserve will have to be maintained and marked as a 
preserve. In fact, if sufficient funds are donated the preserve could 
be enlarged at some future date. 
All in all my first year as your president has been a rewarding 
one and I hope that through the efforts of your board of directors 
and myself we may be able to report similar successes next year at 
this time. 
—Peter B. Dring 
P.O. Box 92 
Willow Springs, IL 60480 
