A designer named Ben Guthrie has come up with a concept bio-diesel production device that hides all the wires and cables the process needs inside a slick looking cabinet. The concept has a door on the top that the user would pour raw ingredients into and then the system goes to work in an automated process to make fuel.

The byproduct from the process is glycerin that can be made into soap or thrown away. The only thing the concept would need to operate is an electrical source, material to make into fuel, and a water line.

[via Yanko Design]

In an interview with CNN, Horizon co-founder Taras Wankewycz said that they want every home to have a HydroFILL – with increasing capacities every year – so that we can finally free ourselves from non-renewable energy resources. Every home will be a hydrogen station, and we’ll be able to generate hydrogen for our own use, powering everything from our vacuum cleaners to our cars.

But here’s the other problem I have with Horizon’s vision: you still need electricity and water in order to generate hydrogen. Right now early adopters can either plug the device in (which makes no sense as it doesn’t really liberate you from current energy options) or buy an optional solar panel add-on to the HydroFILL, which begs the question – why not just develop a small-scale, cheap and easy to use solar station? No need for water or electricity. I’m just thinking out loud here, and obviously all Horizon has right now is proof-of-concept, something to show everyone that hydrogen can be harnessed in a simple and affordable way. Let’s check back on them in a few years time and see if they’ve secured the support of other electronics companies.

Those of you who already want to have their own hydrogen station and hydrogen-powered gadgets can check out Horizon’s online store.

[via Boing Boing]

The Blomus Chimo cylinder fireplace is designed to be placed in the middle of your living room instead of against a wall. The whole thing is built on a rotating base, so you can turn the fire to face whatever direction you’d like. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in a modern space or helps to bring a touch of modernism to a traditional room.

It measures in at a manageable 33.1″ tall by 11.8″ in diameter, so it’ll even work in smaller urban dwellings. (Although I’d bet it would be against the rules to have one of these in your college dorm room.)

The Chimo cylinder fireplace is available from Unica Home for $1872.

The Dresser Wayne Ovation