Do car engines need to be so inefficient?
By Brian Clegg
Car engines could be a lot better than they currently are. This is not some oil industry conspiracy, but a simple reflection that the design is pretty creaky. It has been around a long while. And, of course, cars are currently about as green as something that isn’t very green at all.
It’s remarkable that the internal combustion engine, the heart of travel industry still, is so impressively inefficient. Around 25% of the energy generated from the fuel is actually used to move the car.
Eventually I have no doubt we’ll all be driving electric cars – we’re just waiting for a shift in battery technology that seems pretty close on the horizon. (If I had the money, I’d be driving a Tesla right now.) But there are bound to be decades of gradual transition when we still need to make use of fossil fuels.
I’ve had pointed out this remarkable project to produce an engine that should increase efficiency of an internal combustion engine more than twofold. It’s a turbine-like design, but a variant that reduces the complexity of technical problems with turbines, plus has only one moving part.
Will it work? To paraphrase Scotty on Star Trek, I’m a writer Jim, not an engineer. Clearly the claim in the video that this could ‘reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent in the next five years’ is not viable. Given that a prototype doesn’t exist yet, it’s hardly going to change the world in five years. What’s more, the website is somewhat vague about what fuel the engine uses, but I’m guessing LPG, in which case it’s not just a matter of needing new cars with new engines, but also a distribution network for a fuel that isn’t currently widely available. Even so, the prospect of an internal combustion engine that is so much more efficient than current designs is an impressive one.
You can find out more at www.tomorrowsengine.com
Now Appearing is the blog of science writer Brian Clegg (www.brianclegg.net), author of Inflight Science, Before the Big Bang and The God Effect.
Source: http://brianclegg.blogspot.com/2015/12/do-car-engines-need-to-be-so-inefficient.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
