Recent submissions

Comment · 1 year ago
"significant increase in the range of 10.7-42.2% for lightweight and aerodynamic efficient vehicles" shout out to aptera motors https://aptera.us/vehicle/ that's currently vapor ware "Designed with ~700 watts of integrated solar cells, drive up to 40 miles per day completely off the grid and enjoy 400 miles of range per full charge"
Comment · 1 year ago
Comment · 3 years ago
I have seen repeated claims of heat pump CoPs improving over decades. Can anyone summarize or provide links to what improvements are being made? Compressor technology? refrigerants? Fans to move heat? all of the above? Where is the path from here?
Comment · 4 years ago
There might be an additional benefit for fossil fuel trains. Point source capture is usually more efficient than direct air capture.

This isn't necessarily directly point source, but if the diesel exhaust is partially directed into the capture train, the CO2 concentration should be higher, and could have a more efficient CO2 capture.

Comment · 5 years ago
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Comment · 5 years ago
Scarves are also a mainstream style choice for keeping necks warm, inside and out. Dropping the style, Neck Gaiters, Buffs, and Balaclavas are my go-tos for real cold.
Comment · 6 years ago
Comment · 6 years ago
The fans like this I've seen are powered by TEGs, just like the article is talking about. So, yes, but there is a trade-off. For those familiar with ICE engines, I'd compare it to the trade-off of a turbo/super charger.
Comment · 6 years ago
Comment · 7 years ago
Yeah, FT looked insane, which is one of the reasons the linked paper was so attractive. Ethanol from CO2, electricity, and water at ambient temperature and pressure.

I mostly think I have to be doing some chemistry/math wrong, based on how not terrible the energy efficiency is. I'd love corrections or reading material, as this is not a knowledgeable area for me. - 2 CO2 + 9 H20 + 12e- -> C2H5OH + 12 OH- = 0.084 V - over voltage of 1.2 V is best - 1kWh @ 1.2V yields 30 moles electrons - 30 moles electrons has theoretical yield 2.5 moles ethanol = 0.146 L ethanol - reduced to appx 116ml ethanol due to selectivity - 116ml ethanol has raw energy of 778 Wh, probably 550 Wh recoverable with Combined Heat and Power

I think 55% round trip efficiency for energy-dense long term storage would be big. Of course, this isn't that (math is partially based on theoretical bests, ethanol isn't long term, CO2 capture and material movement not accounted for).

Thanks for the plasma reforming tip!

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