smkettner wrote: Not sure how they compare energy density as when you burn gas only 1/3 becomes mechanical energy, 1/3 heat to the radiator, 1/3 heat out the exhaust. (roughly)
You're speaking of efficiency in an engine not the energy density of gasoline.
Quote: I happen to like fuel cell technology for recharging. If there were only a cheap environmentally responsible way to manufacture, store and transport liquid hydrogen.
This is off-topic, but: I agree on hydrogen fuel cell technology eventually having world-wide use in certain applications.
However for up to the next, say, 15-20 years for RV stored energy (via some type of battery or large farad capacitor) replacement purposes, for me the jury will remain out on hydrogen fuel cells.
I really do not see much downside on this fuel cell technology, instead, for RV use -> IMHO, arguments against the cost versus energy content, availability, storage, and RV use of the type fuel for these cells do not hold much weight:
Since almost all RVs have propane, I'd like to see a propane fuel cell. This would serve two purposes. The first is that it would provide for decent heat (as fuel cells can get hot.) The second is that it provides a constant, fairly quiet (noise depends on the fuel pumps and heat exhaust fan) source of electricity for charging the house batteries. In winter, this would go a long way to offset the furnace's amp-hour use as well as how long it needs to be on, because when boondocking, the furnace is arguably the biggest battery drain.
What to do with the carbon though. I have few demands for my government technology wise save two:
A manned geosynchronous orbit space station with either nuclear generated electricity or the mother of all solar arrays. Feeding massive banks of computers, powering metalized Mylar antennae. Absolutely free hyper speed internet service to all north america. Create school classrooms with jumbotron size displays. Pay the best of the best teachers / instructors a lot of money to broadcast superior teaching technique with automatic video and audio links to reference points and demonstrations of the lesson.
Provide "automatic" links while traveling to ambulance and medical and police service, even in the most rural of areas. No fumbling for 911. No wondering if there is cell phone coverage. Ninety seven miles north of Cody Wyoming, finding out almost instantly where the nearest gas station is. Instant query for a list of repair garages and telephone numbers. Auto parts stores. Nearest CVS pharmacy.
But mostly for learning. Along with for pay new movies, instant ebook downloads, halfway between Austin and Fallon Nevada. Have school age children? How about an interactive homework program that would reveal to parents exactly how much interaction, and comprehension their child integrated with the day's studies.
SECOND DEMAND
Do not politicize the above space station. Fund it with a constitutional amendment that would prevent it from turning into a cash cow, or political speedbag.
Such a service would utterly transform RV'ing. It would transform the economy. It would transform life in North America.
I prefer live instruction. Although I understand many parts of MX have video instruction for students. I hope that is going well. Maybe a mix of both could reduce costs enough that overall education could be improved.
smkettner wrote: Not sure how they compare energy density as when you burn gas only 1/3 becomes mechanical energy, 1/3 heat to the radiator, 1/3 heat out the exhaust. (roughly)
You're speaking of efficiency in an engine not the energy density of gasoline.
Yes and so when you run the gasoline through the engine you potentially lose substantially more energy.
That sort of power would be able to replace the main diesel/gas engine with electric motors and provide 500+ mile range. Fully charged you could go months on a battery charge boondocking. This could enable solar power to provide electric around the clock.
Offline
