Re: CO2 reduction strategy urban myths

Oh No <NotI@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
Thus spake Oz <Oz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Oh No <NotI@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
Thus spake Oz <Oz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

We need fresh topics! Anyone looked at the ozone hole lately? Might be
fixed by 2040!

CO2 reduction strategy, and the various ignorant non-starters (like
electric cars) could be a good start. So much urban myth...

I do not see why you describe electric cars as ignorant non-starters, at
least not if this includes cars powered by fuel cells, which are already
available in california, and I think one of the scandinavian countries.

Charles! I am surprised at you!

Take basic energy source (fossil, nuclear, sustainable whatever).
-50% Turn it into electricity (gas+steam)
-10% Transmission losses
-10% To convert to correct voltage etc for battery
-20% Battery in-out losses
-10% Electric motor losses.

And Oz, I am surprised at you. I specifically mentioned fuel cells,
which renders your entire calculation irrelevant. Do you know nothing
about the subject area? Not good for someone who prides himself with
being the biggest know-all on the group.

Again its hopeware. Currently I know of no commercial fuel cell car.
That fuel cells are pretty good and tested technology in several areas
doesn't mean they are an instant goer. Also I don't consider these
'electric' in the normal sense, the fuel is after all the same. Well it
might be, but currently (and probably never will be) a matter of filling
up with diesel. Working examples are pretty specific for a pure fuel
(usually methanol) and have limited working lives. It is however a
potential option but is still 'fuel' powered.

I believe there are also two commercial scale farms for production of
algal diesel, open ponds in California and an enclosed system in Holland

Refs please?

Can't you use google? I can't necessarily find the two farms I have
heard of, as there are so many links on the net, but it is easy to find
reports of major oil companies investing in the technology

OK. A set of startups. Not a single real full sized commercial plant.
However it may well happen, even if I prefer solar as a more efficient
use of desert sunlight.

Yes, but better, simpler, cheaper to burn the diesel in internal
combusion engines, surely!

Indeed. Hydrogen, for use in electric cars with fuel cells and algal
diesel for use in internal combustion engines are competing
technologies.

I suspect not hydrogen, better to use a synthetic fuel (eg octane,
methanol) if you really must.

--
Oz
.

Relevant Pages

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