Comments on: Cleaner, Cheaper Energy Future
By hotfishmt on 01-12-12
I assume that the author knows or should know…..Solar Power…..means CHINA POWER….as they are about to put out of business any one making solar panels or even
wind power for electrical needs….Even Vestas the largest wind power turbine mfg is laying
off people….so the author has good ideas that are just not
practical….UNLESS….UNLESS…he can convince CHINA to finance 100% of all his day
dream ideas to save using fossile fules…...he needs a touch or reality.
And the latest US turn to improve the environment for wind power usage…..with wind
farms….GUESS…..where that stimulus $$$ mostly went…..CHINA…..what a crock. China
makes the Blades, the Turbines & Towers…..and sell the things to us ??? So, get off your
smart phone…..as its kinda dumb.
By Craig moore on 01-12-12
There is also a recent report from Great Britain that reaches the opposite conclusion as to windpower: http://www.civitas.org.uk/economy/electricitycosts2012.pdf Then there is the solar
pollution issue: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-08/uota-sir083111.php Followed
by the cost issue where both solar and wind are far more expensive:
http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/images/table_1-lg.jpg
By reggie on 01-12-12
Why don’t we use the existing, proven methods to reduce demand by 50% or so? Ground source heat pumps, for example. Or build garbage fired generators as is successfully done
elsewhere (without pollution problems) to take part of the load?
Other nations have many things we don’t have, universal health care; trade protection;
corporate taxes and regulation; more equitable distribution of wealth and earnings…etc. To
gain these and the rest, including logical energy policy it is now necessary to take back our
government from the iron fisted control of the 1%.
The deck is heavily stacked against us, we may not even be up to agreeing who/how to
oppose, much less winning. But if we don’t accomplish change, the end result of this ongoing
35 year decline is becoming harder and harder to ignore.
By hotfishmt on 01-12-12
The real answer is to use Alcohol powered cars/trucks. Brazil has been using such fuel since the 60’s and are in the process of building a new huge sugar cane refinery to make
more volume of alcohol for the vehicles down there.
The Indy Racing Cars….also, have used pure 100% alcohol since the early 80’s….with
turbo charging it has power…and alcohol gives off water vapor.
With some plants closing with no tax breaks, and one under construction to make alcohol
from wood in Oregon…..the clear non oil product is doomed for the grave yard. Given the
proper new advanced ways….making or producing alcohol from wood waste is a good
idea….and I understand its a method using bacteria from Termites ???
Least the Chinese won’t steal or be the main suppliers of solar power products and put
more Americans & Canadians out of work FOR GOOD.
Sure oil is on the decline in gallons being pumped…but its still #1 for a long time.
By reggie on 01-13-12
The main problem with alcohol as fuel is huge agriculture refuses to gear up for sugar cane, demanding we instead use their existing corn production system to make alcohol. But sugar
cane converts to 7 times as much alcohol so there is no equality comparison in benifit gained
for energy used in the process. What works great with sugar cane does not work nearly as well
with corn.
Regarding automobile efficiency improvements, VW has been producing 60-80 mpg cars for
decades. This proven technology uses small turbo charged diesel engines with precise fuel
controlls. Problem is, U.S. based refineries have been constructed to produce mostly gasoline,
and converting or replacing some of them would cost big oil a portion their profit. Therefore in
our failed government this is out of the accepted bounds of discussion…. because it does not
benifit the 1%.
By mooseberryinn on 01-14-12
For Cars/Trucks - would diesel/electric be a viable alternative? (Like train locomotives)? It seems like batteries could provide the push and be recharged on board by small diesel generators. Just a
question.
By nkalanaga on 01-14-12
A diesel-electric car, similar to a locomotive, would work fine, but locomotives aren’t hybrids.The only purpose of the battery on a DE loco is for starting, just like the battery in a
conventional car or truck. One could still use an electric transmission instead of the current
mechanical drive, which would be more efficient, but also more expensive. Some large mine
trucks are already built this way, and are basically locomotives on rubber tires.
The ideal hybrid would be a gas turbine connected to a generator. It could burn almost any
liquid or gas fuel, and wouldn’t need any pistons, valves, crankshafts, etc. Turbines are
basically on-off devices, and don’t throttle well, but for recharging batteries, that’s what one
wants.
By hotfishmt on 01-16-12
On one last note on energy uses….the proto type battery powered cars will be a total flop…as if 1/4 of Seattle had battery powered cars…..electric utility rates would sky rocket
and given the draw on current power generating stations….during cold spells or air
conditioners during hot days….the power needed to recharge the battery powered
cars….would mean a BROWN OUT…..daily or hourly. Heck, California now/has been hit with
BROWN OUTS…...due to hot days. Forgetting that most houses would have to be rewired
to upgrade the circuts to 220 single phase for a decent charging time.
Then the BIGGIE….so you have a car powered with a Lithium Battery….it needs
replacing…get your check book ready for a heavy hit…given the current disposal problems
with only battery powered drills/tools…..land fills are not ready for Lithium problems….only
long term solution is some kind of alcohol powered vehicle.
The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.