Re: Hey Mr. Hyde!

From: Frank Kotler (fbkotler_at_comcast.net)
Date: 03/28/04 

Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 19:24:10 GMT

Beth wrote:

> Nevertheless, to be blunt, you're a lying toad,

You been sharing a glass of wine with Betov, or what???

> You said:
>
> "Hmm... going by Beth's logic, I should install thousands of
> thumb-sized gasoline engines under the hood of my car. These engines,
> taken individually, are less efficient than a full-sized engine, but,
> by some Bethonian magic, when taken together in the thousands, are
> more efficient than a full-size engine."
>
> I replied:
>
> "So, tell me, how many _valves_

Apparently not Alex (I thought it was, too - too lazy to look it up). In
any case, it's kind of a mis-statement of the "Beth logic".
Decentralization would mean putting one engine on each wheel, not
thousands under the hood. When you think of it, the current scheme *is*
decentralized - the "efficient"(?) solution would be one massive
centralized engine towing cars around on cables (which has been done,
and may have its advantages).

In the case of solar energy, the fact that it's already distributed has
to come into the equation - a fact that some of your detractors seem to
be discounting...

> Right, would an actual _expert_ in internal combustion engines - with
> all you guys here, there's got to be one "petrol head" amongst you -
> please come forward to verify that, at least generally speaking, I'm
> talking some modest amount of sense here?

Well... better, since you looked it up :) ... but don't quit your day job.

>>2. Fossil fuel efficency; it's doesn't pack much of a "punch".
>
> Oh yes, it bloody well _does_...

You guys are talking relatives here. "Fossil fuel is tall." Compared to
what?

I tend to agree with you that fossil fuels "pack a lot of punch"...
compared to solar, for example. Wind can pack "a lot of punch" in some
circumstances (frequently to our detriment)... If my memory has survived
the permanent brain damage, petroleum runs on the order of 130,000 -
140,000 btu/gal (US gallon) - dunno what that is in ergs :)

I agree with Alex on a couple points:

1) Your ideas are basically correct.
2) When you get into details, your posts are *loaded* with factual
errors. Your engineering knowledge isn't as good as you think it is.

Another one "out to destroy you"... sorry...

Love, Peace, and Happiness,
Frank

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Charging 12V mini-pack from car battery
    ... rechargeable battery pack. ... Could such a pack be recharged or maintained at full charge by leaving ... A typical 12 pack wont charge unless the engine is running, ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Why Did This Battery Recharge?
    ... I heard the click-click of the engine trying ... to turn over, but no luck, so I decided to leave the pack attached for ... Even a partially charged battery can supply a higher peak current than your ... power pack. ...
    (sci.electronics.basics)
  • Re: Accord 04 mileage improved if in-coming air is heated?
    ... cool the intake air so as to pack more in for each cycle. ... usually have intercoolers for both types of engine. ...
    (rec.autos.makers.honda)