Marc
New member
Malthus was right.
He just didn't factor in technology very well.
These guys have a pretty good system for load shifting: http://www.ice-energy.com/
On the thermodynamics issue, there are several groups working on Sterling engines, and most say that, at base, it's a materials problem that is not far from resolution.
I still say algal biodiesel is where it's at. If only someone would give me a couple mil to prove it...
Engines made of silver? What the hell good does that do us??
Wait... you mean Stirling engines... right? I love being an arsehole.
Unfortunately, from what I've seen, but I'm no industry insider, there isn't enough work being done on Stirling technology. Most of the recent advances have been for using them as cryocoolers (inputing work to extract heat, rather than inputing heat to extract work). Materials science will only progress so fast, and no matter how efficient and cheaply they can be made to work and manufactured, they will always be limited by the temperature gradient they're given to work with. If it is a relatively small, constant difference, then we're talking buffers and storage, which requires a whole other field of technology to progress.
What I could see happening medium to long term is more localized eletricity production (I'm talking about township and personal property local) eliminating transfer losses using mass produced generation means and eletric transportation based on a charging and battery swapping infrastructure. Of course, if that happens it will be through vastly improved battery technology and standardization.
I'm hoping for cities, there's promise for the flexible, polymer PV panels that would cover the exterior of buildings, all becoming locally self sufficient. Only thing to do is wait and see I guess.