When gas hits 10.00 a gallon...
06-12-2008, 02:12 PM
#61
Sounds to me like the "zero polution" engine is just forcing the problem onto the electric generating system. Maybe if you had wind or solar powering the compressor, but a coal plant is going to have to spew more polutants to increase capacity to power the compressors and charge all the electric batteries.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3031870.stm
Hydrogen fuel cells could also be used primarily too if they were perfected enough.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XzeCQblYHic
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B0N1VBhtV4k
Either way would be the best bet in my mind.
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06-12-2008, 02:51 PM
#62
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I think that's misleading. You'll note that the onboard compressor takes up to 4 hours. So, 2-3 minute charge time only if you're filling from a large compressor tank. My compressor (older 4 HP Devilbis) takes only about 25-30 seconds to charge up it's 30 gallon tank, so that 3 minutes is either a huge air tank, or a fairly large compressor - i.e. not your typical sears oilless crap, but a real 8 HP industrial type. Those are not very efficient; they create a heck of a lot of heat.
One other thing. That whole 300 bar stat. Your Harbor Freight special ain't going to hit that kind of pressure no matter how long you run it. We have a ultra high pressure system here at work (550 PSI, as I recall), and it's a monster. The thing is huge; the size of a small car, not including the tank. It's also 440 volt. I doubt even many shops have the kind or equipment to go much past 150 PSI or so. So it isn't like you can pull into the Shell station and charge up.
One other thing. That whole 300 bar stat. Your Harbor Freight special ain't going to hit that kind of pressure no matter how long you run it. We have a ultra high pressure system here at work (550 PSI, as I recall), and it's a monster. The thing is huge; the size of a small car, not including the tank. It's also 440 volt. I doubt even many shops have the kind or equipment to go much past 150 PSI or so. So it isn't like you can pull into the Shell station and charge up.
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06-12-2008, 03:22 PM
#63
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First of all, there is a difference. It's called budgeting. Like car payments or a mortgage most people can't afford it all at once, but spread over time you can afford it. You may have to cut back on other things, but you're supposed to plan for that. Second, it isn't $1500 yet; gas has only risen about 85 cents, so it's more like 500 bucks. The TV was easily double that, and cable itself is likely that much each year.
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There is no real alternative to replacing fuel powered cars today. Even if you had something right this second how many years would it take to replace every auto in the US not counting farm equipment, planes etc?
Modern farming and oil based pesticides are what's allowed the ridculous population boom. Make fuel too expensive for farming or transport and your going to have alot of pissed off hungry people. How the **** does milk cost more than gas anyway? Is there a cow shortage I missed?
Most of you guys are totally missing my original question though.
I dont really care about wind, solar, nuclear energy or cars that run on refried beans and dead rats. You will never see that **** hit mainstream.
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06-12-2008, 06:59 PM
#64
I have been doing a little research last few days, as I alluded to in an early post I am considering building my own car that could get considerably better fuel mileage then present models. A sub 1000 LB car powered by a 20+- HP diesel motor, and aerodynamics that would make a F22 Raptor jealous. Looks on the other hand, might leave a little to be desired.
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06-12-2008, 07:32 PM
#65
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Build a locost. 1200 pounds (a bit heavier than your target), but an easy 100+ HP on a stock motor. Add in the fact that Miata parts are proven, readily available and reasonably priced. You can put one together for 4 grand if you're handy and can fab your own stuff. If you're creative, you can use a motorcycle engine or fit just about any small 4 banger.
Downsides are pisspoor weather protection, lots of noise and wind, and no creature comforts (heat, A/C). Oh, and the minor niggle that you are almost guaranteed to die if an SUV hits you.
But the guys that have built one all rave about how fun they are.
Downsides are pisspoor weather protection, lots of noise and wind, and no creature comforts (heat, A/C). Oh, and the minor niggle that you are almost guaranteed to die if an SUV hits you.
But the guys that have built one all rave about how fun they are.
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06-12-2008, 08:07 PM
#66
Build a locost. 1200 pounds (a bit heavier than your target), but an easy 100+ HP on a stock motor. Add in the fact that Miata parts are proven, readily available and reasonably priced. You can put one together for 4 grand if you're handy and can fab your own stuff. If you're creative, you can use a motorcycle engine or fit just about any small 4 banger.
Downsides are pisspoor weather protection, lots of noise and wind, and no creature comforts (heat, A/C). Oh, and the minor niggle that you are almost guaranteed to die if an SUV hits you.
But the guys that have built one all rave about how fun they are.
Downsides are pisspoor weather protection, lots of noise and wind, and no creature comforts (heat, A/C). Oh, and the minor niggle that you are almost guaranteed to die if an SUV hits you.
But the guys that have built one all rave about how fun they are.
As for your “down sides” hell I already have most of those in the miata.
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06-12-2008, 08:51 PM
#68
I have been doing a little research last few days, as I alluded to in an early post I am considering building my own car that could get considerably better fuel mileage then present models. A sub 1000 LB car powered by a 20+- HP diesel motor, and aerodynamics that would make a F22 Raptor jealous. Looks on the other hand, might leave a little to be desired.
Vash-
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06-12-2008, 10:50 PM
#69
Ok Fucktard.
I am thinking something on these lines, but hopefully a little less hideous looking. http://jalopnik.com/cars/alternative...car-245595.php
I am thinking something on these lines, but hopefully a little less hideous looking. http://jalopnik.com/cars/alternative...car-245595.php
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06-12-2008, 11:35 PM
#70
Ok Fucktard.
I am thinking something on these lines, but hopefully a little less hideous looking. http://jalopnik.com/cars/alternative...car-245595.php
I am thinking something on these lines, but hopefully a little less hideous looking. http://jalopnik.com/cars/alternative...car-245595.php
If someone made one of these, exactly how long and intense of a production is it do be able to drive it legally? Could it even be registered with a regular plate, not any special restricted kind?
Vash-
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06-12-2008, 11:40 PM
#71
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Investors' Growing Appetite for Oil Evades Market Limits
Gas won't hit $10 over the next 2 years. It's stupid speculation like this that is what's currently driving the price up.
Let's state that again. SPECULATION is driving the price up. Not supply and demand. There is plenty of supply of crude. This will be regulated eventually.
High gas prices lead to recession. It's already happening. If gas really were to hit $10/gallon you'll have other priorities to deal with first. Like food, shelter, and water.
Let's state that again. SPECULATION is driving the price up. Not supply and demand. There is plenty of supply of crude. This will be regulated eventually.
High gas prices lead to recession. It's already happening. If gas really were to hit $10/gallon you'll have other priorities to deal with first. Like food, shelter, and water.
Trading Loophole for Wall Street Speculators Is Driving Up Prices, Critics Say
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06-13-2008, 01:13 PM
#73
with you on that one.
Maybe like Europe we'll have more "compact" cities. There is absolutely no reason our cities are as large as they are.
I spent my summer in Lugano Switzerland.
The city has a similar population to my home town in Florida, but instead of one side of the city being nearly 15 miles to the other side, I could walk anywhere I needed to.
Poor planning is a huge problem in this situation. I'm sorry, but if you want a big backyard, you better be ready to drive that extra distance.
Maybe like Europe we'll have more "compact" cities. There is absolutely no reason our cities are as large as they are.
I spent my summer in Lugano Switzerland.
The city has a similar population to my home town in Florida, but instead of one side of the city being nearly 15 miles to the other side, I could walk anywhere I needed to.
Poor planning is a huge problem in this situation. I'm sorry, but if you want a big backyard, you better be ready to drive that extra distance.
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06-13-2008, 01:46 PM
#74
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The tank I use holds 68 cubic inches and weighs approximately 3 lbs including regulator. It consists of a thin aluminum tank wrapped in spun carbon fiber, and is filled to 4,500 PSI- comparable to the fill pressure of an aircar.
These tanks are subjected to every manner of abuse imaginable. People drop them onto rocks, bang them around on trees and buildings while running, and so far as I'm aware, there has never been a documented case of one rupturing causing injury.
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06-13-2008, 02:08 PM
#75
I'm not saying that its cheap now, but then gas has a 80-90% share today.
As for the standard, the only thing on another level than the other industrial countrys is the distances and the cheap gas and housing. Don't know if you've been to europe and industrialized asia, but it's not like we're farmers
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