Tiny Danger

Diesel from Trees

2007-05-22T12:44:00.001-04:00

I can honestly say I know this one is real. Don't ask how, just read...

The Media

Global Warming - Believe it or Not

2007-05-22T09:39:00.001-04:00

The debate about global warming is clearly not going to be settled any time soon. Both sides have data that support their position and as an academic it is hard to take a solid position based on currently available facts. I do have a position on the issue, however, I don't think the debate as it stands is that beneficial as it has become way too wrapped up in politics.

The bottom line is, ask any politician, scientist or 3rd grader if we should keep dumping CO2 and other GHGs into the atmosphere... The answer to this question is clearly "no" regardless of which position you take on global warming.

Humans have drastically increased atmospheric CO2 levels. It is hard to deny that. Global warming or not, this giant change in the atmosphere caused by our out of control consumption cannot be denied. Atmospheric CO2 has effects on the entire global ecosystem. Some are immediately good (ie. CO2 fertilization) some immediately bad (ie. reduction in insect diversity). But overall drastic, rapid, human influence on the environment will likely not lead to a healthier planet regardless of its immediate effects on global climate.

68 mpg Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid...

2007-05-21T16:34:00.000-04:00

That's a whole lotta buzz words to describe this. I am not sure where the 'hybrid' part comes in because I am assuming the fuel cells supply electricity to the electric motor, the only motor in this vehicle.

Here is Honda's own take on it.

My favorite technology to poke holes in (no pun intended) is hydrogen fuel cell transportation technology. While I do believe the technology is viable, there are some serious concerns and huge engineering challenges that face this tech. Safe hydrogen storage is, of course, the first concern, but if Honda says they have it figured out, I believe them. Next is sourcing the fuel. Hydrogen can really be thought of as a storage medium for energy, sort of like electricity. Even though hydrogen is technically everywhere, it takes energy to get it into it's elemental form needed for the operation of these fuel cells. When it is utilized it is actually converted into electricity. Each conversion generally loses energy and it does take energy to get things started. This takes money and a source of energy to start with. We are working on producing hydrogen from biomass in our lab with biomass but it will likely start out from an easier process using, electricity, coal or natural gas.

Here is a nice little primer on the real issues and advantages of fuel cells it is a little dated, but it gets the major facts correct.

Aluminum, For Reals?

2007-05-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting one: New fuel for 21st century - aluminum pellets?

I have been looking into this one quite a bit and am having a hard time finding anything wrong with it so far. It is a heck of a lot better than turning your car into a bomb with compressed hydrogen. The byproduct accumulation will certainly be somewhat of an issue and gallium is by no means cheap, but this one may actually have legs!

Thanks to Chris for pointing this one out!
Here is what the researchers are saying about it

First Lesson of Ghetto Science

2007-03-30T16:42:00.000-04:00

Don't believe everything you read.

This could be real.

Is the man holding out on us?