5 ms·

This article doesn't explain it well, but converting fuel to energy with this sort of thermal efficiency (40-50%) is indeed much better than both normal ICE and

This article doesn't explain it well, but converting fuel to energy with this sort of thermal efficiency (40-50%) is indeed much better than both normal ICE and coal power plants at around 30%. Obviously racing engines are highly tuned and not suitable for general use, but there's no reason I can see that TJI technology could not be adapted for normal engines.

Arnt 10y ago
Doesn't sound as if it's really very efficient, though, when you measure the entire chain (sunlight, plants, oil fields, crude, refined fuel, rolling wheels) against the currently achievable chains from sunlight via electricity to rolling wheels. Which I realise isn't your point but IMO it's what an F1/FE comparison should count.
- cromulent 10y ago
  OK, but most electric cars don't get their electricity from sunlight. So that's not a fair comparison either :) Of course F1 cars are not an efficient means of transport. The point is that the new rules introduced constraints that have produced real innovation in efficiency, giving significant gains that could be utilized in passenger vehicles. This is the real news, not silly headlines like "F1 cars are more efficient than electric cars".
  - Arnt 10y ago
    Are you suggesting that most cars get their electricity from nuclear-powered plants? Because gas, coal, oil and even most hydroelectric energy all are in some form powered by sunlight.
7952 10y ago
Also, with large thermal power stations you have other problems: * It is difficult to utilise heat that is a byproduct. * Energy is lost during transmission. If you need to burn fuel it can be more efficient to do so at the point of use. Small domestic gas boilers (Micro CHP)[0] are being designed to generate electricity, and can use the heat within the household. They have excellent thermal efficiency and can use existing pipeline networks. For the foreseeable future we need to burn fossil fuels to balance out renewable generation. Being able to do that efficiently is important. It also leaves the door open to green fuels, however far fetched that might be. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_combined_heat_and_power https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_combined_heat_and_power

Arnt 10y ago

Doesn't sound as if it's really very efficient, though, when you measure the entire chain (sunlight, plants, oil fields, crude, refined fuel, rolling wheels) against the currently achievable chains from sunlight via electricity to rolling wheels. Which I realise isn't your point but IMO it's what an F1/FE comparison should count.

cromulent 10y ago
OK, but most electric cars don't get their electricity from sunlight. So that's not a fair comparison either :) Of course F1 cars are not an efficient means of transport. The point is that the new rules introduced constraints that have produced real innovation in efficiency, giving significant gains that could be utilized in passenger vehicles. This is the real news, not silly headlines like "F1 cars are more efficient than electric cars".
- Arnt 10y ago
  Are you suggesting that most cars get their electricity from nuclear-powered plants? Because gas, coal, oil and even most hydroelectric energy all are in some form powered by sunlight.

7952 10y ago

Also, with large thermal power stations you have other problems: * It is difficult to utilise heat that is a byproduct. * Energy is lost during transmission. If you need to burn fuel it can be more efficient to do so at the point of use. Small domestic gas boilers (Micro CHP)[0] are being designed to generate electricity, and can use the heat within the household. They have excellent thermal efficiency and can use existing pipeline networks. For the foreseeable future we need to burn fossil fuels to balance out renewable generation. Being able to do that efficiently is important. It also leaves the door open to green fuels, however far fetched that might be. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_combined_heat_and_power https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_combined_heat_and_power