4 ms·
> "If yokeless axial-flux machines replaced only a fraction of the older machines, we would save our customers some money and make the planet more livable while
by abyssin 7y ago
> "If yokeless axial-flux machines replaced only a fraction of the older machines, we would save our customers some money and make the planet more livable while we’re at it."
The engineering feat is impressive and exciting, but this conclusion doesn't account for the Jevons paradox. In itself, a technical progress that improves the efficiency with which a resource is used doesn't lower the demand for this resource, but instead increases it. The solution to a more livable planet is political, and this is why it's so difficult to find.
- iguy 7y agoI don't think they're trying to reduce the amount of electricity generated/used. Rather, they're trying to help electrical out-compete fossil fuels.
- drewbt 7y agoOff topic. Perhaps if every person embraces the politician within themselves.
- jessriedel 7y agoIf you make it cheaper to use a less polluting resource than a more polluting one, this can still work. Improved solar technology, for instance.
- vanderZwan 7y agoYes, but the point GP makes is that you need carrots and sticks. One or the other alone will not be enough.
- jessriedel 7y agoHe's claiming that, I guess, but he doesn't actually provide any support. It seems totally possible, depending on the technological specifics, to require zero political coordination.
- ncmncm 7y agoJevons is not universal. Power expended on illumination has been decreasing as people switch to LED lighting. Enough light is enough.