Energy Storage - sci.nanotech

Message from discussion Energy Storage

Ian Stirling

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More options Nov 17 2000, 1:19 am

Newsgroups: sci.nanotech

From: Ian Stirling <Inquisi...@I.am>

Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 06:19:42 -0000

Local: Fri, Nov 17 2000 1:19 am

Subject: Re: Energy Storage

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Mark Hutchison <markhu...@iprimus.com.au> wrote:
>Hi,
>Anybody have any ideas how nanotech is going to help with energy storage,
>besides stronger materials for flywheel energy storage systems, since the
>limitation of non hydrocarbon powered transport systems is the energy density
>of the onboard energy store. Also any ideas on the maximum energy density
>attainable with nanotech.
>The main reason I ask is since the reserves of hydrocarbons are limited, and I
>like to ride motorcycles, I cannot see anything on the horizon that is
>lightweight and stores enough energy to be practicable on a motorcycle.

Hydrogen stored in nanotubes is supposed to be quite dense.
Or, you can make hydrocarbons from hydrogen, and CO2.
As you can get hydrogen from the water vapour in the air, and nanotech
is likely to make solar panels better, then it can really help too.

Nanotech may also make flywheels a lot smaller, and potentially safer, so
that in a crash for example, the flywheel container bursts, releasing lots
of marble sized flywheel containers, that bounce around, and eventually
discharge safely.

The motorcycle would also benefit from even early nanotech, if cheap enough.
Not to mention the weight advantages possible in construction.
Wheels may be reinforced better, and in the longer term, form themselves
into holes in the road, or use piton like devices, for ultimate road-holding.

(See the book "Farewell horizontal")

--
http://inquisitor.i.am/ | mailto:inquisi...@i.am | Ian Stirling.
---------------------------+-------------------------+--------------------- -----
Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue.
Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.

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