Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: rayhelm on 09/12/2007 11:39:38

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: rayhelm on 09/12/2007 11:39:38

In my continuing quest to save the planet from global warming, please consider the following.

Combustion engines, universally used but not very environmentally friendly. Now considering that a combustion engine (such as in a car) is also a reciprocating engine why can`t we change the impulse force to something non polluting.

I had the thought that the impulse does not have to be an exploding or expanding gas, what about electromagnetic repulsion.

Position a fixed electromagnet where the spark plug or ignition coil would be and another forming the piston, fire them both at the top of the piston cycle and the repulsive force should force the piston down with sufficient force to complete a cycle.

This is not the famed perpetual motion machine as it would require electric current to operate but if this was feasible I feel it would be a better alternaive to all those green house gas emissions

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: Pumblechook on 09/12/2007 12:07:05

errrr

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: iko on 09/12/2007 12:14:17

Perpetual Motion - Leonardo Da Vinci

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lhup.edu%2F%7Edsimanek%2Fmuseum%2Fmodels%2Fleo-whl.jpg&hash=94f1ab3b9b5f6d970aa7f3eb035de562)
http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/museum/models/leo-whl.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhR-K10UjnY

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/12/2007 12:59:22

"if this was feasible I feel it would be a better alternaive to all those green house gas emissions"
And, since it's not feasible, it isn't an alternative.

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: another_someone on 09/12/2007 13:19:34

Quote from: rayhelm on 09/12/2007 11:39:38

In my continuing quest to save the planet from global warming, please consider the following.

Combustion engines, universally used but not very environmentally friendly. Now considering that a combustion engine (such as in a car) is also a reciprocating engine why can`t we change the impulse force to something non polluting.

I had the thought that the impulse does not have to be an exploding or expanding gas, what about electromagnetic repulsion.

Position a fixed electromagnet where the spark plug or ignition coil would be and another forming the piston, fire them both at the top of the piston cycle and the repulsive force should force the piston down with sufficient force to complete a cycle.

This is not the famed perpetual motion machine as it would require electric current to operate but if this was feasible I feel it would be a better alternaive to all those green house gas emissions

Sounds to me that what you are describing is a poorly designed electric car.  We have better designs of electric car, but you still need to generate the electricity somewhere.

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: lightarrow on 09/12/2007 14:19:52

Quote from: iko on 09/12/2007 12:14:17

Perpetual Motion - Leonardo Da Vinci

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lhup.edu%2F%7Edsimanek%2Fmuseum%2Fmodels%2Fleo-whl.jpg&hash=94f1ab3b9b5f6d970aa7f3eb035de562)
http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/museum/models/leo-whl.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhR-K10UjnY

This is the best:

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: Pumblechook on 09/12/2007 17:56:06

Electric motors are simple and efficient.  I can't imagine a reciprocating electric engine being either of those things.   

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: another_someone on 09/12/2007 18:34:05

Quote from: Pumblechook on 09/12/2007 17:56:06

Electric motors are simple and efficient.  I can't imagine a reciprocating electric engine being either of those things.   

It depends on what you are trying to do.

You can make efficient reciprocating electric motors, the problem here is that you are trying to convert reciprocating action to rotary action, and that conversion will carry frictional losses.

Title: Why can`t we do this - anyone care to comment
Post by: lyner on 11/12/2007 18:19:59

Why not go the whole hog and use linear motors?
And throw in some maglev. Magic.