Naked Science Forum
General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: ROBERT on 16/01/2006 17:09:29
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""University of Cambridge > Engineering Department > News & Features
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi24.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc23%2FSUEDONIM%2Fth_finger.jpg&hash=fefced7a2d8e4eb2efd515eacc0bb39a)
Micro-engines
11 January 2006
Micro-engines
A programme for research on millimetre scale internal combustion engines is being jointly developed by Cambridge Combustion Research Centre here at the Department of Engineering and the Centre for Micro-Engineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Birmingham. This micro-engine project brings together novelties in fabrication, combustion, and micro-engine design with a close interaction of micro-fabrication and combustion expertise.
Most liquid hydrocarbon fuels hold over 300 times more energy per unit weight than a NiCad battery and 100 times more than a Li-ion battery. A micro-engine would have the potential to release the energy from the fuels and possibly replace batteries in portable devices. It would not only last much longer than a battery of the same weight (about 20 times at 10% efficiency), but also requires little time to change its fuel capsule. As a highly compact energy source, micro-engines could find applications in medical devices, military equipment, PDAs, notebook computers, mobile phones, and even toys!""
http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/stories/2006/micro_engines/
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how cool is that? but you missed a trick by not putting the pic in the mystery pic thread no one would have gotten that!
"Defender of the Sea"
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If a micro-engine broke down would you call the AA / RAC ? [:)]
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Interesting but the problem is, assuming that the power cycles were pulsed the screaming noise that the little engine would make
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