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General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: colarris on 29/09/2009 18:48:00

Title: Can we develop a biological engine?
Post by: colarris on 29/09/2009 18:48:00

Is anyone working on the idea of producing a combustion type engine using biological processes? Could enzymes not be used to produce some kind of combustual gas??

Title: Re: Can we develop a biological engine?
Post by: RD on 29/09/2009 19:24:20

Sh1t power ? ...

Quote

One type of biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as biomass, manure or sewage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biogas

Title: Re: Can we develop a biological engine?
Post by: JimBob on 30/09/2009 17:47:37

and algal

Title: Re: Can we develop a biological engine?
Post by: LeeE on 30/09/2009 20:21:13

Quote from: colarris on 29/09/2009 18:48:00

Is anyone working on the idea of producing a combustion type engine using biological processes? Could enzymes not be used to produce some kind of combustual gas??

Been done: DARPA are already testing bio-fueled recon robots/drones that can gather their own raw bio-mass (primarily vegetation, but I believe that small insects will contribute too) and then 'digest' it to produce energy.

This, being a two-stage process is still a bit inefficient though, as there will be losses between the two stages.  Eventually, we'll be able to vat-grow muscles that can be used in place of steam/internal combustion type pistons.

Title: Re: Can we develop a biological engine?
Post by: colarris on 30/09/2009 23:29:14

Thanks for the replies, interesting stuff