Blood for Oil - the irony is stunning (check this out....)

[dutchdemocrat]

Link for graphic here...

http://www.chris-floyd.com/bloodforoil/

[chelsea0011]

1. Perfect symbolism. Thanks

Give a pint, get two gallons.

[annabanana]

2. that is astonishing!

Is the NY Blood Center completely tone deaf? Or is the thought that people with think "At least it's my blood, and not some poor soldier's."

(edit: nom. for visibility)

[electropop]

8. I think it's brilliant!

Somebody at the blood bank slipped this idea past management and Exxon/Mobil management. Clearly reminds everybody what's going on and what the blood is for.

:headbang: :applause:

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. How many Iraqis

to the gallon does your hummer get?? We need to realize that a clean unlimited energy source is out there and act accordingly.



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[Dogmudgeon]

4. It's still pretty inefficient, though

It's better characterized as an energy carrier than an energy source.

In a few more years, who knows? But I'm afraid that "blood = oil" will be the relevant equation for quite some time.

This isn't a rant or a smack, by the way. We often discuss these issues on Energy/Environment from a lay scientific point of view. Most of us like fuel cells, but aren't too optimistic about their energy-production value.

At least there will be a decent blood drive over the holidays.

--p!

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. The power plant in Alabama, a joint venture between Mercedes

Benz and Ballard of Canada is reported to approach 80% efficiency. It is a fuel cell/turbine hybrid.

http://www.fce.com/site/products/hybrid.html



Fuel Cell Energy Inc. has developed a hybrid concept combining the Direct FuelCell (DFC®) and an unfired gas turbine. This hybrid system uses a network of heat exchangers to transfer waste heat from the DFC system to the turbine, which converts a portion of the waste heat to mechanical energy and then electricity. The system adds 10 to 15 percentage points to the efficiency of the DFC. For large systems in the long term, unsurpassed net electric efficiency of close to 80% is possible. In the nearer term, it is believed that cost effective small MW class hybrid systems can be configured with efficiencies of 70% or better. Although power plants utilizing this system are not yet available, the design is showing promise in its development stage. Under a Department of Energy-supported Vision21 program, activities are underway to operate a subscale system and to develop an ultra-high-efficiency 40MW powerplant design.

[Dogmudgeon]

6. Outstanding -- thanks for the link!

This is one of the best real-life developments I've heard of regarding fuel cells in over a year. Waste heat is a big untapped "resource", but it's always been difficult to use. This is the type of thing we need now.

In the longer run, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the enzymatic processes in cellular mitochondria can be "reverse engineered" to provide a method for the manufacture and/or "charging" of fuel cells. Oil-generating algae are already highly efficient converters of sunlight and sugar to biofuels, but much of the energy is still "lost" to keeping the cell alive. Direct and technically uncomplicated (i.e., inexpensive and low-tech) transfer of sunlight and/or heat to fuel-cell energy would be a major boon.

This is one I'll keep my eyes on -- thanks again.

--p!

[dutchdemocrat]

7. MTU and Ballard are also doing interesting

I have a strong interest in Ballard's work in particular. Imagine a sailing catamaran rigged with alternative energy generators (solar, wind) and a hydrogen production system that uses seawater to power fuel cells. It's coming.

MTU and Ballard are also doing interesting Work with boats.

http://www.mtu-friedrichshafen.com/en/ps/ps_031022_1.htm#p1

And Haveblue

HaveBlue (USA), are working not only on fuel cells but also employing an on-board hydrogen production system for power provision when the tanks are empty. This hydrogen comes from either shore based power, or onboard wind / solar system.

http://www.haveblue.com/xv1/index.htm

[tanyev]

9. They need to send a bunch of those 5 dollar gift cards to all the

soldiers and families of the soldiers who have already lost so much blood for their precious oil.

[annabanana]

10. kick for the afternoon. . . n/t

[freeplessinseattle]

11. kick n/t