Many of Our Energy-Related Technologies Are Quite Old
One of the real opportunities for our energy future lies in the fact that many of the technologies that consume huge amounts of energy are truly ancient. I often remark how strange it is that if Thomas Edison were around today and happened to look at our motors, generators, grid, etc., he’d recognize most of it as essentially unchanged from a century ago.
And let’s keep in mind that electricity is only one of many opportunities to rethink the way we’re doing things. I just became aware of the fact that the screw propeller that is used on almost all our power boats and ships was invented in 1827! That’s the year Chopin wrote the E minor nocturne.
I bring this up because, almost two centuries later, it appears that there has been a breakthrough in shipbuilding. Frequent commenter Tim Kingston just sent me this site on the Gamma Propulsion System, which claims to reduce energy consumption in these marine environments by 35%. That’s huge, considering the enormity of the fuel consumption in this space.
Either it’s a total fraud, or the linked-to article was exceedingly poorly written.
Per the above article, the Gamma system reduces energy consumption by 35%. However, per the linked-to article, with the Gamma system, 600 to 750 HP will do the work that previously required 3,000 HP. Obviously the numbers do not add up.
Also, per the linked-to article, when the existing propellers are replaced by the Gamma system, the original engine would need to operate at only 25% capacity. No one would do that! An engine running at 25% capacity is not operating efficiently and, in addition, would be taking up valuable cargo space. Therefore, the only sensible thing to do would be to replace it with a smaller engine and generator.
Also, per the article, the Gamma system uses DC motors. No modern system would use DC motors. Instead, it would use polyphase AC motors since they have lower maintenance requirements and cost less to manufacture.
If the linked-to item provides a photograph or sufficiently detailed diagram as to how it works, I was unable to find it.
I read the linked article and website and hope Frank is wrong, despite the obvious logic of his comments.
If the system performs as promised I have another application for it that could be equally revolutionary and relevant.
Perhaps you could ask the Gamma people to respond to Franks concerns.
I am on the edge of my stool! The Navy could use this…
I join Frank in his skepticism.
How could they work on their alleged technology for five years and file only a provisional patent application? The provisional patent application is valid only for one year!