Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
What is the best way to produce something useful from the waste heat from an ICE?
Do you have better ideas?
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ICEs have such built-in inefficiencies and they seem insurmountable to a large degree. So I'd think that a strategy or algorythm that minimizes the inefficient phases of operation has the potential to "cancel out" much of those losses. Such as, a hybrid system that allows the ICE to run in it's max efficiency zone for a brief period of time while the other power "source" be it flywheel, hydraulic, electric, etc., covers the rest of the needs. AND/or an automated, semi-automated, or advisory P&G system that takes over for/partially takes over for/assists by advising the non-Wayne Gerdes' of the world to achieve optimal P&G strategies.
Another approach I've considered is to accept that there will be waste heat and figure out how to utilize it
not necessarily for motive power for the vehicle... like, if the excess heat, instead of being dissipated through radiators, was all stored in a thermos of some sort, then when you get home you hook it up to the house and release all that heat into the living space for heating. Or whatever...?