European Tribune - Comments - Socratic biofuels

Socratic biofuels | 34 comments (34 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Are we discussing a solar driven fuel source that has a theoretical maximal effiency which is lower then what we today can get from either photovoltaic or thermal solar power?

What am I missing here?

A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!

by A swedish kind of death on Sat Oct 27th, 2007 at 11:55:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Socratic biofuels (none / 1)

For fuels, we need chemical energy whereas solar panels provide electrical energy, the conversion of which into chemical energy won't be 100% (or even 30%) efficient (that is true of batteries, too).

Un roi sans divertissement est un homme plein de misères

by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Sat Oct 27th, 2007 at 09:12:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Socratic biofuels (none / 1)

Thanks, I see.

A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!

by A swedish kind of death on Sun Oct 28th, 2007 at 12:50:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Socratic biofuels (none / 1)

Liquid biofuels will be presumably used in explosion motors with a theoretical maximum efficiency of less that 50%.

Electrical energy (from solar panels) can be converted to work at a higher theoretical efficiency.

We have met the enemy, and it is us — Pogo

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 05:56:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Socratic biofuels (none / 1)

Isn't starvid's signature that "Peak oil is not an energy crisis but a liquid fuel crisis"? It's all about the considerable technological convenience of using liquid fuels.

We have met the enemy, and it is us — Pogo

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 at 05:59:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Socratic biofuels | 34 comments (34 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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