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3/10/09

BMW rocket science technology applications in future cars ?

EU-Digest

BMW rocket science technology applications in future cars ?

Reuters/Engineers at the BMW's high tech experimental lab in Palo Alto, California are attempting to adapt the thermoelectric system for cars that NASA scientists employ to help power their deep space probes navigating the far reaches of the solar system, BMW's director of vehicle integration Hans Rathgeber told Reuters. Rathgeber said simple physics prevents a conventional combustion engine from ever exceeding one-third efficiency. A motor with an output of 200 kilowatts (kw) generally creates 400 kw thermal energy as a waste by-product. `Recycling this abundant energy source would require replacing the plutonium in a RTG with a non-hazardous material that conducts electricity while resisting heat, not an easy task since most metals become hot when a current is applied to them. Simply put, a charge is induced when you heat and cool two separate ends of a closed circuit. The amount of electricity generated is proportionate to the difference in temperature at the two points -- a property known as the Seebeck Effect.

"I firmly believe that when you look at this technology in 20 years, this will be the key issue that will replace everything else," said Rathgeber.

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