Free Energy for Prius Cars

[darelldd]

I just drive with a tailwind everywhere I go. Much easier than spiriting myself to Denver all the time.

When I need *real* free energy I ride my bike. Turns out that I need free energy a lot.

[rsforkner]

Originally Posted by darelldd

When I need *real* free energy I ride my bike. Turns out that I need free energy a lot.

Continuing with the spirit of this thread, energy was used to make the bike and energy was used to transport the food that you burn to peddle the bike. Let's face it. In today's world nothing is truly free... <BIG SIGH>

As I started out this thread, Denver to SF is as close as it gets. But then of course you can never really spend it so what's the use? <Another Sigh>

The tail wind does come close. Powered by the sun. Hmmmmmmmmm.......

Bob

[striker308]

ok i know we are joking but what about that water pwoered car they had back in the 70's? the one that OPEC got the patten for $10mill. and then sat on.

i see chevy is trying something like this here in NY. well NYC but they are trying it anyway.
mith busters did a story on a car running on water once but i think that was water and gas mix......something about a mister.

all i know is mine seems like free enegry compared to my full size Dodge truck.

[Sheepdog]

definately. I fill up every two weeks at around 450 miles. The wife can take one tank for almost 4 weeks. We used to fill each of our SUV's once a week with 20 gallons each. Our combined energy footprint is tiny compared to what it was!

PS: I heard that Lowry closed up shop after I got out in the early 80's. Thats millions of dollars the nasty city loses. I'm glad!!

[darelldd]

Originally Posted by rsforkner

Continuing with the spirit of this thread, energy was used to make the bike and energy was used to transport the food that you burn to peddle the bike. Let's face it. In today's world nothing is truly free... <BIG SIGH>

Now wait just a second! I drop by to play along... and get dinged for the energy to make the bicycle?! Technical Foul!

The Prius is made from rose pedals and the laughter of children? We've got to set at least *some* stipulations here, or I'm taking my ball and going home.

As I started out this thread, Denver to SF is as close as it gets.

Well, OK... as long as no energy was used to build the car, or to feed the guy behind the wheel!

[rsforkner]

darelldd "We've got to set at least *some* stipulations here, or I'm taking my ball and going home."

I agree with you. From my original post: " First, you have to get to Denver. (Note that how you got there is irrelevant here.) Maybe you already live there."

Please stay. You and I are the only sane ones here.... You get to keep the bike and the tailwind.

Bob

[dwdean]

Originally Posted by rsforkner

...First, you have to get to Denver. (Note that how you got there is irrelevant here.) Maybe you already live there...

Of course like anything that is free, there is a catch. You must never return to Denver.

Bob,

At the risk of being technical, you've just re-affirmed the first law of thermodynamics (the total energy in the universe is constant, you can move it around, but you can't create or destroy it.)

[rsforkner]

Originally Posted by dwdean

At the risk of being technical, you've just re-affirmed the first law of thermodynamics (the total energy in the universe is constant, you can move it around, but you can't create or destroy it.)

But isn't it nice to know that you have it in the bank, just in case you ever need it? (I know, you will only get about half of it back.... but still)

No problem being technical just a long as you don't get silly!

Bob

[dwdean]

Originally Posted by rsforkner

But isn't it nice to know that you have it in the bank, just in case you ever need it? (I know, you will only get about half of it back.... but still)

No problem being technical just a long as you don't get silly!

Bob

LOL....Sometimes I'm not sure if there's a difference between "technical" and "silly"...

And yes, one of the greatest things (IMHO) about the Prius is its ability to recapture kinetic energy, at least partially, and store it for later use. Whether that's motion that resulted from burning fuel or just by realizing potential energy, it is still cool.

I think that potentially the biggest rub comes with folks who live on top of or on the side of hills. Yes, going up the hill does build potential, but when you stop your car at home, turn it off and let it cool down, you're probably not going to get back as much as the "half" because of the Prius' warm-up cycle and the fuel it burns during that time. Of course that's all dependent on the climate and the geography....

[dogfriend]

You do realize that you can never leave Florida without expending the energy to get to a higher elevation, don't you? You are trapped in a gravitational potential well.