Reinvent Fire: Change Energy Use Forever

[oracle2world]

The most efficient way to store and transport energy on our earth is liquid hydrocarbons. Just chemistry 101. Having a freebie oxidizer (21% atmospheric oxygen) is the key.

[MDofGreen]

It's wonderful that RMI is measuring the feasibility of renewables, but what they really need to be putting their minds to is figuring out how to beat the corporate lobbying system while educating people to put the political pressure necessary to make a change. We already know renewable energy is feasible, but the roadblocks need to be knocked down.

[snosamie6]

@MDofGreen Maybe that could be a new goal, a new side project? Do it, RMI!

[MDofGreen]

@snosamie6 I would be glad to do be a part of that side project.

[Runaway1956]

Biofuels? I thought that even Al Gore had backpedaled on that. Taking agricultural land away from food production, to produce biofuels, raises the cost of food. That's alright for the wealthy, and for people like Americans who have a welfare system to fall back on. But, it causes needless problems in poorer nations that depend on our foreign aid just to survive.

[350orbust]

@Runaway1956 - not corn biofuels, but algae biofuels are the answer. That's what the U.S. military is looking at.

[timothyplumley]

Look, hemp is our answer to this economic, and societal problems, not marijuana but hemp. We keep denying it, but it could bring back production to this country in so many clean ways.not to miss other key nutritional values of hemp.this is our answer to clean energy, and cleaner earth, healthier children and adults, and jobs for americans again.

[Runaway1956]

@timothyplumley I'm all for hemp. I've read that it's a GREAT source of oil, or biofuels. Hempen textiles cost no more than cotton, and lasts about 7 times as long. ANY natural fiber is better than synthetics in the textile industry! (The US Navy found that to be especially true where fire might be a hazard!) Medicinal uses are argued, but all the cons seem to be that the pharmaceutical companies might lose money on home grown remedies.

[TheFootballfreak2010]

nice video…great music behind it!!!

[mystico09]

I agree with the premiss yet the powers that be, from what i have seen, will not allow such progress to proceed as it will have a negative effect on their 'bottom line'...simply look at the last 50 years. Another point i can think of is that conversion to such systems (once/if possible) will not come online fast enough... particularly with the understanding that we have hit peak oil.

[tresenglish]

While I agree with the strategy and objective of transforming our economy and society so it relies entirely on permanent and sustainable resources, there is still an impossibility with what RMI is trying to do.

We are already living beyond the planet's means, and the consequences of what we have already set in motion will be incredibly expensive.

We will not be able to have an economy that grows faster than our increasing efficiency - after we have filled in the hole we have already dug.

[MRSketch09]

Sometimes I think this country could be so much better thanks to entrepreuneurs...

Rather than help, I almost think regulations only purpose is to hinder progress.. maybe that's a bit of an exageration. I am sure someone more studied on the subject could say yea or neh..

[Gantzer1]

The regulations are to stop little guys and help big guys maintain their positions, its no secret that Unions or Corporations will fight to maintain profits and jobs respectively in the light of better systems that outmode them, this is the basic core truth of any monotary economic system, that they are based on predatory behavior. Thow up one blockade and the intrests will find away under over or around it to get their monopolies back.

[Gantzer1]

Not as long as wealthy business intrests have all the money to stop it and as long as you live in a predatory monotary system you can have abundance of nothing and have nothing for cheap

[TheAlexguyCA]

@Gantzer1 This is about doing energy efficiency for a profit.

[Gantzer1]

Yeah I know I'd like to think its going to happen my knowledge on renewable energy systems is encyclopedic. I'm well aware of just what is possible in a short time on this planet but in the system we live in its far more profitable to destroy than it is to create.

[tamckissick]

Funny how they keep touting that we can get there, but they don't stand behind their drive. I've spoken with Mr. Lovins twice about my new technology and both times, he referred me to send him a specific email. Unfortunately, they keep getting no replies. I think 2 dozen messages over 5 years should have been enough effort on my part. Don't you guys?

[samharriman]

@tamckissick how much of the engineering have you done and clearly summarized in your emails?

[tamckissick]

@samharriman The major engineering is now complete, as of this summer. The fundraiser is at indiegogo's site under "/MirrorSolar" where you can see a simplified overview. Can't post a link :(

The emails I've sent have ranged from a brief introduction to a two page overly technical explanation. It's not rocket science, but an incremental advance in a needed technology, Stirling engines, to allow home scale concentrated solar energy to cover all energy needs, day and night from stored heat.

[cwujek]

@tamckissick Can't really say I'm surprised by the lack of response. After looking through the info on your webpage, there doesn't appear to be anything revolutionary or realistic about your design...

[tamckissick]

@cwujek Sorry if it disappoints you. I began that with TONS of technical info and no one would read it. People said to dumb it down, add bullets. I did and the same. Now with this level of hype, which I despise, I'm got more to view it. Those that read it all the way through often contacted me directly and ended up donating when I answered their questions.

Go find me a non-revolutionary equivalent Stirling engine... ANYWHERE. They don't exist. ...or even compete for under $30k alone!

[TheAlexguyCA]

@tamckissick it depends on what you are talking about. I've you've got something great, sure. If you are a crazy idiot, no.

[tamckissick]

@TheAlexguyCA Would you consider a system that makes .5-3 kW electricity on demand plus all your heat, 24/7, with backup "something great"? How about something that uses no rare materials, minimal energy input to manufacture and high labor content?  What if I threw in a business plan focused on small localized factories that support community involvement and low interest company financing? Ok, how about if I can price match a 3-4 kW pv, daytime only system?

[RockyMtnInstitute]

@tamckissick We have a policy not to review new technologies or products. We are asked to do this quite frequently, but it simply does not fit into our core practice at RMI. We apologize for not communicating this to you from the beginning.

Let us know if you have any specific questions about our work or the research we conducted for Reinventing Fire.