Results tagged “efficiency” from 60 Second Science

Independent, Austin-based inventor Mike Brickley set out to create an engine that connects the pistons to each other and the crankshaft in a more efficient manner. He claims that the friction reduction gained by his design improves fuel efficiency by 15-20 percent and reduces CO2 emissions by 15-20 percent. Overall engine friction is reduced by as much as 35 percent. With this loss in friction, Brickley says his engine turns "energy normally lost in heat into useful work. With petroleum prices increasing and global warming on the rise, there is an urgent need for us to provide a more efficient, less polluting internal combustion engine."

I don't know: To my eyes, I see plenty of friction and heat going on, if you know what I mean. But perhaps I'm just deeply perverted...yes, yes I am.

Click this link and hit the play button on the image of the Brickley Engine to see what we mean.

Continue reading 'Brickley engine improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions, makes us horny' >

I've always had it in for UPS -- they've trashed my packages and wriggled out of paying me insurance more times than I care to count. So what if it was "contraband;" I still expect them to get it to the Thai smuggling ring on time and in one piece.

But I may have to rethink my position: Efficiency experts at UPS have virtually eliminated left-hand turns from all their drivers' routes. It sounds coo-coo bananas, but the practice has cut 28.5 million miles off its delivery routes, thereby saving three million gallons of gas and reducing their CO2 emissions by 31,000 metric tons. UPS used a "package flow" software program to optimize left-hand turn usage. Turns out all that sitting in the left lane, idling the engine and waiting to turn adds up when you factor in a fleet of 95,000 trucks.

Continue reading 'What brown can do for you: UPS eliminates left-hand turns, continues breaking my stereo' >