Capturing Waste Heat with Quantum Mechanics

TheMatt writes: "There is a summary of a Phys.Rev.Lett. article up at Nature Science Update that describes a design for a 'quantum afterburner' that would improve the efficiency of an Otto engine. It improves the efficiency by using a laser and maser to extract energy from the hot exhaust of the engine. In fact, the process could enhance performance beyond that of the "ideal" Otto engine."

Comments

Big deal...

[nurightshu]

I used a laser and a maser to extract energy from the waste heat generated by my Athlon. I've been running everything in my house but my computer off that exhaust tap!

Re:Big deal...

[nurightshu]

Interesting that you would say that -- when I was in junior high, our family's shiny new Apple //c sat in the corner of our basement (in Nebraska, mind you, where the winters are insane). The only corner of the room that was warm between November and February was around that lovely grey case.

Re:Big deal...

[TheBigDinK]

I live in a small dorm room in PA and have yet to turn on my heat all winter. I have window fans constantly blowing outward as well. My Althon 1.33GHz (with some help from my 19" monitor) is the sole source of heat for my room.

I sure hope this doesn't alter global warming

[nizo]

Thus spake the article:

The hot gases belching out of your car's exhaust are not just useless waste. They are a laser waiting to happen, says physicist Marlan Scully

I sure hope this doesn't change the global warming going on or all that beachfront-after-the polar-icecaps-melt property I bought will remain high and dry (scuba diving in downtown LA whoohooooo)

Re:But what do you do with the light?

[mrpotato]

You put them on the head of those friggin sharks.

Re:But what do you do with the light?

[FiReaNGeL]

Its simple!

Step 1 : Convert heat into light
Step 2 : ???
Step 3 : Profits!!!

Gotta love those slips-stealer gnomes ;)
I just hope they'll not figure step 2 as : convert light into heat by aiming said laser on something to burn ;)

Question

[sconeu]

Do Quantum Mechanics work for Maxtor now?

Whole new meaning to " back off a$$ hole"

[Anonymous Coward]

Just think, no more tailgaters once they get these lasers mounted!

Thinking of jacking my car? Think again! I'll shoot you with my..uh...mini me...stop humping the...

Quantum Mechanics

[Jarvo]

If this makes it into your average car, would you have to take it to a normal mechanic AND a quantum mechanic? The price of the devices used in research had better come down before it happens.

I can see it now...

QM: (Wipes hands on oily rag) Well, if you lookee here, yer muffler wall is causing the maser beam to create destructive interference.

Car owner: uhuh.

QM: That, combined with the alignment of the quantum magnetic dipole is causing yer car to stall.

Car owner: But how much will it cost?

QM: Yer salary fer the next two years.

Schrodinger's Car

[Skirwan]

If this makes it into your average car, would you have to take it to a normal mechanic AND a quantum mechanic?

"Yeah, Mr. Schrodinger, we've got your car hooked up to some diagnostic equipment in the other garage, but we haven't opened the garage since we hooked it all up, so..."

"Ya see, we're kinda afraid that if we observe the problem it might alter the system and give you a totally different problem..."

"Well, we're not quite sure where your car is, but we do know exactly how fast it's moving... Would you prefer the other way around? 'Cause I can do that instead if you want..."

--
Damn the Emperor!

Re:But what do you do with the light?

[Anonymous Coward]

Ah, but are they ill-tempered?