Ways a Car can be More Efficient?

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The discussion centers on the feasibility of generating electricity from a car's axle or wheels, highlighting that while the idea seems viable, it would detract from the car's forward motion, leading to a net loss in efficiency. Capturing energy from motion is only beneficial when it occurs during non-propulsion phases, such as regenerative braking. The conversation also explores the potential of recovering waste heat from exhaust systems and friction, with some vehicles already employing thermoelectric generators for this purpose, though practical implementation remains challenging. Additionally, concepts like regenerative shock absorbers are proposed, but their economic viability is questioned due to limited energy recovery. Overall, the consensus is that while innovative ideas exist, practical and economic factors often hinder their adoption in automotive design.
  • #51
Nope no joke, the fridge will then work harder to try to cool the entire room, effictively turning the fridge into a heat pump.

The point is all this is chasing stupidly small gains. A good fridge now will be using no more than 300KWh per year. A fridge freezer maybe 500KWh. They both have fairly high COP.

They aren't putting out that much waste to begin with.
 
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  • #52
If you need to heat the room then yes it's efficient, or at least exactly as efficient as an electric heater. The problem is what happens when you don't need the heat?
You need to use much more power in the AC to remove this extra heat.
 
  • #53
We keep it how it is now (heat is made whenever it's on) except we're using the heat in the winter.
 
  • #54
T.O.E Dream said:
Can using the heat generated at the back of the fridge be effective. I mean if everyone turning off the tap while brushing their teeth have an impact on the environment, why can't using the heat generated 24/7 at the back of the refrigerator be effective?

You don't have to do anything in order to use a fridge to heat your house. It's going to heat your house whether you like it to or not. It might be all right in the winter, but it's not so good in the summer. If anything, you'd want to look for ways to get rid of that heat, by dumping it outside.

In fact, look at the power consumprion of ANY electrical divide in your house. Your tv, light bulb, computer, calculator, microwave, etc. Ultimately, close to 100% of its power will end up heating your house, again, whether you like it or not, and again this is not necessarily a good thing.

Especially when there's more efficient ways of heating houses. Traditional heaters can only approach 100% efficienty, where as a heat pump, for example, can heat a house by a few hundred percent more than the energy it uses.
 
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