Jon Elson wrote:



Richard J Kinch wrote:

azotic writes:



http://www.motherearthnews.com/libra..._Run_My_Car_on
_Acetylene


Hydrocarbons are a near ideal fuel. The energy density and "hazard
density" are extremely low. Calcium carbide, like ethanol, carries a
lot of dead weight. Hydrocarbon fuel-air mixes are explosive, but not
anything like acetylene. Heard those tales of garbage bags inflated
from a welding torch?


Some friends of mine did this about 40 years ago. They blew out windows
for blocks!

Consider boron metal instead of carbide. Zero emissions: you capture
the exhaust and regenerate it at home with electricity. The fuel is
dense and not too hazardous to store, so unlike gasoline, you could
stockpile large quantities at home to improve distribution
efficiency. The big problem is a practical engine.


Actually, if you don't run fuel cells, then a Stirling engine makes a
good way
to convert heat to mechanical power. It isn't very responsive in terms of
rapid acceleration, so a hybrid would be the way to go.

Based on what I've seen, it's hard to imagine
a Stirling that could fit into an automobile
and produce meaningful amounts of power.