Electric Powered Ships Now A Possibility Thanks To New Superconducting Motors
By Andrew Liszewski
We all know that electric powered vehicles are currently the best option when it comes to efficiency and protecting the environment. But when you see the amount of batteries needed just to power an electric car you can only imagine what would be required to power something like an ocean going freighter.
However engineers have actually been looking into using highly efficient superconducting electric motors to power large ships as an alternative to diesel. Of course the main problem is that superconductors only operate at temperatures close to absolute zero, or about -273.15°C. But Siemens thinks they have found a solution with a new motor they designed that uses high-temperature superconductors that work at about -140°C. By placing these motors in large pods under the ship (like many cruise ships use these days) the surrounding seawater will work as a very efficient cooling system dissipating enough heat for the motor to function at the required temperature.
If you’re interested in the nuts and bolts about how this is supposed to work you can check out the Siemens Patent Application on the US Patent & Trademark Office website.
[ Superconducting ships @ New Scientist Invention Blog ]
Related Tags: Environmental, Innovation
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You can read more about the one developed by American Superconductor here: Hizook.com
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"We all know that electric powered vehicles are currently the best option when it comes to efficiency and protecting the environment."
This is just not true. Electric power is generated mainly by burning fossiles just as a simple car engine only a bit more efficient. Delivering electric power has losses. Electric motors are not 100% efficient also. (Not mentioning huge batterie banks full of acids, lead and other "environment-friendly" materials.)
The only thing which is good to the environment is NOT burning fossiles. Like building more wind power generator.
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Doing research first is usually quite helpful
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