Pistons are so last century
An easy hybrid revolution
In a few months Toyota promises to offer a new smaller Prius that will achieve 50 mpg and cost just under $19,000, a pretty compelling offering, right. Well, imagine if that new Prius instead cost $14,000 and achieved 65 mpg.
That’s the potential of the wave disk generator according to its backers.
Funded by the Advanced Research Project Agency less than 3 years ago, the new wave disk generator has overcome all major obstacles in the past couple years, consistently defying its critics, according to its developers at Michigan State University. By replacing pistons, camshafts and valves, this new small engine / generator cuts waste heat in half and converts it into electricity — a concept that works perfectly with hybrid cars.
“We have proven the concept,” said Pablo Parraga, a doctoral student at MSU and research assistant on the project. “We have moved past the challenges and now things are really working.”
While funding for the project will soon run out, several automakers have expressed interest in the technology. Likewise, ARPA might offer up a second round of funding.
I’m sure there are still obstacles, but if you want to change what people drive, a 65 mpg $14,000 hybrid sure sounds like a good start. Perhaps there will be a wave disk generator hybrid car in your driveway one day soon.
Source: Lansing City Pulse
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