This product is aimed at measuring the efficiency of energy consumption in comparison to the weight of the human body/s specifically in transportation. This product is aimed at the environmentally conscience individual who wishes to lessen their carbon foot print. Also the looming prospect of carbon trading which means a tax will be enforced on pollution itself which will see demand for such products increase dramatically. An example of what I'm talking about is as follows; 1 liter of petrol produces 34.2 mega-joules (which is a lot of energy) and the combustion engine in our cars only sustains 38%, we lose 62% due to the inefficiency of the engine. A further 8% is lost in the drive train and running the accessories, 17% is wasted at idle. Of the 13% (4.5 mega-joules) of energy left, let us assume that the car weighs 1600kg and that we weigh 80kg, then it will take over 95% of the available energy to move the car and just under 5% to move us! So out of our original 34.2 mega-joules we use just 0.65%, or 0.22 mega-joules to move us!
Pretty ridiculous stuff, I mean if we could have a product that actually measures efficiency is such a way throughout various modes of transport it will be incredible beneficial and help to eradicate the naivety which is so prevalent in today society. The concept I'm leaning towards so far, is a handheld device with a removable "Efficiency Chip" which connects to the data cable import of your mobile phone, providing your phone has GPS or internet if it doesn't a hand set is sold separately. The "Efficiency Chip" I see as being a solid-state device which holds the programming and information which is then transmitted via the data cable port to your Phone or computer. GPS and Internet are there to gage the length of your journey and determine the most energy efficiency and viable method of transport. I actually have doubts about the need for the GPS for it might make the device laborious to use and there for unappealing.
-Dom-
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2 comments:
Dom, this has some serious potential as you have identified in your post. I would also question the GPS - is the unit super-precise, or is it about making the user 'aware' of their mode choice and the carbon implications?
-Robbie
That's a good question Robbie, I would ideally like to create a product that can measure the efficiency of transportation in a convenient and relatively accurate manner. However this device may become too factually and statistically based, having said this I aim to create a product that is actually useful. I like the idea of using current technology to assist the functionality of the product. I need to assess just how the device will function and the programming that is involved in measuring efficiency.
-Dom-
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