Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with energy

Heating a home with light bulbs. Inefficient??

ShawnTech — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:04:34 -0800

Heating a home with light bulbs. I'm nearing the end of remodeling my house and do not have gas and therefore heat to my house yet. Although I live in Houston, it's starting to get cold here.

I have a lot of lighting throughout the house, and want to confirm my theory of warming the house by turning on lots of lights. Although this might seem very costly and inefficient, I thought back to the law of Conservation of Energy (i.e. energy can be neither created nor destroyed).

If the light is on in a room without any windows (so none of the energy escapes outside in the form of light), 100% of the energy used by the bulb will be converted into the room as 1) heat, and 2) as light (which will subsequently be converted to heat as it has nowhere to escape to). Therefore, heating the room by this method will be exactly as economical as heating by any other electric heater. AM I CORRECT IN MY REASONING?

Bonus Question 1) If the room does have windows, what % of the energy am I wasting by light escaping to exterior?

Bonus Question 2) If this is correct, wouldn't the same also be true for most electric appliances? i.e. a television, computer, or even refrigerator would have the same effect?

Thorium - the other nuclear fuel

sien — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:05:52 -0800

Why haven't thorium nuclear reactors been used much compared to Uranium reactors? It would appear there are sizable reserves of thorium available and that reactors based on thorium would produce considerably less nuclear waste and could be considerably safer than Uranium based ones. Given that thorium reactors would appear to have advantages what is the catch? One reason that appears is that the Uranium fuel cycle sets up the infrastructure to support nuclear weapons. However, there are a number of countries such as Japan, Canada, Sweden and others that have nuclear reactors but no weapons why didn't they start using Thorium reactors or at least start researching?

Or is it just the cost of an alternative system to Uranium based reactors? But given that Canadian CANDU reactors can use Thorium why haven't they?

Note, answers about how bad nuclear power is in general are off topic. Please don't put them here. That is a separate issue.

I'm tired of being tired!

The Winsome Parker Lewis — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:53:03 -0800

What are some easy ways to get more energy and motivation? Lifestyle-specific details inside. I wake up at 4:45 every weekday morning and snooze until 5:15. Originally I did this because I thought I could trick myself into thinking I was sleeping in, but now I think maybe it's just a bad habit. I leave at 6:00am and commute two hours to work, work from 8:00 to 5:00, and commute two hours home, arriving at 7:00pm. By the time I get home, I'm exhausted and have just enough energy to make dinner, eat, and go to bed at 10:00. Every weekday it's the same.

When the weekend comes, I tell myself that I finally have some free time I can use to live a little, but I end up sleeping in instead, fooling around doing nothing in particular on the computer, and not getting out of the house.

Fortunately my wonderful fiancee makes sure I don't neglect her or my responsibilities, and she tries to keep me moving. But I just don't feel the self-motivation from within that I had once upon a time, and I miss that. I want to pursue hobbies in my spare time, but I feel like I have no spare time. I want to get back in shape. I want to start (and finish) projects. I want to recultivate old friendships and have company over for games and dinners and movies. I want to try new things and have adventures, like I used to do. I feel like I'm stuck in a rut.

How do I stop feeling exhausted all the time? The good news is, I'm moving much closer to work soon, which ought to help a lot. Apart from that, I'm looking for energy and motivation hacks. Any special habits I can form, or foods I can eat, or stretches I can do? Time is at a premium right now, and since I'm saving up for marriage and a honeymoon in May, so is money. Help me find some vigor to tackle my schedule and get the most out of life again!

Don't buy my product!

ecorrocio — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:08:11 -0800

Why is my energy company asking me to cut back on energy use? The grocery store doesn't try to get me to buy less food. The gas station doesn't try to help me get better mileage. Just wondering: Our 7-state energy company has numerous campaigns advising customers on using less energy. How to save energy. How to save money. And yet... it's a private, for-profit business. Essentially they are advising me on how not to purchase their product.

We're not having brownouts or any sort of energy shortage. So I would think they're not overburdened...? Like a bakery advising you on how to eat less bread, save money on bread etc.

What are the political/economic/market reasons for this?

Homemade Red Bull?

Miyomei — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:01:14 -0800

I greatly enjoy the taste of Red Bull. I'm not all that interested in the energy benefits, but is there any way to mimic the drink's taste at home? Cans are outrageously expensive, so I think preparing it in bulk would work a lot more. Ideas?

Tab it up

arniec — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:57:17 -0800

My wife used to love Tab energy drink both for the burst of energy and for the flavor. We can't find it any more. She needs an energy drink tonight to rev up for Halloween festivities. Are there any commonly found (we live in the midwest) energy drinks that taste similar to the Tab energy drink?

Can anyone suggest interesting careers for a physicist hoping to make a good impact on society?

qmechanic — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:30:05 -0800

Can anyone suggest interesting careers for a physicist hoping to make a good impact on society? Currently, I'm a theoretical physics graduate student at an Ivy League school and for various reasons I don't want to discuss, I'm quitting and getting out with the MA. The fact is that I already have two bachelor's degrees in physics and EE as well as a master of engineering from the other university in Cambridge, MA (not Harvard), so I don't feel like the PhD would add too much.

I've been researching career paths and clean energy is an obvious choice. I'm good at modelling and I can see that being a useful skill in the clean energy industry. Another option would be health care. I have a friend does modelling at a health care company. I like clean energy better than health care since it's a newer field with less bureaucracy.

Besides these two, I'm having trouble coming up with other ideas. My criteria are basically this: 1) I want to use my scientific skills and 2) I want to work on projects with broad social impact. Intellectually challenging work would be a plus. I'm willing to do some more school, though probably not a whole another PhD.

I welcome any suggestions, as long as they fit the two criteria I mentioned.

The gateway drug.

cmoj — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:33:41 -0800

Help me get my caffeine. I drink a lot of tea that I brew quite strong, but sometimes I like a pretty good dose of caffeine, and I'd rather not drink energy drinks (though that's what I do when such a desire arises). What can I do without drinking gallons of tea?

I'm not really into coffee. I'd prefer an organic solution, though as long as I'm loading my body with caffeine, I'm not going to worry about it if it's better than the chemistry-set-in-a-can energy drinks.

How to long until we hit 1.21 gigawatts?

advicepig — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:03:57 -0800

How can we present instantaneous stats on our energy consumption and generation in a site with a windmill and possibly other forms of energy generation? We have a number of sites where we're going to install windmills, solar, and other green bits. We'd like to have the meters attached to these sites continuously report how much energy they are drawing from the grid, putting on the grid, and how much is being generated by each device.

We were using a meter that I'll choose not to slander here. According to spec, we should be able to get this data, but we found its serial modbus connection to be lacking. Ideally, the equipment on site would be internet connected and not rely on a server at the site, but relay data to a central server under our control.

Any real-world experience with a home fuel cell?

ChromeDome — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:43:52 -0800

Does anyone have experience with a home fuel cell? I'm in Southern California where the livin' is easy but electricity is pricey. I've been considering photovoltaics for awhile, but recently heard about the ClearEdge CE5 home fuel cell. I can find very little on the web besides marketing information; I'm hoping others might have more practical input.

Going from not paying electricity to paying for it, and I am rusty on the details. How to save money on my brand new hydro bill?

JoannaC — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:03:58 -0800

Going from not paying electricity to paying for it, and I am rusty on the details. How to save money on my brand new hydro bill? Am very excited about my upcoming move! The apartment and the location are much better for me, but the rent is a little more expensive, and in addition, I am losing the gravy train of 'all-inclusive.' I have to pay for my own electricity. Water IS included, and heat is included too---giant radiators that they tell me will be TOO warm sometimes!

Appliance notes: No air conditioner or dishwasher, but I'll have two combination ceiling fan/light fixtures. I have already put in the smart bulbs. I am not sure how much energy the fan part uses, but I can turn it off and just use the light in the winter. I have a TV but will not be getting cable. I have a Macbook. I have a microwave and toaster oven. Laundry is int he basement and paid for per use via smart card (i.e. not part of my hydro bill).

Anyway, the super tells me the part of the bill I'll pay is $20-40 a month. I would like to keep it more on the $20 side, obviously. Aside from 'don't leave the light on and don't watch a lot of TV' what else can I do to keep my bill down? I am especially interested in any think outside the box ideas (less power to watch a DVD with the computer?) if you have any thoughts...

Looking for Edumacation.

the NATURAL — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:45:14 -0800

ChinaFilter: I'm interested in learning more about the corporate structure and environment inside China's state-owned energy enterprises. What should I look at/for? I'm currently writing a work of fiction which will, ideally, involve a look into Chinese state-owned energy corporations and their corporate culture and structure. Where should I turn, both on- and off-line, to learn more about these generally secretive entities? Both book and website recommendations would be appreciated -- my Google and Amazon pimphands have failed.

Thanks.

Advances in battery technology on the horizon?

Crotalus — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:12:06 -0800

Where can I read about exciting or revolutionary advances in battery or energy storage technology? What is on the horizon that might actually see the light of day? I'm interested in all applications, but most especially computers and cars.

My desk at work needs a hammock.

zennoshinjou — Sat, 02 May 2009 05:22:20 -0800

Energy.. I need it. How do I keep my energy levels high while keeping calories low and working out hard? My trainer has me working out pretty aggressively in the gym. It's been going fine for 3 months but the past week I have hit a wall with my energy levels. I feel tired all the time. Currently I am eating ~1800 calories a day and working out 6 days a week with 3 days of cardio and 3 days of weights/strength training. If it matters, I'm 5'8" and currently weigh 226.

What can I do to get my energy levels back up? should I be eating more? Sleeping more/less? I don't really ingest caffeine frequently and would prefer to continue avoiding it.

My training goal is the ever elusive lose fat/gain muscle balance until I get rid of the blubber. I'm aware I am less efficient at both by doing them at the same time but that's fine.

Dating a hippy?

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:38:04 -0800

So, I've hit-it-off with someone and things seem to heading in a certain direction... there's only one catch: she's a big hippy (not-sizeist) and I'm not. Everyone involved is about 30 yrs. old and so we are old enough to know that people have differences and can love each other despite them or maybe even because of them... on the other hand, I have a background in the hard sciences and am, generally speaking, a rationalist. So, when she starts talking about 'energy' I have to keep my mouth shut and try to translate it to something I feel more comfortable with. Then, of course, there are musical and assorted cultural differences: jam-bands, really?

Obviously, this is about me dealing with my prejudices against hippies, but I wonder whether the differences are just too great to pursue things. Perspectives? Experience with hippy/non-hippy dating?

SETI@home questions and options

monkeywithhat — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:34:32 -0800

For a while I have been using the SETI@home screensaver. I do not know much about computer science but my understanding is that the purpose of the program is to create a virtual super computer by breaking up packets of information and then sending them out to all of these computers all over the world which then run them through the program and send back the information. So you end up having the same computing power as a super computer through a large number of home computers. I think this is a fascinating concept but I have 3 questions: 1. How much additional energy does this utilize? I mean is my computer now using the same amount of energy as when it is normally running? 2. Do limits to this system exist? IE what can this kind of system not do that a super computer could? 3. Anyone know of any other programs like this which allow your computer while you are not using it to be searching for knowledge?

A Toast To The Host That Can Boast The Most Roast

yalestar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:48:31 -0800

Is it cheaper to host my own site even if it means leaving my computer running 24/7? My ISP recently started offering static IP addresses for $5.95/mo, which would allow me to host my own Java/Tomcat site. Since it's nigh on impossible to find Java hosting that is both decent and inexpensive and allows me full access and control, this seems like a no-brainer. I realize there are a few variables involved here, but generally speaking, would the cost of leaving my PC on 24/7 negate the savings of hosting my own site?

A Burning Question

greekphilosophy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:39:00 -0800

I need a good collection of readings identifying major issues associated with energy production using biomass. Topic: Biomass use in energy production.
Goal: The formulation of an official policy concerning biomass energy for an environmental group.

You're an environmentalist and you have strong feelings about biomass, you want us to read [fill in the blank]. You are a developer or a corn farmer or an urban planner, and you want us to read [fill in the blank]. You are an indigenous person, and if the military junta in charge of your country allowed you access to literacy education, you would want us to read [fill in the blank].

Introductory readings are not necessary - this is for a crowd that is highly educated in environmental issues and already understands the basics of biomass. What we need are readings representing a variety of stakeholder interests. All publications are fair game - blogs, podcasts, articles, books, chapters, trade journals, haiku, medieval manuscripts. Extra points for anything having to do with urban waste management.

Not-A-Zombie Filter

Alterscape — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:42:36 -0800

I am a morning person. Please help me be less of a zombie between the hours of 8-11pm. I am a 25-year-old male graduate student. My current daily schedule looks something like:

6:30 - wake up.
7:00 - 8:30 commute (I ride public transit; my location can't be changed).
8:30- 18:00 20 oz latte, followed by work, class, etc
18:00 - 19:30 commute
19:30 - 23:00 varies depending on workload -- more work, or R&R.

By about 21:00, I am pretty lethargic. My question is thus: Can anyone recommend any strategies to help me be more awake/alert between 8pm and 11pm? My girlfriend (who I've lived with for about 5 months) is a night person, and it frustrates both of us when she's raring to talk/cuddle/watch movies/etc and I'm doing a fair impression of a zombie and/or inanimate object. I'm particularly bad if we watch movies/TV at home (they put me right to sleep, it seems), so ideas for not zoning out/sleeping after that are particularly useful.

I need to get 6-7 hours of sleep to function, and I can't change that I need to wake up around 6-6:30 AM and commute, but I'm interested to find lifestyle changes (diet? some kind of exercise? etc) that might help me be more wakeful.

What herbs or vitamins or food makes more blood flow to the brain?

lynnie-the-pooh — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:31:23 -0800

What herbs or vitamins or food will make more blood flow into my brain? I am looking for any herb, vitamin, food, or anything else that will help make more blood flow to my brain. I know exercise is great for that as well. Any ideas from you would be great, but I'm not looking for any pill or anything a doctor would prescibe. I'm interested in something more natural and that I can do on my own. Thank you so much!!

Lynnie-the-Pooh

Peak vs Off Peak Electricity Hours

Black_Umbrella — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:10:10 -0800

How much can I save by using off peak electricity in the US? How does this compare to those in Europe? I realize that not many utilities in the states offer off peak hours but i know some do. What percent do some of you save by using this option?

My google fu has failed and i am only getting really skimpy results.

Can anyone find the how much free energy we are loosing (hydro/wind/thermal) because it is being produced but not used?

How does a night owl become an early bird?

nayrb5 — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:27:00 -0800

How do I finally adjust to a new sleep schedule and start getting things done? Back in August, my work schedule was changed from 8:30-5 to 6:30-3. I didn't really have much choice in the matter and I assumed that my body would eventually adjust.

I now wake up around 4:30 am, giving me enough time to drowsily check my e-mail, shower, prepare food to eat while driving and commute.

The problem is that, for several years, I've always been the most productive between 9 and 11 pm. Now, to have a chance at even seven hours of sleep a night, I need to get to bed at 9:30.

But I'm not sleepy at 9:30. Or 10:30. Instead, I'm sleepy and lethargic for most of the day, then I finally get a "second wind" right when I should be going to bed. I end up having to choose between accomplishing more tasks (like applying for other jobs) and being intensely sleepy all day or accomplishing nothing and going to bed earlier.

I'm really hoping to find a new job soon. But, in the interim, how do I convince my body that it really wants to be an early riser?

becoming an energy auditor - requirements?

timepiece — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:54:58 -0800

My husband is interested in becoming an energy auditor. What education/training does he need? Now, some things I have seen seem to imply that's it's a matter of just taking some training. Others are mentioning undergraduate and even graduate engineering degrees, neither of which Mr. Timepiece has (any undergraduate degree, actually). What are the requirements? We're in New York, but I'd also be interested in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The New York State web sites have not been helpful - tons of information on auditing your own home, none on auditing others'.

Solar/ Renewable Energy Research

wts111 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:28:08 -0800

I am looking for research data on demographic trends of customers of companies that have opted to install solar energy systems on their buildings. My hypothesis is that companies who invest in solar will attract a more affluent customer to the desired call to action than companies in the same industry, all other things being equal. I am interested in any data pertaining to manufacturing, retail, medical, commercial office, etc. applications. Any ideas of where I can find any secondary research that has been done on solar (or renewable) energy demographics? Thank you!

A light conservation.

Pennyblack — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:42:44 -0800

Does light (like heat) seep and weaken? You have two 15' square rooms, no windows, painted white, with a solid wall in between and a bright light in the middle of just one. You also have two 15' square rooms, no windows, painted white, with a glass wall in between and a bright light in the middle of just one.
Would the light in the second lit room be as strong as the light in the first lit room?
I got to thinking about this because I have glass doors leading into my dining room (which is usually unlit). The room is still pretty bright from leakage, and the light even brightens up the windows leading outside. The light then goes into infinite space. Seems a waste.