Letters.

Technology Is the Solution

Readers have their own pet technologies, too

Let us not forget that behind every solution to energy problems is an entrepreneur with a great idea. This month, we publish, without editorial or investment commentary, two technology solutions to our energy problems.

Energy Problems

Dear Editor,

I have enjoyed reading your publication for the past few years. However, the articles on energy conservation are discouraging. There is bold talk of finding new methods of energy efficiency from the U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and others. But none of the articles I've read talk about improving the electrical distribution system, the place where most of the losses take place. We can have the most efficient motors and lights on the market, but if we're still losing from 15% to 20% of our power due to heat from line resistance, then even with these highly efficient items we're still throwing money away.

It is well documented that new wiring, breakers, and equipment will give us peak efficiency, but most of the energy savings noted in new (or reworked) systems will fall off after a few years due to system degrading from the never-ending process of electrolysis. This electrolysis occurs as dissimilar metals make contact and electricity flows through them, i.e. copper wire to zinc-nickel terminals. This electrolysis creates a resistor, which generates heat. This heat causes electrolysis to increase, which causes the resistor to grow, which causes more heat, which causes....