Thread: New program on Science Ch.

Don't know if you are aware but come Mon the 19th. there is a new program called Invention Nation. From the previews it looks like a show that could be interesting.

http://science.discovery.com/fansite...on-nation.html

Don't know if anyone else caught the initial broadcast of this new show. Looks like a 30 min show but had 2 episodes back to back last night. Looks like this is going to be a Green focused progm.

After watching, it looks like a series where 3 guys travel across the country in their older Ford van (shuttle bus converstion) that has a diesel engine. Show begins in L.A., moved up the coast and suspect next week starts moving Eastward. Just N of L.A. they stopped at a fellows house that has been doing some "converstions" to run automotive diesel on straight veggie oil. They mounted a tank in the back of the van and ran a fuel line up front to a electrical 2-way fuel valve to switch between diesel and veggie oil. Pretty primitive setup. Tank with a heater to raise oil to 180F, run through a couple filters, on to the valve and then into the engine FI. Need to start and stop the engine on diesel, no veggie oil in the engine when shut down. They are going to try and make it all the way across the country looking for use veggie oil in towns as they go.

They returned to L.A. to see a Co that is making 3-wheel hybrid cars. Car is a 2 seat tandom model. Says it get 100 mpg and has topped 100 mph. Car tilts into the turn and is reported to be able to make 1G lat force turns at speed.

Next they were off to a fellow running his house using solar panels. Converts the D.C. to A.C. and back feeds into the grid. When he needs power beyond what the panel scan provide he uses grid power. Says typ monthly electrical bill is $0. The guys install a 120W panel on top of the van. Next on up to Oregon to vist a couple guys that have a prototype human powered car. Said they have been working on it for 30 yrs. Looked to me like a 4 man street version of a railroad hand car.

Oh, foregot, on the way to Oregon they stopped in N Calif a small Co making bikes using bambo and hemp fiber for frame construction. Said to be lighter and stronger than metal or carbon fiber frames. Did see all 3 of the guys riding on one bike and rear rim folded up but no damage to the frame. The Co is trying to develop this for use in 3rd work countries.

The prgm is taking a simple look at things, no in depth discussion of merits or limits to what people are trying to do to cut down on energy use. Will at least look at a few more episodes.