Authors: Robert Bryce
Power Hungry (52 page)
40
US Global Change Research Program, “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States,” June 16, 2009,
http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/download-the-report
, 9.
US Global Change Research Program, “Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States,” June 16, 2009,
http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/download-the-report
, 9.
41
Ibid., 12.
Ibid., 12.
42
Ibid., 157.
Ibid., 157.
44
Robert Bryce, “An Interview with Vaclav Smil,”
Energy Tribune
, July 2007,
http://www.robertbryce.com/smil
.
Robert Bryce, “An Interview with Vaclav Smil,”
Energy Tribune
, July 2007,
http://www.robertbryce.com/smil
.
45
ScienceDaily
, “Scientific Literacy: How Do Americans Stack Up?” February 27, 2007,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070218134322.htm
.
ScienceDaily
, “Scientific Literacy: How Do Americans Stack Up?” February 27, 2007,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070218134322.htm
.
46
California Academy of Sciences, “American Adults Flunk Basic Science,” February 25, 2009,
http://www.calacademy.org/newsroom/releases/2009/scientific_literacy.php
.
California Academy of Sciences, “American Adults Flunk Basic Science,” February 25, 2009,
http://www.calacademy.org/newsroom/releases/2009/scientific_literacy.php
.
47
The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, “Public Praises Science; Scientists Fault Public, Media,” July 9, 2009,
http://people-press.org/report/528/
.
The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, “Public Praises Science; Scientists Fault Public, Media,” July 9, 2009,
http://people-press.org/report/528/
.
48
C. P. Snow,
The Two Cultures
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998), 4. Available at
http://books.google.com/books?id=OyHm4sc6IPoC&dq=cp+snow+two+cultures&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=G7EySqSpE4G-MpvHiY8K&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#PPA4,M1
.
C. P. Snow,
The Two Cultures
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998), 4. Available at
http://books.google.com/books?id=OyHm4sc6IPoC&dq=cp+snow+two+cultures&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=G7EySqSpE4G-MpvHiY8K&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#PPA4,M1
.
49
Ibid., 14.
Ibid., 14.
50
Or, as Bill Spencer, the former director of Sematech, explained the first two laws of thermodynamics to me in the fall of 2009: “You can't get something for nothing; and you can't even break even.”
Or, as Bill Spencer, the former director of Sematech, explained the first two laws of thermodynamics to me in the fall of 2009: “You can't get something for nothing; and you can't even break even.”
51
Titu Andreescu, Joseph A. Gallian, Jonathan M. Kane, and Janet E. Mertz, “Cross-Cultural Analysis of Students with Exceptional Talent in Mathematical Problem Solving,”
Notices of the AMS
55, no. 10 (November 2008): 1256, available at
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/national/10math_report.pdf
.
Titu Andreescu, Joseph A. Gallian, Jonathan M. Kane, and Janet E. Mertz, “Cross-Cultural Analysis of Students with Exceptional Talent in Mathematical Problem Solving,”
Notices of the AMS
55, no. 10 (November 2008): 1256, available at
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/national/10math_report.pdf
.
52
Ibid., 1254.
Ibid., 1254.
53
U.S. Department of Education, “Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel,” 2008,
http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf
, xiii.
U.S. Department of Education, “Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel,” 2008,
http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf
, xiii.
54
Ibid., 3.
Ibid., 3.
55
Ibid.
Ibid.
56
The best analogy for electricity is to compare it to water flowing through a pipe. Voltage is akin to the pressure of the water flowing through the pipe. The current, which is akin to the flow of the water, is measured in amperes (amps). And the resistance to flow, which is measured in ohms, is similar to the resistance of a waterwheel that gets rotated by the flow of the water.
Chapter 3The best analogy for electricity is to compare it to water flowing through a pipe. Voltage is akin to the pressure of the water flowing through the pipe. The current, which is akin to the flow of the water, is measured in amperes (amps). And the resistance to flow, which is measured in ohms, is similar to the resistance of a waterwheel that gets rotated by the flow of the water.
2
Peter W. Huber and Mark P. Mills,
The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy
(New York: Basic Books, 2005), 27.
Peter W. Huber and Mark P. Mills,
The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy
(New York: Basic Books, 2005), 27.
3
Marshall Brain, “How Horsepower Works,” n.d.,
http://www.howstuffworks.com/horsepower.htm/printable
.
Marshall Brain, “How Horsepower Works,” n.d.,
http://www.howstuffworks.com/horsepower.htm/printable
.
4
Joule invented the British Thermal Unit (Btu).
Joule invented the British Thermal Unit (Btu).
5
One joule is the amount of energy needed to move an object with a force of 1 newton (N) over a distance of 1 meter (m). The newton is a unit of force named after Isaac Newton. One watt is equal to 1 joule per second (1 W = 1 J/s). Americans are well acquainted with the watt from buying lightbulbs, hair dryers, and various other appliances.
One joule is the amount of energy needed to move an object with a force of 1 newton (N) over a distance of 1 meter (m). The newton is a unit of force named after Isaac Newton. One watt is equal to 1 joule per second (1 W = 1 J/s). Americans are well acquainted with the watt from buying lightbulbs, hair dryers, and various other appliances.
7
Richard A. Muller,
Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
(New York: W. W. Norton, 2008), 72.
Richard A. Muller,
Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
(New York: W. W. Norton, 2008), 72.
8
Renewableenergyworld.com
, “US Geothermal Capacity Could Top 10 GW,” October 2, 2009,
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/10/us-geothermal-capacity-could-top-10-gw
.
Renewableenergyworld.com
, “US Geothermal Capacity Could Top 10 GW,” October 2, 2009,
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/10/us-geothermal-capacity-could-top-10-gw
.
9
Arnulf Grübler, “Transitions in Energy Use,” Encyclopedia of Earth, 2008,
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Energy_transitions
, 163.
Arnulf Grübler, “Transitions in Energy Use,” Encyclopedia of Earth, 2008,
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Energy_transitions
, 163.
10
Energy-density metrics for area are uncommon.
Energy-density metrics for area are uncommon.
11
John Pearley Huffman, “Generations,” May 8, 2003,
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=93327#3
.
John Pearley Huffman, “Generations,” May 8, 2003,
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=93327#3
.
13
Here's the math. The Fusion produces 70 horsepower per liter, while the Model T produces 7.6, and 70 divided by 7.6 equals 9.2. Thus, the Fusion engine has 9.2 times greater power density than the engine from the Model T.
Here's the math. The Fusion produces 70 horsepower per liter, while the Model T produces 7.6, and 70 divided by 7.6 equals 9.2. Thus, the Fusion engine has 9.2 times greater power density than the engine from the Model T.
14
Vaclav Smil,
Energies: An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere and Civilization
(Cambridge: MIT Press, 1999), 123.
Vaclav Smil,
Energies: An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere and Civilization
(Cambridge: MIT Press, 1999), 123.
15
Ibid., 120.
Ibid., 120.
16
Jad Mouawad and Kate Galbraith, “Plugged-In Age Feeds a Hunger for Electricity,”
New York Times
, September 20, 2009,
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/business/energy-environment/20efficiency.html?scp=2&sq=mouawad%20and%20electricity&st=cse
.
Jad Mouawad and Kate Galbraith, “Plugged-In Age Feeds a Hunger for Electricity,”
New York Times
, September 20, 2009,
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/business/energy-environment/20efficiency.html?scp=2&sq=mouawad%20and%20electricity&st=cse
.
18
Ibid., 390.
Ibid., 390.
19
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, “Apollo 11 Factoids,” n.d.,
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/apollo11/factoids.html
.
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, “Apollo 11 Factoids,” n.d.,
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/apollo11/factoids.html
.
20
Announced by an unnamed American Airlines pilot during Dallas to Austin flight, July 11, 2009.
Announced by an unnamed American Airlines pilot during Dallas to Austin flight, July 11, 2009.
21
John Kiewicz, “Top Fuel by the Numbers,”
Motor Trend
, February 2005,
http://sciencececc.ep.profweb.qc.ca/physique/Documents/Mecanique/Top_Fuel_by_the_Numbers.pdf
.
John Kiewicz, “Top Fuel by the Numbers,”
Motor Trend
, February 2005,
http://sciencececc.ep.profweb.qc.ca/physique/Documents/Mecanique/Top_Fuel_by_the_Numbers.pdf
.
23
CarandDriver.com
, “We Drive a Honda F1 CarâThe Big Day,” n.d.,
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q1/we_drive_a_honda_f1_car-sport/the_big_day_page_3
.
CarandDriver.com
, “We Drive a Honda F1 CarâThe Big Day,” n.d.,
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q1/we_drive_a_honda_f1_car-sport/the_big_day_page_3
.
25
InternetAutoguide, n.d.,
http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/1999/acura/tl/index.html
.
InternetAutoguide, n.d.,
http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/1999/acura/tl/index.html
.
26
“2010 Ford Fusion Review.”
“2010 Ford Fusion Review.”
27
John Pearley Huffman, “Generations,” May 8, 2003,
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=93327#3
.
John Pearley Huffman, “Generations,” May 8, 2003,
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=93327#3
.
28
Calculated by author from home A/C unit, which draws 19.2 amps at 220 volts, for 4,224 watts.
Calculated by author from home A/C unit, which draws 19.2 amps at 220 volts, for 4,224 watts.
30
Based on author's personal Yard Machines lawnmower.
Based on author's personal Yard Machines lawnmower.
31
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
32
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a toaster at 1,250 watts.
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a toaster at 1,250 watts.
33
Ben Hewitt, “Tour de Lance,”
Wired
, July 2004,
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.07/armstrong.html
.
Ben Hewitt, “Tour de Lance,”
Wired
, July 2004,
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.07/armstrong.html
.
34
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a coffeemaker at 800 watts.
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a coffeemaker at 800 watts.
35
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
36
Stan Jakuba, “Power Consumption and Generation in Bicycling and in Walking,” n.d. Jakuba estimates that walking at a speed of 2 miles per hour generates 106 watts.
Stan Jakuba, “Power Consumption and Generation in Bicycling and in Walking,” n.d. Jakuba estimates that walking at a speed of 2 miles per hour generates 106 watts.
37
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
38
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 27, 2009.
39
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 26, 2009.
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 26, 2009.
40
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a table fan at 25 watts.
“Home Wattage Calculator,” n.d.,
http://www.poweredgenerators.com/wattage-calculator.html
. This source puts a table fan at 25 watts.
41
Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 26, 2009.
Chapter 4Measured at author's home with a Kill A Watt, August 26, 2009.
1
U.S. Census Bureau,
Historical Statistics of the United States
, “Series Q 148â162, Motor-Vehicle Factory Sales and Registrations, and Motor-Fuel Usage: 1900 to 1970,” 716.
U.S. Census Bureau,
Historical Statistics of the United States
, “Series Q 148â162, Motor-Vehicle Factory Sales and Registrations, and Motor-Fuel Usage: 1900 to 1970,” 716.
2
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2009,
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/STAGING/local_assets/2009_downloads/renewables_section_2009.pdf
.
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2009,
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/STAGING/local_assets/2009_downloads/renewables_section_2009.pdf
.
3
Energy Information Administration, Table 1.3, “Primary Energy Consumption by Source, 1949â2008,”
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/txt/ptb0103.html
.
Energy Information Administration, Table 1.3, “Primary Energy Consumption by Source, 1949â2008,”
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/txt/ptb0103.html
.
5
Jeff Goodell,
Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future
(New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2008), 75. Goodell reported that the first significant rail line was built in the British coal town of Darlington to carry coal to the port at Stockton.
Jeff Goodell,
Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future
(New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2008), 75. Goodell reported that the first significant rail line was built in the British coal town of Darlington to carry coal to the port at Stockton.
6
Peter W. Huber and Mark P. Mills,
The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy
(New York: Basic Books, 2005), 4â5.
Peter W. Huber and Mark P. Mills,
The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy
(New York: Basic Books, 2005), 4â5.
7
American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, “Your State,” n.d.,
http://www.cleancoalusa.org/docs/state/
.
American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, “Your State,” n.d.,
http://www.cleancoalusa.org/docs/state/
.
8
Jalal Torabzadeh, “A Message from the Chair,” Los Angeles Basin SPE Section Newsletter, June 2009,
http://www.laspe.org/newsletters/june09nltr.pdf
.
Jalal Torabzadeh, “A Message from the Chair,” Los Angeles Basin SPE Section Newsletter, June 2009,
http://www.laspe.org/newsletters/june09nltr.pdf
.
9
Advanced Resources International, “Bringing Real Information on Energy Forward: Economic Considerations Associated with Regulating the American Oil and Natural Gas Industry,” April 24, 2009,
http://s3.amazonaws.com/propublica/assets/natural_gas/economic_consequences_report_april2009.pdf
, 2.
Advanced Resources International, “Bringing Real Information on Energy Forward: Economic Considerations Associated with Regulating the American Oil and Natural Gas Industry,” April 24, 2009,
http://s3.amazonaws.com/propublica/assets/natural_gas/economic_consequences_report_april2009.pdf
, 2.
10
That well was drilled about 43 miles south of Morgan City, Louisiana.
That well was drilled about 43 miles south of Morgan City, Louisiana.
11
Halliburton, “Brown & Root and Kerr-McGee Celebrate 50th Anniversary of First Producing Offshore Oil Well Out-of-Sight-Of-Land,” November 14, 1997,
http://www.halliburton.com/news/archive/1997/bresnws_111497.jsp
.
Halliburton, “Brown & Root and Kerr-McGee Celebrate 50th Anniversary of First Producing Offshore Oil Well Out-of-Sight-Of-Land,” November 14, 1997,
http://www.halliburton.com/news/archive/1997/bresnws_111497.jsp
.
12
Anadarko CEO James Hackett, interview with author for
Energy Tribune
, June 12, 2009,
http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1906
.
Anadarko CEO James Hackett, interview with author for
Energy Tribune
, June 12, 2009,
http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1906
.
13
Transocean, “Transocean Inc. and ChevronTexaco Announce New World Water-Depth Drilling Record in 10,011 Feet of Water,” November 17, 2003,
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Transocean_Inc_and_ChevronTexaco_Announce_New_World_Water_Depth_Drilling_Record_in_10_011_Feet_of_Water-20C4.html
.
Transocean, “Transocean Inc. and ChevronTexaco Announce New World Water-Depth Drilling Record in 10,011 Feet of Water,” November 17, 2003,
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Transocean_Inc_and_ChevronTexaco_Announce_New_World_Water_Depth_Drilling_Record_in_10_011_Feet_of_Water-20C4.html
.
14
Note that “extended-reach” wells are known for having long lateral (horizontal) sections. Transocean, “Transocean GSF Rig 127 Drills Deepest Extended-Reach Well,” May 21, 2008,
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Transocean-GSF-Rig-127-Drills-Deepest-Extended-Reach-Well-283C4.html
.
Note that “extended-reach” wells are known for having long lateral (horizontal) sections. Transocean, “Transocean GSF Rig 127 Drills Deepest Extended-Reach Well,” May 21, 2008,
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Transocean-GSF-Rig-127-Drills-Deepest-Extended-Reach-Well-283C4.html
.
15
Robert Bryce,
Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate
(New York: PublicAffairs, 2004), 26.
Robert Bryce,
Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate
(New York: PublicAffairs, 2004), 26.
16
William Fisher, geology professor, University of Texas at Austin, personal communication with author, April 8, 2009.
Chapter 5William Fisher, geology professor, University of Texas at Austin, personal communication with author, April 8, 2009.
1
Maury Klein,
The Power Makers: Steam, Electricity, and the Men Who Invented Modern America
(New York: Bloomsbury, 2008), 168.
Maury Klein,
The Power Makers: Steam, Electricity, and the Men Who Invented Modern America
(New York: Bloomsbury, 2008), 168.
2
Ibid., 172.
Ibid., 172.
3
Ibid., 159.
Ibid., 159.
4
Vaclav Smil,
Creating the Twentieth Century: Technical Innovations of 1867â1914 and Their Lasting Impact
(New York: Oxford University Press, 2005), 89.
Vaclav Smil,
Creating the Twentieth Century: Technical Innovations of 1867â1914 and Their Lasting Impact
(New York: Oxford University Press, 2005), 89.
5
Ibid., 60.
Ibid., 60.
6
“Yuhuan 1,000MW Ultra-Supercritical Pressure Boilers, China,” n.d.,
http://www.power-technology.com/projects/yuhuancoal/
. For more on ultra-supercritical technology, see “Supercritical Pressure Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant,” n.d.,
http://www.hitachi.com/environment/showcase/solution/energy/thermal_power.html
.
“Yuhuan 1,000MW Ultra-Supercritical Pressure Boilers, China,” n.d.,
http://www.power-technology.com/projects/yuhuancoal/
. For more on ultra-supercritical technology, see “Supercritical Pressure Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant,” n.d.,
http://www.hitachi.com/environment/showcase/solution/energy/thermal_power.html
.
7
Smil,
Creating the Twentieth Century
, 56. For weight and power rating, see American Society of Mechanical Engineers, “National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks: Edison âJumbo' Engine-Driven Dynamo and Marine-Type Triple Expansion Engine-Driven Dynamo,” May 29, 1980,
http://files.asme.org/ASMEORG/Communities/History/Landmarks/5537.pdf
.
Smil,
Creating the Twentieth Century
, 56. For weight and power rating, see American Society of Mechanical Engineers, “National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks: Edison âJumbo' Engine-Driven Dynamo and Marine-Type Triple Expansion Engine-Driven Dynamo,” May 29, 1980,
http://files.asme.org/ASMEORG/Communities/History/Landmarks/5537.pdf
.
8
“Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano,” n.d.,
http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/searchresults/index.cfm/action/selecttrim/make_vch/Ferrari/model_vch/599%20GTB%20Fiorano
.
“Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano,” n.d.,
http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/searchresults/index.cfm/action/selecttrim/make_vch/Ferrari/model_vch/599%20GTB%20Fiorano
.
9
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2008,
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/pdf/statistical_review_of_world_energy_full_review_2008.pdf
.
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2008,
http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/pdf/statistical_review_of_world_energy_full_review_2008.pdf
.
12
Keith Bradsher and David Barboza, “Pollution from Chinese Coal Casts a Global Shadow,”
New York Times
, June 11, 2006,
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/business/worldbusiness/11chinacoal.html?pagewanted=print
.
Keith Bradsher and David Barboza, “Pollution from Chinese Coal Casts a Global Shadow,”
New York Times
, June 11, 2006,
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/business/worldbusiness/11chinacoal.html?pagewanted=print
.
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