CaroKann - Slashdot User

Submission + - Wave powered boat to sail from Hawaii to Japan (popsci.com)

Submitted by CaroKann on Wednesday February 27, 2008 @09:38PM

CaroKann writes: In the middle of May 2008, Kenichi Horie, an adventurer known for such feats as paddling a pedal powered boat 4,660 miles from Hawaii to Okinawa in 1993, will be sailing a wave powered boat from Honolulu's Hawaii Yacht Club to the Kii Channel in Japan.
The boat, a 3-ton catamaran named the Suntory Mermaid II, works by virtual of the fins located at the front of the boat. These fins "generate thrust force by moving up and down like the tails of dolphins and whales and absorbing the energy of the waves." The system can propel the boat no matter which direction the waves come from. Because the wave propulsion system absorbs the energy from the waves, a passenger on the boat will experience a smooth ride.
With a top speed of about 5 knots, the journey is expected to take about 2 to 3 months. A regular diesel powered vessel can make the journey in about one month.
In addition to the wave propulsion system, the catamaran is outfitted with sails, solar cells to power its electronic equipment, and an outboard motor for emergencies.
The goal of this journey is to demonstrate that wave propulsion can work in the real world, possibly paving the way for its use in commercial shipping.

Submission + - DARPA's Driverless Vehicle Competition

Submitted by CaroKann on Wednesday October 03, 2007 @10:55AM

CaroKann writes: As USAToday reports, DARPA is hosting an autonomous ground vehicle competition in order to eventually choose a self-driving ground combat vehicle. Congress has declared that one third of all ground combat vehicles should be autonomous by 2015. The idea is to reduce the number of soldiers required to manage a convoy. The competition will test vehicles abilities to navigate in urban environments, including merging with traffic, handling intersections, navigating traffic circles, and avoiding obstacles. There are several dozen teams competing, including Oshkosh's TerraMax team.

Submission + - Nuclear Tech Race Is On In Middle East

Submitted by CaroKann on Saturday November 04, 2006 @01:06PM

CaroKann writes: The TimesOnline is reporting that six Middle Eastern nations have announced interest in developing nuclear technology. The nations involved are Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Middle East Economic Digest states that most of these nations are interested in developing nuclear technology for the purpose of powering desalination plants. However, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, suggests that the sudden interest in nuclear technology is driven by the desire of the six nations to create a "security hedge" in response to Iran's recent nuclear development program.

Submission + - George Lucas to Exit Big Movie Business

Submitted by CaroKann on Wednesday October 04, 2006 @09:37PM

CaroKann writes: Variety is reporting that George Lucas is getting out of the movie business. Mr. Lucas laments that today's big budget franchise films are too expensive and too risky. He believes American audiences are deserting their movie going habits permanently. Instead of making major films, Lucasfilm will instead focus on television. Lucas states that for the price of one $200 million big feature movie, "I can make 50-60 two hour movies" that are "pay-per-view and downloadable". Notably, he does not plan on distributing movies online, calling online distribution a "rathole".

Submission + - Vaporizing Garbage to Create Electricity

Submitted by CaroKann on Saturday September 09, 2006 @06:10PM

CaroKann writes: Geoplasma is planning to build a power plant in St. Lucie County, Florida that will generate electricity by vaporizing landfill trash and sewage treatment plant sludge with plasma arcs. It will be the first plant of its kind in the USA and the largest in the world. The power plant is expected to destroy 3000 tons of garbage, generating about 120 megawatts of electricity per day. The plant will also supply steam to a nearby Tropicana juice plant. The landfill is expected to be depleted in about 18 years. In addition, up to 600 tons of melted, hardened sludge will be produced each day and will be sold for road construction.

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