Written by Kris Land
Combustible engines have become an important part of our society. The force created by expanding gasses
and high temperatures is used to provide energy for the engine. The earliest concepts behind the modern combustion engine were developed as earl as 1206, when Muslim scholar Al-Jazari developed a reciprocating piston pump with a crank connecting rod. Later, the Chinese, Arabs and Mongols dabbled with a rocket engine that utilized an internal combustion engine design in the 13th century.
The timeline of the combustion engine has many significant dates on it, and was truly a contributor to the growth of many civilizations. Unfortunately, the combustion engine of today is not the most efficient tool we have at our disposal. It has been used in so many ways, from automobiles to marine vessels and portable machinery. Such widespread use has benefitted many industries, but has had negative impacts on the earth through excessive emissions.
Now that we know more about how our actions impact the earth, many individuals and groups are working towards a better, cleaner future. The task is not an easy one, but one day we will be able to replace our outdated combustion engines with a redesigned version that offers just as much power without the high level of emissions.
Without a change, our impact on the planet will not get any better. Improvements have already been made, with more just over the horizon. In China, a study is being performed on the free-piston linear alternator, or FPLA. This mechanism could possibly improve fuel efficiency and emissions of hybrid vehicles. If this technology proves fruitful, who knows where else it could be implemented.
The Sea Bird will contribute to the green movement as well by proving that a sea faring vessel can operate effectively using technology that significantly reduces emissions. With the help of caring contributors who show their support through donations and sponsorship, the Sea Bird will be refitted with cutting-edge technology that could completely shift the way many companies operate. The Sea Bird is a proud ship with a lengthy heritage spanning many decades. Her resume includes time in the military, in the film Mister Roberts, and in the commercial fishing industry. Although she may seem like an unlikely candidate to encourage the use of green technology, she is preparing to do just that. Companies and individuals are asked to help us prove to the world that businesses can operate with powerful combustion engines that meet very low emissions requirements.
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Related Articles:
San Diego Dry Dock (part 2)Chris Conant
Gas vs. Diesel vs. Tesla TurbineSarah Paulin
Global Climate Change vs. Global WarmingSarah Paulin
Powering the Sea Bird: The G50 Baldor Reliance AC VC MotorKris Land
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Breaking News
If you do not recycle this, it will take a million years to decompose.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
