THE HUMAN MOTOR: ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

Transportation vehicles designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels are discussed. An ultralight surface transportation vehicle for practical commuting which was advanced aerodynamics, structures and mechanisms is a possibility. Such a safe, all-weather vehicle for one or two persons seem feasible for operating with less than one horsepower. It is rated that there is potential for the photovoltari cell as a power source. These non-polluting cells will become quite inexpensive in the next few years. An aircraft, the delicate Gossamer Penguin, has been equipped with a solar panel powering an electric motor, and flown with a light-weight pilot on the sun's power. The Solar Challenger now under construction, will be strong enough for high-altitude flight and, with solar cells completely covering the wing, is scheduled for a San Diego to Los Angeles flight, and later, a Paris to London flight.

• Corporate Authors:

  Department of Energy

  Office of Consumer Affairs
  Washington, DC  United States  20585
• Authors:
  • MacCready, P
• Publication Date: 1980-9

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 22-23
• Serial:
  • Energy Consumer
  • Publisher: Department of Energy

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Commuting; Electric power; Electric vehicles; Fuel consumption; Human beings; Motors; Nuclear tests; Solar energy; Vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Nuclear testing
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00322696
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 21 1981 12:00AM