JJ Moss

Idiotics: Because Physics Cannot Explain Dumb Business Decisions I saw this display of flags on sale for the Fourth of July (and maybe January 6 again next year) at the local Lowe’s. The top of the box had the holes into which each flag is inserted. The holes are arranged in a nice grid pattern at the top of the box. But, if you think of each flag pole being a branch of a tree (and any tree has only one trunk), could we not have a pipe with a heavy base and have each flag pole inserted into a hole drilled into the pipe? Or even a ring around the pole with holes drilled at intervals along its perimeter? I could use the ( vertical) cube to store all these flags in an arrangement that resembles flowers in a vase….and reduce the storage footprint of 2-3 boxes. What do you think?

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In 2018 it was common to see arguments like this one as part of the whole bridge fuel argument. The argument was that natural gas would be needed and would help the transition to renewable power. "The flexibility of natural gas as an electricity-generating energy source -- plus long-term low prices -- will bring speed to the transition to renewable power." https://lnkd.in/epuYSBBv Storage has put that argument to rest. Natural gas is at historic low prices in the U.S. And yet, new investment is not going to new nat gas power generation.

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Democrats = Ban Fracking Republicans = Drill Baby Drill Ban fracking and the world will starve. We are running out of good places to drill. We need new energy technologies. #oilindustry #oilrig #oilchange #energyefficiency #energyiseverything #energyeconomy #drillbabydrill #banfracking

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Water diversions and agricultural runoff led to the environmental damage at the Salton Sea. This lack of water though could lead to very efficient mining of lithium so necessary for electric vehicles. With new battery technologies we may need less per vehicle. However the overall need will probably rise as the transportation sector electrifies. And hopefully the mining will lead to a clean up and restoration.

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In recent years, the landscape of renewable energy has experienced a seismic shift, with Sustainable Modular Reactors (SMRs) in nuclear power poised to eclipse wind and solar energy. As we witness the burgeoning growth of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), nuclear power emerges as a formidable companion, synergistically enhancing the energy grid’s resilience and efficiency. The pendulum, once firmly in favor of wind and solar, is now swinging decisively towards nuclear power. This transformation is driven by a confluence of technological advancements and shifting perceptions. The once-dominant narrative of nuclear energy as a perilous and cumbersome option is being supplanted by a new paradigm—one that showcases the safety, reliability, and sustainability of modern nuclear technology. Gone are the days of clunky, antiquated reactors plagued by safety concerns and inefficiencies. Today's nuclear technology, epitomized by SMRs, offers a scalable and secure alternative. These reactors are designed with enhanced safety features, incorporating passive safety systems that significantly mitigate the risk of accidents. Moreover, their modular nature allows for incremental capacity additions, aligning seamlessly with the fluctuating demands of the modern energy grid. As BESS technology continues its exponential growth, the synergy between nuclear power and energy storage becomes increasingly apparent. BESS provides the flexibility to store excess energy generated during low-demand periods, which can then be dispatched during peak usage times. This capability not only stabilizes the grid but also enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of energy supply. In this context, nuclear power's consistent and reliable energy output complements the variable nature of wind and solar, creating a more balanced and resilient energy ecosystem. Furthermore, the evolving public and political sentiment towards nuclear energy cannot be overstated. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, the imperative for a low-carbon, high-efficiency energy solution has never been more urgent. Nuclear power, with its negligible greenhouse gas emissions and robust energy output, is increasingly recognized as a critical component of a sustainable energy future. The rapid advancements in nuclear technology, coupled with the burgeoning growth of BESS, are catalyzing a paradigm shift in the renewable energy landscape. As outdated preconceptions fade and the merits of modern nuclear power come to the fore, it is poised to not only rival but potentially surpass wind and solar as the cornerstone of a sustainable energy future.

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In a breakthrough discovery, researchers from the University of Houston have identified possible reasons for the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible. The shape and materials used in its construction - cylindrical design and a mix of carbon fiber and titanium - might have catalyzed the disaster. Unlike the traditional spherical submersibles, Titan’s cylindrical body could have led to uneven pressure distribution, causing potential structural failures. The choice of mixing carbon fiber, which tends to endure more wear and tear, with titanium may have also contributed to potential weaknesses. The findings carry significant implications for the future of deep-sea exploration and submersible design. It reiterates the need for carefully considering the shape, material, and design when venturing into extreme conditions, potentially reshaping manufacturing practices in the industry. However, it also prompts a key question - How can we reconcile the need for innovation with adherence to time-tested safety norms in such crucial fields? Can we strike a balance between pushing the boundaries and ensuring safety? Your thoughts are most welcome. #DeepSeaExploration #SubmersibleSafety #InnovationVsSafety #TitanicExploration #MaterialScience

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What is pH and why does it matter? ph stands for potential of hydrogen and is a measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. When cultivating cannabis having a stable pH, depending on the substrate, allows for optimal nutrient uptake. As you can see below, macro and micro nutrients all have a preferred pH. A pH that is to low or to high can lead to macro or micronutrient toxicity or deficiency. Ideal ranges for coco and rockwool are 5.8-6.2. Soil can be slightly higher because it has the ability to hold on to more nutrients at 6.2-6.7. It’s all about finding the sweet spot, depending on the substrate to optimize growth. Infographic by Fluence

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Coal plants are getting old and unreliable. Extending coal power operations is not the answer to the transition gap. This interim gap is best bridged with transportable generation like mobile turbines and large gas turbine power barges. #coal #energytransition #gasturbine #renewableenergy #energystorage #powerbarges #gasturbine #ERCOT #MISO #PJM #NYISO #CAISO #ISONE #NERC #FERC

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In a desolate stretch of desert spanning West Texas and New Mexico, drillers are pumping more crude than Kuwait. The oil production is so frenzied that huge swaths of land are literally sinking and heaving. The land has subsided by as much as 11 inches since 2015 in a prime portion of the Permian Basin, as drillers extract huge amounts of oil and water, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of satellite data. In other areas where drillers dispose of wastewater in underground wells, the land has lifted by as much as 5 inches over the same period. The constant extraction and injection of liquids has wrought complex geologic changes, which are raising concerns among local communities long supportive of oil and gas.

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Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines are here. Here's what you need to know 👇 Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has made significant strides in this field through its Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) Consortium. The consortium has successfully converted a natural gas truck engine to run on hydrogen fuel. This conversion has led to a 99.7% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to diesel engines. The modified engine delivered 370 horsepower and 2025 Nm of torque. What makes this development particularly noteworthy is its practicality. The conversion process retained about 90% of the original engine parts, making it a viable solution for existing truck fleets. Key modifications include: ➡️New hydrogen injectors integrated into the intake manifold ➡️Upgraded boosting system for increased airflow ➡️Addition of active crankcase ventilation ➡️Adapted ignition system ➡️New engine controller installation This project was a collaborative effort, with contributions from industry leaders such as Bosch, MAHLE, and Woodward. The H2-ICE technology offers another pathway towards cleaner long-haul trucking, complementing green technologies like electric and fuel cell vehicles. I got to see it live recently, and it seemed like the future. Here's a video if it 👇 PS. Repost this to your network ♻️

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ACCELERATED CETP - This is a general poll for propane folks to gauge interest in ACCELERATED offerings of CETP classes. As an example, a CETP class and exam that is normally TWO days long can be had in an "accelerated" version of ONE day. Accelerated is not for everyone: see our overview doc on Accelerated classes at this link:  https://lnkd.in/gf_Xijdg.  We routinely offer CETP Basic Principles, Bobtail Delivery, Cylinder Delivery and others in an abbreviated format. For any CETP class, we will look to set a date for those "Books" that demonstrate sufficient interest in an accelerated offering.   Naturally, there is no obligation inferred by submitting answers to this poll. Thanks. Shane Sweet and Mike Digiorgio, propaneandoiltraining.com Poll link is here - https://lnkd.in/gRSpPsPD CETP 1.0 Basic Principles and Practices of Propane - typically 2 days; accelerated available  CETP 2.2 Bobtail Delivery Operations -  typically 2 days; accelerated available CETP 2.4 Cylinder Delivery operations -  typically 2 days; accelerated available CETP Combo 2.2 & 2.4 class - typically 4 days; accelerated available CETP 3.1-3.5 Basic Plant Operations - typically 3 days; accelerated available CETP 3.6 Performing Railcar Product Transfers and Maintaining DOT Intermodal Tanks - typically 3 days, accelerated available CETP 4.1 Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems - typically 2 days; accelerated available CETP 4.2 Placing Interior Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation - typically 2 days; accelerated available CETP 4.3 Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems; typically 3 days; accelerated available CETP 4.4 Basic Electricity for Propane Appliance Service; typically 4 days; accelerated available CETP 4.5 Basic Propane Appliance Service & Troubleshooting; typically 3 days; accelerated available CETP 4.6 Advanced Propane Appliance Service & Troubleshooting; typically 4 days, accelerated available CETP 5.1 Designing & Installing Dispenser Transfer Systems; typically 2 days; accelerated available CETP 8.0 Large Industrial/Commercial Gas-Fired Equipment Connection and Service; typically 3 days; accelerated available

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Professor, Your track record for nuclear science has been excellent all these years. Sometimes, your posts do get unwarranted comments that were directed personally at you instead of the subject at hand, which is unfortunate and uncalled for. In the age of AI, statements made by qualified academics, such as yourself, can either educate, or mis-inform. Importantly, academics, like other professionals such as journalists, lawyers, are to present a topic without fear, favor, bias. Your statement that nuclear radioactivity generated in the core of the nuclear reactor and sticking it into somebody's veins, combined with the descriptive term "literal", is mis-leading. I put it to you that, given the context, consequence and more importantly the professional stature of your good self, that you are encouraged to amend, clarify the said statement therein. Have a great weekend. #nuclear #money #management

It feels like right before the U.S. shale boom, but for underground / geologic hydrogen. To put this in perspective, U.S. shale production went from basically zero in 2008 to ~5,323 TWh in 2023 (~3.3 times global solar production in '23). Wind, solar, and batteries will continue to scale at amazing speeds, but not fast enough to avoid the climate crisis. We need more solutions that can scale in parallel with independent supply chains. Because it's so expensive to move, I think these H2 resources will primarily be used on site for power generation (grid and data centers) and ammonia generation (yes, this resource will probably be used in oil refining too, but hopefully we move on from oil ASAP). We need to track fugitive emissions from these resources and assess other impacts, but we should be excited about a new solution to complement the world's portfolio of decarbonization options. Talus Renewables has great solutions for distributed ammonia production and GE Vernova is working on power generation turbines that run on 100% H2 #hydrogen #climate https://lnkd.in/eKTrSWPw

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Fueling a gasoline Ford truck costs $17 per 100 miles. EV version of Ford truck costs $17.75 with home charging and $26.39 with commercial chargers. Let’ see…EVs cost more than gas-powered vehicles and now they cost more to power/fuel/charge. Why are we mandating the unwanted and expensive?

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Endless scolding of businesses that sell cheap fossil fuels to a public that wants to buy them is not working. Something positive is needed. Sam Norton. We know nothing is going to really change unless the general public decides to change their lifestyles or pay a higher price, and that will require amazing leadership. All it might take to start a grassroots movement are leaders who are willing to publically change their own lifestyles. To start: It's 2024, so stop flying and start video conferencing into Davos, the G7 meetings, the UN, China, etc. No traveling on weekends to Delaware, Camp David, etc. Vacation in place. Work on your vegetable gardens. Insist on knowledge workers working from home instead of commuting. Have zero international travel be the default and discourage domestic travel. Implement these policies across the Federal Government immediately. Change the rules to let Congress meet and vote online while they live in their district and stay local. Remove tariffs on less expensive EVs, battery storage, and solar panels so millions more Americans can't afford *not* to buy them. Instead of scolding, leaders could positively influence the public by living net zero lives in small, minimalist houses. Like Jimmy Carter did, they could run their own HVAC at less-than-comfortable temperatures. They could buy everything as locally as possible. No buying suits, ties, dresses, or shoes from elsewhere. They would consume nothing unnecessary—there would be no room in their small houses anyway. Recycling and repurposing their current possessions. Their vacation houses could be turned into natural areas, donated for tax breaks, and conserved in perpetuity. They could publish their monthly GHG emissions and compete to see who can have the lowest. If successful, this would spread from Senators to celebrities, news anchors, CEOs, and social media influencers. Maybe even to the leadership of other countries. Maybe then, with stories and videos of our leadership's happy, simple lives, they could convince the general public to live as they do--or else pay high carbon taxes or at least high fossil fuel taxes. Would the public still vote for them? If it worked well, and if the public followed along, GHG emissions would drop like a rock. A big drop in US consumption in a short time would collapse the US economy. A decade or two of (very painful) negative growth would mean even lower GHG emissions. Thus, we would have a cooler planet. Bonus: The public's high savings rates (with nothing to spend money on) and extra fossil fuel tax revenues might just allow us to pay off the debt and fund Medicare and Social Security. I doubt voters would support the leaders who asked them to sacrifice, but people do like their leaders to stick to their principles even if they disagree with them. So, maybe? Leaders, stop the scolding and show us how it is done.

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