INVENTOR Reveals BREAKTHROUGH Boat Motor - IS it REAL!?

Summary

This video explores innovative propulsion systems, highlighting a bionic technology inspired by jellyfish and dolphins. The system uses an undulating membrane for forward motion, eliminating propellers and reducing the risk of debris or wildlife entanglement. The video also compares this technology to the Magneto Hydrodynamic Drive (MHD), a fluid-based propulsion system. While both have potential, each faces challenges such as efficiency, noise, and scalability. Ultimately, these emerging systems offer exciting possibilities for the future of propulsion, though they still require development and refinement before they can replace traditional methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new bionic propulsion system, inspired by jellyfish and dolphins, operates without propellers and uses an undulating membrane for forward motion.
• 😀 Unlike traditional propulsion systems, the membrane-based system avoids risks like tangling with debris, fishing lines, or wildlife.
• 😀 The system works by replicating the efficient swimming motion of jellyfish, which generates propulsion through J-shaped movements and vortex rings.
• 😀 The Fex motor, a commercial adaptation of the technology, uses a 48V lithium battery, providing about 4 horsepower and can run for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 7 mph.
• 😀 One of the main challenges with the Fex motor is that its membrane needs to be replaced every two years, though the process is simple and involves just 12 bolts.
• 😀 The company is also developing a more powerful version that mimics dolphin movements, capable of delivering over 150 horsepower, though it’s still in prototype phase.
• 😀 The potential noise levels of the new propulsion system are unclear, but it may be quieter than traditional two- or four-stroke engines.
• 😀 Magneto-Hydrodynamic (MHD) drives, which accelerate electrically conductive fluid using Lorentz force, are also being explored as a potential propulsion system.
• 😀 While MHD drives have potential, they currently suffer from issues like low efficiency, the need for high magnetic flux, and the risk of corrosion in saltwater environments.
• 😀 DARPA is working on improving MHD technology with a 20 Tesla platform, which could lead to significant advancements, but it’s still facing technological hurdles.
• 😀 The Finx motor is an innovative development in propulsion, showing promise for certain applications, though its scalability and efficiency for larger vessels remain uncertain.

Q & A

What is unique about the new bionic propulsion system discussed in the transcript?

The bionic propulsion system is unique because it does not rely on traditional propellers. Instead, it uses an undulating membrane to create forward motion, which eliminates the risk of tangling with debris or wildlife.

What inspired the design of this bionic propulsion system?

The design of the bionic propulsion system was inspired by the jellyfish, known for its efficient swimming behavior. Jellyfish use an elastic body that recaptures energy as they move, enabling them to swim efficiently.

How does the jellyfish's propulsion system work?

The jellyfish creates J-propulsion through its opening bell, generating thrust via vortex rings. These vortex rings provide the necessary propulsion to the center of the jellyfish, allowing it to swim efficiently.

What are some of the limitations of the bionic propulsion system?

The bionic propulsion system has some limitations, including scalability issues, noise generation, and power limitations. The membrane also needs to be replaced after two years of use, and the system provides only a moderate amount of horsepower compared to traditional engines.

What is the maximum horsepower the first version of the bionic propulsion system produces?

The first version of the bionic propulsion system produces around 4 horsepower at 7 mph.

How long can the bionic propulsion system operate on a full charge?

The bionic propulsion system can operate for about 1 hour and 45 minutes on a full charge.

What is the potential for scaling up the bionic propulsion system to higher horsepower?

The second concept of the bionic propulsion system, inspired by dolphins, could provide over 150 horsepower. However, this version is still in the prototype phase and raises concerns about the redundancy of the fins and noise production.

What are Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drives and how do they work?

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drives work by accelerating an electrically conductive fluid through the Lorentz force, replacing the solid moving rotor of traditional motors with a fluid acting directly as the propellant. This method eliminates the need for moving parts like rotors.

What challenges does the MHD system face?

The MHD system faces several challenges, including low efficiency, the need for high magnetic flux, energy source requirements, and corrosion problems in saltwater. Additionally, it requires superconducting coils and specialized equipment.

What are the current efforts to improve MHD technology?

DARPA is working on improving MHD technology by addressing material corrosion problems and developing more efficient energy sources. They aim to use high magnetic flux platforms (20 Tesla) in the future, which could lead to substantial improvements.