Topic: Diesel Engines

The Hindenburg and Graf Zeppelin are presented as engineering marvels that utilized buoyancy to achieve extreme fuel efficiency compared to modern fixed-wing aircraft. The Hindenburg used diesel engines consuming only 200 gallons per hour, allowing it to cross the Atlantic in 50 hours with a fraction of the fuel weight required by modern jets. Price argues that the airship era offered a luxurious and safe alternative to ocean travel that was intentionally dismantled.

The engine manufacturer Cummins has developed dedicated alcohol engines that leverage the fuel's high octane rating to produce more power from smaller displacements. These engines are expected to last up to two million miles, challenging the corporate strategy of planned obsolescence. Blume notes that these engines are currently being deployed for delivery trucks with plans to expand to consumer vehicles.

Producing biodiesel from waste vegetable oil collected from local restaurants provides a low-cost alternative to commercial fuel, costing approximately 50 cents per gallon. The process involves treating the oil with methanol and lye in simple containers rather than complex manufacturing setups. This method is presented as more reliable than running straight vegetable oil, which often leads to clogged fuel lines and filter issues.