Re: Understanding nanotech

GBurch1@aol.com
Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:17:24 EDT

In a message dated 99-08-29 00:16:15 EDT, you write: 

> Then the third effect would be heat dissipation as a side effect of

> our use of nanotech devices, both for manufacturing (and disassembling),
> as well for simply operating our computers, utility fog, and other nifty
> nano devices. This energy-waste cost would also be present during the
> transition period as we convert from natural elements to manufactured
> devices for the first time.
>
> However as I noted originally, the energy to waste in this way all
> comes from solar, and should already have been accounted for in my
> first category.

Good point: You're not "making" "new energy" in the process of using nanotech devices. Also, shouldn't the over-all calculation take into account the heat "savings" we get from using more efficient industrial and technological process? Seems like reducing whatever current effect human technology has on the planet's heat budget would have to be offset against heat created by use of nanotech . . . of course, that's subject to the same idea contained in the first point, i.e. that the Earth's energy system has only one significant real input -- solar energy. 

     Greg Burch     <GBurch1@aol.com>----<gburch@lockeliddell.com>
     Attorney  :::  Vice President, Extropy Institute  :::  Wilderness Guide
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                         "Civilization is protest against nature; 
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