There was an added intention of restoring the Scottish-made beam engine pump machinery to full working order.

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Controlling steering using electric motors also helps to reduce fuel consumption and hence carbon-dioxide emissions. (Electric motors require power only when the steering wheel is turned, whereas a hydraulic pump drains power from the engine all the time.) Ford reckons 90% of its cars will have electronic steering within three years.

ECONOMIST: Rational consumer

During periods of high demand, the heat pump runs in reverse as a heat engine, expanding and cooling the argon and generating electricity.

ECONOMIST: Energy storage

It is powered by an engine which drives a hydraulic pump to send oil under high pressure around its plumbing in order to animate its limbs.

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