The idle power of Windows PCs can be exploited to help Linux machines running CPU-consumptive program.

It is much more simple and practical than the traditional method and can be used widely in the test of idle power and efficiency, and in the research on energy saving of machine tools.

The tugboat could draw extra power from the battery when full-power surges were needed, and turn its diesel engines off altogether when it was idle, allowing the battery to power other equipment.