Archive for January, 2009

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Make Cash With Renewable Energy

Saturday, January 31st, 2009
Max Loodlin asked:


Renewable energy is becoming more and more popular in many places around the world. Why? Because it does not harm the environment and it can help save a lot of money. There is also an infinite supply of green energy because it is all natural. But there is even a greater benefit of using renewable energy. You can actually make money from it.

If you build your own wind turbine or solar panel generator you can actually save money and make money. By building your own natural energy you will be able to power your home without having to pay the utility company. Now, this isn’t the most likely thing to happen but if you find the right guide and put forth effort it is definitely realistic.

In order to make money from your natural power system you will need to be producing more energy than your are using. This is rather difficult to do but worth it in the end. You will be saving hundreds of dollars every month by doing so.

At the very least you can use a wind turbine or solar power generator to power small appliances and minimize the cost of your energy bill. Even then, you will be saving plenty of money in the long run. And the best part about building your own natural power is that it can be very cheap as long as your have a reliable DIY green energy guide.

If you think you are interested in saving a ton of time and money then you should check out the guide below. Just click the link.

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower



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Finding Safer Alternative Energy - Reasons For Its Urgency

Friday, January 30th, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Our country reels from energy-related problems. The price of gasoline continues to rise. More threats come from the unpredictable economic and political conditions in the Middle East, Iraq, Iran and other countries. If anything, these problems have indicated the extent of dependence of the United States economy on imported oil.

The need to chart new directions on the matter of energy production and supply has become unavoidable for Americans. We need to cut our dependence on imported oil and find viable alternative energy sources. Experts contend that the time for relatively cheap fuel is over, and that we must be ready to pay for its escalating cost unless we succeed in developing cost-effective alternative energy sources. With our technologically-advanced and energy-dependent society, the need for fresh technologically and financially viable alternative energy cannot be avoided.

The environmentalists add their voices to the call for a swift to alternative fuel due to damages inflicted on the environment by petroleum-generated power. Globan warming, water and air pollution have been identified as some of the many environmental risks we expose ourselves to from extensive use of fossil fuel.

Nevertheless, we must also exercise caution in developing alternative energy. Coal, for example, is not inspiring. It is dirty, dangerous to extract, and is also harmful to the environment. Surely, there must be other alternative sources of energy that are safer to process and more environment-friendly, and to which we must turn our primary focus.

Other countries are likewise hard pressed to pursue an alternative energy agenda. It can be assumed that they also contribute to the worsening global climate, and the responsibility for addressing the problem needs to be shared by all. European countries and the United States have made initial advances in the search for alternative energy towards not only reducing their dependence on fossil fuel but also on cleaning up the environment.

The developing countries need to follow our lead in collecting relevant research data and developing alternative energy technologies. The level of government and private research and development collaboration in this field augurs well for strengthening our technological edge. Added benefits thus await from bright prospects of marketing these technologies to other countries.

Other alternative sources of energy that continue to merit further investigation are hydro-electric technology, bio-fuels from trees and beans, natural gas, atomic energy plants, hydrogen cells, and solar energy. Currently getting extra attention from experts is determining the overall viability of wind and solar energy, as well as of generating electricity with hydrogen.

Expectations are high that more sources of better quality alternative energy can be found and put in operation while research and development in this field continues. By then we can look forward to ride our cars and sustain our technologically advanced societies with less fear of further damaging our environment.



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Beating the High Price of Gasoline with Biodiesel

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Joseph Then asked:


With the price of traditional fuel rising faster everyday, people everywhere are looking for alternatives. Electric cars were once touted as the way to save the environment and beat the cost of gasoline, but they are so expensive that very few people can afford to save money by purchasing one.

Alternative fuels have long been discussed as a way to cut fuel prices and help the environment, but with the specialized engines they require, and their inability to pass the regulation tests required by the EPA, they have been a disappointment. The more solutions that are offered to the problem of high fuel costs and dangerous emissions, the further it seems we are from a solution…until now.

There is a fuel alternative that is all that it has promised to be and more. Biodiesel is not only cost effective it is environmentally friendly, as well. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and made from renewable resources. That means that when you use biodiesel to power the engine of your car you aren’t robbing the earth of the riches meant for your grandchildren to enjoy.

Unlike the previous vegetable oil based fuels that can only be used in modified, specially made combustion- ignition engines, biodiesel can be used in its basic form to power the everyday diesel engines on the market today. That means that a simple to make batch of biodiesel could be used to power the family car on its daily errands.

Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel meaning that it can be sold and distributed just like the gasoline you pump into your car at the gas station. Unlike traditional gasoline, biodiesel isn’t as widely available for the average consumer. It can be purchased directly from distributors and manufactures and it is sold a few select stations around the country. If you are interested in trying biodiesel in your car, your best chance of finding it is to make it yourself.

The process is surprisingly easy and the ingredients are readily available. By simply mixing lye, alcohol, and vegetable oil in the right amounts, you can great biodiesel. This economical alternative fuel is made through the simple chemical process of transesterification. During this process, the glycerin is removed from fat or vegetable oil. The process naturally leaves behind byproducts, including methyl esters, which is the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, commonly used in soap production. Biodiesel is completely free of sulfur and aromatics, something that can’t be said about traditional fuels.

Batches of biodiesel can be mixed up in small or large sizes and if done effectively will end up costing about seventy cents a gallon.



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Alternative Energy Investments - How They Can Reap Profits

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Business hunches are catching on the unfolding attraction of profits offered by alternative energy investments. Their clue comes from highly informed analysis showing that “green” energy production is all systems go to become a multi-billion business by 2013.

The alternative energy frontier has recently expanded its vast horizons. The newly crafted wind turbine technologies, for example, have given us fresh glimpses of how cost-effective wind-powered energy can become. They are gaining support due largely to their superior long-term viability in comparison with what traditional energy technologies offer. With initial successes, industry players are expected to jump on the bandwagon, further fueling possibilities of increased investments in wind technology research and production.

Another example is photovoltaic or solar cell alternative energy technology. This technology has long been in use to energize pocket calculators, personal asset lights, US Coast Guard buoys and other related implements. Now its uses have been increasing, like gracing housing roofs, commercial and other industrial complexes. While the cost of the technology continues to drop, its efficiency ratio continues to rise. The efficiency ratio of energy conversion using silicon cells has risen from only 4 per cent in 1982 to more than 20 per cent in recent years with application of the latest technologies. Moreover, photovoltaic cells do not emit pollutants because they merely produce electrical power. The downside of PV cells is that they are currently not as cost-efficient when compared to the commercial electric-generating facilities. Their production capability at a scale remains constrained due to their space requirements. But with increasing availability of areas where PV cells can be placed in adequate number, the PV technology has become an attractive business proposition.

Alternative energy investment experts also believe that alternative sources of energy from tidal currents or movements as well as temperature differentials offer new and huge business potentials. France continues to lead in developing hydro power technology research and production. The United States and Scotland, among other countries, are also deep in their own researches on hydro power generation. There had been initial difficulties in this field, owing in part to the decline of salt water metals, proliferation of barnacles and turbulent storms, among other things, which impeded stable energy generation. But current breakthroughs have addressed these concerns such as by using alternative and better industrial materials. It also helps that people are having a better understanding on ocean currents and ocean waves. Many things are working for ocean-powered energy, not the least of which being its reliability and renewability.

Elsewhere, investments in hydro-electric technology have increased in the last 20 years. Hydro-electric power is environmentally clean. The problem with dams that make use of water and gravity to run turbines and generate electricity is their limited availability. Not many dams can be viably constructed in relation to total demand for energy. The giant dams have also been blamed for despoiling the marine eco-system. Efforts to address these concerns require big and sometimes prohibitive expenses such that focus has turned to low-impact “run-of-the-river” hydro-power-generating facilities. While they remain potent as sources of electric power, these relatively smaller facilities are not ecological hazards.

Green energy is the way to go. Alternative sources of energy are environmentally safe even as they respond to our growing need for power. This sunrise industry beckons. We would be well-advised to go with the current and invest in it.



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Uk Boat Owners On The Look-Out For Biodiesel

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Keith McGregor asked:


As November 1st 2008 approaches and the end to UK Red Diesel derogation, yacht owners are sharing an interest in alternative fuels one being Biodiesel. What are the benefits for boat owners and who will supply it?

Biodiesel refers to a non-petroleum-based diesel fuel made vegetable oils or animal fats.

There are many advantages of marine biodiesel as a marine fuel



Biodiesel serves as a drop-in replacement for petro diesel — no conversion necessary.

Biodiesel when used in boats causes less water pollution – there is less smoke and it is safer to store.

Biodiesel production uses a third less energy than petroleum diesel production.

High lubricity extends engine life

Higher cetane rating (46-62) almost always smoothes engine operation

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum-based diesel at any ratio

Biodiesel contains essentially no sulfur or aromatics. Blends as low as B20 have reduced soot exhaust by 83%. Biodiesel removes deposits in tanks and fuel systems left by petro diesel.

Cheaper than the current red diesel prices of 88pence per litre even before the additional 54.94p in duty to be added from 1st Nov 2008.



Disadvantages



Doesn’t store as well as petro diesel

Possibility of blocked filters as it cleans the lines out and failed rubber seals as Biodiesel is a better solvent than mineral diesel

Blends of more than 5% (B5) to 95% (B95) may invalidate engine warranties

No Bio Diesel suppliers and blending facilities in marinas or boatyards at present.



Conclusion

Whilst at present there are no direct suppliers of marine biodiesel for boat owners, there are plans for the 2009 Portland Marina in Dorset to supply biodiesel and several marinas advise they have spare tank capacity to store another grade of oil.

A recent farm-based bio-diesel plant in North Wales has been reported as receiving interest from yacht and boat owners already. BML Biofuels, based at Llanfihangel GM, near Corwen is the first plant in Wales - and only the second in Britain - to extract oil by cold pressing oilseed rape (OSR). At the resulting cost 45p-55p/litre for the first 2,500 litres plus tax, it’s then no surprise BML Biofuels has already received maritime inquiries as far afield as Portsmouth since its official June opening.

With the higher cost or red diesel and a government under pressure to meet renewable fuel targets Biodiesel is likely to become a key ingredient in the refueling of motor yachts over the next decade.



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Green Energy - Biofuels, the Real Solar Power

Sunday, January 25th, 2009
drohilm asked:


We live in a world eager for new resources of energy. But despite the huge progress and development of green energy and renewable resources, we did not yet reach the goal of good fossil fuels replacements.

There are several directions of research for new energy sources, but all of them cannot supply enough energy to make a real change. The real “green” resources are wind, waves, hydro and geothermal power, which are good resources, but certainly not sufficient to supply the demands.

The more promising sources of energy are:

1.Solar energy – which is for now very inefficient and expensive.

2. Hydrogen - which is hard to produce right now.

3. biofuels – that can compromise our food supply.

The question is – what is the most promising? – in what resource we should invest?

Before we all start to walk in the solar power road, we first must understand that for now, biofuels are the real solar power supply.

why is that? well, our solar harvesting devices are very insufficient comparing to engines using fossil fuels. but from where these fuels came from? well, these fuels come from ancient plants and animals that were much more efficient in term of harvesting the sun’s energy. I am talking about photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is one of the most efficient processes on earth, maybe the most competent. Cyanobacteria, algae and plants can use almost 100% of the sun’s energy to produce chemical energy. nearly hundred percents of the light captured buy the photosynthesis apparatus, is transformed to electric currents and then to chmical energy stored in sugars and fats. these sugars and fats turn to be our fuels millions of years later.

But today’s plats and algae can still produce this solar energy as good as they did millions of years ago, and we use this energy in our foods to maintain our lives. Agriculture was the driving force that first let humans to control this enormous energy supply, and probably was the main trigger for the development of the human society.

In order the satisfy the ever growing demand for energy in the modern and post-modern society, we must increase a little beat our agricultural skills. Why we need to re-invent new ways to harvest the sun’s fruit, when evolution already sis it for us, and created an amazing machinery in plants?

The real goal of the people who seek for new energy sources should be dramatically increasing the yield of the agricultural production, in order to be able to use plants sugars and fats to produce ethanol, biodiesel and other bio-fuels to use in the modern industry and transportation.

Let change our investments from traditional engineering approaches to bio-engineering, guiding our research toward more proficient production of biodiesel and ethanol, the easily accessible solar power.



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The Best Biodiesel Filter for You

Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Matt Oconnor asked:


The processing of biodiesel may require a number of biodiesel filters in order to ensure that the end product is of excellent quality. When you try to recycle waste vegetable or surplus corn oil and make them into biodiesel, you might need a biodiesel filter for your engine to make sure that contaminants can’t enter into the engine and damage it. Different biodiesel filters may be required for a number of different applications.

Biodiesel filters should have the following properties in order to work best in any given conditions:

1. High Temperature Properties. Almost any filter media can be used for water-based products. But in the case of filtering hot oils, resins and other high temperature products, a filter media that can withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures is preferred. Biodiesel filters should be able to have excellent high temperature properties to be able to handle the filtration of biodiesel well enough.

2. Excellent Filtering. Biodiesel filters should be able to filter out the contaminants well enough in order to make a better grade product. All filters have a micron rating that determines the size of the particles that can be effectively captured by the filter media. A biodiesel filter having a 5 micron rating is preferred to provide excellent filtering properties.

3. Chemical Compatibility. A biodiesel filter should be able to withstand exposure to such chemicals as solvents, acids and alkaline solutions. A lesser quality filter may break down when exposed to such chemicals. Make sure that the biodiesel filter that you use has the property to withstand breaking down when exposed to such chemicals.

Biodiesel has become a very popular fuel alternative to petroleum-based fuel today. That is why more and more people are trying to make use of biodiesel in order to lessen their reliance on fuels based on fossil oil, which can pollute the environment. With biodiesel, people have the option to make use of a cleaner alternative. Here are just some of the key advantages of using biodiesel:

1. The use of biodiesel produces at least an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Not only that, biodiesel contains little or even no sulfur content that can result in as much as a hundred percent less sulfur dioxide being released in the air.

2. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel available that can run in any conventional diesel engine. Other alternative fuels such as waste or straight vegetable oil may require your diesel engines to be modified. This is not so with biodiesel. Anyone can use biodiesel immediately to fuel any conventional diesel engine today.

3. Biodiesel contain less unwanted contaminants that can do some damage to diesel engines. Biodiesel also has better lubricating properties than petroleum-based diesel and can help protect and extend the life of diesel engines. It’s a better solvent than petro-diesel and may therefore help clean the fuel lines and the engine itself by dissolving fuel residues and flush them out.

4. Biodiesel in non-toxic. It is safer to handle and transport. It is also highly biodegradable and has a higher flashpoint than conventional diesel.

5. Biodiesel can be produced from renewable oilseed crops such as soybeans, canola and mustard seed. As a renewable resource, production of this alternative fuel can go on and on as long as cultivation of such crops is continued. There is also research being done in trying to raise and harvest oil-rich algae as another source for the production of biodiesel.



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Utilities - Green Energy in the UK

Friday, January 23rd, 2009
David Collins asked:


With all this talk of the rising cost of energy and oil prices – as well as the never-ending debate of climate change - many are turning to alternative methods of generating power in order to save money on their utility bills.

There are a wide range of methods for harvesting natural energy – such as wind power, with some even converting their car engines to run off reprocessed vegetable oil, or biofuel.

Choosing to generate power from natural resources is by no means cheap, however the long term benefits still attract many to the idea in many ways – from setting up turbines at their homes to recycling materials.

There are many companies which specialize in products that capture and convert energy from natural resources, including solar power.

As technology advances, the methods of capturing natural energy have the potential to become smaller, lighter and more affordable to run.

Wind turbines have remained a much discussed alternative energy technique, with a mixed reaction from the public regarding the construction of turbines to help reduce levels of carbon emissions from power stations.

However, home turbines and solar panels are now becoming a popular addition to households who are looking to save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Indeed, many countries in the Mediterranean region make use of solar panels to help power houses and businesses.

You may think that in a country such as the UK, where the sun appears to elude us at times this could seem pretty useless. However, solar panels are not dependent on hot weather, for a small amount of energy can still be generated just from normal daylight alone.

And the equipment itself is getting lighter, meaning that installation can be simplified because of the reduction in weight. However it is still advisable to seek advice from a surveyor before deciding to install solar panels.

With the credit crunch causing increases in everything from credit cards to gas and electricity bills, people are looking for more affordable means of generating their own power in order to cut down on their utility bills.

Wind turbines store energy from a rotor, where power is generated as the blades are turned. Energy that is harvested through home turbine kits can be used as part of the energy used in your home.

Some energy companies will offer the opportunity to reduce the cost of your electricity bill by giving some of the energy back to the grid.

However it’s best to check with your neighbours before taking the decision to install a small unit on the side of your property – for what may be saving money for yourself may be considered an eyesore by others.



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Creating Biodiesel

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
roosterbob asked:


Biodiesel, is an alternative for petroleum-based fuel derived from vegetable oil. Imagine a car running on cooking oil! The reasons that trigger this shift may be attributed to our conscious efforts to resuscitate and alleviate the strain brought by petroleum’s nasty effects and, of course, its spiking costs.

For those of you who plan to purchase biodiesel processors and manufacture your own fuel alternative, a simple internet search will reflect hundreds if not thousands of results. As for the process, well, that is a whole new ballgame. If you will take a few minutes to actually read the instructions found over the internet, there are those that involve simple, straightforward steps on brewing biodiesel. Then there are those that provide complicated procedures coupled with numerous precautions.

The latter may be complicated but it still is feasible. And to be honest, that is the better choice between the two. It may be tied with few more steps and specifications, but this is what you actually need in making biodiesel: precise calculation and clear-cut directions, not to mention extra pointers for safety, too.

Producing this liquid gold requires patience. It may take you half a day or a whole, even. But if you have biodiesel processors, the brewing time may be reduced. Though it will also depend on the amount of fuel you want to make. After the wait, you will have a fuel that is eco-friendly and less pricey.

The Short Explanation of How to Make Biodiesel (No Specs Here)

Biodiesel is essentially derived from vegetable oils, right? So it is but appropriate that you start scavenging for left over oils. You can visit your, favorite fast food joint or restaurant and make arrangements for your share of used oil. Once you have it loaded in plastic containers, you have to filter it out to take away any solid food particles. Afterwards, the oil is heated to a certain temperature then mixed with alcohol and lye.

Usually, when one buys biodiesel processors and kits, it comes with a detailed guide on how to concoct the same, including the ideal heating temperature, the approximate brewing time per batch, and the like. So it is important that you purchase a biodiesel equipment from a credible and knowledgeable establishment.

Going back, when everything is mixed, what is supposed to happen is the separation of the glycerin (bottom) and the biodiesel will float atop of it.

Biodiesel Caution: this mixture may prove to be unsafe for the inexperienced one. Bear in mind that the ingredients themselves are dangerous—you should not breathe it nor make direct contact with it (protective gloves and eyewear are mandatory).

Reaping the Fruits of Labor

As a transport fuel, biodiesel boasts a lot of advantages. Let us enumerate:

•    Lower emissions, meaning cleaner burning fuel

•    Made from renewable sources found within the country’s borders, so we need not knock at the doors of petrol barons

•    It does not, in any way, affect the engine’s performance.

Actually, biodiesel processors create a fuel that has a viscosity twice better than that of its pure diesel counterpart. This gives the advantage of high lubrication without the use of sulfur. No sulfur means no sulfur dioxide emission which is a primary element of acid rain. And do not forget the reduction of carbon dioxide emission, which as we all know, triggers greenhouse effect. Remember, biodiesel is derived from plants (which breathe CO2), so there is no increase of carbon dioxide from using it.

Armed with the knowledge to harness biodiesel, we can truly appreciate that this is an effective petro-diesel substitute, not to mention its environmental and economical significance, as well.



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Hybrid Cars

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Sarah Johns asked:


A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more discrete power sources to propel the vehicle. Common power sources include:

• On-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fueled power source (internal combustion engine or fuel cell)

• Air engine and internal combustion engines

• Human powered bicycle with electric motor or gas engine assist

• Human-powered or sail boat with electric power

The term most frequently refers to Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) which comprises internal combustion engines and electric motors.

Early hybrid systems are being examined for trucks and other heavy highway vehicles with a few operational trucks and buses initial to come into use. The chief barrier seem to be smaller fleet sizes and the extra costs of a hybrid system are yet remunerated for by fuel savings, but with the price of oil set to persist on its upward trend, the tipping point might be reached by the end of 2008. Advances in technology and lesser battery cost and higher capacity etc. urbanized in the hybrid car industry are already filtering into truck use as Toyota, Ford, GM and others initiate hybrid pickups and SUVs. Kenworth Truck Company lately introduced a hybrid-electric truck, called the Kenworth T270 Class 6 that for city usage appear to be competitive. FedEx and others are preparatory to invest in hybrid delivery type vehicles—mainly for city use where hybrid technology may pay off first. The U.S. military is inspecting hybrid Humvees and other vehicles.

When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it normally refers to a Hybrid electric vehicle. These cover such vehicles as the AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, and the Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid normally uses internal combustion engines and electric batteries to control electric motors. There are loads of types of petroleum-electric hybrid drivetrains, from Full hybrid to Mild hybrid, which proffer varying merits and demerits.

While liquid fuel/electric hybrids in the late 1800s, the braking regenerative hybrid was invented by David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Springdale, Arkansas in 1978-79. His home-converted Opel GT was reported to get as much as 75MPG and plans are still sold to this novel design, and the “Mother Earth News” customized version on their website.

Hybrid fuel (dual mode)

Additionally, vehicles that use two or more different devices for propulsion, some also deem vehicles that use discrete energy sources or input types (”fuels”) using the same engine to be hybrids, even though to avoid confusion with hybrids as described above and to use in the approved manner the terms, these are perhaps more suitably described as dual mode vehicles:

• A few electric trolleybuses can switch between an on board diesel engine and

Overhead electrical power depending on circumstances (see dual mode bus). In principle, this could be pooled with a battery subsystem to create a true plug-in hybrid trolleybus, though as of 2006, no such design seems to have been announced.

• Flexible-fuel vehicles can be able to use an assortment of input fuels (petroleum and biofuels) in one tank — characteristically gasoline and bioethanol or biobutanol, though diesel-biodiesel vehicles would also meet the criteria.

• Dual mode: Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas are diverse from petroleum or diesel and cannot be used in the identical tanks, so it would be unfeasible to build an (LPG or NG) flexible fuel system. As an alternative vehicles are built with two, parallel, fuel systems feeding one engine. While the replicated tanks cost space in some applications, the augmented range and flexibility where (LPG or NG) infrastructure is incomplete may be a noteworthy incentive to purchase.

• Few vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars customized to run on autogas (LPG) and diesels customized to run on waste vegetable oil that has not been processed into biodiesel.

• Power-assist mechanisms for bicycles and additional human-powered vehicles are also integrated.

Fluid power hybrid

Hydraulic and pneumatic hybrid vehicles employ an engine to charge a pressure accumulator to drive the wheels through hydraulic or pneumatic (i.e. compressed air) drive units. The energy recovery rate is elevated and therefore the system is more efficient than battery charged hybrids, demonstrating a 60% to 70% increase in energy economy in EPA testing. Under tests performed by the EPA, a hydraulic hybrid Ford Expedition returned 32 mpg–U.S. (7.35 L/100 km / 38.4 mpg–imp) City, and 22 mpg–U.S. (10.69 L/100 km / 26.4 mpg–imp) highway

The most recent hybrid technology is the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The PHEV is inclusive of a gasoline-electric hybrid whose battery pack (usually Li-ion) is upgraded to a superior capacity, which can be recharged by moreover a battery charger curved into the electrical grid or the gasoline engine (only if required). The car runs on battery power for the first 10 to 60 miles (16–100 km), with the gasoline engine on hand for faster speeding up, etc.

After the battery is almost discharged, the car reverts to the gasoline engine to recharge the battery and/or return the car to the charging station. This may get around the fundamental barrier of battery range that has made nearly all pure electric cars impractical. Fuel rates, in principle, may be as low as 5 cents/mile. It’s not obvious yet whether converting an existing hybrid car will ever pay for itself in fuel savings.

The major problem is finding a good, cheap, high-energy battery pack—the equivalent problem that has plagued the unpolluted electric car. If everyone plugged into the function grid to charge up their car this would seem to be just displacing the gasoline/diesel combustion crisis to the trait coal powered electrical generating plant. But, if cars were recharged tardy at night this would allow the base load of the electrical system to be more capable with a much more even base load and electrical power can also be generated by clean wind, hydro, tide power, etc. while most travel is regarding 30 miles/day this may be the cleanest personal transportation system at present available.

There is a “cottage” conversion industry for owner- existing hybrids, and more than a few huge auto industry groups (GM, Toyota, Mercedes etc.) plus the US Department of Energy are investigating this system. No chief car company (as of late 2007) offers PHEVs yet. The characteristic “cottage” industry conversion car is the Toyota Prius (cost of conversion $5k-$40k), as it is a full hybrid with sufficient power in its electrical system to maintain distinctive city speeds.

Fuel consumption and emissions reductions

The hybrid vehicle characteristically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), ensuing in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are mainly achieved by four elements of a typical hybrid design:

- Recapturing energy generally wasted during braking etc. (regenerative braking) this is a mechanism that condenses vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into a further helpful form of energy, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.

- having important battery storage capacity to store and recycle recaptured energy;

- shutting down the gasoline or diesel engine in traffic stops or while coasting or other idle periods;

- civilizing aerodynamics; A box shaped car or truck has to put forth more force to move through the air causing added stress on the engine making it toil harder. Improving the shape and aerodynamics of a car is a fine way to help better the gas mileage and also get better handling at the same time.

- By means of low rolling resistance tires; (tires these days are made to give a fine, smooth ride but hardly ever is efficiency taken into consideration. These tires cause a great pact of drag, once again making the engine toil harder, intense more gas mileage. Hybrid cars use special tires that are more exaggerated than regular tires and stiffer, which decreases the drag by about half, humanizing fuel economy by mitigating stress of the engine.

- relying on mutually the gasoline (or diesel engine) and the electric motors for peak power requires ensuing in a smaller gasoline or diesel engine sized more for normal usage rather than peak power usage.

These features make a hybrid vehicle chiefly efficient for city traffic where there are recurrent stops, coasting and idling periods. Besides noise emissions are condensed, mainly at idling and low operating speeds, in similarity to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles. For constant high speed highway use these features are much less helpful in reducing emissions.



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Posted in Hydro Fuel