Of all places…!
“The Adelaide City Council’s electric solar bus is the first in the world to be recharged using 100% solar energy…Recent advances in battery technology have helped the successful development of pure electric buses with a suitable range between recharges. The Tindo solar electric bus uses 11 Zebra battery modules, giving it unprecedented energy storage capacity and operational range. The Swiss-made Zebra batteries use sodium/nickel chloride technology, with their benefits including:
-Designed for long life and reliability
-Not affected by external temperatures
-Can be stored indefinitely fully charged
-Lightweight
-High energy and power density
The Zebra batteries used in Tindo are virtually maintenance free, and are therefore expected to result in significant cost savings.”
http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/scripts/nc.dll?ADCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_151048
Energy efficiency has never been a critical factor in automotive sector even now. But with the increase in fuel prices it is becoming more and more desicive.
Lot less development has taken place till now regarding improvement in efficiency till now…. In 1940 when Ford and Volkwagen were mass producing cars engine efficiency was in rane of 20%. In last alonst 70 years the efficiency has increased just to 35%. Still we are wasting 1/3 power that can be used.
Most engines work most efficiently at highest rated RPM. But most of the time they are running below its rated speed. Hence they work even more inefficiently.
An exciting new technology named HYDRAULIC HYBRIDS looks like a great option to store energy. The working principle is similar to electric hybrids. here the electric generator and motor are replaced by hydraulic motors and Pumps. Battery is replaced by High pressure accumulators, and all the wiring and accesories are replaced by hydraulic tubing and valves.
Continue reading ‘Hydraulic Hybrids….. The technology to watch for…..’
Here’s a one-question pop quiz for you.
Given a hectare (2.47 acres) of ground in either North America or Europe (so palm oil and jatropha don’t count), which “crop” would yield the furthest driving distance in the same vehicle, making allowances, of course, for different fuel and engine types? Rapeseed (canola), soybean, sugar beets, wheat, corn, miscanthus?
Actually, none of the above. The “crop” that would propel the vehicle the furtherest is sunlight, and by a significant margin.
Continue reading ‘Solar Powered Cars’
The car industry in Australia will have to start adopting efficiency standards if we are to meet our emissions targets and SUV’s are among the least efficient on our roads.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2007/s2108538.htm
For those who are interested in an affordable electric car mainly for city travel, check out this indigenous design from India.
http://www.revaindia.com/index.htm
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