This is arnold's Typepad Profile.
Join Typepad and start following arnold's activity
arnold
Recent Activity
Subaru though innovative at inception are very sluggish and not refined in terms of fuel efficiency as they could have been.
This has not diminished owner approval and resale values apparently.
I guess better late than never.
Subaru Brings Hybrid Tourer Concept to Detroit
Subaru brought its gull-wing Hybrid Tourer Concept, first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last year (earlier post) to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to highlight its announcement that it will develop a gas/electric hybrid system based on the boxer engine for launch in 2...
Looks like one scary parade mask for a small car.
GM Introduces GMC Granite Concept at NAIAS; “Urban Utility Vehicle”
The GMC Granite concept, unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever—it is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but features an open interior designed to be spacious and ...
I posted last year that a shared axis motor pair as described would eliminate the differential and offer another traction control point. On a single alxe vehicle, 0 turn radius is possible.
Thee may be benefits in lower power control unit even though duplication be necessary, the cost and reliability could be a positive.
The comments went on to the pros and cons of wheel motors as I recall.
Although this is a concept so in cyberspace still, I applaud this approach .
Audi Introduces Second e-tron Electric Sportscar Concept at Detroit Show
Audi e-tron Detroit Showcar. Click to enlarge. Audi introduced a new electric sportscar concept at the North American International Auto Show, its second following the introduction of the initial e-tron at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. (Earlier post.) The Detroit showcar Audi e-...
(one of )My other hat is a Horticulturalist (Arborist).
All the Qualifying learning we reach is through our teachers trainers and academic study. This is informed and enhanced by experience and inquirey.
This is why I find the 'know it all statements' from the uninformed so amusing and ridiculous.
back to the topic.
Another study (CSIRO) conducted recently to examine growth response and so cabon uptake in a high CO2 low water regime as the models and evidence suggest we are moving toward, showed that the study Eucalyptus trees E? were able to tolerate a lower water availability and still show accelerated growth.
The only problem for me is that we know the high volatile oil content of Eucalyptus and the particular lignotuber defense mechanism from wild or bushfire which has favoured the E. genus expansion into a drying continent also ensures and promotes a fire standard . This and other weed like behaviour make the E an increasingly dominat species and translates to the reduction of the fire intolerant and low fire risk 'lush and rain or high rainfall forests'.
THis leads to an acelleration of specie change to the fire culture E , more fire more CO2 release etc.
But I can see how without reference to the specific situation or a wider understanding of forest and vegetation, one may wrongly believe that the warming and hey why not the drying (as this study alluded to) will lead to faster tree growth and so a higher atmospheric CO2 reduction.
Study Finds Warmer Climate Could Stifle Carbon Uptake by Trees
A new CU-Boulder study indicates subalpine forests in the West will soak up less carbon dioxide as the climate warms and the growing seasons lengthen. As a result, more of the greenhouse gas will be left to concentrate in the atmosphere. “Our findings contradict studies of other ecosystems that ...
Sulleny,
- would make a very 'average' vacuum or used car salesman.
Study Finds Warmer Climate Could Stifle Carbon Uptake by Trees
A new CU-Boulder study indicates subalpine forests in the West will soak up less carbon dioxide as the climate warms and the growing seasons lengthen. As a result, more of the greenhouse gas will be left to concentrate in the atmosphere. “Our findings contradict studies of other ecosystems that ...
will the "all electric machine" - -honda FC" have regenerative braking as an efficiency measure? If so will that not be stored in a battery?
The same could store directly from any electrtic supply - renewable wind etc fom a primary source.
-That makes sense.
Honda CEO: Honda Studying Battery Electric Commuter Car, But Holds Fuel Cell Vehicle as the “Ultimate Eco-car”
In his remarks prior to the unveiling of the new CR-Z hybrid (earlier post), Honda Motor President and CEO Takanobu Ito said that the company has taken up the challenge to reduce CO2 emissions through advancing various electromotive technologies. “We understand electric vehicle technology as wel...
Aside from exotic materials including plastics, and the benefit of electronics and computing, the ICE engine seems unlikely to change in capability or usefulness so we should prepare for an ongoing relationship with fuel suppliers at likely not reduced extent for some decades.
The question then is what are the least obnoxious downsides available?.
It seems so simple at a time before the cloud condenses. fuel builders and processors already have a suit of products, more of some - depending on the plants technology and feedstock. It seems reasonable to prefer lower emission fuels in anticipation that technology advances and the realisation of appropriate feedstock resources will follow demand.
I would think that an energy constricted world will be favorable also to niche producers providing bulk resources to chemical and plastics as well as fuel blenders, feeds for fuel cells? and domestic CHP? etc.
The existing delivery constrictions may then not be an issue in smaller scale (than 10%+) of consumer fuel mandate.
To understand that (in the manner of electron flow or musical chairs) that implimenting new green options as smartgrid
+ renewables
+ vehicle charging require that the supporting infrastructure is implemented in tandem.
This is the priorcondition for realisation and the answer to the endless uninformed criticism to progreess.
Further more without such refinement, the existing paradigm is likely to increasingly entangle and choke.
Syntec Biofuel and EERC Enter Joint Development Program to Convert Biomass and Waste to Bio-Butanol
Overview of Syntec’s B2A process. Click to enlarge. Syntec Biofuel Inc. has entered into a joint development program with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks for converting a wide variety of biomass and waste into bio-butano...
Very significant, expect more from this.
The AIST have many freely downloadable PDF's on matters of interest.
Cheatomorpha aereas collected in Vietnam was the most glucose-rich sample of these samples, about 300 mg of glucose per gram of organic matter.
Japan AIST Researchers Exploring Ethanol Production from Macro Algae
Researchers from the Biomass Technology Research Center at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) are investigating the potential of ethanol production from macro green algae (i.e. seaweed). They collected 10 species of macro green algae in Thailand, Viet...
Very significant, expect more from this.
The AIST have many freely downloadable PDF's on matters of interest.
Cheatomorpha aereas collected in Vietnam was the most glucose-rich sample of these samples, about 300 mg of glucose per gram of organic matter.
Japan AIST Researchers Exploring Ethanol Production from Macro Algae
Researchers from the Biomass Technology Research Center at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) are investigating the potential of ethanol production from macro green algae (i.e. seaweed). They collected 10 species of macro green algae in Thailand, Viet...
25-40 year lifetimes?
http://www.energy.soton.ac.uk/solar/connectors.html
Photovoltaic modules have no moving parts and last upwards of 25 years with no maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning. Realising such a long lifetime for entire PV systems relies on the continued integrity of all system components. The installation of modules in building facades and other structures has necessitated the use of push fit connectors to enable quick and easy inter-module dc electrical connection. New applications for photovoltaics such as roof shingles place further performance demands on electrical connectors such as shown in Figure 1. The dc interconnection between PV elements represents a potential weak link in a PV system.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_basics.html
2. Assumes 30-year period of performance and 80% maximum rated power at end of lifetime
http://anglodutchservices.co.uk/blog/?p=142
Incentive programmes in Italy, Germany and Spain have created manufacturing volume that’s bringing down costs. Solar panel prices dropped 30% last year alone due to an increase in output and a drop in orders because of the recession.
PV-Panels had been expected to last for 20 years and price calculations were based on this (with a free energy source, purchase and installation represent almost the entire price of solar power)
Long lifetime
It has shown that more than 90% of the panels on the market 10 years ago are capable of still performing well after 30 years of life, albeit with a slight drop in performance.
We all know that 40-year photovoltaic panels will be on the market in the near future. Hot water collector panels are already expected to last 35 years with little loss of efficiency producing 70% of hot water needs. And quality heat pumps are known to have a life span of 30 years plus too outliving boilers 3 to 4 times, using only 30% of the energy, the rest is solar.
Toyota Industries Corp. Develops Solar Charging Station for EVs and PHEVs
Toyota Industries’ solar charging station. Click to enlarge. Toyota Industries Corp (TIC) has developed a solar charging station for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The municipal government of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture plans to build 21 such stations at 11 loca...
I frequently feel inclined to criticize the tendancy of posters on the site when they disagree over technology proposals when there could well be a range of applicable uses, as well as range of areas where the technology is innappropriate.
No sense in poo-pooing the technology from a viewpoint that will not be a likely application.
What will be a productive application will likely follow tradition of consumers finding application and especially true in these new transport or energy options.
Thats not to say critical comment isn't a benefit or thoughtful, just that we need to remember as we can't know the intention or future innovation of most any product that there is a perception of limited imagination of such comments .
Toyota Industries Corp. Develops Solar Charging Station for EVs and PHEVs
Toyota Industries’ solar charging station. Click to enlarge. Toyota Industries Corp (TIC) has developed a solar charging station for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The municipal government of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture plans to build 21 such stations at 11 loca...
Henrick,
You would be aware that there is a mulyiplier for aircraft emissions related to altitude.
The formulas vary based on altitude and engine type so this is only for example.
"The IPCC, for example, has estimated that the climate impact of aircraft is two to four times greater than the effect of their carbon dioxide emissions alone."
Copyright © 2009 David Suzuki Foundation
Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Rail Corridor Opens In China; 350 km/h (217 mph) Average Speed
High-speed rail service was inaugurated yesterday between Wuhan, a metropolis in central China, and Guangzhou, an urban business hub in the country’s southern Guangdong Province. Trains run at an average of 350 km/h (217 mph), reducing the previous ten-hour transit time to just three hours. Firs...
so-called Sequential multi-port fuel injection, controls the fuel even better for each particular cylinder,
A Cummins 6.7 I-6 liter diesel, weighs 1100+ pounds, but without all the cleanup paraphernalia, to merely reach still dirty T2B5 levels of cleanliness. A comparable Chrysler 6.4 liter Hemi V8 gasoline ICE,
Except that Sequential DI is the correct term and the cummings motor is a heavy duty heavy flywheel ruggedised unit while the Chrysler is a light duty and high rpm unit so the two cannot be compared.
you should compare like with like.
Chrysler Group LLC Introducing Fiat’s 1.4-liter FIRE with Multiair to Powertrain Lineup, Investing $179M to Launch Production
Fiat’s Multiair system on the 1.4-liter FIRE. Click to enlarge. Chrysler Group LLC will begin production in the fourth quarter of 2010 of Fiat’s 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) featuring Multiair for incorporation into its powertrain lineup. (Earlier ...
This returns to the possibility of end of life (30yrs) the glass roof is still purposefull.
Sydneys plethora of parking meters could use these chargers to provide both a charge boost (interconnected) or street lighting as a way of better service for meter parkers.
Solar voltaic glassware should be cpable of waterproof and other amenity to dual purpose the high single use cost.
Panel designs that meet this requirement will have no end of life.
Also spray on or thin film replacements should be available by then. Standard panel sizes and fixings for Metricated countries, extra incentive for change to those that aren't. (so they don't feel completely left out!)
Toyota Industries Corp. Develops Solar Charging Station for EVs and PHEVs
Toyota Industries’ solar charging station. Click to enlarge. Toyota Industries Corp (TIC) has developed a solar charging station for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The municipal government of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture plans to build 21 such stations at 11 loca...
Simply a disaffected know it all that ha no humility or reason.
Not even funny.
But a good example of the morons you can meet at most public drinking houses.
Argonne National Labs Ramping Up Lithium-Air Research and Development; Li-ion as EV “Bridge Technology”
A Li-air cell. Source: Argonne. Click to enlarge. Argonne National Laboratory, which has contributed heavily to the research and development of Li-ion battery technology, is now pursuing research into Lithium-air batteries. Li-air batteries use a catalytic air cathode that converts oxygen to ...
And no probs if there aren't bowsers available as these craft are often used as fashion accesories so could mostly get by with a mild extension cord.
Pharos Marine Plans Dual Fuel Hydrogen-Diesel Super Yacht
Superyachttimes.com. Egypt-based Pharos Marine unveiled plans for a 60-meter dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel electric superyacht, the Orcageno. The Orcageno. Click to enlarge. The propulsion system uses a generator driven by a hydrogen-diesel internal combustion engine which can be operated by eith...
This 'Copenhagen wheel'
Can do that and more.Well worth alook.
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/prototype-wheel-uses-braking-energy-to-power-bike-24400
EPA Releases New Mobile Source Emissions Model
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an updated version of the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model—MOVES2010—for use to estimate air pollution from cars, trucks, and other on-road mobile sources. The EPA considers MOVES2010 the best tool EPA it currently has for e...
The city scene on the Island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine could benefit from such a useful bus as this.
We know that bertie hs been feeling like a holiday for some time and has recently been feeling unwell.
Bertie's strongest characteristic is his friendly grin and his readiness to help any engine prepared to admit that - - just sometimes - - roads have their uses as well as rails so any replacement (on a trial basis)
would need to have all these attributes.
Gentlemen, I believe this may be what we are looking for.
Wrightbus to Design and Build New Bus for London; Delivery Targeted for 2011
One of two whole bus designs sharing first place in the TfL competition. Design by Capoco Design Ltd, UK. Click to enlarge. Transport for London (TfL) has selected Wrightbus as the preferred manufacturer for the final design and build of the New Bus for London, based on the iconic Routemaster...
There wouldn't be a taxi in Sydney that doesn't run LPG,
but LPI is a new development and not yet available AFAIK.
Seoul Testing LPI Hybrids as Taxis
The Seoul Metropolitan Government started a test-run of LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) hybrids from Hyundai-Kia Motors (earlier post) as taxis on 3 December. The Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will select participating taxi companies and support the monitoring of its op...
Are diesel ignited engines, with compression reduction via head shimming a better fit or do these gasoline versions have variable compresssion system and a better option CPU.
Sydney bus fleet are (originally) converted diesels, nowadays they buy OE NG ready by the hundreds.
Clean Energy’s BAF Subsidiary Receives Second 463-CNG-Vehicle Conversion Order from AT&T for 2010
AT&T natural gas service van. Click to enlarge. AT&T has awarded to BAF Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Fuels Corp., an order to convert 463 Ford E-250 vans to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) to be fulfilled during the second quarter of 2010. (BAF was acquire...
not a hint of irony in goracles comment.
Goracle after Al Gore.
Perspective: Why Carbon Emissions Should Not Have Been the Focus of the UN Climate Change Summit and Why the 15th Conference of the Parties Should Have Focused on Technology Transfer
Perspective by Brian J. Donovan, CEO of Renergie, Inc. [Renergie was formed for the initial purpose of raising capital to develop, construct, own and operate a decentralized network of ten modular-designed small advanced biofuel manufacturing facilities (SABMFs) in the parishes of the State of L...
SJC,
If where you wanted to go was on well connected transit routes = better planning.
If we didn't have the luxury of private 'carry me cause it's too far , forgot how to walk, can't ride a bike cause it's too dangerous or not facilitated, the sorts of problems everyone under licence age without well off indulgent parents that can't show the kids mobility, types or tie their own shoelaces cause you need a degree in magic knots that only a few can do, type.
Well there would of course be an alternative.
I suppose there are too any self interest individuals or square peg planners to see that we are the biggest problem here.
The extra taxes are easily affordable by those with a higher percentage of disposable income.
They are the ones that dont need to spend a high percentage of income on personal mobility.
Australia has large distance low population density issues that dont easily fit mass transit options, America has legacy poor planning.
Too much incentive or laziness assures the continuation of poor outcomes.
Perspective: Ending Oil’s Monopoly—a Blueprint for Mobility Choice
Perspective by Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director, Natural Resources Defense Council Oil is a strategic commodity second to none—it underlies the global economy and even the American way of life. Of course, other countries benefit from this fact, with about $900 million flowing...
From practical horticultural experience and observation on this matter, I can say for sure that climax communities of the desired size can be cultivated in such situations.
The land could be leased to interested farmer/ hort people and the best use as either firebreak, grazing, annual or biomass crop regimes implemented.
They should be productive especially if supported by long favourable leases.
It seems ridiculous to scorch more land when the productive potential is there in the win win low fruit category.
DOE to Award $60M to Support Transmission Planning for US Interconnection Networks
The US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded selections for $60 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support transmission planning for the country’s three interconnection transmission networks. The six awards will promote collaborative long-term analysis and plannin...
Enviro,
"The best way to prevent war is through mutual dependence on trade. Corn ethanol has the effect of reducing corn exports, which has a similar pound for pound impact on trade deficits as oil imports."
No problem there, happy to repeat it as it segways a point made recently that "green energy reduces wars."
Renewable energy being made locally strengthens much including the economy and enables trade.
Next:
"A car with 10% ethanol reduces average oil use about 7%. A midsized four door hatchback Toyota hybrid reduces average oil use 100% (getting double the American average mileage)."
I feel it is more correct to use 'pound for pound ' as studies have shown both fuel parity and other running cost benefits and savings from most ethanol mixes when engines are optimised to any degree as well as many clunkers that achieve benefits through better combustion. Hence better emissions. It is convenient and responsible to consider lb for lb.
Public transport in theory benefits the entire community in many indirect and direct ways and is capable of raising living standards by more than one point.
What would be most help is a bit of boosterintg or talking up and making fashionable the whole practice and understanding (promotion) of public transport use as a viable and agreeable option.
The costs to private transport to any community include road infrastructure pollution and health medical and trauma, lost production from the disenfranchised that spreads through low support and underdevelopment of economical and better functioning of the public infrastructure.
Perspective: Ending Oil’s Monopoly—a Blueprint for Mobility Choice
Perspective by Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director, Natural Resources Defense Council Oil is a strategic commodity second to none—it underlies the global economy and even the American way of life. Of course, other countries benefit from this fact, with about $900 million flowing...
Jeffa,
Don't apologise for thinking you may offend,
This is a no holds barred 'league of gentlemen' and ladies,
Please feel ,free to aim low if you can see a way, they certainly call for it.
I can only think it's their 'pleasure.'
Devil In The Details: Is Copenhagen’s 2 ºC “Guardrail” Obsolete?
by Jack Rosebro Global 2ºC maximal warming limit as compared to past and present temperatures, as well as temperatures projected for various IPCC reference emissions scenarios, 2000—2100. Inset box represents instrumental records. Source: WGBU. Click to enlarge. From the opening day of the Un...
More...
Subscribe to arnold’s Recent Activity