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Electric Propulsion Systems
31st January 2010
Hybrids are cerebration to use electric propulsion systems which prove to be very efficient and also environmentally friendly. There may be various approaches and methods in order to accomplish movement using electric power but the main idea is still the same. These systems are already working and will further help develop alternate fuel.
What is Electric Propulsion?
Electric propulsion is the acceleration of gases in order to produce propulsive thrust through electric and magnetic body forces, electric body forces or electric heating. The electric propulsion system is usually incorporated in rocket science wherein it manages energy enough to produce a powerful thrust. An electric propulsion system is an alternative to nuclear propulsion system. The total thrust is less powerful compared to a nuclear rocket but still enough to produce effects.
According to a number of studies, any engine used as a primary source of such powerful propulsion must produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s. There are also storable chemical systems used in rockets with an exhaust velocity of around 5 km/s but overall is less efficient.
Propulsion systems that do not require energy through chemical reactions are still needed. There are electric propulsion thrusters able to produce exhaust velocities of around 10 to 20 km/s which increases payload and reduces propellant mass. The consequences however, are less powerful thrusters consuming larger quantities of power.
The 3 Categories of Electric Propulsion
Electro thermal propulsion is when the propellant is electrically heated then isentropically expanded through a C/D or convergent/divergent nozzle. The system works as electrical energy heats propellants that produce gases as a result. The gases are sent through the C/D nozzle creating thrust. Catalyzed hydrazine or another neutral gas is used in thrusters like arc jets and resistojets.
Arc jets can also be used to heat the propellants via an electrical arc discharge. The arc in the arc jet is a beam of electrons produced from the cathode tip then gathers at the anode. Since an arc jet has a cathode and an anode, a constrictor is also present which is a narrow pathway between the two charges.
Electrostatic thrusters are also called ion thrusters. These use an ionized propellant accelerated through electric fields applied directly like gridded ion thrusters and Hall thrusters. The technique of propulsion is also known as ion propulsion technique since ions are mainly used in the process. Electrostatic energy is used to produce propulsion.
The electrons from an atom are stripped off then converted to ions. The ions are accelerated by electrical forces to high temperature without needing thermal energy producing thrust. The atoms after losing electrons become positively charged.
Electromagnetic thrusters produce thrust using electric and magnetic forces that interact with charged plasmas like ions and electrons. An example of these is the magnetoplasmadynamic thruster or MPD. The system heats the propellant to a plasma state before being accelerated. A large current is passed by electromagnetic forces through gas in order to ionize the propellant. Plasma is the ionized propellant which is then accelerated by Lorentz force, an electromagnetic force producing thrust.
Decoupling engine speed and power output from the propeller will provide the opportunity to improve propeller efficiency. Since electric forces and electromagnetic forces kick in for support, gasoline and diesel propulsion systems in vehicles will decrease the chances of wasting a huge part of power and energy.
The chances of engine overload are eliminated resulting to better fuel economy and better gas mileage. In addition, there is higher efficiency over longer distances and various speeds and loads.
A study conducted to check how much electric propulsion systems can help diesel and gasoline engines showed that at least 10% fuel savings is achieved by simply allowing the engine to move along with the load reducing inefficiencies due to low load with high speed. Larger propellers can also save as much as 7% of fuel compared to traditional models.
With the total load split between multiple generators, as much as 20% of fuel can be saved plus another 13% by matching the power produced by the engine to the power required by the propeller. A variable-speed generator will help accomplish this. Overall, 30% to 50% can be saved compared to a very efficient diesel-electric or gasoline-electric system.
Do you how many types of vehicles there are in all? Since the creation of the first crude automobile, several models and types have been created to suit the needs of people. These were developed in order to provide a safe, efficient and economical means of transportation. Some are built for luxury, others for practicality and some for environmental purposes.
Cruder Forms
Vehicles were first made thousands of years ago. The earliest forms of vehicles were actually living things like horses, elephants and camels. With the invention of the wheel around 3000 B.C., chariots, carts and horse-drawn carriages came into existence. The wheel has certainly paved the way for modern transportation as it is still very much present today.
Cycles were created around the 19th century which comes in many forms. Bicycles are one of the most common types of vehicles available today. There are also tricycles, quadricycles and unicycles. These vehicles mainly use a chain that goes around the wheels for propulsion. Cycling is a very important action in order to keep the transportation balanced. Later on, motorcycles were invented which incorporated a motor engine instead of manual pedals.
Origin of Alternate Fuel Sources
Electric vehicles or EVs were invented in the 1830’s which uses one or more electric motors. The rotary or linear motors propel the vehicle through the wheels. Linear motors are used by tracked vehicles such as trains and MRTs. There are several sources of energy used to move the vehicle like an on-board RESS or rechargeable energy storage system, batteries, on-board super capacitors and direct connection to energy-generating plants. Fuel cells and nuclear energy have also shown to be very viable in propelling vehicles.
Steam engines are another alternate fuel source which uses an external combustion engine or ECE. ECEs are less efficient compared to ICEs but proper configurations can be made for the fuel burner in order to emit very low amounts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other harmful gases making it environmentally friendly in the process. Steam cars do have a problem when starting from cold leading to the development of flash boilers.
The Automobile
Automobiles are the most common type of vehicle. The majority of automobiles today are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Automobiles use an internal combustion engine or ICE which can be highly polluting due to the constant burning of harmful gases. This type of vehicle has shown to be very powerful, convenient and aesthetic as well making it the most popular of all time.
Gasoline engine vehicles are lighter and able to work at optimum rotational speeds. The invention of the electric starter has boosted its popularity beating steam and electric cars in the process. Carburetor and fuel injection are some of the most useful discoveries in enhancing automobile performance.
There are various innovations in the engine allowing exhaust gases to be less harmful. Others combine efforts to minimize the greenhouse effect by reducing emissions to zero. Gasoline engines are capable of running with different ethanol concentrations. Some may run on 15%, 85% or even 100% ethanol. Fuel burn efficiency of gasoline engine vehicles are around 27%.
Diesel engine vehicles are more cost-effective compared to gasoline engine ones because of their 50% fuel burn efficiency. However, power and performance is also compromised due to less concentration of fuel. Diesel also releases exhaust gases into the atmosphere from soot particles. 100% biodiesel has been developed to improve the downside of these vehicles.
Other Transports
A train is a series of vehicles moving along a guided track or rail. A separate locomotive provides power to propel the entire train. Diesel or electricity is the usual energy source of trains while older versions were dominantly powered by steam engines. There are special kinds of trains with special tracks like rubber-tired underground, high-speed and monorails. Some trains can have more than one locomotive or coach.
A road train has a prime mover pulling one or more trailers. Trucks are the simpler version of this. Since the weight and maneuverability are a challenge, these vehicles often require several wheels for more control. Speed should also be watched meticulously to make travel as safe as possible. Diesel engines usually power big heavy trucks and road trains for fuel efficiency and power.
Other unique types of vehicles are amphibious vehicles and snowmobiles. Amphibians can run on both land and water making them very versatile. There are amphibious bicycles, cars, trucks and ATVs developed for passenger and official use.
The advantages provided by amphibians made them very useful for military operations. Snowmobiles are propelled by a built-in track made of Kevlar composite or rubber in order to effectively move through snow. These are also powered by a motor engine that consumes gas for fuel. Tanks use the same mechanism as snowmobiles by running on steel tracks.
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Hidden assets can reduce your debts
30th January 2010
One of first steps of managing personal debts is to examine any assets which could be liquidated to raise cash with which to clear creditors. Make a list and include:
- Property investments
- Stocks & Shares
- Antiquities & collectables
- Savings accounts
- Premium Bonds
- Leisure equipments – cameras, bikes, snowboards etc.
- Cars, motorbikes, boats
Car owners can unknowingly have large amounts of equity locked up in ir vehicle, even if was bought with finance or hire purchase. Basically, difference between what is owed to bank/finance company and cash value of car is asset value. There may only be a small balance to pay to loan company if agreement is nearing its term. If your car is leased non of this is likely to apply to you. The settlement figure for your loan can be obtained by contacting lender. Repossession is last resort of lenders who would prefer you sold your car to a dealer who will settle balance including any missing payments.
Selling a car for cash, particularly if it needs to be done quickly, often means taking less than car is really worth. Local garages will make you a low offer for you old car, even if you a buying brand new one. The readership of local newspapers is now so small than few people have any hope of finding a private cash buyer for ir car.
There are now a number of online services which will buy your quality used car for cash offeroing a quick decsion over phone. Only cars less than seven years of age and with under 100k miles on clock will be considered. Complete form on website and provide all information required and you will quickly receive a valuation by phone. The valuation is not agreement to sell and you can think it over before deciding. If agreement is reached on value of car you are selling next step is to arrange meeting to view and pay.
Planning to tour green and buy a hybrid? You have to know a few things first to make sure that you’re getting an efficient one that best suits your needs. Hybrid vehicles come in many forms today and also operate through various means and mechanisms. Here are some guidelines which will help you select the right one.
What Technologies are Available?
1. Idle-off capability is when the engine automatically shuts down when the hybrid vehicle is braking, idling or coasting. The engine can also easily turn back on once the driver releases the brake and steps on the accelerator.
2. Regenerative braking is when the electric motor takes over when the car is slowing down. It also doubles as a generator in which energy lost while the hybrid vehicle is braking can be converted into electric power that recharges the battery.
3. Power assist and engine downsizing is when the electric motor kicks in to help move the car during acceleration. The size of the engine is virtually smaller since both the electric motor and engine combine in providing power.
4. Electric-only is when the electric motor solely provides power for the vehicle when running at low speeds or when starting.
5. Extended battery-electric range is when the electric motor can provide power for the vehicle when running over a distance of 20 to 60 miles. Afterwards, the battery can easily be recharged by plugging into an external electric power source. The gasoline engine kicks in after the range has been covered by the electric motor.
Learn how to define the type of hybrid vehicle you are getting. Mild hybrids use the first three technologies mentioned earlier while full hybrids use the first four. There are also plug-in hybrid vehicles that use all five but are not yet available to the general public.
There are muscle hybrids that come in the form of SUVs which are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to their conventional counterparts. Some hybrid vehicles may use only one or two technologies but still aim to improve mileage and ecological effects.
Questions to Ask
Is it fuel efficient? What is the average range that the electric motor can cover before the gasoline engine kicks in? Does it have idle-off capability? Check the gas mileage and engine size to determine if the hybrid vehicle you are getting can truly help you save more. Some hybrid vehicles are very mild in which a minor technology may only be incorporated. Saving even 1 to 2 gallons of fuel a day more can be quite cost-effective.
Is it environmentally friendly? Check the emission of the vehicle. Hybrids should have very low or zero emission which minimizes the risk of exhausting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Find out the electric motor capabilities since these are the times when gasoline byproducts are prevented and reduced. There are various sources of power available which reduce pollutants like fuel cells, hydrogen and electricity. Find out if any of these are incorporated in your vehicle.
What are its other features? Check the interior and exterior of the hybrid vehicle just as you would when buying a conventional one. Determine if the size is right for your or your family, determine the quality of the materials used if the overall structure is safe for highway driving and compare the advantages and key features with other models. Some hybrids don’t look as stylish as gas models but there are also hybrids that look exactly like their conventional counterparts.
How much is it? The initial sum of buying a hybrid vehicle is usually higher compared to conventional cars. However, you will discover that you can easily make up for the initial cost by saving more on fuel. Again, you need to check the mileage, rate of consumption and possible tax deductions to see if the hybrid can really be cost-effective in the years to come. Also consider repair and maintenance expenses in the future.
Advantages to Look for When Selecting
The United States Federal tourvernment provides significant tax breaks to individuals who opt for hybrid vehicles. The tax break will depend on the tax bracket once the buyer sends a file. There are states that provide special parking areas as well for hybrid vehicles so drivers get to save more on parking fees. Some insurance policies may provide special offers to owners of hybrids on repair and maintenance too.
There are SULEVs or super ultra low-emission vehicles, ULEVs or ultra low-emission vehicles and PZEVs or partial zero emission vehicles that are very clean and quiet. Drivers get to enjoy smooth and peaceful driving without the environmental hazards and risks. Some of the largest automobile manufacturers are greatly investing in hybrids with very stylish and powerful models that can tour up against the best gasoline-powered ones.
Read Related Article:
Select the Right Hybrid for You
Lots of new luxury touring bikes now have bike speakers built in. Many models like Honda Goldwing and BMW K 1200 LT have speakers in front and back in order to provide top of range sound to both driver and passenger. These bikes are especially well suited for speakers since y have large screens which give protection from wind and noise. Without se screens sound would probably be completely lost in sounds created by wind and motor. Bike speakers won’t give you same level of performance on bikes which have less wind protection or loud exhaust systems.
One of largest advantages to having speakers on your motorbike is convenience of not having to set up wires each time you head out for a ride. You also don’t have to worry about a cable attached to your helmet every time you take it one and off as you would with a helmet audio system.
The drawback to using motorcycle speakers is y can be very difficult to hear unless you have good wind protection on your bike. You may also have to think about kind of helmet that you typically wear. A quiet helmet will block out sound of your speakers in addition to obstructing out sound of wind and engine. If your bicycle doesn’t have good wind protection or you’ve got a helmet that blocks out a lot of noise you may wish to consider using helmet speakers instead.
Motorbike speakers may not be a practical solution for everybody. Take some time to look around at varied different configurations available and figure out what would work best for your own needs. Besides convenience of using motorbike speakers many folks like look that y give to ir bike.
For all people who have been whining for years about the unwillingness of Infiniti to bring us a convertible version of the coupe, shut your mouth because the new 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is now here! When Infiniti was in its infancy, they tried a convertible in the M30.
The Infiniti Convertible gets aluminum trim, seats that are bolstered, and a larger trunk. Some really cool parts that come on the convertible are a wind deflector, a 13 speaker stereo, comfortable heated buckets, and auto climate controller. The Futuristc Bose Stereo feature speakers that will balance themselves for better sound when the top is down on the G37 convertible. A tonneau cover disguises the three piece roof which rests in the trunk when the convertible feature is enabled. Did we mention the top takes about 30 seconds to put down and up.
You cannot tell by looking at it buy the convertible model is wider, longer, and features a different rear panels and suspension to accommodate the retractable top. The convertible weight ballons due to the retractable top and all the motorized hardware. At 453 pounds. overwight than the coupe and more than 100 pounds. exceeding the similar BMW convertible.
Engine wise, the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible has a 3.7L V6 engine producing 327hp and 267lb.ft of torque. It comes available with a sport package and a standard six speed manual transmission or an optional seven speed automatic. This luxury convertible features an updated brake system and giant 19 inch rims. The G37 comes with F1 style paddle shifters. The base model version of the Infiniti convertible should cost just shy of 40k.It is imperitive to pay a little extra to get a stick shift version of the trans.
See a huge selection of Infinitis at Los Angeles Infiniti Dealers, or Palm Springs Car Dealers
Ask and R.V. service tech what are the most frequent problems people have when their R.V. needs service, he will tell you three things. Anyone who owns an R.V. can save money by doing these simple little things themselves.
First of all, one of the biggest problems people have is their batteries going dead. The key to your R.V.’s electrical system is the batteries, so keep them maintained. Even maintenance free batteries need maintenance in spite if what the manufacture says. This is what you can do. Check the water in your batteries every three to four weeks. Water evaporates even inside the battery shell. Pull the caps on top of the battery off and refill the cells to about a half an inch below the top of the cell with plain tap water. Nothing will kill a cell in your battery faster than being low on water. This is such a simple thing, yet so many R.V. owners have the same problem. Keeping the correct water level in the batteries will avoid most of your electrical problems.
Secondly, inspect the roof on your Travel Trailer at least once every two to three months. Inspect the roof for dirt and the seals for cracks and make sure they are not rolled up on the edges. Inspect the seams on the roofing material for cracks or deterioration. Fill any cracks you find with a silicone sealant. It is ok to be generous with the sealant as it can not hurt anything. Check the seams on the edge of the roof and make sure there are no visible issues with cracking or seals rolling up. If so coat the area with sealant. BTW, if you do not want to use plain silicone, then stop by your R.V. Dealer and get a tube of R.V. sealant and use that.
Sunlight, heat and all weather conditions will deteriorate the materials that are in contact with the weather most often. When some complains of the roof on their R.V. leaking, 99% of the time it is because they failed to inspect their roof. Doing this every so often will save you so many problems. Do this once every three months as it will take less than one hour.
The third thing to do that will save you time and headaches is to check your tires and bearings every three months as well. Most new Travel Trailers come with EZ Lube axles, or what they call “buddy bearings,” that allow you to lubricate your axles without pulling the wheels. Just plug a grease gun to grease insert in the center of the wheel and pump two or three times. If you still need help, ask a mechanic to help you out.
Check your tires for proper inflation and inspect to check for dry rot. Dry rot will affect every tire at some point and is indicated by hairline cracks in the sidewalls of the tire. If you see these cracks, replace the tires. It will save you lots of time and headaches and you will not get stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire.
The issues mentioned here are the things that cause the most service problems for R.V.ers. By taking a little bit of time to properly service your R.V. yourself, you will save time and money, not to mention you will cut down on the problems you have at the campsite or on the road. Take the time to look at these things, and enjoy your R.V. for many years to come.
If Technology Has Its Way Cars Will Drive Themselves In The Future
29th January 2010
Cars are a lot more advanced. One thing that shows this leap more than ever is the cars driving schools are now using for driving lessons and intensive driving courses; this has changed dramatically over years with cars having so much more gadegets. We now have satellite navigation systems, which can track exactly where we are, entertainment systems throughout the vehicles and cruise control.
But cars are developing at enormous speeds and experts have predicted that within the next decade cars could actually drive themselves. Now you are probably thinking that this is something that can only be seen in films, but I can assure you that if you look at the technology that is behind this then you will surely see that we are close to it.
As mentioned previously we already have sat navs which currently already use technology that tracks your driving speed and where abouts you are travelling. With the growth of the internet also reaching unprecedented levels there is not long left until vehicles begin to actually communicate with each other online.
What I am really trying to say is that the satellite navigation device will check how fast you are travelling and your position on the road, which will then send the statistics promptly over the internet, which will in turn send the info to any other vehicles that are next to you. By knowing the speed you are driving at the cars themselves will be able to avoid collisions and they can take us to our destination without getting lost because they know exactly where they are going.
So for workers such as lorry and van drivers it could actually be a dream come true, as you could rest while the vehicle drives itself. In some ways it work a lot like an autopilot system.
I have a list of frequently asked questions, along with the answers, regarding 1996 geo metros, to assist you in your search for info on 1996 geo metros.
What is the value of a 1996 Geo Metro nowadays?
The value of the 1996 Geo Metro car these days depends upon whether it is purchased at wholesale prices or retail. Retail, this car will be priced between$ 1200 and$ 1300 and wholesale you’ll be able to purchase one from three hundred dollars and four hundred dollars.
Why is the 1996 Geo Metro car a good vehicle to purchase?
The 1996 Geo Metro vehicles are great when it comes to gas mileage. They’re extremely economical. These vehicles are small and compact and so they are a lot easier to park than a middle size automobile or bigger car.
How many versions are on the market for the 1996 Geo Metro car?
There are 4 different types for the 1996 Geo Metros brand of vehicle. You may buy them in the LSi 4 Dr Sedan, two Dr Hatchback, the LSi 2 Dr Hatchback, and the 4 door Sedan versions. These styles of 1996 Geo Metros have approximately three and 4 cylinders.
What does the public think of the 1996 Geo Metro car?
Many reviews are good. People are raving about how much money they’ll save by using the 1996 Geo Metro. They also like the fact that the 1996 Geo Metros would not need much maintence. This car makes traveling around very easy.
My 1996 geo metro question didn’t get included in these 5 faqs. Any ideas?
The amount of internet sites with much 1996 geo metro “frequently asked questions” is pretty thin. However, you aren’t the only web surfer that has an interest. Many individuals who also own or are thinking about buying a 1996 geo metro visit http://1996-geo-metro.bidandblog.com . The site is most likely the net’s most lively forum where you will most likely locate just about any answer that you might imagine regarding 1996 geo metros, not to mention that it is free of charge. This website also provides realtime auctions for 1996 geo metros and a free of charge email service that will email you whenever a new 1996 geo metro auction is posted. Plus, it’s easy to use and completely available at no charge.
In order assist individuals that are without healthcare insurance and financially-struggling residents get hold of the prescription drugs that they desperately need, there is an escalating community knowledge that there are programs that offer help for prescriptions for free or practically free. Because of the state’s job loss rate now at a record high, the importance of these programs is magnified. There are companies that give a one sp answer more than 200 patient assistance programs that assist persons who are are with no personal medical insurance or besieged financially.
So far, those programs have assisted millions of people find out if they can meet the requirements for prescription assistance program free or discounted prescription medication. This is very good news, for at this moment there are more Americans out of work than ever before over the last 37 years. Persons who meet the criteria for support from the participating patient assistance programs have access more than 2,550 brand-name and generic prescription medicine. Residents in search of relief from one of those organizations should call up a ll-free number talk a qualified advocate or log on the company’s web site. It simply takes roughly 10 3 minutes find out if you or somebody you might know may possibly be eligible for free or discounted prescription drugs.
At a time when general job loss is the highest in about two decades, these assistance programs has become an essential link for a mounting quantity of consumers. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been added the unemployed rolls over the previous several months and there could be a sharp rise in the number of our patients losing health insurance benefits. Millions of consumers are in need of prescription medicine assistance plus patients who need drugs combat such weakening chronic diseases as fibromyalgia, heart disease, back injury and lupus. For the most part persons who need aid need it for more than one drug. This could make quite a baffling process because of all of the long forms that have got be completed, physician’s permission obtained and proof of wages submitted.
Prescription assistance companies relieve the individual of all of that hassle by acting as the patients representative and performing all of the tasks. These organizations charge a small fee for their service but it is well worth it. As a rule these organizations will coordinate everything between you, your general practitioner and the pharmaceutical companies. It can take anywhere from 3-9 weeks for the consumer receive your drugs so you have got apply early.