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Columnist: hybrid growth in the near-term will benefit ... lead-acid battery makers?

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though demand for hybrid vehicles is expected to grow like mushrooms after a summer rain in the coming years, there's a big problem looming, says John Peterson, a writer for investment site Seeking Alpha. Peterson has crunched some numbers and done some reading and discovered that the ingredients for a potential hybrid production slowdown are coming together. Those ingredients include: lack of advanced battery production capacity, increasing demand but no increase in supply of some rare earth metals needed to make NiMH batteries, and a slight undercounting of hybrid vehicle demand. In short, not everyone who wants a hybrid will be able to get one, and this could benefit, get this, lead acid battery makers.

With massive amounts of li-ion packs still far away, Peterson, who discloses that he's invested in lead-acid battery makers, concludes that, "the bulk of the unit growth in the HEV markets will go to lead-acid battery manufacturers who will not need to make larger numbers of batteries, but will need to make higher quality batteries that are better suited to the performance requirements of micro hybrids." This "should lead to rapid and sustained revenue growth for all lead-acid battery producers," he writes. Once these higher-quality advanced lead acid batteries exist, it'll be a no-brainer for the conservative automakers to opt for the known over the unknown. For the long-term, other chemistries will certainly win out, but for the next few years, don't count out the old standbys.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Seeking Alpha]

Columnist: hybrid growth in the near-term will benefit ... lead-acid battery makers? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scuderi split-cycle engine runs on the dyno for the first time!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies

We first heard about the Scuderi Group and its split cycle engine over two years ago. At that time, they were showing off a concept for a split cycle engine that in theory, at least, could dramatically improve engine efficiency. By splitting the four strokes of the Otto cycle between a pair of parallel cylinders, the engine can reduce pumping losses. The Scuderi team also has a "hybrid version in development that adds high pressure compressed air accumulator to provide some regenerative braking capability."

The team has been working on computer simulations of the split-cycle process for several years and finally showed off a cut-away version of the first physical prototype at this year's SAE World Congress in April. At the time, they informed us that they were hoping to run a prototype on the dynamometer soon. We got word last week that they now have run that first prototype under its own power and, according to Sal Scuderi, the results are very promising so far. The data from the running engine seems to verify the data from the simulations. It will still be some time until we see a Scuderi engine running in a vehicle, but it could prove to be an interesting alternative to other technologies like HCCI and direct ethanol injection. Find a press release and several videos after the jump.

Gallery: Scuderi split cycle engine

[Source: Scuderi]

Continue reading Scuderi split-cycle engine runs on the dyno for the first time!

Scuderi split-cycle engine runs on the dyno for the first time! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Strange But True: Researchers extracting hydrogen from urine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:08:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Hydrogen, Green Daily

Currently, most commercially available hydrogen is collected by reforming natural gas with steam. That means fossil fuels are still in the mix, which is a serious black mark against hydrogen use for fuel. While it's possible to extract hydrogen from water, the process is rather energy intensive and isn't yet commercially viable.

Gerardine Botte of Ohio University believes she may have one possible solution. Instead of cracking hydrogen away from its tight bond in water, the University has demonstrated that it takes much less energy to extract hydrogen from urine, whether that's synthetic urea or real, honest-to-goodness human urine.

As the single most abundant waste on the planet, there's certainly no shortage of urine in the world and, according to the Botte, this technology can be quickly and easily scaled up as a way to both generate hydrogen and help clean up sewage plants. Sounds like a win-win scenario to us.

[Source: Chemistry World | Photo: estherase]

Strange But True: Researchers extracting hydrogen from urine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc.

Yokohama debuted its new ADVAN ENV-R1 orange oil-infused racing tire at the Porsche GT3 Challenge at Sebring a few months back. At the time, the company promised to have new tires using the eco-friendly technology on the market for consumer use in short order. Apparently, that time is now. According to Dan King, Yokohama vice president of sales:

The eco-focused dB Super E-spec mixes sustainable orange oil and natural rubber to drastically cut the use of petroleum, without compromising performance. It also helps consumers save money at the gas pump by improving fuel efficiency via a 20-percent reduction in rolling resistance. With these innovations, the dB Super E-spec could very well be the most technologically-advanced tire ever produced.

At launch time, the new green orange tires will be available in four sizes. Not coincidentally, those sizes will fit popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid/Civic GX NGV, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. Click past the break for the official press release.

[Source: Yokohama]

Continue reading Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale

Yokohama dB Super E-spec orange oil-infused tires now on sale originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Efficient air conditioning could potentially save billions of gallons of gas

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Green Daily, USA

The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) are hard at work developing new ways to make the air conditioners more efficient and reduce the interior tempteratures in our cars and trucks. What's the big deal? Apparently, a whopping seven billion gallons of gasoline are used each and every year in the United States alone to run automotive AC units, which represents 5.5-percent of the country's fuel use. Burning that fuel emits more than 58 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Surely, then, anything that can be done to make air conditioners more effective is worth looking into, and the NREL has a helper called ADAM. The 160-pound Advanced Automotive Mannequin features 120 sensing zones and is used to effectively monitor the ambient and surface temperatures inside a car, among other things. The end result of the organization's findings could be a savings of some three billion gallons of gasoline per year. That's hot stuff.

[Source: Wired]

Efficient air conditioning could potentially save billions of gallons of gas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, On Two Wheels, Tokyo Motor Show

2005 Yamaha Gen-Ryu patent filing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yamaha is reportedly developing a hybrid motorcycle based on the Gen-Ryu concept that first debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show way back in 2005 and the LUXAIR followup two years later. That first concept machine mated up the 600cc inline-four engine from Yamaha's R6 sportbike to an electric motor and generator that sent power to the rear wheel. Although its unlikely that exact powertrain would ever hit the showroom floor, Gizmag reports that we should expect to see a production version of the concept in Tokyo later this year.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has filed a series of patents on its new hybrid technology, the most innovative part of which is a planetary gearbox that can adjust the power flow from the gas-powered engine, electric motor and generator. According to Yamaha, this arrangement allows for all of the assorted hybrid bits to fit within the narrow confines of a two-wheeled motorcycle chassis. Click here for a nice explanation of how the technology will function and click here for more information from the official patent filing.

Gallery: Yamaha Hybrid Motorcycle patent

[Source: US Patent Office via Gizmag]

Yamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Fiat

Click above for a high-res gallery of Jodie Kidd with the Fiat eco:Drive

Ever hear of an advertising award given to a piece of software that helps drivers save gas at the pumps? That's what Fiat's eco:Drive recently did, and the organizers of the Cannes Cyber Lions, a major event in the advertising industry, didn't praise the software's ability to analyze driver habits wins but instead the way it established a new kind of relationship between consumer and car. The prize was one of the three Grand Prix awarded during the Cannes Cyber Lions.

Since the eco:Drive concept was the object of praise, the organizers set aside the technological side of eco:Drive, including the way it gathers information from the vehicle and how it has been driven into a USB drive that is then plugged into your computer. Using this information, the system gives a detailed analysis of the driver's performance, along with suggestions on how to improve efficiency even further by changing driving habits. Models like it, too.

Gallery: Supermodel Jodie Kidd with Fiat Eco:Drive

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship

Fiat's eco:Drive wins award for defining new car-driver relationship originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling engine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Dean Kamen's Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents - Click above for image gallery

We've known about Dean Kamen's work on the Stirling engine for hybrid vehicle use since the inventor introduced the DEKA Revolt late last year. According to some recently-filed patent applications, though, it would seem that Kamen has lots more up his sleeve for the good 'ol Stirling engine, including a possible hybrid scooter.

According to Gizmag, Kamen is thought to be using a prototype scooter featuring the Stirling hybrid powertrain at his personal residence on an island a mile off the coast of Connecticut. From the patent drawings, we can see a that the Stirling engine is mounted at the rear of the bike while a rechargeable battery pack for the electric motor sits under the scooter's floor.

According to the report, Kamen has invested some $50 million into the development of the Stirling engine, though it's unclear whether there are any possible production plans for this particular hybrid scooter.

Gallery: Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents

[Source: Gizmag]

Dean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carver Europe files for bankruptcy, technology may live on

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Transportation Alternatives, Persu Mobility, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU

Carver One - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been following the story of the Carver One leaning three-wheeler for the last few years, and we've often thought the vehicle was a great idea just waiting to catch on. Unfortunately, the company may never build another vehicle of its own as it's just gone bankrupt after a major deal reportedly fell through in May.

The problem - as often is the case when innovative technology first hits the market - was the Carver's high price. According to Carver Europe director Willem Verheul:

Too few people wanted to buy the ingenious sports car at 50,000 euros. We had [planned for] about 300 vehicles sold per year, but in two years, only 200 were purchased.

If there's any ray of sunshine to the bad news, it's that the Advanced Technology Licensing Company is still in business, so there's still hope that future vehicles will come to market using Carver's innovative leaning three-wheel technology. No word on how or if this affects Persu Mobility (formerly Venture Vehicles).

Gallery: Carver One

[Source: The Kneeslider]

Carver Europe files for bankruptcy, technology may live on originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is XP Vehicles' inflatable car just a lot of hot air?

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen, Lightweight, USA

It's has been a while since we heard any news about the inflatable car from XP Vehicles but it seems they are still out there and still planning to take the auto industry by storm. Freshly featured on the cover of Product Design & Development (PDD), the concept vehicle that doesn't employ airbags, but rather is the airbag, is given credence in the two page spread. After reading the article, though, we're left with a nagging question: "Is this thing just a lot of hot air?"

While PDD proclaims that the "prototype benefits from a perfect economical storm" and mentions "...motors are built into the rear wheel of most XP prototypes", there doesn't actually seem to be a prototype in existence aside from computer renderings. Also troubling is the claim that it can both achieve a range of 125 miles with four passengers (after which an auxiliary power unit kicks in and extends that range to 300 miles) and contains its batteries in shelves that consumers can remove, throw over their shoulders and carry up to their apartments to plug in and charge. Considering the weight involved in batteries capable of taking you that far, it's a proposition that seems unlikely.

We don't want to be complete negative Nancies about the project though. Perhaps the day will soon come when they will post a video of a door from their mini utility vehicle (MUV) undergoing their proposed toughness testing with an AK-47. Hit the break to let us know from whose future face egg will be dripping and a short clip from XP Vehicles extolling their vehicles' virtues.

[Source: Product Design & Development]

Continue reading Is XP Vehicles' inflatable car just a lot of hot air?

Is XP Vehicles' inflatable car just a lot of hot air? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jaguar extols the glory of aluminum

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Jaguar, Lightweight

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above to view the video after the jump

Jaguar has long been a proponent of aluminum construction for automobiles. In fact, the current-generation XJ uses an aluminum-intensive chassis that's held together by loads of epoxy and over 3,000 rivets, which allows the big Jag's underpinnings to achieve a 40 percent weight savings over a similar chassis fashioned from steel. According to the British automaker, the next XJ will feature a chassis that's just as high-tech and lightweight.

What's the big deal with aluminum and light weight? Not only does the car's performance (acceleration, handling and braking) improve as the weight goes down, so do its fuel efficiency and emissions scores. Further, Jaguar says its innovative structure takes less energy to create and is easily recyclable when the time finally comes to remove the vehicle from the road.

The new Leaping Cat will get its formal introduction on July 9. In the meantime, hit the jump to watch a video where a couple of Jaguar employees extol the glories of aluminum.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jaguar extols the glory of aluminum

VIDEO: Jaguar extols the glory of aluminum originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving the airless Air Car could be a better experience

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies

Last December, Green Car Advisor's Nick Kurczewski was able to snag a ride in MDI's AIRPod. Now, the lucky ~~punk~~ journalist has taken a turn behind the wheel. The short version of his review: this could be the car of the future and it feels like an amusement park ride, but it's no Millennium Falcon. Seriously.

As we know, the Air Car uses compressed air to power a small two-cylinder engine. The 180cc poweplant produces 5.4 horsepower, but MDI is working on a upgraded AIRPod GT will have 8 hp. Kurczewski says the AIRPod's joystick steering is modified from the original design, which would have seen the speed and deceleration controlled by the stick as well as direction. That complicated-sounding mess has been scrapped in favor of more traditional pedals + joystick.

Check out all the details - including why driving a bubble car with no openable windows in June is not a good idea and how MDI plans to bring dozens of AIRPods to airports and universities and other locations around the world - over at Inside Line. Thanks to throwback for the tip!

[Source: Inside Line]

Driving the airless Air Car could be a better experience originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could chicken feathers hold the key to effective hydrogen storage?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hydrogen, Green Daily

It's no secret that a ton of problems need to be overcome before there's any real chance we'll all be driving clean-emissions hydrogen-powered cars and trucks. One such problem is how to store the hydrogen, which is a much less energy-dense fuel than gasoline. Researchers at the University of Delaware believe they may have found a possible solution from an extremely unlikely source: chicken feathers.

It seems that chicken feathers take on a unique set of properties when carbonized (slowly heated to 400-degrees Fahrenheit) that makes them dense and highly porous. When packed into a storage tank, these carbonized chicken feathers can greatly increase the amount of hydrogen that can be crammed inside.

Currently, researchers can store enough hydrogen in the carbonized feathers to provide an 80-mile range from a 20-gallon storage tank, but they're working to improve that figure. Fortunately, there's no shortage of available feathers - the U.S. poultry industry reportedly disposes of 2 billion pounds of chicken feathers per year.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Could chicken feathers hold the key to effective hydrogen storage? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric airplane to debut at Oshkosh [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, Lightweight, USA

Yuneec E430 electric airplane - Click above for high-res image gallery

It isn't the first electric airplane we've seen, nor is it the fastest. It's not even the first one to be shown at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. What makes the Yuneec E430 unique is that it may be the first fully-enclosed battery-powered aircraft to actually go into commercial production. That's right, the Chinese model aircraft power-pack supplier is planning on beating Elon Musk to the punch and bringing its purpose-built two-seat light-sport aircraft (LSA) to the market. First though, it will make an appearance at the 2009 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh before traveling to California to for FAA certification testing.

The E430 has a wingspan of 45.2 ft (13.8 m) and uses a 54 hp (40 kw) brushless motor to carry it aloft where it can stay for up to 3 hours, depending on the battery configuration. During its first test flights earlier this month, it reached a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). Besides the obvious environmental advantages, the lack of noise and vibration, low fuel and maintenance cost are thought to be key selling points to electric flight. Hit the jump for video of test pilot Sun Xun stretching the wings of the Yuneec E430 for the first time.

Gallery: Yuneec E430

[Source: EAA AirVenture / Yuneec]

Continue reading Electric airplane to debut at Oshkosh [w/VIDEO]

Electric airplane to debut at Oshkosh [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

LightLane - Click above to watch a video after the break

There's no question that well-designed and implemented bike lanes improve safety for cyclists by making them less likely to be hit by passing automobiles, and that's especially true after the sun goes down. LightLane thinks it has the solution in the form of ~~frickin' laser beams~~ downward-pointing green lasers on either side of a flashing red LED tail lamp. Designed to clamp on to nearly any seatpost, the system produces an instant virtual bike lane that appears in bright green on either side of the rider as the bicycle moves forward.

A single charge of the onboard lithium ion battery pack provides three hours of continuous use, and any universal cell phone charger is reportedly capable of recharging the battery pack. We'd still suggest wearing a reflective jacket or vest along with the rest of the applicable safety gear, but anything that improves the safety of cyclists is fine by us. Click past the break for a video of a LightLane prototype in action.

[Source: LightLane]

Continue reading LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides

LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive your green vehicle at Laguna Seca during Refuel

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, Hydrogen, USA, Racing

Ever wanted to take your green vehicle to a world-renowned race track, show it off to the masses and maybe even try a little race-against-the-clock action? Well, soon you can. On July 19th, Speed Ventures is presenting a day at Laguna Seca for owners, builders and manufacturers of alternatively-fueled vehicles to showcase their rides to the general public in an event that will include parade laps, ride alongs, practice lap sessions and even a time-trial competition.

While we don't know who exactly will be in attendance (there are rumors that an electric motorcycle from the recent TTXGP will be present), we wouldn't be surprised to see a Tesla or two considering that they are native to California and some Roadster owners are just a little competitive. Who knows, maybe Q'orianka Kilcher will want to flaunt her new Honda Clarity.

To help maximize participation in their first alt-fuel event, organizers are not charging any vehicle entry fees beyond the $10 per person that will apply to all attendees. So, if you're craving the corkscrew (pictured above), go ahead and get registered while there's still space. Have fun and don't forget your video cameras.

[Source: Speed Ventures]
Photo by wickedchimp. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Drive your green vehicle at Laguna Seca during Refuel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenlings: Why don't we use solar to power our electric cars?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Solar, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Greenlings

Venturi Astrolab concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

For years, we've been watching as solar-powered race cars travel at relatively high rates of speed for hours on end - as long as the sun happens to be shining, of course. In fact, the World Solar Challenge has been taking place in Australia every few years since 1987, and the actual vehicles competing in the event got so fast that race organizers eventually had to alter the rules in the name of safety back in 2005. Since these solar-powered racers had gotten so fast and capable that in 2007 the World Solar Challenge altered its mission in the hopes that more real-world solar cars could hopefully benefit from the lessons learned during the competition.

But there is a problem with most of these solar racing vehicles. In the name of maximum efficiency, solar racers force their single drivers to lie in all sorts of convoluted positions, lack any sort of active safety systems (like airbags, anti-lock brakes or crumple zones) and are made from extremely expensive, high-tech materials. In other words, none of these solar-powered race cars will ever be construed as something you could possibly drive to work. What's the problem? Why can't we build a workable solar car?

That's the subject of today's Greenlings post. Click past the break to read all about solar-powered cars.

Gallery: Venturi Astrolab concept

Continue reading Greenlings: Why don't we use solar to power our electric cars?

Greenlings: Why don't we use solar to power our electric cars? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SNCF launches "door-to-door" trip planner for four French cities

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, Europe/EU

SNCF, the public company that manages French railways, has launched a new directions service that includes all modes of public transport. While there are plenty of sites that offer directions for drivers, and most mass transit systems have their own "how to go" application, this is claimed to be the first time that a single site unifies all public transport intercity options in four French cities in a single application. The service is called "Porte @ Porte" (door to door).

If you have your train reservation number, "Porte @ porte" will give you the complete itinerary from your current location to the train station using public transport, the train route to your destination city, and then again the public transporation itinerary to get your final destination. Currently, the service includes up to date information for Paris, Lille, Lyon and Rennes. Rumors say we can expect a "Porte @ Porte" iPhone app soon.

[Source: Carfree France]

SNCF launches "door-to-door" trip planner for four French cities originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester, UK generates electricity from parking lot

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Green Daily, UK

We've seen the concept for roadways that generate power through either electricity or hydraulics, but it turns out there's actually at least one pace in the world where something similar is already happening. At the Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester, UK, a series of plates are mounted so that cars drive over them, pushing them downward and creating a rocking motion that's harnessed and used to turn a series of generators. Apparently, the 30kWh of power generated from the market's parking lot is sufficient to power the store's checkouts.

Assuming that these energy-generating plates aren't set up in a way that impedes the vehicles or requires additional fuel to pass over, this could potentially be an excellent way to control speed and generate electricity. Other eco-friendly practices used by this supermarket include the harvesting of rain water to flush toilets, floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and solar-powered hot water heaters.

[Source: Daily Mail via Engadget]

Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester, UK generates electricity from parking lot originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance?

Chris Shunk — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Legislation and Policy

Low rolling resistance tires have been increasingly used to help manufacturers improve EPA efficiency ratings. While the specialty rubber used to be found mostly on hybrids, it is starting to find its way onto other vehicles as well, like gas-engined Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs.

According to Modern Tire Dealer, California is looking to capitalize on advances in the tire industry to increase fuel economy and reduce CO₂ emissions with a new proposal from the California Energy Commissions (CEC). The CEC has assembled a draft proposal to rate tires based on Rolling Resistance Force (RRF) efficiency. All tires that rank within 15% of the lowest combined tire size designation and load rating will be designated a fuel efficient tire.

Under the CEC's proposal, tire manufacturers would have to test their product to the same ISO 28580 test protocol. The CEC is hoping that the tire ranking system will be easy for consumers to understand so they can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase new shoes for their car or truck.

Not surprisingly, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) isn't exactly keen on the idea of additional oversight. According to Modern Tire Dealer, the RMA says the CEC's proposal would cost the industry up to $20 million, while forcing tire companies to hire additional workers for testing and data analysis (great, new jobs!). The RMA also points out that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also working on its own tire standards system, seemingly rendering the California initiative redundant.

[Source: Modern Tire Dealer]

California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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