November 15th, 2009 by engineering magazines
And the US automotive industry is in dire straits. It did not learn from the 1973 energy crisis. It did not learn from the Chrysler experience. It did not learn from Toyota. It continued to depend on old, worn out concepts and on CEO’s that are kept in their positions by nepotism and by boards that do not understand the automotive business.
In a joint effort the Big Three are asking the US government for a $25 billion loan. They argue that government demands for increased fuel efficiency are too expensive to implement and require huge amounts of capital for retooling.
Let’s assume for the moment that the argument has some merit. But how can companies with worldwide manufacturing facilities fail to notice the steady increase in fuel prices and not see the warning signs hoisted by governments across the world that want to limit greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. This neglect is inexcusable. Efforts of US and European governments to limit fuel consumption are misdirected, counterproductive, and coercive. A comprehensive analysis quickly reveals that we must indeed limit and eventually halt greenhouse gas emissions.
OPEC countries will continue their unstoppable increases of petroleum prices. Electric cars, CNG powered cars, and hydrogen powered cars cannot stop carbon dioxide emissions perceptibly and will not make our country independent of OPEC imports. Automotive companies are critically dependent on the fickle and changing preferences of national and international markets.
Industrial companies that follow political hype will be punished sooner or later. Governments are incapable of designing automobiles for the market place. The world is relegated to using automobiles, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes for the next century and will have to power most of them with liquid transportation fuels. We may be able to use less of them, we will be able to reduce energy consumption, we can use other forms of energy for some transportation, and we can produce petroleum substitutes from biomass. We can even produce biomass without competing with critically important food crops.
In order to minimize fuel consumption quickly, the auto industry is forced to deal with performance features. American drivers cannot avoid covering much longer distances than European or Japanese drivers. American drivers have less access to public transportation, have larger families, and drive on different types of roads. Automotive companies must listen to their customers.
Toyota and Honda have been listening most successfully. American and foreign car companies have developed a wide range of comfortable cars with a wide variety of utilitarian and luxury features. Sportive cars and SUV’s are attracting large numbers of buyers. All cars offer a wide selection of comfort and entertainment features. One major car component has received only peripheral attention; it is the much maligned internal combustion engine.
Many modern internal combustion engines are marvels of engineering. Materials, manufacturing processes, and especially peripheral components have progressed to unprecedented levels of performance and longevity. There is a last frontier that has escaped deserved attention. This is the highly energy efficient combustion engine. This is the type of engine that the automotive engine needs to develop, this is the engine that legislators should make mandatory.
This is the engine that we need to use for at least one more century. Long term the automotive industry has to develop an entirely new, advanced, internal combustion engine! Average energy efficiency of the worlds inventory of combustion engines is somewhere in the lower mid-twenties. Energy efficiency cannot grow indefinitely. When approaching the 50% efficiency mark, it will be difficult and very expensive to increase efficiency by a single percent. Advanced automotive engines are operating in the mid-thirties.
Large stationary engines are breaking the 45% mark. Large engines on trains and ships are getting above 40%. Looking at the total world inventory, we may still have a chance to nearly double energy efficiency and to cut energy consumption of present inventory in half. We cannot reach this goal by legislating fuel consumption of cars only. We can achieve optimum energy efficiency only by reengineering the processes taking place within and around the internal combustion space.
We know that higher compression ratios will increase energy efficiency, we know how to produce high octane fuel, we know why Diesel engines are more efficient, we know how to minimize formation of pollutants. The automotive industry has developed a huge selection of sophisticated electronic components for single cylinder fuel injection, for precise controls of valve motion and ignition timing, and for reclaiming waste energy at the exhaust.
No company seems to have found the nerve to get a jump on the competition and develop the successor to the two more than century old engine concepts; the Otto and the Diesel engines. If the US government decides to extend a $25 billion loan to the automotive industry, it should attach a few conditions. The loan needs to be secured and must take precedent over shareholder equity. The loan should stipulate that the salaries of top management are tethered to salaries of other top CEO’s like that of the US President.
The obscene bonuses of yesterday should be paid only after a waiting period of at least five years; in which previously agreed upon management objectives must have been met or exceeded. We must stop the prevalent looting of cash from US manufacturing companies by unscrupulous investors. These investors do not contribute anything of lasting value. They are excessively rewarded for ruining once healthy companies. We cannot continue to let a selected few impoverish the many and ruin our country irreparably.
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May 25th, 2009 by engineering magazines
Energy issues are currently being faced by almost every country today. One possible answer is hydrogen fuel. But can hydrogen be really used for fuel?
If people want to use hydrogen for fuel, then there is a need to create usable hydrogen and one way to do that is through chocolate production.
Whenever hydrogen fuel is mentioned, techies, scientists, and even politicians seem to have a glassed look. Honestly speaking, hydrogen can be considered as the perfect fuel. If combined with an oxygen molecule, electricity can be produced. Perhaps you’re already aware that hydrogen makes up the largest part of the atmosphere. If it can be used to generate energy, then pollution and greenhouse gases can be reduced. Does that sound great or what?
However, one problem faced by scientists and researchers is that most of the hydrogen found in the atmosphere is not usable. Oftentimes, hydrogen sticks to another element and a very good example is water (H2O). Great power is required whenever hydrogen is separated from another element.
Honda is among the leaders in the auto industry and currently, they are testing hydrogen powered vehicles on the road. In the US, some families are experimenting with such vehicles. According to the test runs, the cars efficiently work but the main problem is powering the cars. In order to give the car power, the families should take their car to a specialized Honda facility. The facility has solar panels and a tank of hydrogen. At the moment, this set up might work but what if millions of cars are already using hydrogen fuel? Problems will surely arise.
At present, solar power is the most efficient way of creating usable hydrogen although there are still other conversion methods. As mentioned earlier, usable hydrogen can also be created through chocolate production. This may sound humorous to some but in the United Kingdom, a number of scientists discovered this fact. In the production of chocolates, there are waste products and these wastes can be used to produce usable hydrogen.
The chocolate waste needs to be treated with a certain bacteria called ‘e coli’. The treatment will in turn produce hydrogen. Further studies are still being conducted with regards to the use of chocolate waste products to create usable hydrogen.
If in the future the process can be proven quite effective, the chocolate factories are bound to play a very important role in producing hydrogen to be used as fuel. This is great news since more and more people are now aware of the great uses of hydrogen fuel. Now, since there are a lot of chocolate factories around the world, it only means that more usable hydrogen can be created. The next step is to teach chocolate factories how to treat the wastes from chocolate production with e coli.
The advanced technology of today has greatly helped in conducting complicated studies especially in hydrogen production. With the joint efforts of private establishments and various governments, the use of hydrogen for fuel will become more popular and affordable.
Now, every family can help in preserving the planet. With a lot of problems surfacing due to excessive pollution and greenhouse gases, the use of hydrogen for fuel might be the best answer and solution. Why not try using hydrogen as well?
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May 24th, 2009 by engineering magazines
A lot of people are looking for certain options that could help them save money. A great portion of the monthly budget is allotted for gasoline expenses. Now, there is an effective way of cutting down gas expenses and that is through a hydrogen-assist fuel cell.
You already know what hydrogen is and that it makes up a large portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. However, not all the hydrogen present here on Earth are usable as fuel. The hydrogen must first be converted into a usable form before people can benefit from it.
For many years, scientists and researchers have looked for efficient and effective sources of energy. One of the possible solutions for today’s energy crisis is hydrogen. Hydrogen can be turned into usable fuel that can be used in modern homes and even vehicles.
In fact, some cars now have fuel cells. The cars make use of hydrogen fuel. The fuel cells are not as expensive as you think. If you like to build things, then you can certainly build a hydrogen-assist fuel cell. Try to conduct a research and know the different parts of a fuel cell that is used in cars. Once you determine the parts, you can now purchase them in a local hardware store. The parts are not that complicated, so don’t you worry.
If you think that shopping for fuel cell parts is quite hard, then you have another option. You can purchase a fuel cell kit. The parts needed to build the fuel cell are already included on the kit as well as an instruction manual. What you need to do is to read the instructions carefully before you touch the various fuel cell parts. As much as possible, you must know what you’re doing so that there will be no room for mistakes. You can’t afford to make a mistake; otherwise, the fuel cell will not work.
A typical car fuel cell is made up of a water container, vacuum hose, electrical wirings, and baking soda. You have to connect the parts the proper way for it to be effective. You should be able to connect the HHO generator to the car battery. Most cars that use hydrogen fuel today still use gas. In fact, if they can’t find a hydrogen station, the car will still run on gas. The cars are often called hybrid cars or dual- tank cars.
Hydrogen-assist fuel cell is not difficult to build. But if this is your first time to do a DIY activity, it would be best to get a fuel cell kit so that everything you need is already there. From the parts to the instruction manual; so don’t settle for using gas to power your car engine. Why not try using hydrogen fuel instead? You can even use both gasoline and hydrogen fuel.
If you’re able to build a fuel cell, you will notice that the gasoline costs are not as high as it used to be. You will only purchase gasoline if you run out of hydrogen fuel in the middle of nowhere. But you know, water is available almost anywhere. Most fuel cells use water since it contains hydrogen.
The car is powered efficiently and you can even double the distance of your driving. Plus, you don’t contribute to the pollution that pesters the human race for many years now.
Try out the hydrogen-assist fuel cell now.
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May 23rd, 2009 by engineering magazines
Hydrogen as fuel for motor vehicles, is this a great idea? As early as 1970s, plans for hydrogen powered vehicles have been in the works. Scientists and researchers believe that these cars can change the future. People know for a fact that there is great abundance of hydrogen and unlike fossil fuels, scarcity is not a problem. With regards to exhaust emissions, it cannot increase the presence of greenhouse gases here on Earth.
Environmentalists love the idea of hydrogen fuel and no one can really tell what will happen in the near future. However, according to some studies, improper production of hydrogen fuel can emit nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides can add to global warming since it causes acid rain. This can be prevented and minimized through appropriate engine timing as well as optimized hydrogen concentration.
Hydrogen cars can use the alternative fuel using two approaches. The first approach will be to use fuel cells and the other one is to modify the internal combustion engine of your car.
Hybrid cars can either use gasoline and hydrogen. Two tanks are found in the car; one for gas and the other for hydrogen. Dual tanks are recommended at present because hydrogen stations are uncommon. In the whole US alone, there are only over 100 hydrogen stations. With two tanks, you can refuel with gasoline and the car will still run. This is a practical way of conquering the road and at the same time, cutting down gas costs.
With the use of fuel cells, you can double the range run of your motor vehicle. You will simply use water and the hydrogen there will react with oxygen. Water vapor is produced as well as the needed electricity to power the motor vehicle.
The problem seen by experts when using hydrogen as fuel for motor vehicles is that it’s not actually an independent fuel. It basically stores energy. The power needed should be extracted from hydrogen and presently, the process involves the use of fossil fuels.
Storing hydrogen in the motor vehicle is also a great consideration. The hydrogen should always be in liquid form and to do this, the temperature should be maintained at 253 degrees Celsius. If the temperature gets warmer, hydrogen will soon be in gas form. Tremendous insulated tanks are needed as well as venting systems.
Only when the possible problems are solved can the world fully benefit from hydrogen powered vehicles. Aside from that, hydrogen stations should be increased so that the car owners can easily refuel when they ran out of hydrogen. Perhaps the hydrogen motor vehicles used at present are quite expensive but in the future, perhaps more affordable hydrogen powered vehicles will be offered to the pubic.
In fact, popular car manufacturers like General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc. are designing hydrogen powered motor vehicles that are priced similar to ordinary gas-consuming vehicles.
People can only hope that the so-called future cars will be a reality. If you want to experience using hydrogen as fuel, you can have your car converted. With dual tanks, you can save money and just in case you can’t find a hydrogen station, you can always refuel with gasoline.
Hydrogen as fuel for motor vehicles will definitely be a big hit in the coming years. For now, try to help save the environment with other means.
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May 22nd, 2009 by engineering magazines
Have you heard about the latest technology that has caught the attention of environmentalists worldwide? Hydrogen technology is not new and it has been around for many years now. Continuous developments with the technology is being pushed through various governments and institutions because they can see a lot of advantages by using an alternative source of energy like hydrogen fuel.
Currently, converted cars are now using hydrogen fuel. Car engines are typically gasoline powered but with the introduction of hydrogen fuel, car owners can choose between hydrogen fuel and gasoline to power their vehicle.
Here are the advantages of using hydrogen and fuel cells:
- Fuel cells aren’t dangerous. If you frequently surf the net, you’ve probably heard some myths about hydrogen. Fuel cells are easy to operate and are not hazardous. The reason why a lot of people view hydrogen negatively is because of the 1937 zeppelin accident in Hindenburg. The accident was recorded and publicized extensively. That happened many years ago but with today’s advanced hydrogen technology, the use of hydrogen and fuel cells is not something to be scared of.
- Hydrogen provides plenty of energy. Fuel cells are powered with HHO gas and this is similar to water vapor. You will only use water and the HHO generator will do its task. It will separate hydrogen from oxygen molecules. The power of the generator will come from the separated hydrogen. Water is available anywhere, not unless your in a desert, scarcity is not an issue. With the scarcity of oil, it’s no wonder why its price is soaring higher and higher every year.
- Fuel cells require low maintenance. Once your car is converted, you will need to ensure that the quart-sized reservoir has the proper fluid amount. Other than that, you don’t have any other problem.
Gas stations are taking a lot of your hard-earned money. If you want to put an end to this, have your car converted now. Hydrogen powered vehicles are very limited and the purchase of such car is often regulated. Perhaps in the future, hydrogen powered cars will be available to the public and there will be better sources of hydrogen; only then can the price of hydrogen cars be more affordable.
Now that you know that the use of hydrogen and fuel cells is not dangerous, will you have your car converted? This is not a huge problem because all you need are hydrogen fuel car kits or boost kits and you can run your car using hydrogen power. You can definitely improve mileage and you can save a lot of money. Now, you can use the extra money to purchase other more important things.
At present, the source of hydrogen fuel is still under continuous research and studies. Experts are still trying to discover less expensive means of getting usable hydrogen. Although hydrogen makes up a large portion of the atmosphere, most are not in usable form. With studies underway, people can expect that in the future, the planet will be less polluted.
Environmentalists are pushing for the worldwide acceptance of hydrogen and fuel cells. It is up to the different countries now to pursue the use of hydrogen technology. Currently, only rich countries can afford this technology.
Well, who knows; in the future, everything might change.
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May 20th, 2009 by engineering magazines
You can now find hydrogen fuel for your car or cars and experience the many benefits it can provide. Some hydrogen cars are still being tested to prove its efficiency but time will come when these cars will be fully accepted on the road. It would be very beneficial if there are lots of hydrogen stations all over the world; well, who knows… perhaps that time will come too.
The demand for hydrogen fuel for cars will soon increase as the source of hydrogen fuel becomes stable. With the use of hydrogen powered vehicles, you can enjoy driving for about a month without refilling the tank; that’s discrete mileage, right? At present, fully hydrogen powered cars are not yet available.
However, the existing car engines can now be modified and converted. Once modified, the cars can use hydrogen as fuel. By 2010, some car manufacturers are going to launch fully hydrogen powered cars that can answer today’s energy and environmental problems.
With very few hydrogen fuel for cars at the moment, the price is too high for ordinary individuals to afford. But no one can really tell if the hydrogen fuel cars will soon be reasonably priced. At the moment, you can have your vehicle converted so that you can get the feel of driving a hydrogen fuel vehicle. Rest assured that you can save lots of money because you will be using water instead of gasoline. If you want to gain 35-100% increase in mileage, have you car converted the soonest.
Driving conditions differ and this is one thing to consider when using hydrogen fuel vehicles. The car of tomorrow will have an HHO fuel cell. This fuel cell can even be made at home. There are HHO car kits so that you can easily build the fuel cells since the building instructions are included in the kit. If you want, you can also purchase the needed materials and then look for the building instructions online.
How do hydrogen fuel cars work? The process is not hard to understand. Once the car is converted, you can now use clean water as fuel. The water molecules are separated and then the gases are forced into a combustion chamber. In the chamber, the gases are burned and in turn, energy is produced. Now, the car has power and you can enjoy driving for as long you like. Not only is the hydrogen fuel car cost effective, but it is also environment friendly as well. It can reduce pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases.
So, if you want to save the environment and cut-down your gasoline costs, have your vehicle converted now. Well of course, you need to consider if there are hydrogen stations in your locality. Otherwise, you will depend largely on your water source at home. You must know your options before you convert the car. It will involve a certain amount of money and you have to be prepared for it. And when new and fully hydrogen fuel cars are sold for the public, you can buy the car; that is, if you can afford one.
You have to learn more about hydrogen fuel for cars. If you want, you can take advantage of the various resources online and gather the needed information. You have to know how the hydrogen fuel car works so that you can appreciate it even more.
The environment definitely need help nowadays and the hydrogen fuel cars might be of great assistance.
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