Friday, December 11, 2009
Hey baby, what winks & has 3100 watts between it’s legs? | Greasy Rider
Hey baby, what winks & has 3100 watts between it’s legs? | Greasy Rider: "I suppose its fitting that ICE vehicles run on dead dinosaur pulp since they have a looming date with extinction in their future."
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Happiness Satisfaction
Tom Magliozzi quotes: "Tom Magliozzi said: 'Happiness equals reality minus expectations'"
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Nissan Long Range Battery May Be Ready by 2015 | Electric Vehicle News
Nissan Long Range Battery May Be Ready by 2015 | Electric Vehicle News: "Nissan Motor Co. is developing a lithium ion battery for electric vehicles that can store electricity at double the current capacity. Nissan aims to equip electric cars with the battery by 2015.
The new system is a lithium-ion battery using a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode. Capacity is raised by improving the positive electrode, specifically, using nickel and cobalt, not only manganese."
The new system is a lithium-ion battery using a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode. Capacity is raised by improving the positive electrode, specifically, using nickel and cobalt, not only manganese."
Talking plugs can be a smart investment
There is a huge initiative among companies like Google, IBM, Cisco and so many other smaller smart grid players to make the grid more modernized using cutting edge digital technology and tackle environmental issues, cost reduction and energy conservation. The common smart grid devices that have invaded the market are smart meters, data concentrators, system monitoring software, etc. They help utilities oversee the precise location of electricity consumption and predict potential blackout areas. Home owners can also monitor more clearly where and how the electricity is being absorbed which will provide them with more leverage to effectively save on energy and reduce their carbon footprint in the bargain.
Toronto Canada based ZerofootPrint has come up with one such device compatible with smart grid technology that it calls the TalkingPlug. It is a lot like Google’s power meter in function but less cumbersome. Google's home energy-monitoring software relies on meters, or add-on devices that can communicate usage information back to utilities. There are others in the markets that are add-ons to the vendors’ home network hardware. The talking plug idea so much more convenient as it does not require specialized installations of smart meter or a home energy display. It helps you keep a check on not only your power consumption but also compare it your neighbors. Yes, nothing like a little competition to make everyone go green with envy! But here it’s a good thing as green is where we want to go…It fits on all your standard electrical outlets and provides detailed information on electricity consumed by your appliances. The programmable plug is controlled by a wireless local area network (WLAN). It exposes errant appliances and energy sucking vampires in the home, sends a stream of information to a software program so residents can monitor or re-tailor their energy use, and turn things on and off remotely via the Internet or in person . Right now, the TalkingPlug is being custom produced, and each one costs about $50 but is expected to sell cheaper after the first year. ZerofootPrint CEO Ron Dembo says: “It will completely transform our world when plugs talk to each other and interact with each other.” Communication is definitely a good thing, in more ways than one!
http://networking.bizjournals.com/post/Groups/bizjournals_green/blog/talking_plugs_can_be_a_smart_investment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greenbizjournal%2Flatest+%28bizjournals+Green+%28on+ThePort%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Toronto Canada based ZerofootPrint has come up with one such device compatible with smart grid technology that it calls the TalkingPlug. It is a lot like Google’s power meter in function but less cumbersome. Google's home energy-monitoring software relies on meters, or add-on devices that can communicate usage information back to utilities. There are others in the markets that are add-ons to the vendors’ home network hardware. The talking plug idea so much more convenient as it does not require specialized installations of smart meter or a home energy display. It helps you keep a check on not only your power consumption but also compare it your neighbors. Yes, nothing like a little competition to make everyone go green with envy! But here it’s a good thing as green is where we want to go…It fits on all your standard electrical outlets and provides detailed information on electricity consumed by your appliances. The programmable plug is controlled by a wireless local area network (WLAN). It exposes errant appliances and energy sucking vampires in the home, sends a stream of information to a software program so residents can monitor or re-tailor their energy use, and turn things on and off remotely via the Internet or in person . Right now, the TalkingPlug is being custom produced, and each one costs about $50 but is expected to sell cheaper after the first year. ZerofootPrint CEO Ron Dembo says: “It will completely transform our world when plugs talk to each other and interact with each other.” Communication is definitely a good thing, in more ways than one!
http://networking.bizjournals.com/post/Groups/bizjournals_green/blog/talking_plugs_can_be_a_smart_investment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greenbizjournal%2Flatest+%28bizjournals+Green+%28on+ThePort%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Mini E Field Test Highlights Roadblocks Facing Electric Cars | Autopia | Wired.com
Mini E Field Test Highlights Roadblocks Facing Electric Cars | Autopia | Wired.com: "Mini E field-test data:
* Plug design: No worldwide standard of connectors currently exists. The Society of Automotive Engineers is expected to adopt a universal charging plug — known in the EV biz as SAE J1772 — sometime next year, but for now manufacturers are going their own way.
* Customer expectation management: Steinberg said Mini E field testers underestimated the challenge of installing a charger in terms of construction, permit authorities and local municipalities.
* Utility options and requirements vary: Electric meters vary from town to town. One solution is to install a secondary meter to avoid upgrading the existing panel. Secondary panels could be “smart” enough to charge the car during specific off-peak hours. (Off-peak electricity costs 50 percent less in California.)
* Inspection and permitting standards: In addition to being a big hassle, each municipality’s inspection and permit approval processes are unique. Steinberg said California was easy, but that New Jersey permit authorities and inspectors were a particular point of friction.
* Wallbox installation delays: BMW had to waive lease payments for some field testers “pending the installation of a fully operational wallbox.” In addition, fleet customers who tested a larger number of the vehicles didn’t seem to comprehend the urgency of identifying a suitable place to install the charger.
* Post-installation servicing and troubleshooting is murky. When the car won’t charge, several factors could be to blame: the car, charger, ground-fault indicator on the 110V cable or on the outlet, the circuit breaker, or the utility. Not only does this make problems harder to find than in traditional cars, but it also complicates the matter of which party should pay to send a technician to the home.
* Public infrastructure: Range anxiety is significant enough for widespread electric-car adoption to require public charging stations, and those must be cross-compatible between manufacturers, service providers and utilities.
* Vehicle-to grid-communication: All of this gets easier if the car can talk to the grid. Specific examples include charging subscription plans, smartphone reservation apps to reserve public chargers, and load-leveling calculations.
BMW unveiled the Mini E at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 19, 2008.
BMW unveiled the Mini E at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 19, 2008.
Approximately 1,800 people applied to field test the Mini E, which is being leased to customers at $895 a month for one year. Of those, 1,010 applications were forwarded to dealers, who chose 250 testers in southern California and 200 in New York and New Jersey. Field testers include private customers, nongovernmental organizations, municipalities and charities."
* Plug design: No worldwide standard of connectors currently exists. The Society of Automotive Engineers is expected to adopt a universal charging plug — known in the EV biz as SAE J1772 — sometime next year, but for now manufacturers are going their own way.
* Customer expectation management: Steinberg said Mini E field testers underestimated the challenge of installing a charger in terms of construction, permit authorities and local municipalities.
* Utility options and requirements vary: Electric meters vary from town to town. One solution is to install a secondary meter to avoid upgrading the existing panel. Secondary panels could be “smart” enough to charge the car during specific off-peak hours. (Off-peak electricity costs 50 percent less in California.)
* Inspection and permitting standards: In addition to being a big hassle, each municipality’s inspection and permit approval processes are unique. Steinberg said California was easy, but that New Jersey permit authorities and inspectors were a particular point of friction.
* Wallbox installation delays: BMW had to waive lease payments for some field testers “pending the installation of a fully operational wallbox.” In addition, fleet customers who tested a larger number of the vehicles didn’t seem to comprehend the urgency of identifying a suitable place to install the charger.
* Post-installation servicing and troubleshooting is murky. When the car won’t charge, several factors could be to blame: the car, charger, ground-fault indicator on the 110V cable or on the outlet, the circuit breaker, or the utility. Not only does this make problems harder to find than in traditional cars, but it also complicates the matter of which party should pay to send a technician to the home.
* Public infrastructure: Range anxiety is significant enough for widespread electric-car adoption to require public charging stations, and those must be cross-compatible between manufacturers, service providers and utilities.
* Vehicle-to grid-communication: All of this gets easier if the car can talk to the grid. Specific examples include charging subscription plans, smartphone reservation apps to reserve public chargers, and load-leveling calculations.
BMW unveiled the Mini E at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 19, 2008.
BMW unveiled the Mini E at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 19, 2008.
Approximately 1,800 people applied to field test the Mini E, which is being leased to customers at $895 a month for one year. Of those, 1,010 applications were forwarded to dealers, who chose 250 testers in southern California and 200 in New York and New Jersey. Field testers include private customers, nongovernmental organizations, municipalities and charities."
Project Get Ready: Preparing Cities for the Plug-in Electric Vehicle » Technical Adviser Meeting Minutes 11/12/09
Project Get Ready: Preparing Cities for the Plug-in Electric Vehicle » Technical Adviser Meeting Minutes 11/12/09: "Should cities install more Level 1 chargers or less Level 2 chargers?
* recommend level 2 – level one fine for PHEV, but pure BEV, especially with long range, push level 2 everywhere
* once they have EV they want level 2, level 1 not practical – can’t go very far – those who have studied issue want upgradeable units
* level 2 the way to go
* we found testing in japan – DC quick charge – can use this in garage and commute
* valet quick charge in parking garage – one charger services 50 vehicles a night
o eliminates icing – like a gas station – Tokyo area
* cities don’t want to double dip and do 2 sign ups and roll outs – so do an upgradeable – start with level 1 and upgrade"
* recommend level 2 – level one fine for PHEV, but pure BEV, especially with long range, push level 2 everywhere
* once they have EV they want level 2, level 1 not practical – can’t go very far – those who have studied issue want upgradeable units
* level 2 the way to go
* we found testing in japan – DC quick charge – can use this in garage and commute
* valet quick charge in parking garage – one charger services 50 vehicles a night
o eliminates icing – like a gas station – Tokyo area
* cities don’t want to double dip and do 2 sign ups and roll outs – so do an upgradeable – start with level 1 and upgrade"
Project Get Ready: Preparing Cities for the Plug-in Electric Vehicle » Technical Adviser Meeting Minutes 11/12/09
Project Get Ready: Preparing Cities for the Plug-in Electric Vehicle » Technical Adviser Meeting Minutes 11/12/09: "Should cities install more Level 1 chargers or less Level 2 chargers?
* recommend level 2 – level one fine for PHEV, but pure BEV, especially with long range, push level 2 everywhere
* once they have EV they want level 2, level 1 not practical – can’t go very far – those who have studied issue want upgradeable units
* level 2 the way to go
* we found testing in japan – DC quick charge – can use this in garage and commute
* valet quick charge in parking garage – one charger services 50 vehicles a night
o eliminates icing – like a gas station – Tokyo area
* cities don’t want to double dip and do 2 sign ups and roll outs – so do an upgradeable – start with level 1 and upgrade"
* recommend level 2 – level one fine for PHEV, but pure BEV, especially with long range, push level 2 everywhere
* once they have EV they want level 2, level 1 not practical – can’t go very far – those who have studied issue want upgradeable units
* level 2 the way to go
* we found testing in japan – DC quick charge – can use this in garage and commute
* valet quick charge in parking garage – one charger services 50 vehicles a night
o eliminates icing – like a gas station – Tokyo area
* cities don’t want to double dip and do 2 sign ups and roll outs – so do an upgradeable – start with level 1 and upgrade"
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