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A solar car is an electric-powered vehicle that runs on solar energy obtained from the solar panels on its surface. The solar panels are commonly found on the roof of the vehicle.

This type of vehicle is not entirely practical as of this moment, for obvious reasons. It needs to harness the power of the sun in order to run. Without sunlight, it runs on the reserve power which is stored in its batteries.

Photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity, which runs the vehicle. That’s why solar cars are limited by the energy input from the sun, their main source of energy. This type of vehicle is usually manufactured for participation in solar car races.

Just like a typical race car, a solar race car has room only for the driver, although there are some designs that include room for a navigator. It does have several features similar to a normal car, such as an accelerator, a brake, rear view mirrors on the camera, and ventilation. It would also have a radio which would be used by the driver, in order to communicate with his support crew.

The Electrical System

Probably the most important component of a solar car is its electrical system. The electrical system controls all the power that comes in and out of the car. It doesn’t have a gas tank, but its battery essentially functions as one. The battery stores energy produced by the PV cells. There’s a wide range of batteries to choose from, but the most common ones are lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), lithium polymer batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Most solar cars have gauges which monitor the entire electrical system. Among the things that one keeps an eye on, are the battery voltage, and the current.

The Design

The mechanical design of a solar car prioritizes on keeping friction and weight to a minimum, while maintaining sufficient strength so that it doesn’t disintegrate. These vehicles are typically made out of titanium and similar composites, in order to get a good strength-to-weight ratio.

Commercially Available Hybrids

Hybrid cars using solar power are commercially available, in limited quantities. The Toyota Prius is said to be able to generate up to 240 watts of electric power from its solar cells. That results in a 15 km drive, on a sunny day.

One practical application for the solar car would be to use its technology for golf carts, which are lightweight, are mainly used during the day, and are usually parked under the sun.

Our future will be bright when cars roam the streets using renewable energy such as solar power.

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Visit Anna Williams’ website and blogs, to find out more about Solar Power and Alternative Energy.

Source Article: The Solar Car and how it Runs

Oil and its alternatives, such as biodiesel, are continuously in the news. When oil prices go up, it seems that everyone is affected. Biodiesel is one of many alternative energy sources that is being developed to address this problem.

One of these alternative forms of energy is biodiesel.

What is Biodiesel?

Technically speaking, biodiesel is a biodegradable and renewable diesel fuel, which is made from plant oils or from animal fats. Which material is used depends on which production method is used, as well as on which type of fuel is to be made. This type of fuel consists of a form of natural hydrocarbon which contains little sulfur content, thus helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from diesel engines.

Biodiesel can be used in a pure form, or it can be blended with other petroleum-based products. It is safe for use even on unmodified diesel engines.

Blends of biodiesel are known with the designation “Bxx,” where xx is the percentage of biodiesel contained in the mix. In its pure form, it is referred to as B100. Because it comes from animals and plants, its sources can be recycled or farmed. It also has no known harmful or damaging side effects.

More people using biodiesel means cleaner air. Additionally, it helps lubricate the engine, therefore decreasing wear and tear. Biodiesel creates fewer emissions, is biodegradable, and is a renewable form of energy as well.

One downside of this type of fuel is that its use can lead to the degradation of a vehicle’s natural rubber gaskets. This is the case for vehicles made before 1992. Their hoses do tend to deteriorate over time, and some have since been replaced by FKM (a material that doesn’t react with biodiesel). It is common for fuel filters to become clogged after the transition has been made. Therefore, it’s recommended that these parts be replaced.

Biodiesel in Everyday Lives

Biodiesel has been accepted for use worldwide. Most fuel stations around the globe have biodiesel pumps ready for their consumers. Diesel engines can use biodiesel without any changes being made to the engine.

There is even a train which runs on 20% biodiesel.

Controversy

The public acceptance of biodiesel has led to an increase in its production. Because of this, issues have also been raised in regards to food or feed being used to create fuel. There are reports of food shortages in some regions of the world, as a result of food sources being diverted and used for the production of biodiesel.

While biodiesel could be a good alternative energy solution, I think we can all agree that its use should definitely not cause anyone to go hungry. Any long-term strategy which implements biodiesel as an alternative energy source should also include measures to ensure that necessary food supplies are not diminished or made less accessible as a result.

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To learn more, visit Anna Williams’ blog, at Biodiesel.
To learn more about different forms of renewable energy, please visit Alternative & Renewable Energy.

Source Article: Biodiesel – a Cleaner Alternative

If you’ve owned a diesel powered vehicle in the
past or if you own one now, you no doubt appreciate
the qualities this engine provides you with. More
torque, better fuel economy, and easier maintenance
are but a few of the attributes of owning diesel
powered vehicles.

However, there are some motorists that still
complain about the engine’s weak power, especially
when accelerating from a full stop. What you
may not be aware of is the fact that a diesel
engine can be tweaked to give more power without
harming the fuel economy.

Diesel engines use air compression to create
combustion versus the fuel/air mixture that is
required by gas engines. This attribute means
that diesel engines don’t require spark plugs
and therefore don’t need to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a much high fuel density than
gas, which results in fuel economy increases
of 20 – 30% over gasoline powered vehicles.

Diesel engines are also cheaper to maintain as
they have less parts than that of a gasoline
powered engine. The life span of a diesel
engine is also much longer.

If you’re looking for torque, for pulling a
boat or other equipment, then the diesel
engine has the supreme advantage. Diesel
engines are surely slower, especially when
starting from a dead stop, although when you
climb hills or go over bridges, the diesel
engine is surely up to the task.

With trucks, diesel is normally the leader
over gas engines in terms of performance and
miles per gallon. Diesel trucks will get
more miles than gas trucks, and the price for
diesel is a bit cheaper than gas these days.
And with gas prices on the rise, diesel will
continue to dominate for a long time to come.
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