Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS): Technology Alternatives For Suspension And Propulsion

Electromagnetic Suspension
Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) system in which an array of magnets is attracted upwards to a steel rail. It is possible to design the magnets so that there is an upward force produced by magnetic attraction that cancels the downward gravitational force: the magnets are suspended in space! If steel beams were mounted on either side of a “guideway,” then a vehicle with magnets on both sides could move along the guideway and be supported and guided by the steel rails. (more…)

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Flex Fuel Vehicles Auto Industry Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan

Because transportation is such a large contributor to global warming, both globally and in the United States, climate and energy experts say finding clean alternatives to gasoline is also key to replacing fossil fuels and slowing global warming. Just as there is debate and competing research about which type of alternative transportation fuel should be developed to produce electricity, however, there is also competition among possible new transportation fuels. So far, in the United States, significant funding has been put into two transportation technologies—ethanol and hydrogen fuel cells. Many energy commentators say cars powered by electric batteries are the technology closest to mass production capability, however. (more…)

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The Future Of Renewable Fuels And Hybrids

Do we have the resources? Rudolf Diesel developed the diesel engine which ran on biodiesel vegetable oil in the late 1800s. At the time, he speculated that his discovery seemed insignificant, but later could prove to be as important as mankind’s uncovering of future energy uses for petroleum and coal tar. Given the U.S.’ rapid expansion into biofuels, it would appear his vision was correct due to the drawbacks of biofuels. But widespread adoption of biomass-based fuels is not a foregone conclusion. Two questions haunt its progress. First, will it truly reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels? And second, is there enough farmland to accommodate widespread production, without jeopardizing food supplies? (more…)

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Biomass and Bioenergy – Taking the Leap to Renewable Energy Sources

biomass and bioenergy
Over the last decade, the number of countries researching the potential of biomass and bioenergy for energy services rose rapidly. This contributed to the biomass as solid and liquid fuels, an interesting and promising option among renewable energy sources available. This includes solid waste and biomass, which comprises of charcoal, firewood, energy crops and forestry and agricultural residues to produce heat and electricity, (more…)

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Residential Solar Power - Can It Really Save Thousands as Claimed?

residential solar home
Did you know that the average American household uses around 10,000 kWh of electricity per year? This amount would be lessened if people would invest in more energy efficient windows and appliances, and replace their insulation. Just doing this could save the average homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. Another simple and relatively inexpensive option is to change your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones. (more…)

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Biomass Resources as Major Factor Towards Sustainable Energy System

biomass energy resources
Biomass has been a main energy sources in the world since the beginning of civilization. It has been important in development processes, including early stages of industrialization in several countries. In Sweden, for example, the first concerns about preservation date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, resulting from the recognition of the central role played by forests in energy provision. Biomass was also essential in the initial development of the iron industry in Sweden and, later on, the same happened in Brazil, where charcoal is still largely utilized in iron reduction. Biomass remains a major source of energy in many countries. (more…)

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Some Major Alternative Energy Sources

alternative energy sources
Some of alternative fuel sources are by no means new. For centuries people have harnessed the power of running water for a variety of needs, particularly for agriculture or farming. Water wheels were constructed in the Middle East, Greece, and China thousands of years ago, and they were common fixtures on the farms of Europe by the Middle Ages. In the early 21st century hydroelectric dam, which generate electricity from the power of rivers, provide about 9 % of the electricity in the United States. Worldwide, there are about 40,000 such dams. (more…)

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General Categorization of Electricity Generation Using Alternative Energy Resources

The first step in categorizing potential benefits and costs is determining the relevant scope of the analysis. We have concluded that, at this level of analysis, it is appropriate to limit the scope to the benefits and costs associated with the types of electricity generation that offshore wind, waves, and ocean currents might be displacing. Therefore, we consider externalities associated with offshore alternative energy plus those associated with coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, and conventional hydroelectric power. (more…)

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The Effects of Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Internal Combustion Engines

hybrid-vehicles
The internal combustion engine has dominated the car and light-truck market for over 100 years. Although remarkable improvements have been made over the past 30 years to reduce air pollution problems to nearly zero and to almost double vehicle efficiency, increasing concerns about global warming and energy security are pushing vehicles toward even greater energy efficiency improvements. (more…)

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