Sunday, May 22, 2011

First Fully Integrated Electric Car Network?

Week of May 22, 2011

Better Place implements electric car network in Israel to ease "Range Anxiety" and Houston hosts Electric Vehicle Event

Mark my words, 2011 will go down as the year of the electric car.  The Nissan Leaf, the Chevy Volt, a plug-in Prius, and many other entries by major manufacturers are entering the market.  At the end of May, the Clean Economy Network of Houston, Texas is hosting an event called “The Evolution of Vehicles: Electric Vehicles and Houston” where these and other new electric vehicles will be demonstrated with a discussion to follow.

Just last week, Better Place, a manufacturer of electric cars and infrastructure announced it was rolling out a network to ease the “range anxiety” associated with electric cars.  The company plans to keep Electric Vehicles moving for distances beyond their stated battery life, making longer distance trips possible.

The concept ‘Better Place’ is pushing is focuses on interchangeable batteries.  Better Place is taking Renault Fluence Z.E. sedans and at their stations, users will have the ability to swap out batteries in as little as five minutes.  In addition, when parked at shopping centers, Better Place hopes to have charging posts available to put a little bit of charge back into cars.

The Renault Fluence cars would be bought minus the cost of the battery.  The battery would be bought through Better Place with a subscription that allows access to their charging network across the country.  Rates would be dependent on driving characteristics.

Better Place is also setting up a network in Denmark, where rates have been established from about $300 per month for 6,200 miles (10,000 km) to about $600 for unlimited miles.  There is also an initial subscription fee of $2,000, but in both Israel and Denmark, gasoline is pushing $10 per gallon.

In the United States, the Clean Economy Network of Houston is promoting Houston as a leader in electric vehicle technology for Texas.  Nissan rolled out the Volt for Texas in Houston, and hosted the Chevy Volt launch here as well.  Most recently, Houston also achieved designation as an ‘Electric Vehicle Readiness city’ and could be one of the first cities in the nation to host an elaborate electric vehicle network system. One Stop Green commends the work of the Clean Economy Network of Houston and their commitment to supporting the advancement of Electric Vehicles in the state of Texas. 

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner. 

Visit our website at www.onestopgreen.com or download the mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

Can Passing Trains Generate Electricity?

Week of May 22, 2011

Wind from passing trains can power your lights!
 
Trains are considered some of the greenest forms of mass transit, and in many cities, subways shuttle people from the suburbs to the city center.  Now, the creators of the “T-Box” have the ability to make trains even greener.  The T-Box is designed to harness the gust of wind accompanying passing trains and the electricity can be used to produce power for remote areas near the railroad tracks or railroad facilities along the line.

The T-Box fits between the railroad ties and is partially buried so that it’s out of the way of the train.  The creators, Qian Jiang and Alessandro Leonetti Luparini say that a train passing at 125 miles per hour produces a wind speed 50 ft/sec over the box.  A 700-foot train would produce 3500 watts of power over half a mile of track.  If the train is running near 200 miles per hour, the T-Box would produce almost 3 kilowatts of power.

For those who have ridden subways, the concept could possibly be used on the walls and ceilings of the subway tube.  While speeds would be lower in a subway, the confined space between the subway cars and the walls would increase the speed of the wind because the air is compressed and this electricity generated could also go towards powering the subway as well.

The United States just approved over $8 billion for high speed rail funding and soon the State of Texas will vote on legislation that would create a statewide rail system. The T-Box is yet another reason to promote cleaner forms of mass transportation as it could help offset the cost of its construction through the electricity it produces.  If you live somewhere like New York or Washington D.C. with a subway, something like this could be used to a great benefit to riders.  The cost savings generated by the electricity could also be used to lower fares for customers. Furthermore, the T-Box only represents the tipping point, in highway-heavy states like Texas, modifications to the T-Box is something that could be integrated into highway systems to power street or traffic lights.

The T-Box is a great way to make a green mode of transportation even greener.  The underlying premise of sustainability implies that we use the resources available to us, so it is with that spirit that the T-Box uses otherwise wasted wind energy and harnesses it to work its way back into powering our society.
One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.
Visit our website at www.onestopgreen.com or download the mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Solar Panels, What is Next?

Week of May 8, 2011

Implementation and New Technologies on the Horizon
 
Solar panels have been in the news quite a bit recently.  From a shortage in 2010 to innovative new production methods to new locales of implementation, the buzz surrounding one of the easiest methods for achieving energy independence has been up and down.

The shortage of 2010 was caused strictly by business and the almighty dollar.  For American manufacturers, solar panels could be more profitably sold overseas in Europe and Asia.  This created a local vacuum of supplies when lowered consumer costs and government incentives pushed demand to a maximum.  With supplies low, suppliers had to find solar panels in other places for higher prices or wait, and both options chased away customers.  It seems in 2011, the spike in demand has leveled and supply has gained ground.  Prices of panels should drop and the cost of electricity and the given incentives should reignite demand in the United States.

Related to demand is silicon, which is widely used in the production of photovoltaic cells.  Organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules are widely seen as the solution to the silicon problem.  They are carbon based units used to convert light to electricity.  However, the OPV modules are costly and inefficient when compared to comparable silicon modules.  Despite this, US firm Emerson and Canadian firm Sanmina-SCI are pursuing research to test the cost and find wider uses for OPV modules.

In West Chester, PA, solar panels have been approved for installation on a parking garage.  The Borough Leaders United for Emission Reduction (BLUER) supported the project, which will run about $500,000.  Detractors are mostly worried about cost and that the current technology could become outdated.  Dissenting council members believed that given the economy, such a large expenditure wasn’t wise.  Several estimates pegged a return on the investment after 16 years, or about halfway through the expected lifespan of the project and $9,000 yearly savings.  In addition, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates could be sold to energy providers since the City of West Chester would own the system.  It is another story of a city deciding to step up and provide a good example by going green.

Solar panels are one of the easiest and most visible routes to energy independence and green living.  The technology is always changing and improving.  The shortage is over, and organic photovoltaic modules are starting to take baby steps to power the future.  However the time to start going green is now, before it is too late.

One Stop Green carries a full line of solar panels and solar powered generators to meet nearly any project needs.  One Stop Green can also do an energy audit to determine the best place and application of solar panels for your project.  Our experts can install the panels on your property to maximize the amount of energy collected.
One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner. 

You can visit their website at www.onestopgreen.com or download our mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

Charge 'er Up! Electric Vehicle News

Week of May 8, 2011

New Announcements and Updates on Electric Cars

In the news earlier this year was the new Volkswagen Bulli, whose concept introduced at the Geneva Auto Show.  Like many new autos, the new Bulli, or “Microbus” as it is known stateside, will be powered by an electric motor.  This led me to wonder about all the other up and coming electric vehicles that are about to hit the market and advances in technology to keep them running.

Electric cars substitute an electric battery powering a motor for an internal combustion engine.  Periodically, they need to be recharged and the most common method for that is to plug into an electrical outlet.  The cars have zero emissions from the tailpipe and significantly cut emissions overall.  This decrease in pollutants from the vehicle and end to gasoline use is the main draws to electric cars.

Like every new piece of technology, there are downsides to these new electric cars.  The biggest downside is price.  The average consumer doesn’t want to spend more for an electric car than a gasoline version despite all the subsidies many governments offer.  The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable electric cars, however still costs over $30,000.  A US rebate drops that $7,500 and states may have their own subsidies as well (such as California’s $5,000 subsidy) that drop the car price significantly.

Another drawback is the reduced range.  “Range anxiety” stems from the concern that batteries will lose charge on a trip far from anywhere able to recharge them.  And even if there is a charging station nearby, a recharge can take several hours out of a trip.  One of the top cars range wise is the Tesla Roadster, at 245 miles.  That is significantly less than many internal combustion cars, and in a state like Texas, won’t get me out of the state.  However, most electric cars are marketed as “daily drivers” that are geared towards the average 40 mile per day commute.  Also, cars can be built with battery switch technology.  This gives them the ability to be swapped out (like propane fuel grill tanks), however the costs are high despite the fact that it can take as little as one minute.  The US has fast charging stations being developed and should be blanketing the country by 2013 that will build an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

There are around 20 highway capable, large vehicles currently under development or in production.  Their popularity will almost certainly grow as gas prices rise and resources become harder to acquire.  Despite these drawbacks, electric cars seem to be the way of the future, and the kinks will be worked out, just like every other piece of technology.

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.

You can visit their website at www.onestopgreen.com and download their mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

Turn Up the Heat - Summer Tips for Winter Weather

Week of May 8, 2011

Fix those Cold Weather flaws when it's warm!

With Spring about to turn to Summer, why blog about cold weather?  During the warm weather, fixes for cold weather issues are more easily accomplished.  In addition, many cold weather fixes will also help during the summer, such as an air conditioner and heating unit tune up and improved insulation.  In addition, it seems like energy bills are only going up, so every little bit helps where you can cut your use.

Part of the catalyst for this article is that during the first big storm in early February, Texas utilities were unable to keep up with demand and asked its users to try and conserve energy while also implementing rolling blackouts to keep a catastrophic failure from occurring.  The inadequate production would be subject to another discussion though; I’m just here for conservation.

The easiest way to reduce energy is to keep that warm air in your building, be it home or workplace.  Check windows and doors for leaks where the hot air can escape and cold air can enter.  Replacing the seals on doors and windows will help keep all that warm air from leaving.  Also, check insulation and replace if it is thin.  There are guides online by region as to what kind and how much insulation should be used.

Opening the south facing blinds when the sun is out can capture solar energy in the building.  Closing the blinds at night will also help keep that solar energy inside where it is needed.  The north facing blinds should stay closed and thicker blinds also absorb more heat and release it slower at night.

Lowering the temperature in your building can add up to quick savings.  Every degree the thermostat is lowered during the day will save 3-5% and lowering the thermostat even more when the building is unoccupied will cut costs even more.  Using blankets instead of a heater is another way to cut energy use.

Lastly, keep the winter weather appliances well maintained.  Clean the filters on the heater or furnace regularly so the unit won’t have to work as hard when it’s needed most.  While more of an off season fix, have the unit regularly tuned up by a professional so that it is running at its best throughout winter.
One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.

You can visit their website at www.onestopgreen.com and download their mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP