Thermo-electric Exhaust Conversion

A 10% improvement in fuel economy is a big deal.

Researchers work to convert car exhaust into energy

By Margaret Harding, Associated Press
WARREN, Mich. — The stinky, steaming air that escapes from a car's tailpipe could help us use less gas.

Researchers are competing to meet a challenge from the U.S. Department of Energy: Improve fuel economy 10% by...(complete article here).

Ethanol Backlash Building?

There are myriad arguments against ethanol. Some are legitimate and some are uninformed. Whatever the basis, many people are resisting the inclusion of ethanol in their fuel tanks. I believe that the RFS mandates are misguided although well-intended. Although difficult, it is time to change course away from corn-based ethanol.

In Gas-Powered World, Ethanol Stirs Complaints

By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 26, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY — “Why Do You Put Alcohol in Your Tank?” demands a large sign outside one gas station here, which reassures drivers that it sells only “100% Gas.”

“No Corn in Our Gas,” advertises another station nearby.

Along the highways of this sprawling prairie city, and in other pockets of the country, a mutiny is growing against energy policies that...(complete article here).

Americans Driving Less

Higher fuel prices are finally making an impact.

Americans drove less in 2007 for first time: government

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As gasoline prices broke records in 2007, Americans cut back on their driving for the first time in more than 20 years, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Total travel fell...(complete article here).

Hydraulic Hybrid UPS Delivery Vehicle Demonstrated

I applaud the EPA for this.

U.S. EPA demonstrates hydraulic hybrid UPS delivery vehicle:

Vehicle achieves 60 – 70 percent better fuel economy, 40 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions

Release date: 12/17/2007
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute 213-244-1815

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today demonstrated its hydraulic hybrid UPS delivery vehicle at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, Calif. which, in laboratory tests, achieved a 60 – 70 percent improvement in fuel economy and 40 percent reduction in emissions over a conventional vehicle.

The unique UPS delivery vehicle features EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology. The vehicle uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel economy is increased in three ways: vehicle braking energy is recovered that normally is wasted; the engine is operated more efficiently; and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating.

“If every drayage truck and yard hostler in the ports adopted...(complete article here).

Different energy applications require different solutions. This is a partial solution that targets an area of very high opportunity.