In a world seemingly obsessed with finding renewable energy sources, solar power has become a common feature in day-to-day life. Although the technology was initially released before it was fully tested, and therefore gained a poor reputation for reliability, since the turn of the Millennium it has grown in stature and promise. One can forgive the scientists behind the development for this over-eagerness in releasing what could one day be a primary resource for fuel and power in the modern world, especially as the majority of the kinks are now ironed out.

 

It is therefore natural that many are considering the possibility of solar powered vehicles. With the non-renewable fossil fuels being consumed by motorists at a rate that the planet will soon no longer be able to supply, the idea of having a car entirely powered by solar powers is an intriguing one.

 

It is not, however, a particularly new one. Almost since the invention of solar panels, pioneering developers have been trying to find a way to harness the technology for the car. The idea of being able to run a car with no emissions and no consumption of fossil fuels would indeed be arguably the biggest leap in engineering since the Wright brothers, but is it really possible?

 

The steps are beginning to be made. For example, Toyota – who market the worlds most popular hybrid vehicle, the Prius – are said to be considered installing solar panels on new versions of the Prius. However, the panels will only be used to power the air conditioning and electrical systems. While this is advancement in the general concept, it isn\’t the finished article.

 

In truth, solar powered cars do exist. Powering a vehicle by the force of the sun alone is possible, but the problems arise in the practicalities. Two annual races currently exist for solar powered vehicles only, the World Solar Challenge and North American Solar Challenge. However, many of the competitors are engineering under and post graduates, as well as technologically minded individuals. The notable absence in these races is in the big car manufacturers, the people who genuinely could make solar powered vehicles a reality for all.

 

The question is then, if a solar powered vehicle is possible, will it ever replace the standard combustion engine? The issue is open for debate, but it would seem unlikely. Toyota may have implemented the concept of solar panels to power electrics and air conditioning, but perhaps only after trying to power the entire vehicle with solar energy and failing.

 

The main flaw in solar powered vehicles is size. To get the most out of the suns rays, a lot of solar powers are needed, far more than can ever be fit onto an actual car. From the small space available, it is perfectly possible to generate the necessary power from the sun to power the electric engine of a car, but only for very short distances and in sunny conditions. The idea, it would seem, will remain a fun experiment for mechanical students, and the ever popular races will continue. However, under current ideas for solar vehicles, it is unlikely your family hatchback is going to come complete with solar panels any time in the future.

With gas prices soaring and the supply of fossil fuels dropping yearly, more people are looking for a solution that will allow them to keep driving their cars while also having enough money to pay their mortgage, put food on the table, and keep the lights on. Many people are looking to ethanol as the solution. Creating fuel from corn crops may seem like a great idea until one realizes the tremendous strain such a decision puts on the food supply. What good is lower priced fuel if no one can afford to buy food? Other alternatives, such as solar-powered cars, just aren’t practical. And the most fuel efficient cars on the market – the hybrids – are so expensive they don’t fit the budgets of the average family, especially in current economic conditions.

What can a car owner do to keep his or her costs reasonable? The answer might be dripping from your faucet right now.

Water-Powered Cars: The Reality

A number of web sites are selling the promise of water-powered cars. While that may sound fantastical – like something out of a science fiction film – it isn’t. However, don’t just pour some water into your gas tank and expect your car to go. Don’t expect water to completely replace your need for gasoline either. The promises available today are converters that allow your current car to become more of a hydrogen-hybrid. You can purchase a guide which will help you make the changes to your car using very affordable equipment, usually costing less than a full tank of gas. The converter allows you to add water to your car in order to fuel it. However, it’s important to understand how the process works.

Why Water Can Work as a Fuel

First, it’s not really the water that provides the energy. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. When exposed to a process known as electrolysis, the hydrogen and oxygen are separated. The hydrogen can then be used to power the engine. Hydrogen is a very volatile gas. For that reason, some people believe hydrogen-powered cars are a threat on the roads. However, the gasoline we use today is just as volatile. When used with car and common sense, hydrogen is no more dangerous to drivers than any other type of fuel.

Another advantage is the reduction in pollution. When fossil fuels are used by the internal combustion engine, they emit dangerous chemicals into the air. These chemicals stay in the air and end up causing environmental problems, such as acid rain. With a hydrogen-powered car, the only emission is water vapor. While more water vapor may lead to more clouds and rain, it could also reduce the carcinogens in the air and prevent further damage to the planet.

Water & Your Car

Besides the benefits to the environment and to your wallet, water-powered cars have another advantage. They may extend the life of your car. Research suggests that water and hydrogen are not as hard on your engine as fossil fuels so it’s likely to last longer and to have fewer problems. That also means less money spent on repairs and possibly a higher resell value. Plus, the conversion is entirely reversible. If you’re not happy with the improvement in your gas mileage, then you can always return to the old-fashioned method.

In the beginning, almost everyone consider it to be an unwise concept. But after a through examination the result will be that it is not only promising but also a general concept. This new technology is not only used but appreciated by over 10,000 customers. Application of the technology to run cars on water is totally a new idea and came into existence after shortage of petrol and other resources in excess quantity. The use of crude oil is widely condemned and considered responsible for several health and environmental related problems. Due to this reason only search had begin for a source of energy which is not only eco friendly but possesses least negative points as well.

This research had suggested many names which included hydrogen power, steam power, solar power and other hybrid sources. These alternative sources have the advantages of their own but unable to provide adequate velocity to the automobile engine. Additionally, none of the source has the potential to carry the engine of a car for a longer period of time. They also deliver threat to the security issues as steam power is not a proper resource to deal with because it can cause many accidents to the vehicles. Further it is not suitable option as per the environment conditions as well. Hydrogen is quite a friendly option in comparison to the steam and other sources but its volatile nature induce it quite far behind in the race. Bio fuel technology can be a best option but only when if the concern country if not largely depend on the agriculture sector. If it covers a vast sector then the country fails to provide adequate amount of land for bio fuel technology. This is the reason why quest is still on for a reliable energy source.

As it is rightly said, requirement is the mother of new inventions. Due to scarcity of the available means of non renewable sources of energy; scientists had invented new strategies and methods with the help of which one can run cars on water excluding the role of petrol, diesel or any other sources of fuel. Sure, one can now easily run cars on water with proper mileage and speed. It is not the fascinating truth; actual fascinating truth is that it has already became successful in its first attempt and already proved to be a boon to over 10,000 clients.

The process to run cars on water works on a simple scientific principle. The process of electrolysis played a very vital role in the conversion of water into an excellent fuel. In the process the splitting of water molecule delivers the output of two gases namely oxyhydrogen and hydrogen which provides HHO gas which proves to be a best kind of fuel for this purpose. Battery fitted in the car is quite capable to provide the required energy. The overall process seems to be simple; yet effective to provide the solution of shortage of non renewable resources. This will not only fulfill the vision to run cars on water but assists the efforts to protect the environment from the adverse effects of the pollution.

The “Almost” Forgotten Energy

Absoprtion of solar energy by atmospheric convection, evaporation and condensation of water vapor powers the worldwide water cycles and determines and drives wind streams. Solar energy converted into chemical energy via photosynthesis produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived. Solar radiation and sunlight, with the addition of a variety of solar resources, accounts for 99.9% of the renewable energy on Earth! The available stores of solar energy accessible in the natural environment way beyond sufficient in comparison to current human energy needs.

Solar energy technologies and other technologies that use sunlight and secondary solar resources are critical to the current green/cleantech revolution.

Technologies using solar energy, such as photovoltaics and water heaters increase the supply of energy while technologies including passive design and shading devices reduce the need for alternate resources and may be characterized as demand side. Enhancing the performance of solar technologies have become massive projects for governments and alternative energy companies who have established niche markets for products, services, and expertise. These solar technologies are currently being developed in conjuction with automobile manufacturers to revolutionize the resorces available for personal and mass transportation.

The Technology

Solar power technologies convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics, solar thermal devices, or a plethora of experimental technologies. A solar cell, or PV cell, is a device that converts light into direct current to generate power for small and medium-sized devices. For example, the calculator is powered by a single solar cell, but massive increases in demands for alternative energy sources are revealing trends worlwide toward the construction of larger photovoltaic power stations.

The History

The high cost of solar cells limited development and production in the early stages of this emerging technology. Recent applications of solar energy have proven very successful. Energy shortages such as the 1973 Oil Crisis and the current rise in price of oil have shifted government resources to pursue solar energy as a legitimate alternative energy source. Over the past decade the United States, Japan and Germany have provided the infusion of funding and support for research and development of solar power. France, Italy, and South Korea have followed with programs and critical funding for solar energy research.

Rays of Sun versus “Liquid Gold”

A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the vehicle. At present, solar powered vehicles are not practical for day-to-day transportation.The creation of a viable everyday solar powered automobile has been an engineering challenge for several decades.The center of this development is the World Solar Challenge, a biannual solar-powered car race in which teams from universities and enterprises compete over 3,021 kilometers, or1,877 miles, across central Australia.

The research and development of solar cars has resulted in technology and engineering utilized from industries including, but not limited to aerospace, bicycle, alternative energy, and automotive technology. At present the design of a solar vehicle is severely limited by accessibility and storage of the energy, via solar panels and solar energy, needed to power such a vehicle.To date, solar cars are still in developmental stages and though they contain many of the features available to drivers of traditional vehicles often contain space for only a driver and one passenger.

The Systems

In the solar car the battery pack plays the identical role of a petrol tank in a normal car. The battery pack stores power, or fuel, for future use. Solar cars use a range of batteries including lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), Nickel-Cadmium batteries (NiCd), Lithium ion batteries and Lithium polymer batteries.

The mechanical systems of a solar car are specially designed and manufacturered to keep friction and gross weight to a minimum while maximizing strength and durability. Designers predominantly use titanium and composite materials to ensure a good strength-to-weight ratio.

The “Real World”

The Venturi AstroLab has been highly regarded as the world’s first commercial solar hybrid car due for release in January 2008. In May 2007 Canadian-based Hymotion altered a Toyota Prius to use solar cells to generate up to 240 watts of electrical power in full sunshine.

Practical applications for solar powered vehicles currently includes golf carts and a variety of single passenger vehicles for elderly and handicapped. One independent entreprenuer and inventor from Michigan has built a street legal, licensed and insured, solar charged electric scooter. The scooter designed for single occupancy has a top speed controlled at just over 30 miles per hour, and uses several fold-out solar panels to charge the batteries while parked.

A Swiss project called Solartxi, seeks to build a dependable everyday use solar car with a trailer, carrying a 6 m² sized solar array. The Solartaxi is equipped with Zebra batteries, enabling the vehicle with a range of 400 km without recharging. The car is also able to run for 200 km without the trailer and maximum speed just exceeds 90 km/h. The car weighs 500 kg and the trailer weighs 200 kg. Reportedly, in mass production, the car can be produced for 6000 Euro.

Auto manufacturers and leading designers and engineers are refining leading prototypes for road-worthy automobiles by 2012.

Steam engines are mechanical devices, which change energy that is present in steam in to mechanical force. The pressure in steam contains a lot of potential energy that is stored in form of pressure. When tapped, this form of energy can be used to power various types of industrial machinery as well as steamships and steam locomotive trains. The conventional car as we know it today is not associated with steam energy, however in the past, there have been attempts by inventors to power automobiles using steam energy. It is important to note that the first ever documented account of a self propelled automobile was a military tractor that was powered by steam.

This vehicle, which was commissioned by French Engineer Nicolas Cugnot, and began its work as a French Army artillery carrier in 1769. The vehicle had a steam engine boiler attached to it and had to stop at frequent intervals to build up steam. The viability of steam engines to power cars still has potential in modern times; nonetheless the idea has not gained headway. The strength of steam to power cars is practical as it has great ability to produce mechanical energy from raw heat without necessarily being particular about the source that is producing the heat. This is contrary to gasoline powered cars, which require the intricate process of internal combustion to power its engine. Considering this, it is clear that steam can power a car using not only simple effective technology but also without polluting the environment.

Due to the fact that oxygen is unrestricted in the steam engine’s processes, steam combustion tends to burn more efficiently and is safer to the environment than gasoline powered vehicles. Steam locomotives were a popular mode of transport which lost out to electrical and diesel powered trains in the mid 20th century. The locomotives were efficient but were considered to exceed smoke emission regulations, which is not a valid considering the visible and invisible pollution from gasoline vehicles. Just like the locomotives, early steam cars lost ground due to the invention of the electric starter and transmission. Another reason was the mass production of conventional gasoline vehicles which the market readily accepted.

Modern steam cars can be manufactured if proper legislation is put in place to ensure infrastructure and training institutions to cater for this form of technology. The most evident advantage of steam vehicle technology is reduced emission of harmful gases into the environment. The steam car would also help reduce noise pollution levels since its engine is not as noisy as one using internal combustion. Today, there exists the technical know how to invent a modern efficient steam car, the steam engine culture will have to be revived and made credible to consumers. The revival of team cars has also been compounded by the introduction of other energy efficient vehicles such as hydrogen, electric and solar powered cars. Steam car enthusiasts feel that this technology has been greatly overlooked and needs more and more mainstream attention.

With zero emissions, solar cars present a sunny solution to eco-friendly car buyers. It also makes good sense to develop a green car technology that doesn’t call for a complicated infrastructure or any type of fueling station. What could be easier than using an already existing energy source like the Sun, right? After all it was around since the beginning of the solar system, well before fossil fuel. If it were only that simple, we’d probably already have done it. In spite of universities and corporations building solar cars every year for the past 20 years for the annual Australian World Solar Challenge solar car race, we’re not quite there yet.

How do they work?

A solar car is really an electric vehicle powered by solar energy. Photovoltaic (PV) cells in the form of solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. The process generates heat, which is converted into electrical energy and stored in an on-board battery. The battery serves the same basic purpose as a gas tank on an internal combustion car. 

In spite of the great bounty of sunshine there for the taking, solar car technology is elusive. The solar electric power source needs a lot of PV cells, which are expensive, and the efficiency level of PVs is estimated to be only 10% to 15%. These are daunting challenges facing engineers, and it’s more likely a hybrid solar with another fuel source is the only viable option in the near future, yet the concept is intriguing enough for engineers inside and outside universities to take a pure solar car prototype into a more advanced development stage.

Are there any solar cars out there?

French manufacturer Venturi says their solar electric AstroLab hybrid concept car yields an improved PV cell efficiency level of 21%. It’s not exactly a family car with its 2-seat tandem cockpit configuration, but it’s one possibility. The Hungarian manufacturer Antro has designed a solar gas-electric hybrid other wise known as a tribrid scheduled for production in 2012, and Tesla Motors has an electric car that can be recharged with solar power with 2009 models available in the U.S. and Europe. These are only the first advances in solar car technology. As time goes on more and more manufacturers will be developing and incorporating some type of solar technology into preexisting propulsion systems. This will create a new sort of hybrid, disconnected from fossil fuels, yet still not fully reliant on the Sun’s energy

Perhaps with the recent high intensity photvoltaic cells designed by a company in Israel, many of the energy efficiency problems will be taken care of. It is not clear though if they can be designed for cars.

Conclusion

Solar energy and more specifically solar cars would be an amazing advancement in future car technology. They would allow for free travel and nearly unlimited accessibility. Time will tell if all the problems associated with harnessing the world’s oldest energy source can be dealt with. If the hurdles can be passed then for sure solar cars will be the wave of the future.

An electric bike can easily be confused with other vehicles like scooters or motorcycles. However, they are not at all the same thing. Many people opt to use an electric bike so that they can get around easy without having to rely on a car. There are many rules involved with riding an electric bike. Make sure that you know all of those rules and laws for where you live. Many electric bike owners have had the misfortune of receiving tickets after disobeying laws that they hadn’t been aware of.

An electric bike is much cheaper to power than a scooter or motorcycle is. It is not a vehicle in any way. All it requires is the ability to recharge. Electric bikes do not require any fuel at all and this is one reason why many people choose them. It can save a lot of money on gas and car expenses if you do not have all that far to go to get to work or school. Motorcycles are not a cheap option in comparison. An electric bike is a fantastic green option for those that are seeking a clean way to get around without harming the environment.

An electric bike experiences much less depreciation than a vehicle or a scooter. Because it is essentially just a good bicycle that is powered, if it is kept in good shape the resale value diminishes minimally. Take care of your bike by storing it away properly in a garage. Don’t leave it outside in the elements or it could rust and not work properly. Store it and keep it clean so you lose virtually none of the value.

Modes of transportation such as scooters or motorbikes cannot run on solar energy. An electric bike can be designed to use solar power so that the source of your energy is all natural. It costs nothing once you already have your bike equipped to use solar power. It also prevents the need for a gas station. Since solar powered cars are not yet a commonly produced product, electric bikes have a great advantage over all regular petrol fuelled vehicles.

Scooters and motorbikes have an actual engine that requires gasoline to run. Electric bikes do not have a combustible engine. Therefore, they have absolutely no greenhouse gas emissions the way those types of transportation do. Those vehicles also require a special driver’s license to drive them. If you can ride a bike, then you are ready to go on your electric bike with no further permits required.

Though some states may require that an electric bike be registered, they usually do not. And they rarely ever require any form of insurance since it is a bicycle that has been electrically equipped. A regular bicycle can be turned into an electric bike by purchasing a conversion kit. This makes electric bikes a transportation method all their own. Motorbikes and scooters are not at all in the same class. The advantages of an electric bike are apparent. They can squeeze into all of those tiny spaces a car or motorbike never could and they are environmentally friendly.