thegreenenergy

Driving your hybrid on sunshine - Solar Powered Hybrids

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 9 Jun 2013 15:25:00 +1200

No Longer a pipe dream!
I wonder how many people have fantasised about driving their vehicle on nothing but solar energy. The Battery Clinic have come up with a solution that may start a revolution in realising this dream.

Up to now solar power have only been used to power the lights and air conditioning of a vehicle. In this configuration called Solar Assist, the sun's energy is directly contributing to the propulsion of the vehicle.

200 watts of solar panels are mounted on the roof of a 2001 Estima hybrid, which could theoretically collect 2 Kilowatts of power on a good summer's day. In reality this would be not more than 1 Kilowatt on a good sunshine day and much less in winter.

Power gathered from the panels are stored in the 12 volt battery system unless the batteries are fully charged, in which case it will be shunted to the heat sinks. On first look it does not seem that such a small amount of power can make any impact on the fuel economy of the vehicle, but the reality is very different.

Solar Assist

With Solar Assist, solar energy directly powers the electric motors through the Power Jockeys. This extra power also helps to hold up the voltage of the 12 volt battery system maximising the electric drive mode of the hybrid vehicle.

In stop and start situations where the weight of the vehicle have to overcome inertia the fuel economising effect of solar assist is not apparent. Solar energy previously stored in the 12 volt batteries would have some contribution but this would not be much.

When the vehicle is in motion it takes less energy to keep the vehicle in motion and this is where Solar Assist comes into it's own. It was possible to keep the Estima Hybrid at 100 KPH running at 20 Kms/Litre fuel economy. On the slight downhill slope the economy was much better. As a result the first test with the vehicle on combined street and motorway driving was 15.2 Kms/Litre. This is much better than can be achieved by the vehicle without Solar Assist.

Potential and Implications
Free energy from the sun to drive our vehicles is certainly a seductive proposition. It does not seem possible that two hundred watts on a vehicle roof can make any difference to the fuel economy.

Fortunately the reality is that it made it possible to maintain driving speeds of 90 - 100 KPH at 20 Kms/Litre or better in the Estima Hybrid which weighs 1.7 tonnes. Although the fuel economy in city driving is not improved by much it can be made better with higher capacity HV batteries and possibly more Power Jockeys. We can also increase the wattage of solar panels.

I do not see electric vehicles taking over our motor vehicle industry any time soon. I do however believe that hybrids are the way of the future at least for now until we find a better alternative. Increasing the fuel economy of hybrids can make them competitive in fuel economy even against pure electrics. Changing the fuel source to ethanol and bio diesels will make these vehicles totally sustainable in terms of carbon emissions.

Hybrids are durable, economical and fun to drive. The future is with us now. We should embrace it.

Should you buy a full electric vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +1300

Price and data listed here are average and used for comparative purposes only

Maker	Model	Price	Battery	Weight	Range	Economy
	Mitsubishi I-Miev	38,000 usd	16 kWh ($8000)	1080 kg	112 kms	30 kW-hrs /160 kms
	Nissan Leaf	40,000 usd	24 kWh ($12,000)	1521 kg	117 kms	34 kW-hrs /160 kms
	Ford Focus	40,000 usd	23 kWh ($12,000)	1674 kg	122 kms	32 kW-hrs /160 kms
	Chevrolet Volt	30,000 usd	16 kWh ($8000)	1715 kg	56 kms	36 kW-hrs /160 kms
	Tesla Roadster	140,000 usd	53 kWh ($28000)	1235 kg	400 kms	36 kW-hrs /160 kms

Purpose : We will assume that you purchase a vehicle to get you from A to B within your budget and circumstance. For a family saloon the choice would be the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus and the Chevrolet Volt. The Mitsubishi I-MiEV would be for the short range city commuter while the Tesla will be for those with deep pockets.

Price : Full EV's are priced around US$40,000. This price is about twice the price of a standard vehicle. If you deduct the cost of the battery the price would be comparable to that of a standard vehicle.

Range : For the full EV range per charge is around 120 kms. This is a function of the battery size and weight of the vehicle. This makes the EV suitable only for the short commutes. The Chevy Volt also has a gasoline engine making it suitable for use as a standard family car. The Tesla has a range of 400 kms but the price makes it suitable for those who needs a vehicle as a personality statement.

Battery : This is the bane of all electric vehicle. The lithium ion battery is expected to last 7000 cycles and at 100 kms per cycle the standard EV should do 700,000 kms over it's useful life. I am very sceptical that this figure can be achieved. Even half the distance in my reckoning would be a stretch.

When the time comes for battery replacement the cost of replacement will most probably be more than the vehicle is worth. The argument that with economies of scale the cost of batteries will come down. This is a fallacy. Both Lithium and Yttrium the rare earth metal used in it's production are exotic metals. If demand increases price will increase due to supply constraints. Economies of scale does not apply.

Putting a life span of 8 years or even 10 years for a vehicle is a turn off for vehicle owners. A typical vehicle goes through several class of owners. First are those who purchase the vehicle new and would use it foe 2 to 3 years selling it then for half it's value. Then comes those who would purchase a near new vehicle also keeping it for 3 to 5 years. Finally those who would purchase a cheap used vehicle expecting to spend a little more for maintenance and fuel economy.

The problem here is that with the cost of battery replacement the people in the second group ie those that would purchase a near new vehicle will find that their vehicle has no resale or even trade in value.

People in the third group will not have the money for a new battery. Those in the first and second group can afford a new battery but they would not settle for a 5 to 6 year old vehicle. It is for this reason that EV's will have great difficulty in finding a mass market.

Hybrids : Hybrid vehicles have taken off and will soon displace the standard petrol vehicles. For one the batteries used are Nimh to facilitate the fast charge and discharge and cost only around $2000 to replace. Many early hybrids (Prius NHW10) are still running 16 years later thanks to HV battery reconditioning technology coupled with HV battery augmentation with the Power Jockey allowing weaker HV batteries to work comfortably with the vehicle systems.

Already we see Renault and Mitsubishi giving up on EV's after spending more than $4 billion in development. Are electric cars dead? I believe not. We cannot keep burning fossil fuels as we are basically fowling our own nest.

"How many times must you be socked in the face before you admit that global warming is causing the wild fluctuations in our weather and 1 billion cars is the main cause ?" When we deem that the cost to us in infrastructure destruction and rebuild is too high we will place a premium on burning fossil fuels. It is when we decide to do this that I see a come back of the EV's with better battery technology and clean energy to drive it.

Car makers turn to petrol
Electric cars will flop despite subsidies

Fuel octane rating and vehicle performance

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 3 Jan 2013 10:53:00 +1300

About a couple of years ago I had an argument with a motor diagnostic specialist about the use of hi octane fuels. I have always used 91 octane in all our hybrids. His opinion was that we will get 5% improvement in fuel economy if we changed to 95 or 98. I have always resisted this change as the Prius is not a particularly high compression engine and therefore I see no added advantage. In any case the extra cost would cancel out any improve performance.

Chris Read has this to add which to me settles the matter.

Nearly all modern cars (certainly Japanese cars) learn various characteristics, a key one of which is octane rating, any car that has learnt a particular grade will probably react very badly when a fuel at the other end of the scale is used.

If I had a pound for every time somebody had told me they only buy a particular brand or grade of fuel 'because the car suddenly performs badly if another type of fuel is used' then I would be a rich man. They have all been right in the short term and wrong in the long term. Every scientific test I have ever seen (last one was performed by the Consumer Association in the UK for the Which? magazine, you can't get any more independent than that) concludes that standard unleaded (91 RON in the UK) gives the best value for money and there is no discernible difference between fuel brands (Shell, BP, etc.).

I choose a RON rating that is within the suitable range for the vehicle and stick to it, avoid premium or performance fuels as the extra costs in producing and marketing such fuel make it uneconomic to use (once the car has learnt to use 'basic' fuel). If you want to change fuels then disconnect the 12v battery for a few minutes just before changing fuels to force the car to re-learn quickly, this will stop the warning lights.

(If you can, watch the long and short term fuel trim on a scanner (most will do OBD2 or E-OBD), for a few minutes after the 12v is re-connected and the car started. The long and short fuel trims learn at the same pace for a while, then the long term gets heavily weighted by previous data and changes very very slowly. It's this slow change that makes the car run so badly for a while after fuel is changed and sometimes puts an error light on. Without a 12v disconnect, after a few days of learning the long term fuel trim adjusts enough to put the error light off and the cars running improves as it matches the fuelling better, happens much quicker with a 12v disconnect.)

Regards,

Chris.

Interesting Discussion on the Prius NHW10 battery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 09:30:00 +1300

Hi George

I am a bit confused as what you say appears somewhat ambiguous to me.......

If they have not yet ordered them, presumably the batteries are still
located in Japan, so how can there be 300 new batteries already in NZ? Could
you clarify this please.

Also, do you have the actual full Toyota part number for this latest
replacement battery so that others can enquire at their local Toyota dealers
or HQs in other countries.

Didn't Toyota buy out Panasonic EV some years ago (who make the batteries).
Or did I dream that?

Despite what the TNZ guy is telling you George, I reckon that just maybe
they are going to fast track produce a new batch of NHW10 batteries, based
upon customer registrations/demand? I would not have thought they could hold
these units in stock generally due to self discharge issues etc. They need
to be freshly manufactured, then shipped really quickly to customers.
Imagine the logistical nightmare of trying to do charging maintenance and
checking on a 1000 batch of 'in stock' HV batteries.

I wonder how many NHW10s are still actually in service in Japan nowadays?
Hardly any would be my guess, but I would love to know. Years ago, we used
to have one or two very helpful Japanese members on this group, but sadly
they now seem to have gone away.

Regards

Peter

_______________________________

I spoke to Toyota head office, they say the are coming! I had to register
my 3 with them, they say anyone who registers will get one, but they have not
ordered yet. Apparently there were only 1000 made, and just over 300 are
here in NZ. Toyota did not realize how many there were, and have been
shocked at the response.

George Tyler

__________________________________

You may be right, maybe they going to make another batch. I think Toyota
should have done this from the beginning, it would hae helped sell the new
ones as there is a perception that with a hybrid there is a danger that it
may not be an economical proposition keep is after the pack has had it's
life.

George Tyler (24/8/2012)
______________________________________

No way. PanasonicEV made them originally. This was a partnership
between Panasonic and Toyota. The problem is that both Toyota and
Panasonic pulled out of the company and left it to flounder as
PrimeEarth EV. They haven't made cells in this configuration since
about 2003. Sanyo picked up the Honda business (which used these sticks
until 2005) and then PrimeEarth got a contract to make cells for the
2006+ Hondas. These are NOT the same cells, or the same configuration.
Panasonic bought Sanyo a few years ago and sold off the entire NiMH line.

Recently, Honda got two new suppliers of sticks: One is refurbished
packs (you don't want them). The other is another company whose cells
are different enough to require a software update for the car.

This unnamed source is probably where Toyota will get them.

Ron Hansen (25/8/2012)

________________________________________________

Up until a couple of years ago the were advertised on Panasonic's web site,
they still have other sizes but not this one. For a while they had them
there still but marked as obsolete. In 2007 the sales engineer from
Panasonic batteries visited us, and they were still available then, but they
would not supply me as I told them I wanted them for a Prius and Toyota
blocked it.

George Tyler (28/5/2012)

______________________________________________

My guess is that they are confuse between NHW10 and NHW11

They think they are supplying NHW11 for the NHW10 vehicles.

Seems more reasonable at the price $3500 probably cost.

If they have to supply NHW10 batteries they will be losing on each battery

that is if they can get them.

Patrick Phan (25/8/2012)

______________________________________________

They do seem to understand the difference, they say they offering it "for

the same price as the NHW11 for a limited period". The last I heard was that
they have not ordered them yet, we will see what happens when they order
them.

George Tyler (25/8/2012)

________________________________________________________

Ok, well there's a NHW10 on eBay in Sydney up for grabs
Car is still complete at the moment according to seller.
Aparrently he pulled the battery out to show it.
I had a quick chat with him, and he may sell the woke car as one.
Worth a look, but how good the battery will be is anyone's guess.
I was going to swing by, and run my S2000 scanner on it if it was all in one piece.
Am looking for a MFD screen myself, just seems a shame to pull it apart for this alone.
I have found a supplier of the sticks, and he says he bought the old machinery that used to make them from Panasonic. Am going to give them a work-out when I get them, seeing is believing I guess, but we will see how they perform.
Am still negotiating a decent price for them at the moment, or at least for the samples anyway, but will keep this forum posted as it happens.
I have to agree, the S2000 will balance charge the HV battery, and you can adjust the parameters the system uses to figure out when to throw an alarm up.
Experimenting is still continuing in the household on this too.
The wife swears no issues with the car now.
There is a guy who goes by "Mik" on here who is pretty savvy on the battery packs, and he may be able input a bit more info.
Richie. (8/9/2012)

___________________________________________

That would be quite a feat considering that PrimeEarth EV still owns all that equipment and Panasonic never did (Panasonic EV was the former name of PrimeEarth EV, back when it was a partnership between Panasonic and Toyota).

If you would like to send me one cell, I can test it for you.

Ron Hansen(8/9/2012)

_____________________________________________

Local Toyota agent phoned, my new battery is here! NZ$3500, including tax
and fitting. 6year/160,000km guarantee! This changes everything, suddenly
these cars are a bargain. I took a new Prius "C" for a drive, but prefer my
NHW10's. I think the prius C is the way they need to go, but it's not up to
the build quality and refinement of the NHW10. George, have you got your
battery yet?

George Tyler (18/10/2012)

_____________________________________________

I saw my battery at the Toyota dealership today! I had the money in my hot
little hands, the battery on the floor, but that was as close as it got.
there is an issue, they will only do it on exchange. I was told originally
that it would be just the 2 half packs, but it is actually the whole battery
pack sealed up with everything inside, so I suppose this is reasonable. Does
make some problems for me though.

George Tyler (18/10/2012)

___________________________________________________

Ok.. I have just driven home with a NEW Toyota NHW10 Battery! $3450
including fitting and gst. I tryid to get them to give me the old strings so
I could put the best ones into my other car that is sitting with no battery,
but they would not do that, I gave them 2 empty battery packs but they
returned them instead of the full ones like I asked. Still, it's great to
have a new battery and no worries for the next 8 years.
Patrick, you have done a great thing, thankyou! You have single
handedly turned the whole of Toyota around!

George Tyler (29/10/2012)

___________________________________________________

That's. Great news George.

I am sure we are all itching to know what cell types they have used inside but I suppose you won't be allowed to ever open it up to see.

Regards

Peter (29/10/2012)

______________________________________________________

Hi George,

Can you tell us if the battery supplied by Toyota is NEW?I have a customer who tells me that he is only getting 2 year warranty.Is this true? They promised a new battery and by right an 8 year warranty should follow.

If they are not holding to their bargain then a complaint to the commerce commission is called for.
Thanks

Patrick (23/11/2012)

___________________________________________

Hi Patrick,

I will be very upset if they only give me 2 year warrantee!
Toyota NZ told me 8 year/160,000 km. they also told me it's new cells in
there, if anything is not as they say I will want a refund. I have not done
the other battery I spoke to you about yet, it belongs to Saju Abraham, he
bought the car from you. ECM38. The strange thing is, they said all hybrid
batteries have this 8 year guarantee, and I know some people have bought
NHW11 batteries with a 2 year warrantee. Maybe to local dealers give a 2
year then claim a new one for nothing from Toyota, then pocket the money!?
But we will see next week, I will phone them.

Regards,

George (23/11/2012)

_______________________________________________

Think I;m jumping the gun morethan a bit, I have no reason to suspect that
there is not the 8 year they promised, Sorry Toyota!

George (23/11/2012)

_______________________________________________

How do you tell if cells are new or not?
Perhaps you can enlighten us here Chris.

Patrick (24/11/2012)

_________________________________________________

I took the easy way, I just asked them, I also asked them to confirm that
the Battery came from Toyota Japan, which they did. So far all good, no
turtles, etc. I seems to get slightly better consumption, maybe 2 km/L more.
Otherwise the same as before. Big thing that makes it worth while is the 8
year/160,000km guarantee, I will phone them tomorrow and ask them to send me
that in writing.

George (26/11/2012)

HSBC makes almost £100million from ‘bankrolling’ rainforest destruction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 4 Nov 2012 22:00:00 +1300

Global banking giant HSBC has raked in nearly £100m by bankrolling Malaysian logging companies who cause widespread rainforest destruction and abuse human rights....... ( Read More )

And - American authorities on Tuesday cited “astonishing” dysfunctional the British bank HSBC and said that it had helped Mexican drug traffickers, Iran, Libya and others under U.S. suspicion or sanction to move money around the world.
HSBC agreed to pay $1.9 billion, the largest penalty ever imposed on a bank (Read More).

Should we take issues with banks making loans to companies and individuals for projects we don't agree with? If legality is not the question then how they choose to risk their money should not be our concern. The problem here is that we have to ask if banks and companies is general should consider corporate responsibility when making policies? Walmart chooses to dictate to their suppliers "green credentials". Google chooses to mitigate Co2 emissions of their servers.

Hurricane Sandy just left a trail of destruction and death across the Carribean and the United States. We are being hit with one in a 100 year storms and weather with increasing regularity. As Michael Moore says "this is the new normal. How many times must we be socked in the head before we come to the realisation that maybe we may have something to do with this situation?".

Prior to the industrial age co2 level was 275 ppm it is now approaching 400 ppm. Should we be worried? Should we care? Co2 level is estimated to be 1800 ppm in the Jurassic period. We have condensed this time frame from millions of years to just a few hundred or even less.

Yes we should take corporations to task for their policies. Our future is at stake.

What to do when Fair Go comes calling

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:39:00 +1300

We all enjoy the entertainment value when we see an unscrupulous trader or tradesman or supplier of goods squirm under the glare of a programme like Fair Go.

"Hell he deserves it." "Good on Fair Go for letting us know."

But what if Fair Go actually makes a mistake? What if the person accused made a mistake or an error in judgement?

What to do

Request a copy of the questions that you will be asked
Meet them on their turf. Don't invite them to your premises
Asked that you be allowed to provide a written statement

As it stands the accused has no avenue to put up their side of the defence. Fair Go hides behind their perceived image of fair just and balance reporting. What actually happens is anything but. Once a programme like Fair Go has committed to a story, they hardly ever admit to a mistake unless forced to do so.

The standard excuses are:

We just reported the story. We do not take sides
Not our statements but that of the complainants
It is the opinion of our experts
The catch all is of course "we do not agree"

For those that cannot fight back there is no recourse. Sure there is the complaints process but they know their way around these. Legal action is only for those with deep pockets. For the rest of us we will just have to " bite our tongue and suck it." But do we?

The Battery Clinic's fight with Fair Go is an example of what you can do to protect yourself. The key is that media odds in the age of YOUTUBE have shifted slightly. This is the age of the democratisation of the media. http://thebatteryclinic.co.nz/tvnz-fair-go-2/

Toyota Nimh Battery offer and Patent Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 08:27:00 +1200

Recently Toyota NZ announced that they will supply new NIMH battery pack for the Prius Generation One for $3500 installed. While The Battery Clinic applaud this move we do have our reservation as to how this can be achieved. Toyota have not used this type of batteries in their vehicles since 2000 but we will afford them the benefit of the doubt and really hope that they come through with their offer as this is the only way to keep the iconic vehicles running.

Another issue is that of the patent for the Nimh battery technology below an extract from Wikipedia

"Patent dispute with Panasonic EV Energy

Panasonic EV Energy (PEVE), a joint venture between Matsushita and Toyota begun in 1996, pioneered several advances in large-format NiMH batteries suitable for electric vehicles.

PEVE supplied higher capacity (28Ah-95Ah) NiMH batteries for use in Toyota, Honda, and Ford battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that began production in 1997.^[32] PEVE's lower capacity batteries powered the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) Toyota Prius, which was introduced in Japan in 1997, and sold 18,000 units in its first year of production,^[33] as well as the first Honda Insight and, with Sanyo Electric Co, first generation Civic hybrid models. BEV production by major automakers ceased in the early 2000s, with most leased BEV vehicles crushed by their manufacturers, and replacement batteries unavailable for remaining vehicles.

A 2001 patent infringement lawsuit brought by ECD Ovonics and Ovonic Battery Company, Inc. against Matsushita, Toyota, and PEVE was settled in July 2004. Settlement terms called for cross-licensing between parties of current and future NiMH-related patents filed through December 31, 2014. The terms prevented Matushita, Toyota, and PEVE from selling certain NiMH batteries for transportation applications in North America until the second half of 2007, and commercial quantities of certain NiMH batteries in North America until the second half of 2010. Additionally, Ovonic Battery Co. and ECD Ovonics received a $10 million patent license fee, Cobasys received a $20 million patent license fee, $16 million of which was earmarked to reimburse legal expenses, and Cobasys would receive royalties on certain batteries sold by Matushita/PEVE in North America.^[34]

Licensing terms were expanded in 2005, with PEVE granted further license to sell NiMH batteries for certain transportation applications in North America, in exchange for royalties paid to Cobasys through 2014.^[35]

[edit]

Can the Saudis be a net oil importer by 2030? Yes!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 7 Sep 2012 00:15:00 +1200

Saudis 'may run out of oil to export by 2030’

A report by Citigroup has warned that Saudi Arabia could run out of oil to export by 2030, raising fears that oil prices may rise significantly in coming years.

By Emily Gosden

Saudi Arabia consumes 25pc of its oil output and oil accounts for about 50pc of its electricity production. With peak power demand rising by about 8pc per year, the nation is aiming to more than double its power capacity by 2032 through new nuclear and solar instalations.

If power demand were to grow as predicted and there were no change to the electricity fuel supply mix, “we estimate Saudi Arabia would be a net importer of oil by 2030,”.

_________________________________________________________

This scenario is very plausible. Much of the oil used by the Saudis locally is used in air conditioning. As the population increases and gets increasingly urban, more power will be used for this purpose. To assume that we can get continuing access to cheap oil is irresponsible. We have to take every step to change our oil based economy to a sustainable energy economy.

As a start we will have to reduce our dependency on oil and reduction in the use of oil is a major step. As 60% of the oil we used is in the transportation sector this is where most gains can be made. A move to hybrid vehicle technology fully implemented will reduce oil used by half. This is a proven technology and it works. There should be no reason why it can't be implemented.

China Increases Rare Earth Quota

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:27:00 +1200

This article from AP announcing China's relenting to pressure to increase rare earth exports. We have to question why other countries are not willing to put in or increase their own production. Is environmental degradation acceptable in some countries but not others? While we are debating this question we should ensure that every step to reduce the consumption of rare earth metals have to be explored and adopted.
This brings me to the Power Jockey and battery reconditioning. We have proven that we can double the service life of HV batteries with these methods pioneered by the Battery Clinic. Hybrid and electric cars are set to replace gas guzzling petrol versions as fuel prices escalates. This will increase demand for high capacity batteries and rare earth metal use. This technology developed by the Battery Clinic will stretch out our rare and limited resource a little further.

August 23/08/2012

BEIJING (AP) - China on Wednesday slightly increased this year's quota for rare earths exports under controversial controls on the exotic minerals needed by manufacturers of mobile phones and other high-tech products.

The Commerce Ministry announced an export quota of 9,770 tons for the second half of the year. Added to the quota for the first six months of the year, that brings the 2012 total to 30,996 tons - an increase of about 3 per cent over 2011.

China has about 30 per cent of the world's rare earths deposits but accounts for more than 90 per cent of production. It alarmed global manufacturers by imposing export curbs in 2009 while it tries to build up a domestic processing industry to capture more of the profits that go to US, Japanese and European companies that transform rare earths into mobile phone batteries, camera lenses and other products..........

Comments about NHW10 the Generation One Prius

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:38:00 +1200

This comment is a reprint from the MK1 Prius Forum. It highlights the problems with purchasing a NHW10 Generation 1 Prius hybrid.

It seems that there are a few people out there, who cannot get a clear vision of the Early Prius.

Well, I bought Prius #1 4 weeks ago, and it was bought as not working etc, etc, with battery doubts etc.

The car looked neglected by under-educated garages over time when we got it, but I figured with my background, it would at least be worth the price in parts if it failed, and could not be ressurected.

We drove it home, and drove as advised by the vendor. Well, it was flawless right from the start.

It was an excellent buy, we cannot be happier.

Since then, it has done the daily work run for the wife, some 57Km's daily, and four runs across the city, and free-way driving. It spluttered for the first 2 Km's on the first Free-way run, and was obviously over fuelling, or not running hot enough by the "Rotten egg" odour from the rear. it seemed to clear itself out, and never missed a beat. Some 4 weeks plus, it has covered all types of driving, including the last 24hrs, some 758Km's, and amazingly, the fuel tank does not need a top-up. INCREDIBLE!

I have to admit I was a little weary of buying one, but now two of them, but figured the parts alone were worth more than we paid for each one, so what the hell we said. We had always been curious, but the price tag of the recent ones was high, especially if we were left with a "Lemon"

My recommendation... Buy a cheap one, and try it first. If you like the economy and quality, then trade the one in, and go for the newer item.

The wife is not letting go of hers, no matter what, she is seriously in love with it for all reasons.

Recommend not going to the average garage to get it serviced, or it may finish up like Prius #2.

#2 is now at home, running, and gently charging its battery pack. Have to admit, it can be worrying when they don't function normally, but given the 1998 Prius's shining example, I have faith I can resurrect it over time...

Rule #1... a REAL garage who knows what battery and spark plugs to use, and can, in fact change the air filter, rather than say they have.

Not the car, its the people who service them.

My conclusion after first month... I AM going to trade one in for a recent model for certain, the 1998... well, I have to get the key from the wifes hand before I even dare.... after all, after 2000Km's in four weeks, What a car, no way gonna buy a "Normal" gas guzzler after I have tasted such luxury and technology from last century.

Is loyalty among hybrid owners waning?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:21:00 +1200

A report today claims that only 35% of hybrid vehicle owners choose to purchase another hybrid when they come to renew their vehicle preferring a fuel efficient conventional model. I am not surprise even if Toyota and Honda disagree with this finding. What is more telling is that even if Toyota claims 58% loyalty, a breakthrough technology such as this should have loyalty numbers at least in the high 80's.
What hybrid manufacturers have neglected is to support this technology. The reason is clear they make more money with their conventional vehicles.

Toyota, Honda take issue with report claiming hybrid loyalty is waning

By Muhammed El-Hasan Staff Writer

Posted: 04/09/2012 10:10:36 PM PDT

Updated: 04/10/2012 12:17:56 PM PDT

Despite high gas prices and growing evidence of the destructive environmental and health effects of vehicle exhaust fumes, gas-sipping hybrid cars and trucks may not be very popular among a critical demographic: hybrid vehicle owners.

Only 35 percent of U.S. hybrid owners chose to purchase another hybrid when returning to market in 2011, according to a study released Monday.

That figure drops to a quarter of hybrid owners if Toyota's top-selling Prius is excluded, said Polk, an automotive data and marketing firm.

For U.S. owners of gas-electric hybrids made by Toyota Motor Corp., 41 percent of them purchased another hybrid - whether from Toyota or a competing brand, the Polk study said.

Hybrid vehicles represent just 2.4percent of the overall new-vehicle market in the United States. That is down from a high of 2.9 percent in 2008, Polk said.

This drop occurred despite the selection of hybrid models in the U.S. market more than doubling since 2007.

Toyota, whose U.S. sales and marketing headquarters is in Torrance, disagreed with the study's findings regarding its hybrids, saying in a statement to the Daily Breeze: "While Polk's findings may be true of the industry's loyalty to hybrid based on their own methodology, our internal research shows about 50 percent of Toyota's hybrids being replaced with another hybrid, which includes a variety of different models - both Toyota and Lexus - all with very different

buyers."

Toyota said that Prius owners replace their cars with another hybrid at a rate of 58 percent, much higher than Polk's estimate of 41percent.

For Honda hybrid owners, nearly 20 percent bought another hybrid, Polk said. Honda's U.S. headquarters is in Torrance.

Even if most hybrid owners are not buying another, the fuel-efficient vehicles still add value to a car company's brand, Polk said.

For example, last year, six out of 10 Toyota hybrid owners who bought a vehicle last year chose another Toyota. The figure for Honda was 52 percent.

"Having a hybrid in the product lineup can certainly give a brand a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new customers," said Brad Smith, director of Polk's Loyalty Management Practice, in a statement.

Many hybrid owners are looking to conventional vehicles with good fuel economy for their next vehicle, Polk said, citing data from online car shopping site Edmunds.com.

One issue that may be driving the lack of greater interest in hybrids is the retail price, which is usually thousands of dollars more than that of comparable vehicles with conventional engines.

"The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren't appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors," said Lacey Plache, of Edmunds.com.

The Case For Hybrid Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:38:00 +1300

Two articles caught my eye today.

The first from The Star "Car making to be hit by mineral and material shortages" reproduced below : http://star-motoring.com/News/2011/Car-making-among-industries-to-be-hit-by-mineral-a.aspx

And from the NZ Herald "All this team need is sunshine" reproduced below : http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10773298

The first article points to the fact that minerals such as Lithium, Tantalum, Flurospar, Beryllium and Cobalt needed in the manufacture of hybrid and electric vehicles will experience shortages especially when demand picks up. To counter this we will need our vehicles to last longer than the 8 - 10 years that gasoline vehicles do now. Except for the batteries Hybrid and electric vehicles easily surpass these figures.
With the Power Jockey we can push the limit for hybrid cars well into the 20 year mark. Harnessing solar power to work with our battery augmentation system is currently being examined. A prototype will be out soon.
Though hybrid cars still uses gasoline there is no reason why they can't run on biofuels.

Car making among industries to be hit by mineral and metal shortages

LONDON: Seven core manufacturing industries could be seriously affected by a shortage of minerals and metals, which could disrupt entire supply chains and economies, according to new PwC research.

PwC surveyed some of the largest manufacturing businesses across manufacturing, chemicals, automotive, energy/renewable energy, aviation, metals, infrastructure and high-tech hardware to see what impact such a scarcity would have, and where, over the next five years.

Of these, business leaders in automotive, chemicals, and energy sectors fear they will be hit hardest according to PwC’s Minerals and metals scarcity in manufacturing: A ‘ticking timebomb’, report.

- All pictures and graphics from PwC

Among the minerals and metals on the ‘critical’ list are:

> Lithium: used in wind turbines and lithium-ion batteries in hybrid cars

> Cobalt: a material used in industrial manufacturing. Used in jet turbine engines and automotive rechargeable batteries.

> Tantalum: used in mobile phones, computers and automotive electronics

> Flurospar: used in construction, cement, glass, iron and steel castings.

> Beryllium: used as a lightweight component in military equipment and in the aerospace industry. it is used in high-speed aircraft, missiles, space vehicles and communication satellites.

PwC’s global sustainability leader, Malcolm Preston, said: “Put simply, many businesses now recognise that we are living beyond the planet's means. New business models will be fundamental to the ability to respond appropriately to the risks and opportunities posed by the scarcity of minerals and metals.”

The report’s main author’s, Hans Schoolderman of PwC Netherlands, said: “The world’s growing population, an increase in GDP levels and changing lifestyles are causing consumption levels to rise globally - creating a higher and higher demand for resources. Governments and companies should all be aware of the scope, importance and urgency of the scarcity of both renewable and non-renewable natural resources: energy, water, land and minerals.”

Elsewhere in the survey, 77% of major manufacturing companies consider minerals and metals scarcity as an important issue for their business, but are concerned that only 39% of their customers do. Chemicals and energy and utilities sectors believe they will be severely impacted until 2016 with the percentage of chemical businesses that expect to be affected by this scarcity will TRIPLE over the next five years.

The risk of scarcity across all sectors is expected to rise significantly, leading to supply instability and potential disruptions in the next five years, but this will also create opportunities for competitive advantage, the report says.

The survey shows that whilst 80% of automotive respondents are currently worried about reserves running out, only 33% in aviation are, for example.

Renewable energy (78%), automotive (64%) and energy & utilities (57%) are all currently experiencing instability of supply. Aviation, high tech and infrastructure sectors are also expecting to experience high rises in supply disruption from now to 2016.

When asked about other primary concerns around scarcity overall, 84% cited an increase in demand, 78% said it was geopolitics, and 72% said extraction shortage. The report also indicated that European companies were better prepared with policies and programmes in place to mitigate risks.

The report also outlined a ‘top 10’ checklist for businesses on how to identify and prevent resource scarcity, which also includes advice around creating risk assessments for three main areas, geopolitical, economic and physical.

All this race team needs is sunshine

By Adam Bennett

EXPAND

Solar Fern driver Rob Glassey squeezes into the cockpit of the solar powered-car at Parliament, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

It's held together with bungy cords and gaffer tape but has a top speed of 120km/h. Running on nothing more than sunshine, its fuel economy is unbeatable.

The New Zealand designed and made Solar Fern solar-powered car drove on to Parliament's forecourt yesterday before beginning the second half of a trip from Bluff to Cape Reinga.

The car was built in 2007 by a group of friends to compete in Australia's Solar Challenge solar-powered vehicle race the same year.

However, the sleekly aerodynamic, fully registered and warranted three-wheeled vehicle is back out on the road this week to raise publicity and draw sponsorship for a proposed New Zealand solar car race.

Solar Fern team member Edward Pilbrow said the proposed race would be an extreme event.

"New Zealand's got mountains, hills, rain and all sorts of things you often don't get in other countries where they have solar car races."

Mr Pilbrow and his friends believe the race would draw competitors from around the world, most of whom would be fielding vehicles far more advanced than the Solar Fern.

German vehicle SolarWorld GT, which recently toured New Zealand after competing in this year's Solar Challenge, sports high efficiency photo voltaic panels worth $600,000.

The Solar Fern's panels are factory-seconds bought for $2000. Team leader Rob Glassey estimated the materials for the vehicle cost about $20,000, but including labour the vehicle had cost about $500,000 to make.

A fair amount of ingenuity went into the car's design and construction and while it contains no No 8 wire it does have bungy cords and "a lot of gaffer tape".

The vehicle cruises at 60km/h or slower when it is charging its 192 batteries which provide its high performance wheelchair motor with extra power for getting up hills, and for overtaking, when it can reach speeds of up to 120km/h.

Mr Glassey estimated that over the first half of the trip the vehicle had generated and consumed about 17 kilowatt hours of electricity - about $2 worth.

Greens energy spokesman Gareth Hughes said it was fantastic to see the vehicle yesterday.

"It's the new path we should be going down but instead the Government's got its head in the sand with regards to the price of oil in the future and instead has a plan to borrow $20 billion to pour into new roads."

He said the proposed solar vehicle race was something the Government could get behind to "show leadership to stimulate a new industry".

"It's exciting. We could be world leaders in electric car technology but we need to grasp the opportunity."

By Adam Bennett

Hybrids Going Mainstream

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:14:00 +1300

Hybrid cars first came into the market in 1997 as the Toyota Prius. Since then there are about 5 million hybrid vehicles out of 1 billion vehicles worldwide. ( less than 1% )
Hybrid cars uses half as much fuel as their petrol guzzling cousin, so why is sales penetration so low?

We can trace the problem to several reasons
1) Cost of vehicle : Hybrids generally cost 50% more than it's non hybrid model.
2) Rate of depreciation : Resale value of older hybrids are poor to non existent due to the high cost of hybrid battery replacements
3) Little desire for manufacturers to push this technology as they make more money selling their standard petrol vehicles.
4) Horror stories abound about how much owners have been quoted for repairing their vehicles.

This situation is absolutely ridiculous
We live in an age where our oil resources are depleting at an alarming rate and global warming is having a drastic effect on our environment. Every year brings record floods and droughts and our ice caps and glaciers are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Our vehicles are the major contributor to CO2 emissions into the environment and more should be done to reduce this.

Hybrid vehicles reduce CO2 emissions and reduce use of scarce resources.
1) Longevity of Hybrid vehicles : Hybrid vehicles will last at least twice as long as standard vehicles. We know that vehicles can clock up 600,000 Kms and more with very little deterioration in performance. This glaring fact has never been promoted to the public. This fact alone will reduce the demand on resources and reduction in emissions significantly.

The one problem that is consistently quoted is that the vehicle hybrid battery last 8 to 10 years and replacement is costly. There is a solution. Repairing and reconditioning of the hybrid battery and installation of the Power Jockey will enable the same original battery to be used throughout the life of the vehicles be it 25 years or more and it is no more expensive that yearly vehicle maintenance.

It's time to push the message that hybrid vehicles are not expensive to run and even less expensive to maintain.

How do we get the message across?
The best way is to show that older hybrids are still operating beautifully even after 15 years in service. Another is to push for it's use in an industry that is ideal for it. For this reason we are pushing for this vehicle to be be used exclusively in the vehicle rental industry. Customers will choose a hybrid over a standard vehicle because they save money on fuel. It is also the best way to get the general public to "test drive" this vehicle. I believe we will make a convert out of every hirer,

Buying An Estima Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 16:11:00 +1200

What to look for when buying an Estima Hybrid ( 2002 - 200X )

Model : AHR10W
Dimensions : 4800L 1800W 1760H
Year Manufactured : 2002 - 200X
Petrol Engine : 2400cc
Electric Motor : 13Kw front, 18Kw rear
Transmission : CVT
Battery : 208.8 volts, 50 Kg
Weight : 1950 Kg
Fuel Economy : 14 Km/L

For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Estima Hybrid is a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The rear wheel is powered by the 18Kw electric motor. Without a strong battery the vehicle will feel very much under powered. You can also damage the CVT transmission and engine if the battery is weak.

The Estima Hybrid is a 7 seater or 8 seater van but fuel consumption is half that of a regular petrol version Estima. There have been 2008 Estimas sold at auction in Japan that have done 600,000 Kms. This shows that when all parts are working correctly they are quite trouble free.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Hybrid batteries last between 7 - 10 years. By now if the battery has not been reconditioned and a Power Jockey installed, the battery will soon fail and the car will be inoperable.

2) Check to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained and serviced.
Spark Plugs : 20,000 Kms if Irridium 100,000 Kms
MAF Sensor : 80,000 Kms
Oxygen Sensors : 120,000 Kms
Service parts wear out and have to be replaced for the vehicle to operate efficiently.
If possible a scan should be done to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.

If you take care to inquire about these two aspect of the vehicle, you can be assured that the vehicle will work for many years. The Battery Clinic assures us that the battery pack can last the life of the vehicle with the occasional battery repair and cell replacement every 2 to 3 years costing about $400.

The Petrol engine is tough and very reliable. It should be able to clock up 500,000 Kms and still show little wear and tear. For one the engine does not work all the time and it red lines at 4000 RPM compared to a normal petrol engine at 8000 - 12,000 RPM. Wear and tear compared to a standard vehicle is less than half.

The Electric motor will easily last the life of the vehicle. In 6 years of working with these vehicles I have not seen any motor fail.

Spare parts are available from wreckers and are well priced. Don't fall for those astronomical prices quoted for new parts by Toyota dealers. They are priced not to sell.

Buying A Generation Three Prius

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 15:40:00 +1200

What to look for when buying a Generation Three Prius Hybrid ( 2003 - 200X )
Model : NHW20
Dimensions : 4445L 1725W 1465H
Year Manufactured : 2003 - 200X
Petrol Engine : 76Hp, 1500cc
Electric Motor : 67Hp, 295 Nm torque
Max RPM : 5000, ( 0 - 100 ) 10.5 Secs
Battery : 201.6 volts, 45 Kg
Fuel Economy : 22 Km/L or 4.8L/100Kms

For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Generation 3 Prius is a hatchback. It is a little longer and wider and more powerful than the Generation 2. As the new modular cell packs are used, these are easily available and there is no issues in getting replacement cells for the foreseeable future. The generation three cost a few thousand more than the Generation Two but if your budget can accommodate the extra cost it will be worth it.

As the battery voltage is boosted to 500 volts a weak battery reduces the boost voltage available and increases the current which can damage the inverter. It is important to ensure that the battery is always in good working order.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Buying A Generation Two Prius

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 12:33:00 +1200

What to look for when buying a Generation Two Prius Hybrid ( 2000 - 2003 )
Model : NHW11
Dimensions : 4305L 1595W 1465H
Year Manufactured : 1997 - 2000
Petrol Engine : 44Kw, 1500cc
Electric Motor : 33Kw, 258 Nm torque
Max RPM : 4500, ( 0 - 100 ) 13.0 Secs
Battery : 273.6 volts, 52 Kg
Fuel Economy : 21 Km/L or 4.9L/100Kms

For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Generation 2 Prius is slightly roomier and more powerful than the Generation1. As the new modular cell packs are used, these are easily available and there is no issues in getting replacement cells for the foreseeable future. These cost a few thousand more than the Generation One but if your budget can accommodate the extra cost it will be worth it.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Integrating Solar Power Into Existing Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:55:00 +1200

The first problem we have when we start generating solar power say with 1 panel, a controller and a 95 ah battery is to deploy the power for use.

In a motor home or caravan it is a simple matter of connecting the battery to a 12 volt light bulb or bulbs and you have light. You could also run the system in a garage and wire up the garage for 12 volt lighting.

What if we want to use the power we generate in our own home with our existing 240 volt wiring. The only choice is to set up a grid connect system. This is where the power we produce is fed to the grid for which we are paid by our electricity supplier and we are charged for the power we use. Usually there will be a difference between what we are paid and what we are charged.

Seems simple but there is the administrative red tape that we have to go through. We will need permission from our line company to connect to their grid and a contract with our eectricity supplier to pay us. These are not problems in themselves as the regulations do not allow them to refuse our request. However.......

First we need a grid connect inverter. This is not just any inverter it is an inverter that will match the phase of the power you produce to that of the grid. It will also shut the power off if the grid is down so that worlers working on the lines don't get electrocuted. Of course it is expensive. Expect to spend upwards of $5000 depending on the power required. You will also need an export meter that is supplied by the supply company for which you will be charged.

Oh-Oh but lets say you decide that you want to do it anyway well your simple setup above will not suffice. Lets say you expand your setup to producing 1 kilowatt a day which is about 100 watt of panels. Say you are paid 20 cents per kilowatt (very generous) your income is 20 cents a day or $6 a month. Remember above that you will be charged for the export meter? Well lets say it is $20 a month! You are now paying the electricity supplier for the priviledge of selling them power!

What a dilema and a catch 22 situation. They should just allow us to connect into the grid and let the meter flow backwards. This however is illegal and it is also dangerous.

Never fear we have a solution that will solve this problem. The ACDC RG1 power regulator. This device allows you to connect your solar batteries to a household circuit be it the hot water system, power or lights. You use up the power you produced stored in your batteries and when the batteries are depleted the system switches over to the mains. When he batteries are fully charged again the system will switch back to the batteries.

This way you get full credit for the power you produce at the price your supply company charges you. You connect the system directly to you power circuit ( by a registered electrician ) using your existing house wiring.

For this system to work you will have to invest in a inverter to convert DC power in the batteries to 230 volt ac. The system is availiable in 24volt and 12 volt configuration. Generally inverters above 2000 watts are 24 volts. Components and cables for 12 volt systems are expensive for higher output because of higher current. Existing models of the DCAC RG1 are priced at $795.

Starting A Solar Power System

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:51:00 +1200

OK. You have heard all about solar power and alternative energy. You want to get started but don't know how or rather how not to do the wrong thing.

The first problem is cost - solar panels, solar controllers, batteries.

Solar Panels - monocrystalline, multi crystalline, amorphous. Panels vary from 1 watt to 180 watt cost from $10 to $2000

Solar Controllers - 12 volt to 48 volts 3 watts to 60 watts. Cost from $100 to $1000

Batteries - Flooded cells, Agm or Gel. Cost varies from $50 to $25,000

There are many uses for solar power some are the garden variety and small panels sold as top up's for batteries. Here I will concentrate on solar power that you can use in your motor homes or homes for lighting and power.

The most cost effective system

Panels - 40 watt amorphous is the most cost effective from a cost per watt basis. $395

Amorphous panels are resistant to shadows and work well in low light. These panels also easily fit into a larger grid system when you want to increase your power generation. Produces 240 watt a day.

Controllers - The Leonics 1206 is the best to use for a small maximum 2 panel system. $195

Batteries - Your standard car batteries are not suitable for solar power, however even a small 85 ah deep cycle battery can set you back $350. The good news is that a reconditioned 85 ah deep cycle battery can be purchased from the battery clinic for as little as $95 and it will work just as good.

OK there you have it a small solar system that you can use in the mobile home a batch or even in the home. Enough power is generated a day to light up 6 X 20 watt bulbs for 2 hours.

This solar streetlight is powered from 1 panel and is enough to light up a 20 watt bulb for 10 hours a day. The battery has enough storage for 3 days.

See www.thebatteryclinic.co.nz for more information

This is a quick start to producing solar power and it is a system that can be expanded easily.

Future of Hybrids - The hybrid battery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +1200

If we can get a battery that last from between 16 to 20 years, the hybrid vehicle will be widely acceptance by the motoring public.

There are one billion cars in the world today and with many of the worlds most populated countries fast embracing vehicle ownership this number can only increase at a faster rate. However of this total only about 4 million are hybrids.

Most people know that hybrids uses less than half the fuel compared to a standard vehicle of similar size. So why is it the public have not taken to this new technology?

Two main perceptions holding this technology back are.
1) Hybrids are expensive : In Australia a standard Toyota Camry sells for A$ 28,988 and the Toyota Camry hybrid sells for A$ 36,990. It is about 27.6% more expensive.

2) When they break down hybrids are expensive to fix : The hybrid battery used in the vehicle is expected to last 7 to 10 years after which it is expected to be replaced which can cost about $4000. In anybody's book this is an expensive fix and it negates all the fuel savings made.

Should hybrids be more expensive to produce? Mass production could close the gap but even so, fuel savings will offset the higher cost of purchase. The main issue in getting hybrid vehicles accepted into the mainstream is the battery. What we need is a battery that can last the life of the vehicle. With the invention of the Power Jockey this is now a reality.

Every time a load is placed on the battery, it experience a dip in voltage which recovers after the engine kicks in. This dip in voltage gets deeper as the battery ages until the point is reached when a cell collapses and the battery fails. From the graph above we can see that this dip in voltage is averted when the Power Jockey is installed. It stands to reason that if the Power Jockey was installed from new, the battery can last more than the 7 to 10 years currently.

We are only installing the Power Jockey in vehicles where the battery has already failed which we have reconditioned and repaired. We have had batteries lasting more than 2.5 years after reconditioning and with the Power Jockey we are confident that we can make the original battery last the life of the vehicle. Extending battery life from 8 years to 16 years would be the biggest factor in overcoming the perception that the hybrid vehicles are expensive to fix when they break down.

Solar Water Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:04:00 +1200

Most water feature used in landscape gardens uses 240 volt Ac converted to 12 volt Ac or DC. The mordern lanscape design should incorporate solar power to power Dc water pumps . Once installed it is completely self contained and the cost of running is zilch - nana - ZERO.

I have installed such a system in my garden. The first problem I encountered was that I could not get a Dc pump from the water feature supplier. Theirs was 12 volt or 24 volt AC and cost $150. I managed to obtained a similar capacity DC pump for $40 on the Internet. This worked perfectly on my water feature.

As I only needed the water feature to work in the day solar power was perfect as I had power for the water feature when the sun shorn.

Full setup and details of this water feature design below

Battery Recycling In New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 23:04:00 +1200

There is a war brewing in New Zealand about battery recycling and waste battery exports to Korea and the Phillipines.

First the background : Exide's battery recycling factory is the only one in New Zealand. Up until about 6 years ago New Zealand did not allow it's waste batteries to be exported. Exide had a monopoly and like any monopoly it took advantage. Scrap battery prices were set so low that it was not worth collecting them. Exide however made huge profits. However all this ended when exports were allowed and Exide had to pay market price for their raw materials.

Still this was not too much of a problem because Exide NZ was able to source batteries from it's Australian company Exide Australia. This situation also ended last year as Australian battery recyclers succeeded in stopping battery exports to New Zealand.

Today Exide recycling plant in New Zealand closed it's doors, citing lack of scrap batteries.... PERMANENTLY?

Voxy.co.nz
Thursday, 4 August, 2011 - 15:27

Greenpeace is calling on the government to come clean about exports of toxic waste from New Zealand to the Phillipines and South Korea.

OIA Documents passed to Greenpeace reveal that New Zealand has exported at least 50,000 tonnes of toxic battery waste to the Phillipines and South Korea since the end of 2008.

Greenpeace believes that serious question marks exist about whether these exports are legal under both the international Basel Treaty and Waigani Treaty, which make developed countries responsible for dealing with their own toxic waste rather than exporting it to countries where environmental and safety standards are lower

Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid said, "These revelations could threaten New Zealand's image both as a clean green country and a responsible member of the international community".

"If these deals are above board then why is the government withholding details of where in the Phillipines and South Korea our toxic waste is being processed?"

Greenpeace is calling on the government to:

? Release the names of the waste facilities in both the Philippines and South Korea where New Zealand's toxic waste is being processed and prove that their safety and environmental records were properly assessed before exports were approved.

? Put on hold any more exports of toxic waste until a full review of New Zealand's toxic waste management policy has been completed.

? Encourage development of a new state of the art recycling facility for New Zealand

Ms McDiarmid continued, "New Zealand has the moral responsibility to deal with its own toxic waste, not dump it on developing countries".

"The reality is we have the skills and technology to do this work cleanly and responsibly at home. The government should see this as an opportunity - to create new green jobs and investment."

"What New Zealand needs is a new state of the art recycling facility and one that isn't right smack bang next to people's homes and schools."

Stuff.co.nz

US execs making Exide ruling

TRACY WATKINS AND SHABNAM DASTGHEIB

Last updated 05:00 05/08/2011

Text Size

Exide's environmental record has been attacked in Parliament as the battery recycling plant faces possible closure as early as today.

Sources close to the American-based company said a decision would be made in the United States early this morning on the Petone plant's future and that it could close its doors today because of a lack of work. It is not clear whether the closure will be temporary or permanent.

Exide workers told The Dominion Post last night that they had been instructed not to talk to the media. One said that message had been passed down "by management and the Americans".

Lawyers for Exide say it is being put out of business by the export of tens of thousands of used lead acid batteries to the Philippines and South Korea and that the shipments breach New Zealand's international obligations for the treatment of hazardous waste.

But Labour MP Trevor Mallard told Parliament it might be preferable to export the batteries than to keep open a factory with Exide's history.

That history included "explosions, causing damage to workers both by lead and the explosions, leakage at the boundary going into neighbours' [properties], a history of sickness of workers from lead poisoning [and] a history of dumping sludge in the Wainuiomata tip, then going into the Wainuiomata Stream", he said.

"There is no way that such a plant would be allowed to be located next to a residential area in most first-world countries, and it shouldn't be allowed here."

After questions in Parliament from the Greens yesterday, Mr Mallard also accused Exide of employing a "high-priced law firm" to get the Green movement onside in an effort to "save its bacon".

Exide has hired top public policy law firm ChenPalmer, which has lobbied the Government over its obligations under the Basel Convention, which requires countries to deal with their hazardous waste on-shore where possible.

Julie Wake and husband Steve have been living almost next door to the plant for 13 years. Mrs Wake said that if it didn't close, they would be forced to move.

"This is our first home together and we have invested our emotions into it, but we want to have children soon. This is not a place to bring up kids, they are more vulnerable to health issues than we are."

Mrs Wake said the community had actively campaigned for Exide to clean up its act for many years but the company had taken little on board.

Long-time campaigner Richard Whiteside said it was a no-brainer that the factory was endangering the health of the people of Lower Hutt and should be moved. "Recycling is a good thing, but why should we pay with our health?

"Even the Chinese are enforcing a buffer zone to residential houses of 500 metres. I believe this plant is the closest in the world to residential houses at just 50 metres and is only 250 metres from a children's playground and beach."

Environment Minister Nick Smith said he had begun a formal review of policy on battery shipments.

"My preference is for these batteries to be recycled in New Zealand, although I will need to be satisfied about the environmental standards, given the quite chequered record of the Exide Technologies plant in Petone."

He said in Parliament yesterday: "There have been substantive problems with ... resource consents in Petone and, given the toxic nature of lead, I think we would want to be strongly reassured of the plant's environmental performance."

Dominion Post

Exide lays environmental complaint

SHABNAM DASTGHEIB AND TRACY WATKINS

Battery recycler Exide, which has often been criticised for its environmental record, has lodged a complaint against the Government, citing environmental concerns.

Exide, which closed for at least several days yesterday, has told the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that granting Government permits to export used lead-acid batteries breaches New Zealand's international obligations and is thus illegal.

Sources close to the factory said it may close for at least part of next week because of a lack of work caused by used batteries being shipped overseas for recycling.

It is New Zealand's only plant for dealing with used lead-acid batteries.

In a letter to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright, Exide Technologies Australasian managing director John Cowpe said the export of the batteries was unlawful, "but more fundamentally is likely to result in significant adverse effects on the environment".

He said that, if New Zealand became dependent on other countries to dispose of hazardous waste and that export market market dried up, it would be left with uncollected waste and no facility to deal with it.

Wellington Scrap Metals director Brett Hall said he had tried to sell batteries to Exide in the past and it had refused to buy them directly from him.

"Every time we try and sell to them, they come back to us and say, `No, go talk to Macaulay Metals – who's quite a big competitor down here – 'and deal with them because they are the only ones we like to deal with down here'.

"The reason we export is we can get more for it. It's a free market, you can sell for the highest price."

Yesterday, Exide said: "Since 2009, there has been a marked reduction in the fugitive emissions of lead recorded at the boundary monitors of the recycling facility site. We believe these improvements will continue due to the enhancements made at our facility.

"We are proud of our 40 dedicated and hard-working employees at our facility and the work that is being performed to ensure the proper treatment and disposal of used lead-acid batteries for all New Zealanders."

But Labour's Trevor Mallard, MP for Hutt South, said Exide did not have a good environmental record and should be closed permanently.

"They certainly are the worst polluters in the Wellington region in recent years and I'm not prepared to support an economic model that is based on a factory that has regularly in the last decade emitted poisonous lead emissions in to the neighbouring residential community."

Using a Restored and Reconditioned Battery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 20:15:00 +1200

Reconditioned Batteries Are Good For The Environment

To make a standard battery we use plastics for the casing, lead for the plates and terminals, lead dioxide for the active material and sulphuric acid for the electrolyte. All these are saved if we recondition and reuse this same battery.

But if they only last 3 months .......
Our record is five years for an automotive battery and even longer for storage batteries. Prior to us coming on to the scene people used to buy used batteries from car wreckers and other battery reconditioners. these batteries are still sulphated an only for 2 weeks to 3 months which gives rise to the perception that reconditioned batteries only last 3 months. A fully restored and reconditioned battery can last as long as a new battery. Our return rate is less than 1%.

But is it safe to use ?
Our desulphation process uses high frequency pulses to agitate the lead sulphate crystals breaking it's hard molecular bonds.This changes it to soft sulphate and allow it to take place in the chemical reaction again. The result is that we get a "Restored Battery" that is as good as new and often last 2 - 3 years. A restored battery is as good as a new battery.

Links

Cheap battery bank for an off grid power system.

Save our planet and save money at the same time

Reconditioned batteries are not only for people on a tight budget. They are safe to use, can last as long as a new battery, and is good for the environment. Think about how much energy and raw material have been saved by recucling and reusing a reconditioned battery.

[gwo-section id="Reconditioned batteries"][/gwo-section]

Low cost battery bank for an off grid power system

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 19:56:00 +1200

The heart of an off grid system are the batteries

The first thing that you want to get right when setting up an off grid system are the batteries. These is the most expensive part of the system and it is also the most vulnerable.

All batteries sulphate over time. Harderned sulphate molecules cannot take part in the energy exchange. In addition they also form a layer over the active material below insulating it from the acid. This is the main cause of loss capaciity in new batteries that sits on the shelf.

Our desulphation process and techniques soften up these sulpahte molecules so that they can take part in the energy exchange again. In doing so it also exposes the active material below which results in the huge increase of capacity.

A new 12 volt 200 ah gel or agm battery can cost up to $2500. We sell these for less than $500. A small 400 ah 6 X 2volt cells can cost up to $8000 we sell these for $1200. Restored and recondition batteries although about 1/10 the price will last just as long ie 5 to 15 years.

Looking at it another way. For the price of a new battery bank, if you use restored batteries instead, you could pay for the whole system. The better news is that we can continue to support and service these batteries to extend their useful life.

Before setting up a system talk to us about your requirements. getting the correct batteries and keeping the path towards expanding your system open is the beft way towards future proofing you considerale investment. (More)

Tonga should adopt a renewable energy policy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 18:43:00 +1200

Below is a letter written to and published in Matangi Tonga Online by
Sefita Haouli.

Auckland, New Zealand

THE Pacific Energy Minister's Meeting in Nuku'alofa recently brought to light a number of angles on our energy needs as well as that of others around the Pacific.

Weaning us off petroleum will take some time and the replacement technology to make that possible will still be imported and not home-grown. However what is needed now is a new and home-grown attitude and actions to lessen our dependence on imported energy immediately.

A combination of wind and solar technology will enable most homes in Tonga today to have their lighting and non-heating appliances run independent of the grid - in fact the better wind generators can supply more than is needed by your average households and if allowed, will be able to contribute to the national grid right away. Some Asian countries now have switched from AC powered appliances to DC powered so that they can take advantage of the solar/wind/battery power supply which are home-owned and economic to run and maintain and renewable all at once.

Tonga can do that now and although the initial savings will be minimal but with every subsequent year the move away from petroleum and imported energy will pay dividends for individual families and collectively also for the country.

Our relatively flat terrain offers opportunities for the gradual introduction of electric or battery powered cars, vans and trucks - but the transition period should be implemented now so that
alongside our stated wish to wean us off imported energy, activity on the ground will show that we're willing to walk the talk.

If we make it a policy to phase in a gradual transition from non-renewable to renewable form of energy and actively supported by subsidies or similar, we will join other communities who've not only seen the need but are acting on it.

A good starting point will be to retro-fit all of our street lighting to go solar and follow the lead of some of our own village communities who've done this on their own. The energy savings alone
for Nuku'alofa street lighting will more than meet the technology swap costs in less than three years. Half or more of all government-owned vehicles should be electric over the next five years and what is now known as the golf-carts in Western countries should be the only taxis allowed in Nuku'alofa streets and that should help keep the place a little cleaner and safer than presently.

And now that national power generation is back in the hands of the tax-payer and still costing more than ever, individuals with wind and solar technology who can more than meet their own needs should
be able to contribute to the grid and earn some income along the way. Technology for that is now available and some far-sighted countries encourage this practice.

It's never too late to have the wisdom to do now what we will inevitably be forced to do sometime in the future. Had we done so earlier, Deputy PM, Dr Tangi's speech to the Pacific Energy's meeting would have been quite different in tone and content and his wish to see the region's energy units operate out of Nuku'alofa, a done deal.

Sefita A Hao'uli
sefita.haouli@gmail.com
27 April 2009

Net Oil Producers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 1 Aug 2011 09:03:00 +1200

Top World Oil Producers, Exporters, Consumers, and Importers, 2006
(millions of barrels per day)
Producers1	Total oilproduction	Exporters2	Net oilexports	Consumers3	Total oilconsumption	Importers4	Net oilimports
1. Saudi Arabia	10.72	1. Saudi Arabia	8.65	1. United States	20.59	1. United States	12.22
2. Russia	9.67	2. Russia	6.57	2. China	7.27	2. Japan	5.1
3. United States	8.37	3. Norway	2.54	3. Japan	5.22	3. China	3.44
4. Iran	4.12	4. Iran	2.52	4. Russia	3.1	4. Germany	2.48
5. Mexico	3.71	5. United Arab Emirates	2.52	5. Germany	2.63	5. South Korea	2.15
6. China	3.84	6. Venezuela	2.2	6. India	2.53	6. France	1.89
7. Canada	3.23	7. Kuwait	2.15	7. Canada	2.22	7. India	1.69
8. United Arab Emirates	2.94	8. Nigeria	2.15	8. Brazil	2.12	8. Italy	1.56
9. Venezuela	2.81	9. Algeria	1.85	9. South Korea	2.12	9. Spain	1.56
10. Norway	2.79	10. Mexico	1.68	10. Saudi Arabia	2.07	10. Taiwan	0.94
11. Kuwait	2.67	11. Libya	1.52	11. Mexico	2.03
12. Nigeria	2.44	12. Iraq	1.43	12. France	1.97
13. Brazil	2.16	13. Angola	1.36	13. United Kingdom	1.82
14. Iraq	2.01	14. Kazakhstan	1.11	14. Italy	1.71
			38.25				33.03