Electric Cars
I’ve been doing research into Hybrid cars for some time. I was involved with a project that aimed to reduce emissions and increase efficiency of standard fuel injected engines. This provided me some insight into the automotive technology production process. however, I am far from an expert in this field.
I imagine a new type of Automotive repair service centre, where people either rent space and resources to re-build their own cars or hire trained professionals to build / repair their cars for them.
the original idea I started developing from a couple of years ago, was to produce an alternative drive train that could be retro-fitted to my XJ-6. The commercial ideas behind it are as follows;
- Having a business system, that provides a shed with the necessary equipment to build / re-build old cars. Much like a boat yard for yachties.
- There are many car enthusiasts about, who have the money and interest in fixing up an old car that they like in their spare time as a project.
- With the increases in property prices and subdivisions, often times there is no shed space for this type of project.
- Often times the beautiful ladies of their lives do not want a half built car sitting on their property for x years, whilst it is built.
- Often times, they would like help fixing the car – much like Doug Hemm, at the yacht club.
The solution I envisaged, was a “bunnings” like shed, where people could rent space. It would also be able to have mechanics, equipment and training.
I also thought it would be good to have a apprenticeship styled system in this business, to help train mechanics and help (at lower cost) to build of the cars.
Standard service arrangements would also be available, only such services would be aimed at customers who actually want to get involved from time to time – rather than not being allowed in the workshop.
The next, major trouble is; that older engines do not provide a suitable “power plant” for environmentally friendly driving.
- Eco-Engines
I originally started looking at gas turbine engines. I understand that these engines can run on just about anything, and am aware of farmers who are interested (some already are) in producing vegetable oil to power tractors, etc. The concept of producing fuels on the land is a sustainable concept.
Turbine Engines seem to be a very efficient way of producing energy via combustion.
Originally looking at helicopter engines (that have been used for Turbine powered Cars)
http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil_aerospace/downloads/regional/model250.pdf
Some Electric Car Clips
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4215495.html?series=16
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4215249.html
Some information from University of Queensland:
http://science.org.au/events/australiachina/walker.pdf
Micro Turbines
http://jalopnik.com/cars/mirco-turbine/
My initial vision is to produce a method to enable people to simply recycle older (classic) cars, with newer technology. I personally imagine my Series 1 XJ-6, having electrical power and a highly stable electrical and mechanical systems – maintaining the original “look and feel”, with the exception of the engine noise.
Many people have a romantic attachment to a particular type of car, but want the newer fittings and technological additions. Furthermore, such economically able customers are concerned by the environmental issues associated to older vehicle technology and are therefore (without options) more likely to (progressively) send old cars to the tip.
So, I starting with the most difficult part….
The basis to my solution involves a turbine electric engine. The theory is premised upon the following aspects;
1. A Small Turbine Engine to produce electrical charge.
- a turbine can run on a variety of fuels.
- It is an efficient method to produce alot of energy.
- Turbine Engines are very simple in design, and require relatively little maintenance.
Through my research I have found that a Turbine Engine likes to operate at High RPM, and is more so suited to the production of energy, rather than a method to directly power the drive chain.
2. An Electric motor to power the drive-train
- Electric motors are relatively simple to source. The technology is easily replaceable.
- It is achievable to obtain an electric motor that will produce enough power to replace a standard engine.
- I’ve also found newer electric wheel motors, that seem to provide a great deal of promise, as it would free up the engine bay for any equipment required for the turbine engine.
http://www.tm4.com/eng/tm4transport/moto_wheelmotor/
http://www.hybridtechnologies.com
The ideal outcome, is to provide the necessary processes in business systems and commercial framework to enable the recycling of older vehicles using alternative technologies, in a easily. .
Another Aspect I have not found a solution for as yet, is the heat. Turbine engines produce alot of heat, which should be turned into electrical energy somehow. This improves the efficiency of the engine overall. Steam seems like the most practical thing. However I recon there must be a method to use Sea Water, which would dilute to brine and pure water that can be used to power the engine.
The Water, ends up as vapour (in the atmosphere) and the brine is sent down the drain to the ocean.
These are some complex solutions which can be simplified and unitised for the purpose of commercialisation and cash-flow management, however I think that the process of modifying existing vehicles is a fundamentally minimally disruptive methodology to producing a path forward, for the auto industry.
More info on turbines:
Micro-Turbine Engines
http://www.elliottmicroturbines.com/microturbines.html
http://www.tokyo.afosr.af.mil/ASL/asl42.htm
IHI Aerospace has developed a scaled 2.6 kVA gas turbine generator – the smallest production model in the world. The gas turbine is able to operate on a variety of fuels including JP-8, kerosene, and diesel with low NOx, CO, and THC emissions, which meets the “Blue Sky Series” standard of California Air Resources Board (CARB). Key attributes resulting from the integration of a 7 cm rotor turbine include low noise (44% less than a comparable diesel system), high quality power into which PCs can be directly plugged and a compact lightweight volume (system is transportable by two individuals – 67 kg system weight). The core engine weighs only 19 Kg and is 30 cm in width. While the gas turbine generator is sold as a commercial product (Dynajet 2.6) the system is being modified for desert use. The engine is estimated to be capable of producing total output of 4.3 kVA with moderate amount of modification.
Lets create an international collaboration to save “free tv”
a letter to europe. to senior members of the technical group (chairman) for the metadata standards and the technical director for the DTG.
____________________________________________________________________________________
My name is Timothy Holborn. I have started a new business, in Australia focused upon the development of Interactive TV. One of the key technologies i am looking into for full-scale development, is the TV-Anytime specifications. From a business perspective, I’m also very interested in potentially utilising the “freeview” brand. I imagine that there are many components to the jigsaw already figured out, which would make things much easier to commercialise a similar system in Australia. Furthermore, it may immediately provide relationships to share and develop Free View Styled solutions via any software systems developed, being cross distributed and contributing towards further standardisation of Free iTV distribution and content production.
The basis to my iTV technology and business concept, is an ability to bind broadband connectivity with DVB-T (inc. DVB-MHP) and produce an interactive television platform, that is focused maintaining a “Free TV” styled delivery experience - Free to Watch and Interact TV, managed by channel providers (“broadcasters”).
One of the many problems in Australia for this type of project is the size of the Australian market. Without wanting to re-invent the useful components of the wheel, I believe I have a unique style to fixing the problem of how Free to Air TV maintains and grows it’s audience.
So, I’m going about building the plan, for investment and would really like the opportunity to work with the DTG and related organisations throughout this endeavour.
Please let me know if there are any opportunities to solidify some initial understanding and potentially form an initial agreement that would help Free TV into the future.
