Electric
An Alternative to Lead-based Solder
Anybody with a rudimentary understanding of electronics, especially the person that habitually tinkers with and “fixes” the various appliances at home will know how regularly solder is used and needed, even more so for those in the industry.
Up till just recently though, solder wasn’t exactly a milestone of technological achievement. Rather, the basic premise behind solder has remained unchanged; it is still simply a little bit of lead (or other metal substance with a low melting point) which, after being melted, acts as an adhesive, holding together important parts of circuit. These parts being essentially an integral and regularly used component of those everyday tools like cell-phones and computers that we take for granted. Naturally, something so universal, and so small as to be oft-overlooked, is bound to have far-reaching consequences over time.
These consequences were not taken lightly by Ainissa Ramirez‘ and her team at Yale, who like many other scientists around the world had sought out a greener alternative for quite some time. Recently, the culmination of this teams research is to be published. An essential summary of the idea is that new tin-silver solder with iron particles will present a viable alternative to replace the afore-mentioned lead-based solder. But there’s more, asserts Ramirez, as “in addition to helping make the fabrication of microelectronics more environmentally responsible, these new solders have the potential to solve technological challenges.”
Worlds Largest Solar Powered Yacht – PlanetSolar
Just unveiled in Germany, this Swiss built catamaran dubbed PlanetSolar is the largest of its kind with over 5,000 sqft of solar paneling covering most of the surfaces. With a top speed of 15 knots (17 miles per hour), this 66-ton boat carries 50 people with its crew of two. It’s 38,000 newer generation photovoltaic cells have an efficiency of at least 22% to help with converting the suns rays to turning the propeller. It’s no Code-X speed boat, but it is probably more efficient and practical.
Sticking to routes near the equator, the crew hopes to maximize the suns exposure to keep their average speed at 8 knots. They will be embarking on a 140 day voyage to cities like San Francisco, New York, Darwin (Australia), Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Marseille. Maybe they could stop by the Pacific trash gyre on the way over.
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Solar Powered Electric Lawnmower
Designed by Studio Volpi in collaboration with GGP Group, this solar powered electric lawnmower is not only pretty for the eye, it’s also clean for the lung. Using the suns rays to charge while mowing, a removable polymer-ion battery system ensures your lawn care will be completed.
While this is a great concept, there is actually one in existence- and this one is automated! Similar to those robot vacuums, this is an automated solar lawnmower.
Code-X Solar Powered Hybrid Catamaran Speedboat
Attention Renewable Energy Nautical Sci-Fi enthusiasts, I have just found your perfect water ride. One look, and you can see why – this solar powered Code-X speedboat looks like just about every cool crescent-shaped pointy enemy fighter ship out there. Specifically, this design brings to mind the Battlestar Galactica cylon raider mixed with the jet powered and dual hull performance boat all rolled into one.
Brought to you by CODE-X AG, a swiss company based in Meggen on Lake Lucerne, their goal is to develop ultra exclusive products utilizing renewable energy sources. While this may seem to cause one to cringe at the eco eliteism, it can allow for a trickle-down effect of renewable energy products first being developed for those who can afford the cost of developing newer technologies.
New Solar Panel Powered Stadium in Taiwan
A beautiful integration of renewable energy and modern green design, the recently finished solar stadium in Taiwan will welcome the 2009 World Games to 3,300 lights and two jumbo screens all on 100% solar energy. Designed by Toyo Ito, the 14,155 sq meter roof consists of 8,844 solar panels generating 1.14m KWh (that is 1.14 gigawatt hours of electricity) a year.
When not powering the stadium lights, the power will be funneled into the local power grid and is expected to meet almost 80% of the neighboring area’s energy requirements. It is estimated that this stadium will prevent 660 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year from being released into the atmosphere when compared to a traditional powered stadium of this size.
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Brammo Enertia TTR Electric Motorbike
The Enertia TTR Electric motorcycle by Brammo could be one of the first to production (and available to buy from a store in the US). In fact west coast Best Buys are lined up to carry them later this month.
With a ‘real world’ range of 35 miles, a top speed of over 50mph, and a wall outlet recharging system that only takes 3 hours for a full charge, it is a very practical and economical option for commuting. Each charge costs approximately 40 cents translating into a cost of one penny per mile.
Tesla Model S Electric Sedan
Starting at $49,900 the new Tesla Model S electric sedan is not only comparable with many German automobiles, it is styled like a much more expensive car. With lines that hint at Austin Martin, Jaguar, Audi S models and Maseratis, this car is got it going on!
The stats are pretty impressive too and reflect the milestones in electric car technologies. A 300-mile range, 45-minute fast charge capability and the ability to charge from any outlet, all with a 0-to-60 time of 5.5-seconds plus it even seats seven (although I’m not really sure where the other 2 people fit)
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Mission One Street Superbike: Worlds Fastest Electric Motorcycle Title Revoked!
It wasn’t too long back that I wrote about the British built TTX01 GP electric super streetbike as becoming the fastest production electric motorcycle out there with a top speed of 125mph and a range of 50 miles. The new Mission One electric motorcycle pretty much blows that away. Based in San Francisco, Mission Motors developed an all new (as opposed to being built on a previous model frame, like the TTX01 GP) frame that is pretty darn sexy.
The Mission One has a range of 150 miles and has a top speed of 150mph. So, theoretically, you could just pin it at top speed for one hour and travel 150 miles. Once you exhaust battery power, all it takes is a 2 hour wait time (long enough for a leisurely lunch at the mountain top cafe) to fully recharge your batteries using a 240v power source. Forrest North, the founder of Mission Motors, is a former Tesla employee who began work on converting a gas-powered Ducati motorcycle into an electric bike. His overall goal was to combine the performance of a superbike with a green, environmentally friendly zero emission motorbike. I would say he succeeded with flying colors. I am a little wary of the triangular side work, and the stinger-tail seat, but it is nonetheless beautiful still.
Built with lithium-ion batteries powering an electric induction motor, the result is an on-demand 100+ foot-pounds of torque for insane acceleration and throttle feel. They didn’t skimp on components either, Brembo 4-piston calipers and Ohlins shocks suspension are a nod to their earlier works with Ducati street bikes. Targeting affluent green motorists, the first 50 limited-edition Mission Ones are likely to sell for $68,995 with a more budget-minded version debuting this summer.
Full specs:
Powertrain Battery Pack: High Energy Lithium-Ion w/ Integrated Thermal Management System Motor: Liquid-cooled, 3-phase AC Induction Torque: 100 lb-ft @ 0 to 6,500 rpm Transmission: Single speed Chassis Suspension/Front: Ohlins 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel Suspension/Rear: Ohlins Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; fully adjustable, 4.5-in travel Brakes/Front: Dual Brembo 310mm disc; Brembo radial-mount forged 4-piston calipers Brakes/Rear: Brembo 220mm disc; single-piston caliper Wheels/Tires/Front: Marchesini forged aluminum 3.5″ x 17″, 120/70ZR17 – race Compound Wheels/Tires/Rear: Marchesini forged aluminum 6.0″x17″, 190/55ZR17 – race Compound Target Performance Top Speed: 150mph Range: 150 miles per charge (est. EPA drive cycle) Recharge Time: Under 2 Hours @ 240V (8 Hours @ 120V) Interactive Feature: Adjustable regenerative rear wheel braking Interactive Feature: Intuitive / adjustable data acquisition system
Another Really Fast Electric Sportscar – McLaren Supercar Style – JJAD P1E
Given that I have a incredible (and possibly unhealthy) soft spot for supercars and exotic sportscars, I must tell you about the p1e by JJAD. Surrey based JJAD automotive design & prototyping company has come up with a beautiful automobile.
Lead by former McLaren F1 and Mercedes SLR designer Jim Dowle and Gordon Murray, would you expect anything less appealing? With an estimated 390 horsepower and whopping 590lb-ft of torque being delivered by two electric motors (one for each axle) and a set of lithium-ion batteries, this could be a huge contender in the ever growing world of electric supercars.
Based on the all aluminum and carbon fiber JJAD Project 001 from last year, the JJAD P1e is the electric spawn trying to make it in this emerging world of Tesla Roadsters. Holding it down with a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds (est.) and a 230 mile range, this all electric car will retail for £55,000 which is close to $100,000 for us yanks.
[via carbodydesign]
Related Articles:
Wrightspeed X1 Electric Supercar – Based on the Aerial Atom Sportscar
TTX01 Electric Superbike – Fastest Electric Street Bike
Solar-Powered Electric Biodiesel Hybrid Camper Van – Verdier Westfalia VW Bus
Worlds Fastest Electric Superbike Motorcycle – The TTX01
TTX01 GP Electric Super Street Bike
One of my favorite modes of transportation just got better. I’m a pretty big street bike fan- all that fun and an average of 56 mpg ain’t bad! But now it can be even better.
Based on the Suzuki GSX750 frame, the TTX01 is the fastest electric street superbike to date. The Vectrix (pictured below) is a close competitor, but its unclear if they will produce a production model. With a top speed of 125mph and a 50mi range, the TTX01 electric motorcycle technology leaves a bit to be desired, but progress is being made. There are several other electric bikes/moto-scooters out there, but this is the first i have seen (that is not a one off custom or a prototype) that has that street bike appeal.
Vectrix Electric Motorcycle
The TTX01 uses two 43 bhp Agni Lynch electric motors on the rear wheel providing the power equivalent of a 600cc gasoline powered motorcycle, but they also added a motor to the front wheel as well which is said to improve handling. A two wheel drive motorcycle, how odd, but possibly awesome. The bike is lightened with the help of a carbon fiber frame and lightweight components allowing for the 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.
There should be a limited number available for purchase at the end of 2009, the price? £20,000 ($30,000).
To get a view of this bike, and several others like it, check out the world’s first clean emission Grand Prix to be held at the Isle of Man during TT race week in June 2009 which should showcase some fast new electric bikes. If you like fast and electric, you may want to checkout the Wrightspeed X1 electric supercar.
[via gizmag]
The Fastest Car in the World – and its Green!
Wrightspeed X1 Electric Supercar
It’s faster than a jet, can out handle a roller coaster, and it is environmentally friendly. How, you ask? Starting with only the most exciting super car to drive EVER, the Atom, then adding an electric motor. What you have then is a beautifully designed engineering masterpiece, the Wrightspeed X1. With its minimalist design, consisting of merely a frame to hold everything in place, 3 pedals, a steering wheel and a seat, its more like a stripped down motorcycle with 4 wheels than it is a car. Its basically a street legal go cart. But what does that do for it? It makes it incredibly light! Pair that with an AC Propulsion 3-phase AC induction motor and inverter, and you have rocket-like propulsion from the on-demand torque.
Unfortunately, there are no plans to make this particular design a production vehicle, heck, its hard enough just to get a regular Atom, but they do hint that there will be a production version of the X1. I’m not sure what that means, but i’m still interested.
For those who like specs, check out these numbers:
In recent track testing, on street tires, it achieved the following performance:
0-30 mph: 1.35 sec
0-60 mph: 3.07 sec in 117 ft
0-100 mph: 6.87 sec
0-100-0 mph 11.2 sec
Lateral g: 1.3
Braking g: 1.2
Hopefully high performance automobiles like this will strike a nerve with car enthusiasts, sparking a bigger desire to own a car ‘just like the ones on TV’. In a way, its already working.
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