Hybrid Car - Improving Fuel Economy

Improving Fuel Economy
Besides a smaller, more efficient engine, today's hybrids use many other tricks to increase fuel efficiency. Some of those tricks will help any type of car get better mileage, and some only apply to a hybrid. To squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of gasoline, a hybrid car can:

• Recover energy and store it in the battery - Whenever you step on the brake pedal in your car, you are removing energy from the car. The faster a car is going, the more kinetic energy it has. The brakes of a car remove this energy and dissipate it in the form of heat. A hybrid car can capture some of this energy and store it in the battery to use later. It does this by using "regenerative braking." That is, instead of just using the brakes to stop the car, the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.

• Sometimes shut off the engine - A hybrid car does not need to rely on the gasoline engine all of the time because it has an alternate power source -- the electric motor and batteries. So the hybrid car can sometimes turn off the gasoline engine, for example when the vehicle is stopped at a red light.

• Use advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag - When you are driving on the freeway, most of the work your engine does goes into pushing the car through the air. This force is known as aerodynamic drag. This drag force can be reduced in a variety of ways. One sure way is to reduce the frontal area of the car. Think of how a big SUV has to push a much greater area through the air than a tiny sports car.Reducing disturbances around objects that stick out from the car or eliminating them altogether can also help to improve the aerodynamics. For example, covers over the wheel housings smooth the airflow and reduce drag. And sometimes, mirrors are replaced with small cameras.

• Use low-rolling resistance tires - The tires on most cars are optimized to give a smooth ride, minimize noise, and provide good traction in a variety of weather conditions. But they are rarely optimized for efficiency. In fact, the tires cause a surprising amount of drag while you are driving. Hybrid cars use special tires that are both stiffer and inflated to a higher pressure than conventional tires. The result is that they cause about half the drag of regular tires.

• Use lightweight materials - Reducing the overall weight of a car is one easy way to increase the mileage. A lighter vehicle uses less energy each time you accelerate or drive up a hill. Composite materials like carbon fiber or lightweight metals like aluminum and magnesium can be used to reduce weight.

 Sources: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car4.htm

Hybrid Car - 3 Reasons to go for HYBRID car

1: Competitive Prices and tax Incentives

Hybrid cars are generally priced slightly higher than their gasoline-powered counterparts. The extra effort necessary to create the technology that combines both gas and electric power makes them more expensive. However, many automakers are pushing to produce more affordable hybrids for drivers looking to take the plunge.

when the Budget 2011 was announced, the Malaysian government lowered the duties for hybrid vehicles below 2,000cc of displacement to 0% for both excise and import duty. The Toyota Prius is priced at RM139,900 in the Peninsular Malaysia and RM141,500 in Sabah and Sarawak after drop of about RM35,000 in Peninsular Malaysia from the previous price of RM175,000. At the same time, the new launched Honda Insight became the first mass-produced hybrid car to cost less than $100,000, as the most basic model goes for $98,000. For drivers who don't worry too much about extra features, it's now possible to purchase any one of a variety of affordable hybrids.

2: Environmental benefits

Burning fossil fuels, like the gasoline burned in an internal combustion engine, releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, where they collect and warm the planet. As the global climate changes, significant consequences can arise, including elevated temperatures, rising sea levels, freshwater scarcity and crop failures.

Hybrid Car significantly reduced the emissions of C02 into environment. Fewer and cleaner emissions is a major reason why hybrid cars are popularly known as 'green' cars. Reduced emission ensures lower pollution levels, something which is highly necessary in today's times.Another way in which hybrid cars benefit the environment is that they help in lowering noise pollution levels. Hybrid car engines go about churning the required amount of horsepower without any excessive roaring. When switched onto electric power mode, these cars are virtually silent when in operation.

3: Financial Benefits

Improved fuel efficiency is one of the other significant advantages of owning a hybrid vehicle. When it comes to mileage, hybrid cars outperform regular gasoline-powered cars by approximately 20 to 30 percent. That is quite a significant number in today's fuel scenario. Shutting off the engine when not required, re-using the energy spent in braking, advanced aerodynamics, better-designed tires, etc. are some of the other advantages that hybrid cars have to offer. Usage of hybrid cars translates into added savings. As they offer better fuel economy, you end up spending lesser on gasoline, thereby ensuring a few hundred dollars' worth savings every year.

Hybrid Car - Parallel Hybrid or Series Hybrid

All hybrids have in common is the ability to generate electric current, store it in a large battery, and use that current to help drive the car. Hybrids capture electrical energy produced by a regenerative braking system, and their engines can power a generator, too.

A series hybrid is very similar to a parallel hybrid. Both have the advantage of increasing fuel efficiency compared with conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, and giving the driver greater range than an all-electric vehicle. Both types of hybrids are reliant on large battery packs to store energy and both types may use additional technologies like regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise go to waste.

However, the mechanisms are quite different:

Parallel Hybrid

With a parallel hybrid electric vehicle, both the engine and the electric motor generate the power that drives the wheels. The addition of computer controls and and a transmission allow these components to work together. Parallel hybrids can use a smaller battery pack and therefore rely mainly on regenerative braking to keep it recharged. However, when power demands are low, parallel hybrids also utilize the drive motor as a generator for supplemental recharging, much like an alternator in conventional cars.

Series Hybrid

This is the simplest hybrid configuration. In a series hybrid, the electric motor is is the only means of providing power to get your wheels turning. The motor receives electric power from either the battery pack or from a generator run by a gasoline engine. A computer determines how much of the power comes from the battery or the engine/generator set. Both the engine/generator and regenerative braking recharge the battery pack. The engine is typically smaller in a series drivetrain because it only has to meet average driving power demands; the battery pack is generally more powerful than the one in parallel hybrids in order to provide remaining peak driving power needs. This larger battery and motor, along with the generator, add to the cost, making series hybrids more expensive than parallel hybrids.

Comparison:

• The series hybrid can be charged off of the power grid, for convenience & much cheaper operation (< 20% of the cost of running on gas) with no loss of performance (except range), otherwise use the onboard generator, The parallel hybrid may be able to run off the power grid if you expand the battery pack, but with reduced performance.

• The series hybrid is much simpler in design & maintenance than the parallel hybrid. It does not need a clutch or transmission, no oil changes, spark plugs, fuel/oil filters except on the separate generator which can be removed or replaced easily. It does not need the complex control / interface between the gas engine & electric motor.

• The series hybrid has better acceleration due to the superiority of the much larger electric motor to the gas motor in this respect.

• The generator engine on the series hybrid can be much smaller, simpler and more efficient than on the parallel hybrid.

Hybrid Car - Basic knowledge

Depleting fuel resources and awareness about the environment issues in the late 1990s caused automobile manufacturers started to explore alternative forms of transportation, including vehicles powered by hybrid motor. Neither technology is particularly novel, yet it has a place in the future of transportation.

A hybrid car is a car that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the car. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). It combine an internal combustion engines (generally gasoline or Diesel engines, powered by a variety of fuels) and electric batteries to power electric motors.

A hybrid electric vehicle produces far less toxic emissions then standard gasoline only vehicles. The Toyota Prius, for example, has 90% less emissions then a comparably sized conventional car. The use of the electric motor for propulsion in low speed environments and the technology that allows a HEV to turn off the combustion engine when idling greatly reduces the emissions from the vehicle. Hybrid electric vehicles use smaller engines than conventional automobiles and have less moving parts that are prone to wearing out and creating waste. The most attractive environmental advantage to an HEV is the increased fuel efficiency of these types of vehicles. For most consumers, this is the most important advantage of all during times of high fuel prices and the environmental benefit of the vehicle consuming less fossil fuel often goes unrecognized.

Engine: More efficient than traditional engine found in most cars

Electric motor: Uses magnets to produce output

Battery: Charged by engine via generator when cruising, or electric motor when braking

Power split device: Allows engine and motor to be used independently, or together

Braking system: Energy from braking recharges battery, by using motor as generator

Inverter: Converts DC power from battery to AC power for motor

Toyota was the first to make a broadly accepted hybrid vehicle with the Toyota Prius in 1998. By early 2010, the Prius global cumulative sales were estimated at 1.6 million units. The 2010 Prius has an estimated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency combined fuel economy cycle of 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km).

KLIMS 2010 Proton Saga EV

Recently we have been talking about GREEN technology. GREEN tech is  important to conserve the natural environment and resources, and to curb the negative impacts of human involvement. So, minimising the impact cars have on environment is a top priority. The Automobile industries sectors is now doing their part in mitigating the effects of environmental threat to mankind by developing HYBRID car or Ev. It is not only to reduce emissions from the vehicles, but to make the entire life-cycle of a car more environmentally friendly to maintain a sustainable environment for future generation.

As the leader of local automobiles industry, Proton through its Engineering Division has initiated the electric vehicle (EV) project in November 2008 when a team of technologist was dispatched to Lotus Engineering UK to develop two units of electric vehicles.

In conjunction with KLIMS 2010, Proton has revealed its first generation of concept Electric Vehicle (Ev) name Proton Saga Ev concept. Sage Ev concept can be viewed as Proton’s long term strategy of acquiring and commercializing the technology as indicated in Proton’s Technology Roadmap. This is also part of the initiative to support the National Green Technology Policy that was implemented by the goverment to chart the nation’s development in green technology as the new driver of economic growth.

The primary difference between a HYBRID car and an electric car (Ev) is that the hybrid car derives some of its power from a conventional gasoline engine. On the other hand, a true electric car gets all of its power from electrical sources, and thereby is a completely non-polluting zero-emission vehicle (ZEV).

 

EV Saga Specification:

Engine:
Azure Dynamics AC24LS 5.5 kW 4-pole, three-phase air-cooled AC electric motor (and corresponding DMOC445 digital motor controller) that can spin up to a maximum of 11,000 rpm, and which offers 47 kW (63 hp) of peak power and 92 Nm of max torque, working with a single-gear transmission and a 15 kWh, 50Ah lithium-ion battery.

Battery:
The battery consists of 8 separate modules, and each module is made up of 40 cells weighs in at 240 kg. It doesn’t completely eat up the boot space of the car however it is just 150 kg more than a standard Saga, with the battery being the hefty lad. Off a normal 240V point, the battery takes seven to eight hours to charge fully, though it can be fast charged if the need arises.

Performance
The EV Saga has a top speed of 125 kph and offers a 160 km range (in NEDC cycle mode), with a 0-100 kph time of 14.5 seconds.

KLIMS 2010 Perodua Bezza

Perodua has unveiled its next-generation prototype model, Perodua Bezza during the KLIMS 2010, held at PWTC, 3rd-12th December.

The stunning new look and sleek concept is tagged as the sort of vehicle that’s ideal for the future Gen-Y crowd looking for something bigger to efficiently traverse the concrete jungle as well as for longer journeys.

Perodua Bezza was desinged by 53 Malaysia designers, and led by P2′s chief designer Muhammad Zamren Musa. The five-seater concept, which uncannily contains traces of the Prius in its exterior lines, features sliding rear doors and swivel front seats for easy ingress and egress, along with a distinctly agressive headlamp design.

The clean-looking interior features a cockpit layout dashboard, with the instrument panel designed for the driver’s visual ease, and the floating centre console is shaped to provide additional legroom for both driver and front passenger, with a large luggage storage area part of the design brief as well.

source: paultan.org

KLIMS 2010

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 will be exhibiting at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 3 December to 12 December 2010 by Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

In this motor show, you will be expecting to see the latest automotive technology including the newest models and a selection of concept and revolutionary vehicles from all around the world. The Batmobile and a 16-foot high Bumblebee from The Transformers movies will be among the attractions at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS) too.

Below is the detail info of KLIMS 2010
Date : 3 – 12 December 2010
Time : Weekdays 11.00am – 10.00pm | Weekends 10.00am – 10.00pm
Venue : Putra World Trade Center (PWTC)



View Putra World Trade Centre in a larger map

Ticketing info:

Adults – RM15.00 Weekdays | RM20.00 Weekends & Public Holiday

Child (aged 12 & below) – RM5.00 Weekdays | RM5.00 Weekends & Public Holiday

Family Package – RM30.00 Weekdays | RM40 Weekends & Public Holiday
FREE for children aged 12 & below (max. 5 children)

Student – RM5.00 (with student ID card / school uniform) Weekdays | RM20.00 Weekends & Public Holiday

Handicapped – Complimentary Entry (with handicapped card / physically handicapped) FREE for accompanying person, 1 ticket only

DIY car repair - Clean your car battery

Your car's battery is the starting point for every system it uses. So you should never let anything come between your car and a good battery connection.

In fact, you can notice that there are certain signs or symptoms when your vehicle battery is becoming weak:
1.Head lights become dimmer or less bright.
2.The horn becomes less audible.
3.Ignition becomes more difficult and the engine takes a longer time to start.
4.There will also be some problems with your automatic door systems.

Most common problems with car battery is corrosion. Car battery is powered by lead-acid battery, so it is best for nasty corrosion to happened, which will appear as white, crusty residue around the battery posts.

However, you can clean it by yourself, but you need to be extremely careful about this.

The first step is to remove your battery terminals. You can use open end wrenches or something more universal like or a small Crescent wrench.  
You should always remove the negative cable first (black colour). Place one wrench on the outside nut and (if needed) the other wrench on the other side.
You can use a piece of tape to hold this lead away from the battery while working on the positive side, so that it doesn't touch the negative terminal again.

There are a number of ways to get the corrosion off your battery posts.The most easiest way is to mix the baking soda powder with some water to neutralize the acid that accumulate at battery terminals.

Squirt the solution on the battery posts and terminals, then brush it to remove the stain.


 

If you have a serious case of corrosion like the one in pictures above, you may want to remove the battery, and clean it up to prevent all that corrosion from getting around in the engine compartment.

You'll need a wire brush and a little elbow grease to liberally brush all of the parts, especially the inside of the terminals, until the corrosion is gone

Once they're clean, install anti-corrosion discs if you're using them. Remember to install the red disc on the positive post and the green on the negative.

Last step is to reconnect the battery. First attach the positive terminal clamp, and then attach the negative. Then, you are set to go.

DIY car repair - Replace Air Filter

Car engine is like a giant pump, it suck in air, mixes the air with fuel and ignites this mixture in order to produce the power to move your car. 

Over time the air filter can become clogged with dirt, grime, bugs and debris, it will greatly affected the efficiency of your car engine. Besides that, the faulty air filter may causes dirts to enter engine block, causing damage to car engine in long term.

it is important that you check the filter and change it once a year or every 25000km, .If you live in an averagely dusty area, it is recommended to perform regular checking once in a while and replace it as soon as it needs would be much better.


How to replace air filter

First locate the air box or canister that houses the air filter. Follow the tube or snorkel away from the engine until it ends at the air box.

Release any clips or fasteners that hold the air box together.

Loosening hose clamps can help in separating the air box.

Be careful not to damage the MAF/MAP sensor or wiring. Disconnect if additional slack is needed.

Separate the air box and remove the old air filter. While wrestling with the clips and tubes, be careful not to tear any hoses or damage sensors.

This air filter had done its job well.

Use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining debris from the air box.

Install the new filter, making sure it seats in the air box housing.

Reinstall any clips or fasteners. Reconnect and retighten anything loosened during disassembly. Check to see if the air box parts form a tight seal. 

For more information: automedia

DIY car repair - Radiator Fluid (coolant) Inspection

A coolant is a fluid which flows through your car radiator to prevent its overheating. The most common coolant is water. There are several types of coolant you can find in market, each of them provided the same function.

Proton Genuine Coolant

Coolant is better and faster heat absorber compared to water, but it is corrosive to the radiator. In order to minimize the corrosive effect, it is important that you use a combination of water and coolant to protect your car radiator. The mixture ratio is stated in the instruction (normally is 50:50). You are advised to use only distilled water, due to the chlorine and particles present in the tap water which may block your tiny water gallery OR cause rust.

Radiator corrosion causes by coolant

The coolant in your radiator doesn't last forever. It is crucial you perform a coolant checking once every 2 to 3 days, fill it up when need. Coolant level should be between "low"and "full" marks and not to approach to any of them. Apart from that, from time to time it can break down and start to corrode the inside of your radiator. This can lead to cooling problems and radiator repair. A radiator flush once a year is cheap insurance against radiator repairs.

Refill your coolant

Important tips:

• If u need to frequent fill up your radiator, your car radiator may have leaking problem. You need to carefully investigate coolant hoses regarding leaks, tears or damage.

• In most cases the liquids are brightly colored - green, red, yellow, blue - and usually thin and transparent. The coolant must be clean and contain no debris. If you see something else in the coolat container, oil for example, this means that you may have an engine defect somewhere.You’ll probably need that will need a professional help. 

• Brown color of your coolant shows that your car needs a radiator flush.