National Fuelsaver Corp. has just completed testing a prototype engine implementing only 1/3 of the fuel saving features described in their US Patent 6907859.
The EPA Federal Test Procedure has already measured a 15.2% increase in miles per gallon.
No other technology or combination of technologies has shown even a 5% improvement in miles per gallon in the last 60 years.
This is the second fuel saving technology developed by National Fuelsaver Corp. to be confirmed by the federal government.
The first is their low cost automotive accessory, the Platinum Gas Saver. Over half a million of their Gas Savers have been sold since Consumer Protection concluded: "Independent testing shows greater fuel savings with the Gas Saver than the 22% claimed by the developer."
With a simple connection to a vacuum line, the Gas Saver adds platinum vapor to the air and fuel entering the engine.
Since platinum enables non-burning fuel to burn, the Gas Saver's platinum enables your engine to burn 90% of each gallon instead of the average 68% of each gallon, a 22% increase.
Obviously, burning 22% more of each gallon inside the engine translates directly into 22% more miles per gallon.
In addition, the Gas Saver has received patents for raising octane and for extending engine life by cleaning out the abrasive carbon.
Source: National Fuelsaver Corp.
суббота, 9 июня 2007 г.
вторник, 22 мая 2007 г.
World Energy Use Projected to Grow 57 Percent Between 2004 to 2030
World marketed energy consumption is projected to grow by 57 percent between 2004 and 2030, according to the reference case projection from the International Energy Outlook 2007 (IEO2007) released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The IEO2007 shows the most rapid growth in energy demand for nations outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), especially in non-OECD Asia, where strong projected economic growth drives the increase in energy use.
Global energy demand grows despite the relatively high world oil and natural gas prices in the reference case. However, rising oil prices dampen growth in demand for petroleum and other liquids fuels after 2015 and, as a result, reducing their share of overall energy use from 38 percent in 2004 to a projected 34 percent in 2030. In contrast, the energy shares of natural gas, coal, and renewable energy sources are expected to grow over this period. Liquids consumption is still expected to grow strongly, however, reaching 118 million barrels per day in 2030. The United States, China, and India together account for nearly half of the projected growth in world liquids use.
To meet the increment in world liquids demand in the IEO2007 reference case, supply in 2030 is projected to be 35 million barrels oil equivalent per day higher than the 2004 level of 83 million barrels per day. Conventional resources account for about 27 million barrels per day of this increase, with a projected 21 million barrels per day increase in production by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a 6 million barrels per day increase in non-OPEC countries. Production from unconventional resources (including biofuels, coal-to-liquids, and gas-to-liquids) increases by nearly 8 million barrels per day and accounts for 9 percent of total world liquids supply in 2030.
Other report highlights include:
• Coal consumption, which grows an average annual rate of 2.2 percent, is the fastest-growing energy source worldwide in the IEO2007 reference case projection, which assumes that existing laws and policies remain in effect through 2030 notwithstanding concerns related to the rising level of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. World coal consumption increased sharply from 2003 to 2004, largely because of a 17-percent increase—on a British thermal unit (Btu) basis—in non-OECD Asia (mainly China and India). With oil and natural gas prices expected to continue rising, coal is an attractive fuel for nations with access to ample coal resources, especially in coal-rich countries like China, India, and the United States. These three countries combined account for 86 percent of the increment in world coal demand by 2030 in the reference case projection.
• Higher fossil fuel prices, energy security concerns, improved reactor designs, and environmental considerations are expected to improve prospects for nuclear power capacity in many parts of the world, and a number of countries are expected to build new nuclear power plants. World nuclear capacity is projected to rise from 368 gigawatts in 2004 to 481 gigawatts in 2030. Declines in nuclear capacity are projected only in OECD Europe, where several countries (including Germany and Belgium) have either plans or mandates to phase out nuclear power, and where some old reactors are expected to be retired and not replaced.
• In the IEO2007 reference case, which does not include specific policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise from 26.9 billion metric tons in 2004 to 33.9 billion metric tons in 2015 and 42.9 billion metric tons in 2030. From 2003 to 2004, carbon dioxide emissions from the non-OECD countries grew by almost 10 percent, while emissions in the OECD countries grew by less than 2 percent. The result of the large increase in non-OECD emissions was that 2004 marked the first time in history that emissions from the non-OECD exceeded those from the OECD countries. Further, because of the expectation that non-OECD countries will rely on fossil fuels to supply much of their future energy demand growth, carbon dioxide emissions from the non-OECD countries in 2030 are projected to exceed those from the OECD by 57 percent.
The full report can be found on EIA’s web site at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/index.html
The report described in this press release was prepared by the Energy Information Administration, the independent statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. The information contained in the report and the press release should be attributed to the Energy Information Administration and should not be construed as advocating or reflecting any policy position of the Department of Energy or any other organization.
Source: National Energy Information Center
Global energy demand grows despite the relatively high world oil and natural gas prices in the reference case. However, rising oil prices dampen growth in demand for petroleum and other liquids fuels after 2015 and, as a result, reducing their share of overall energy use from 38 percent in 2004 to a projected 34 percent in 2030. In contrast, the energy shares of natural gas, coal, and renewable energy sources are expected to grow over this period. Liquids consumption is still expected to grow strongly, however, reaching 118 million barrels per day in 2030. The United States, China, and India together account for nearly half of the projected growth in world liquids use.
To meet the increment in world liquids demand in the IEO2007 reference case, supply in 2030 is projected to be 35 million barrels oil equivalent per day higher than the 2004 level of 83 million barrels per day. Conventional resources account for about 27 million barrels per day of this increase, with a projected 21 million barrels per day increase in production by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a 6 million barrels per day increase in non-OPEC countries. Production from unconventional resources (including biofuels, coal-to-liquids, and gas-to-liquids) increases by nearly 8 million barrels per day and accounts for 9 percent of total world liquids supply in 2030.
Other report highlights include:
• Coal consumption, which grows an average annual rate of 2.2 percent, is the fastest-growing energy source worldwide in the IEO2007 reference case projection, which assumes that existing laws and policies remain in effect through 2030 notwithstanding concerns related to the rising level of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. World coal consumption increased sharply from 2003 to 2004, largely because of a 17-percent increase—on a British thermal unit (Btu) basis—in non-OECD Asia (mainly China and India). With oil and natural gas prices expected to continue rising, coal is an attractive fuel for nations with access to ample coal resources, especially in coal-rich countries like China, India, and the United States. These three countries combined account for 86 percent of the increment in world coal demand by 2030 in the reference case projection.
• Higher fossil fuel prices, energy security concerns, improved reactor designs, and environmental considerations are expected to improve prospects for nuclear power capacity in many parts of the world, and a number of countries are expected to build new nuclear power plants. World nuclear capacity is projected to rise from 368 gigawatts in 2004 to 481 gigawatts in 2030. Declines in nuclear capacity are projected only in OECD Europe, where several countries (including Germany and Belgium) have either plans or mandates to phase out nuclear power, and where some old reactors are expected to be retired and not replaced.
• In the IEO2007 reference case, which does not include specific policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise from 26.9 billion metric tons in 2004 to 33.9 billion metric tons in 2015 and 42.9 billion metric tons in 2030. From 2003 to 2004, carbon dioxide emissions from the non-OECD countries grew by almost 10 percent, while emissions in the OECD countries grew by less than 2 percent. The result of the large increase in non-OECD emissions was that 2004 marked the first time in history that emissions from the non-OECD exceeded those from the OECD countries. Further, because of the expectation that non-OECD countries will rely on fossil fuels to supply much of their future energy demand growth, carbon dioxide emissions from the non-OECD countries in 2030 are projected to exceed those from the OECD by 57 percent.
The full report can be found on EIA’s web site at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/index.html
The report described in this press release was prepared by the Energy Information Administration, the independent statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. The information contained in the report and the press release should be attributed to the Energy Information Administration and should not be construed as advocating or reflecting any policy position of the Department of Energy or any other organization.
Source: National Energy Information Center
Less Trans-Fatty Acids, More People Driving on Cheaper Fuel
An alternative fuel company has seen an increase in sales recently due to the increased use of "better for your health" fry oils. Diesel Secret Energy L.L.C. (DSE) has been helping thousands of people worldwide convert simple waste fry oils into a quality fuel for their diesel engines. They've seen booms in sales spawned by everything from devastating Hurricane Katrina to the daily news from nuclear-ambitious Iran. Now, they are experiencing something new driving their sales, the health desires of Americans.
Recent reports from the FDA and independent medical sources have determined that the use of trans-fatty acid oils, also known as hydrogenated oils, can contribute to heart disease. Thus many more restaurants, including the big chains like McDonalds and KFC, have begun to switch over to the use of simpler clear fry oils at the behest of their customer base. The increased use of such oils has made a huge bump in the supply of these better clear fry oils, which just happen to be the exact oils Diesel Secret Energy's customers need to make their fuel.
DSE has seen a noticeable sales spike correlated with more customers commenting on the ease of finding the "right oil" in recent weeks. "The hardest thing about making this fuel for some people has been finding the right oil. That is no longer an issue," says Andrew Klenert of Diesel Secret Energy.
DSE sells a simple instruction manual and additive to help make their simple fuel for a mere $39 on their site http://www.dieselsecret.com/
They boast a customer base extending to every continent, though the bulk of their sales are in the U.S.
They have even recently begun a Dealership program to allow people to have a protected territory of sales to target the huge number of people driving diesel vehicles who never search the Internet for such information. The first dealer will be opening in southern California in a few days. "They will be targeting the many farmers, truck drivers, and citizens of California who are tired of paying high fuel prices," says Klenert. They will be selling the same products DSE sells online to people who want to see it and get their hands on it immediately. DSE has even teamed up with another company (http://www.completedieselsystems.com/) who is now their authorized fabricator of the fuel stations DSE teaches people how to make in their manual.
Diesel Secret Energy sees huge growth potential for dealerships in the near future. With fuel prices climbing, an increased supply of the good oil to make fuel, and DSE's simple method for making that fuel, why shouldn't they?
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/
Source: Diesel Secret Energy L.L.C.
Recent reports from the FDA and independent medical sources have determined that the use of trans-fatty acid oils, also known as hydrogenated oils, can contribute to heart disease. Thus many more restaurants, including the big chains like McDonalds and KFC, have begun to switch over to the use of simpler clear fry oils at the behest of their customer base. The increased use of such oils has made a huge bump in the supply of these better clear fry oils, which just happen to be the exact oils Diesel Secret Energy's customers need to make their fuel.
DSE has seen a noticeable sales spike correlated with more customers commenting on the ease of finding the "right oil" in recent weeks. "The hardest thing about making this fuel for some people has been finding the right oil. That is no longer an issue," says Andrew Klenert of Diesel Secret Energy.
DSE sells a simple instruction manual and additive to help make their simple fuel for a mere $39 on their site http://www.dieselsecret.com/
They boast a customer base extending to every continent, though the bulk of their sales are in the U.S.
They have even recently begun a Dealership program to allow people to have a protected territory of sales to target the huge number of people driving diesel vehicles who never search the Internet for such information. The first dealer will be opening in southern California in a few days. "They will be targeting the many farmers, truck drivers, and citizens of California who are tired of paying high fuel prices," says Klenert. They will be selling the same products DSE sells online to people who want to see it and get their hands on it immediately. DSE has even teamed up with another company (http://www.completedieselsystems.com/) who is now their authorized fabricator of the fuel stations DSE teaches people how to make in their manual.
Diesel Secret Energy sees huge growth potential for dealerships in the near future. With fuel prices climbing, an increased supply of the good oil to make fuel, and DSE's simple method for making that fuel, why shouldn't they?
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/
Source: Diesel Secret Energy L.L.C.
вторник, 15 мая 2007 г.
Clean Diesel Ready to Help President Bush Meet His '20 in 10' Goals
Incentives Needed to Encourage Purchase of Fuel-Efficient Diesels; High-Quality Biodiesel Also Critical
Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement in response to President Bush's speech this afternoon discussing his energy plan:
"In January, President George W. Bush called on Americans during his State of the Union speech to 'expand the use of clean diesel vehicles' as part of his new energy plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next decade. America's diesel industry is ready to respond and add to the estimated 4.8 million diesel cars, pickups and SUVs already on the road today. Numerous manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are planning to introduce new clean diesel vehicles in the next two to three years, as technological innovation promising slashed emissions meets consumer demand for fuel economy and high performance.
"Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs deliver superior fuel economy -- typically 20% to 40% better than a comparable gasoline vehicle -- without requiring drivers to sacrifice the power and performance Americans demand. Currently, diesel fuel is on average 26 cents cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline -- a national average of $2.79 for diesel compared to $3.05 for gasoline -- according to the Energy Information Administration. And today's diesel vehicles are clean, quiet and fun-to-drive.
"Greater use of diesel technology would help the U.S. reduce petroleum consumption, improve energy security and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day -- an amount equivalent to the oil we currently import from Saudi Arabia -- if one-third of U.S. cars, pickup trucks and SUVs were diesel-powered.
"More Americans are discovering clean diesel as an alternative fuel option. Annual registration of diesel passenger vehicles has grown by 80% -- from just over 300,000 in 2000 to nearly 550,000 in 2005. And most analysts expect this trend to continue. Researchers at J.D. Power and Associates predict that diesel sales will triple in the next 10 years, growing to more than 10% of U.S. vehicles sales by 2015 up from 3.6% in 2005.
"Congress should consider extending financial incentives that encourage the purchase of new clean technologies, including new clean diesel cars, pickups and SUVs. Diesel manufacturers are also eager to continue working with the renewable diesel fuel industry to assure the highest quality standards and performance of biodiesel blends."
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems.
For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit http://www.dieselforum.org/
Source: Diesel Technology Forum
Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement in response to President Bush's speech this afternoon discussing his energy plan:
"In January, President George W. Bush called on Americans during his State of the Union speech to 'expand the use of clean diesel vehicles' as part of his new energy plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next decade. America's diesel industry is ready to respond and add to the estimated 4.8 million diesel cars, pickups and SUVs already on the road today. Numerous manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are planning to introduce new clean diesel vehicles in the next two to three years, as technological innovation promising slashed emissions meets consumer demand for fuel economy and high performance.
"Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs deliver superior fuel economy -- typically 20% to 40% better than a comparable gasoline vehicle -- without requiring drivers to sacrifice the power and performance Americans demand. Currently, diesel fuel is on average 26 cents cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline -- a national average of $2.79 for diesel compared to $3.05 for gasoline -- according to the Energy Information Administration. And today's diesel vehicles are clean, quiet and fun-to-drive.
"Greater use of diesel technology would help the U.S. reduce petroleum consumption, improve energy security and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day -- an amount equivalent to the oil we currently import from Saudi Arabia -- if one-third of U.S. cars, pickup trucks and SUVs were diesel-powered.
"More Americans are discovering clean diesel as an alternative fuel option. Annual registration of diesel passenger vehicles has grown by 80% -- from just over 300,000 in 2000 to nearly 550,000 in 2005. And most analysts expect this trend to continue. Researchers at J.D. Power and Associates predict that diesel sales will triple in the next 10 years, growing to more than 10% of U.S. vehicles sales by 2015 up from 3.6% in 2005.
"Congress should consider extending financial incentives that encourage the purchase of new clean technologies, including new clean diesel cars, pickups and SUVs. Diesel manufacturers are also eager to continue working with the renewable diesel fuel industry to assure the highest quality standards and performance of biodiesel blends."
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems.
For more information, including a list of diesel vehicles available for sale in the U.S. and links to diesel fuel locators, visit http://www.dieselforum.org/
Source: Diesel Technology Forum
First Automotive Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Coupled with TI Controller Enhances Fuel Efficiency, Safety
Transense and TMS320F28x Device Brings Complete Control System Capabilities for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Torque Sensing
As automotive tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) mandates come into effect and torque sensing applications like electronic power steering (EPS) become standard on even low- to mid-range cars, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN) today announced that Transense Technologies plc is using their TMS320F28x digital signal controllers as a key component in the automotive industry's first targeted piezo-electric surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor based systems. Operating in environmentally harsh or remote automotive and industrial applications, the Transense sensor units operate wirelessly, require no power source and are typically 11 mm by 3 mm and less than 2 grams in weight. By using the F28x- enabled SAW TPMS, braking distances and the risk of accidents due to tire under inflation or failure are reduced. Fuel efficiency is also enhanced by up to ten percent through properly inflated tires and engine drag reduction through the elimination of the hydraulic pump in EPS systems.
SAW Sensor Uses Acoustic Wave for Measurement
SAW sensors utilize a radio frequency electric field to generate an acoustic wave which spreads over the piezo-electric substrate surface, transforming back to an electric field and re-transmitting for measurement. 32-bit DSP performance and high integration of the F28x digital signal controllers perform essential real time data handling, calculation and reporting functions. The F28x device calculates the spectrum of the SAW impulse response, finds the frequency of natural oscillations of the SAW sensor and can handle additional tasks such as system communication via the on-chip CAN BUS for instance. A radio frequency (RF) application specific IC (ASIC) dual channel controls RF transmission and reception.
SAW Sensors Answer US Mandated Tire Pressure Monitoring Requirements According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), up to 27 percent of passenger cars and 33 percent of light trucks operate with under inflated tires, resulting in an estimated 23,000 crashes and 535 fatalities each year. As part of the November 2000 enacted Transportation, Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act -- which affects all light motor vehicles registered after September 1, 2007 -- TPMS technology must alert drivers of significant under-inflation of their tires.
Most existing TPMS are direct active systems utilizing a silicon micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based sensor inside each tire powered by a battery. Pressure and temperature information is transmitted by radio from each of the wheels to an electronic control unit (ECU) and displayed as either a number or a warning indicator. Batteries inside tires add weight, have limited life and cannot be replaced. With 1.2 billion tires sold annually, this waste represents an increasing environmental hazard. The passive Transense SAW sensor incorporates a three element die within a small gastight capsule. Pressure is transmitted via a diaphragm to deform the die and mechanically strain one of the elements, while all three elements see thermal strains. The sensor is interrogated by an RF signal -- no battery is required -- first exciting, then transmitting the three resonant SAW frequencies from which independent pressure and temperature are subsequently determined.
Electronic Power Steering Becoming Standard on Many Cars
By 2010 half of all the cars sold in Europe are projected to be equipped with electronic power steering (EPS) systems that reduce both installation and production time for manufacturers and save fuel and maintenance costs for consumers. A vital part of the EPS control system is a torque sensor that measures the driver steering input. Existing EPS systems typically employ potentiometers or optical transducers mounted on a length of steering shaft with reduced section to increase local twist and hence measurement sensitivity. This approach tends to reduce driver feel and increases the sensor production cost.
Transense SAW based sensors, positioned at +/-45 degrees to the shaft axis, provide direct measurement of torque rather than position, without the need to make expensive modifications to the steering column. When torque is applied to the shaft, one of the SAW resonators compresses while the other extends, leading to a combined frequency shift proportional to the applied torque. The RF signal transmits between rotating and stationary parts of the assembly via a non-contact coupled transmission line. With the exception of the SAW sensor, no electronic components are mounted on the shaft, maintaining driver feel and keeping costs low.
Switching from a hydraulic steering system to an electromechanical model eliminates the constant drag on the engine while the reduced weight contributes to overall fuel economy; estimates indicate that EPS leads to a fuel economy improvement of approximately three to four percent. TI's F28x controllers offer high performance and real time processing required to manage safety critical automotive motor control applications such as EPS.
DSP Performance and TI Support Are Key
"We needed a device with the high performance, integration and price points that could only be found in the F28x controllers," stated Dr Ray Lohr, Transense Technologies' Technical Director. "The robust, easy to use development tools and the hands on support that we got from TI provided were also crucial."
TI's F28x controllers offer 32-bit DSP performance combined with the peripheral integration and ease-of-use of an microcontroller (MCU). All F28x-based devices feature a 32-bit wide data path for superior performance and mixed 16/32-bit instruction set for improved code density. These controllers offer exceptional system integration by providing complete control system capabilities from signal input through the on-chip 12-bit analog to digital converter (ADC), quadrature encoder pulse (QEP) interfaces, and timer captures and compares through signal output with up to 10 independent pulse width modulation (PWM) channels with 150 picosecond (ps) resolution. Depending on the device, communication interfaces include CAN, I2C, UART and SPI ports. The device can be interfaced to one of TI's automotive-qualified SN65HVD1040-Q1 or SN65HVD1050-Q1 CAN transceivers, which offer industry-leading electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to +/- 8 kV (human body model). For more information on the full line of TMS320C2000(TM) digital signal controllers, see http://www.ti.com/c2000.
TI Enables Innovation with Broad Range of Controllers
From ultra-low-power MSP430 and 32-bit general purpose TMS470 ARM7(R) family-based MCUs to high performance TMS320C2000 digital signal controllers, TI offers designers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can also accelerate their design to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third party offerings and technical support.
For more information on the broad range of TI's controllers, see http://www.ti.com/mcu
Transense Technologies, plc
With over 20 granted patents and 40 patent applications Transense Technologies is a technology transfer company that develops Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), wireless, batteryless, sensor systems for the automotive industry.
Transense can be found at http://www.transense.co.uk/
About Texas Instruments:
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.
More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/
Trademarks
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Source: Texas Instruments Incorporated
As automotive tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) mandates come into effect and torque sensing applications like electronic power steering (EPS) become standard on even low- to mid-range cars, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN) today announced that Transense Technologies plc is using their TMS320F28x digital signal controllers as a key component in the automotive industry's first targeted piezo-electric surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor based systems. Operating in environmentally harsh or remote automotive and industrial applications, the Transense sensor units operate wirelessly, require no power source and are typically 11 mm by 3 mm and less than 2 grams in weight. By using the F28x- enabled SAW TPMS, braking distances and the risk of accidents due to tire under inflation or failure are reduced. Fuel efficiency is also enhanced by up to ten percent through properly inflated tires and engine drag reduction through the elimination of the hydraulic pump in EPS systems.
SAW Sensor Uses Acoustic Wave for Measurement
SAW sensors utilize a radio frequency electric field to generate an acoustic wave which spreads over the piezo-electric substrate surface, transforming back to an electric field and re-transmitting for measurement. 32-bit DSP performance and high integration of the F28x digital signal controllers perform essential real time data handling, calculation and reporting functions. The F28x device calculates the spectrum of the SAW impulse response, finds the frequency of natural oscillations of the SAW sensor and can handle additional tasks such as system communication via the on-chip CAN BUS for instance. A radio frequency (RF) application specific IC (ASIC) dual channel controls RF transmission and reception.
SAW Sensors Answer US Mandated Tire Pressure Monitoring Requirements According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), up to 27 percent of passenger cars and 33 percent of light trucks operate with under inflated tires, resulting in an estimated 23,000 crashes and 535 fatalities each year. As part of the November 2000 enacted Transportation, Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act -- which affects all light motor vehicles registered after September 1, 2007 -- TPMS technology must alert drivers of significant under-inflation of their tires.
Most existing TPMS are direct active systems utilizing a silicon micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based sensor inside each tire powered by a battery. Pressure and temperature information is transmitted by radio from each of the wheels to an electronic control unit (ECU) and displayed as either a number or a warning indicator. Batteries inside tires add weight, have limited life and cannot be replaced. With 1.2 billion tires sold annually, this waste represents an increasing environmental hazard. The passive Transense SAW sensor incorporates a three element die within a small gastight capsule. Pressure is transmitted via a diaphragm to deform the die and mechanically strain one of the elements, while all three elements see thermal strains. The sensor is interrogated by an RF signal -- no battery is required -- first exciting, then transmitting the three resonant SAW frequencies from which independent pressure and temperature are subsequently determined.
Electronic Power Steering Becoming Standard on Many Cars
By 2010 half of all the cars sold in Europe are projected to be equipped with electronic power steering (EPS) systems that reduce both installation and production time for manufacturers and save fuel and maintenance costs for consumers. A vital part of the EPS control system is a torque sensor that measures the driver steering input. Existing EPS systems typically employ potentiometers or optical transducers mounted on a length of steering shaft with reduced section to increase local twist and hence measurement sensitivity. This approach tends to reduce driver feel and increases the sensor production cost.
Transense SAW based sensors, positioned at +/-45 degrees to the shaft axis, provide direct measurement of torque rather than position, without the need to make expensive modifications to the steering column. When torque is applied to the shaft, one of the SAW resonators compresses while the other extends, leading to a combined frequency shift proportional to the applied torque. The RF signal transmits between rotating and stationary parts of the assembly via a non-contact coupled transmission line. With the exception of the SAW sensor, no electronic components are mounted on the shaft, maintaining driver feel and keeping costs low.
Switching from a hydraulic steering system to an electromechanical model eliminates the constant drag on the engine while the reduced weight contributes to overall fuel economy; estimates indicate that EPS leads to a fuel economy improvement of approximately three to four percent. TI's F28x controllers offer high performance and real time processing required to manage safety critical automotive motor control applications such as EPS.
DSP Performance and TI Support Are Key
"We needed a device with the high performance, integration and price points that could only be found in the F28x controllers," stated Dr Ray Lohr, Transense Technologies' Technical Director. "The robust, easy to use development tools and the hands on support that we got from TI provided were also crucial."
TI's F28x controllers offer 32-bit DSP performance combined with the peripheral integration and ease-of-use of an microcontroller (MCU). All F28x-based devices feature a 32-bit wide data path for superior performance and mixed 16/32-bit instruction set for improved code density. These controllers offer exceptional system integration by providing complete control system capabilities from signal input through the on-chip 12-bit analog to digital converter (ADC), quadrature encoder pulse (QEP) interfaces, and timer captures and compares through signal output with up to 10 independent pulse width modulation (PWM) channels with 150 picosecond (ps) resolution. Depending on the device, communication interfaces include CAN, I2C, UART and SPI ports. The device can be interfaced to one of TI's automotive-qualified SN65HVD1040-Q1 or SN65HVD1050-Q1 CAN transceivers, which offer industry-leading electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to +/- 8 kV (human body model). For more information on the full line of TMS320C2000(TM) digital signal controllers, see http://www.ti.com/c2000.
TI Enables Innovation with Broad Range of Controllers
From ultra-low-power MSP430 and 32-bit general purpose TMS470 ARM7(R) family-based MCUs to high performance TMS320C2000 digital signal controllers, TI offers designers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can also accelerate their design to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third party offerings and technical support.
For more information on the broad range of TI's controllers, see http://www.ti.com/mcu
Transense Technologies, plc
With over 20 granted patents and 40 patent applications Transense Technologies is a technology transfer company that develops Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), wireless, batteryless, sensor systems for the automotive industry.
Transense can be found at http://www.transense.co.uk/
About Texas Instruments:
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.
More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/
Trademarks
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Source: Texas Instruments Incorporated
пятница, 11 мая 2007 г.
More Commuters Turn to Motor Scooters as Gas Prices Rise
- Piaggio President & CEO Discusses 'Vespanomics' As One Solution
- Piaggio is the Manufacturer the World Famous Vespa(R) Scooter
With the official start of summer and the peak travel season just weeks away, gas prices are once again skyrocketing to record highs and consumers are again feeling the pain at the pump.
More Americans are beginning to utilize gas-sipping and eco-friendly motor scooters as a smart and safe option that could dramatically reduce gas consumption and bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to Americans and the communities in which they live.
-- According to a survey conducted by ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group Americas, 30% of U.S. consumers indicated that they would be extremely or somewhat likely to consider using a scooter for 35% of the mileage currently traveled by car, truck or SUV - yielding a willingness of consumers to convert 10% of mileage to a scooter. If Americans were to switch just 10% of their mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 million gallons less fuel per day.
-- It costs approximately $5 to fill the empty tank of a scooter.
-- Scooters tend to offer gas mileage of approximately 70 miles per gallon.
-- Over 70% of Americans are concerned with global warming, which points toward their receptiveness of alternative, environmentally-friendly forms of transportation.
-- In addition to their fuel savings, research has shown that the use of motor scooters can also dramatically improve traffic congestion and produce significant time saving from urban commutes.
Who: Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas
What: Mr. Timoni is the President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, a leading manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles marketed under the Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brands. In his current position, Mr. Timoni has responsibility and oversight of all sales and marketing operations within North, South and Central America.
Source: Piaggio Group Americas
- Piaggio is the Manufacturer the World Famous Vespa(R) Scooter
With the official start of summer and the peak travel season just weeks away, gas prices are once again skyrocketing to record highs and consumers are again feeling the pain at the pump.
More Americans are beginning to utilize gas-sipping and eco-friendly motor scooters as a smart and safe option that could dramatically reduce gas consumption and bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to Americans and the communities in which they live.
-- According to a survey conducted by ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group Americas, 30% of U.S. consumers indicated that they would be extremely or somewhat likely to consider using a scooter for 35% of the mileage currently traveled by car, truck or SUV - yielding a willingness of consumers to convert 10% of mileage to a scooter. If Americans were to switch just 10% of their mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 million gallons less fuel per day.
-- It costs approximately $5 to fill the empty tank of a scooter.
-- Scooters tend to offer gas mileage of approximately 70 miles per gallon.
-- Over 70% of Americans are concerned with global warming, which points toward their receptiveness of alternative, environmentally-friendly forms of transportation.
-- In addition to their fuel savings, research has shown that the use of motor scooters can also dramatically improve traffic congestion and produce significant time saving from urban commutes.
Who: Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas
What: Mr. Timoni is the President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, a leading manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles marketed under the Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brands. In his current position, Mr. Timoni has responsibility and oversight of all sales and marketing operations within North, South and Central America.
Source: Piaggio Group Americas
OPEC Daily Basket Price Stood at $62.23 per Barrel Thursday, 10 May 2007
Vienna, Friday, 11 May 2007 -- The price of OPEC basket of eleven crude oils stood at 62.23 dollars a barrel on Thursday, compared with 62.12 dollars the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.
The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and BCF 17 (Venezuela).
Source: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and BCF 17 (Venezuela).
Source: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
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