Now a day, gas price is sky high, people need to find an efficient way to increase the mileage for each gallon.

Fuel economy standards which established in 1975, hadn’t changed much since the mid-1980s. But now the Obama Administration is ratcheting up pressure on the auto industry to dramatically increase the average miles-per-gallon of each company’s fleet. Under a rule passed in 2010, carmakers were already on the hook to achieve an average 34.1 mpg across their fleets by 2016. This week, the government raised the bar even higher, to an average 54. 5 mpg by 2025. But the new standards will likely require auto companies to develop more hybrids, plug-ins and natural gas vehicles, while using more lightweight materials and improving traditional gasoline engines.

So far, the new mileage rules have generated tangible benefits for consumers, with few of the downsides opponents have predicted. “Without a doubt, the new rules have been a win-win for everybody,” says Jesse Toprak, of the car-research site TrueCar.com. “It’s a win for consumers, a win for manufacturers, and a win for the environment.”

The “Corporate Average Fuel Economy,” or CAFE standards, will vary by automaker depending on the mix of models they sell. The requirements will be lower for companies such as General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, which offer more pickup trucks. The standards can be lowered by the government if people suddenly start buying less-efficient vehicles in the future, although few expect that to happen.

How the automobile helps the customers to increase the gas mileage?

The very common technology we can see in many new cars, there is a Econ mode in lots of Europe cars. What it does is to shut down the engine while drivers are waiting for the red light of trying to pick up someone and just make a short stop at the airport. This technology benefit not just the user but also the environment, when the econ mode is on the engine shut off when the vehicle stopped, this helps to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide.  And here are some other examples from different companies, with different type of cars that have similar technology to benefit the driver and the environment. The 2013 Kia Rio, for instance, joins the BMW 3-series and Porsche Cayenne in offering a start-stop engine. That technology, once reserved for hybrids, saves fuel by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stopped. Many cars, including the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Golf, use variable valve timing to maximize fuel efficiency and performance. It was first seen on Acura’s exotic NSX in 1991. Others are offering continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which have no traditional gears but keep the engine at its most fuel-efficient RPM across a wide range of speeds. Cars with CVTs include the Infiniti JX, Nissan Altima and Subaru Outback. Aerodynamics also plays an increasing role in improving fuel efficiency. Modern cars like the Cadillac ATS, Dodge Dart and Ford Escape, for example, have shuttered panels in the grille that allow air to flow more smoothly around the vehicle, depending on speed and driving conditions.You can also buy a car that shuts down one or more engine cylinders when it is coasting, or cruising under a light load, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing performance. Vehicles that offer this technology include the Audi S8 and Honda Odyssey minivan. Cars like the Buick Encore, Fiat 500 andLincoln MKZ, meanwhile, improve mileage through direct fuel injection, which injects gas directly into the combustion chamber in extremely precise amounts.

Even hybrids have changed. The Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Prius are all available as a plug-in hybrid, while General Motors uses a smaller motor and battery pack to give a little electric assist to cars like the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu.

Here, courtesy of Total Car Score, are 10 fuel-saving technologies that will save you money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU5RhAN2EGQ

This video gives some tips that you can do to improve gas mileage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU5RhAN2EGQ “youtube.com, lessons from a car expert: how to increase gas millage.”

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2012/08/30/10-ways-automakers-are-helping-you-spend-less-on-gasoline/ ” Forbes, 10 ways Automakers Are helping you spend less on gasoline.” by Joann Muller 8/30/2012

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/rick-newman/2012/08/27/tough-government-gas-mileage-rules-good-for-drivers-auto-industry “US news, Tough Government Gas Mileage Rules Good for Drivers, Auto Industry” by Rick Newman

What is Smart Grid?

Before we get in to Smart Grid, we should know what is a grid? A grid, also known as the electric grid, is a network of transmission lines, substations, transformers and deliver electricity from the power plant to customers. easier way to understand is what you plug into when you flip on your light switch or turn on your computer. Current electric grid was built in the 1890s and improve as the technology growth. Early 19 Century people only need to power few light bubs and a radio in the house therefore the supply is more than demand. As the technology grow the demand of electricity has become much greater than it used to be therefore costumers need to communicate with the power plant to adjust usage of the electricity. A smart grid is an “intelligent” electricity distribution network that uses two-way communications connect between customers and the power plant, advanced sensors and controls, advanced meters, and customers will be able to reduce or increase energy use through computer, improve the efficiency and reliability of the electricity grid, facilitate the connection of distributed generation facilities to the system, and optimize the integration of renewable energy systems. Smart Grid also benefit users with energy control for their purpose, also gives them control when and how to use the electricity. This way people can save money and also it helps to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, especially in how it can facilitate the connection of large amounts of renewable energy.

What Smart Grid can do?

The Smart Grid beings many benefit to the communities. First it is more efficient transmission of electricity, because of the usage of electricity is different we can control the energy supply by ourselves therefore there will be no surplus or lack or energy and it will be more efficient. Second, it has quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances. During bad weather there might be some interrupt transmission, but with smart grid it counters the interruption, once it detect where has power interrupt it will find another way round to transfer the energy. Third, people now can save moneys from the electric bill. Since we can manage the operating time and also the usage, we will be able to cut off the waste of electricity. Forth, with the previous benefit the power plant can reduce the peak demand, and it will also help to lower the electricity rate. Fifth, with this smart grid there will be increase integration of large-scale renewable energy system, such as having a hybrid vehicle.

Today, an electricity disruption such as a blackout can have a domino effect. This is a main threat in the winter, when homeowners can be left without heat. A smarter grid will add resiliency to our electric power system and make it better prepared to address emergencies such as severe storms. Because of its two-way interactive capacity, the Smart Grid will allow for automatic rerouting when equipment fails or outages occur. This will minimize outages and minimize the effects when they do happen. Also when a power outage occurs, Smart Grid technologies will detect and isolate the outages, containing them before they become large-scale blackouts. The new technologies will also help ensure that electricity recovery resumes quickly and strategically after an emergency—routing electricity to emergency services first, for example. In addition, the Smart Grid will take greater advantage of customer-owned power generators to produce power when it is not available from utilities.  The Smart Grid is not just about utilities and technologies; it is about giving you the information and tools you need to make choices about your energy use. In this case you will no longer have to wait for your monthly statement to know how much electricity you use. With a smarter grid, you can have a clear and timely picture of it. “Smart meters,” and other mechanisms, will allow you to see how much electricity you use, when you use it, and its cost. Combined with real-time pricing, this will allow you to save money by using less power when electricity is most expensive.

Now the US Smart Grid

This map shows us the US transmission grid.

California and Texas lead the U.S. in efforts to modernize their electrical grids with smart grid technologies, according to a newly developed index that evaluates and ranks states.

The Grid Modernization Index also know as GMI, created by GridWise Alliance and Smart Grid Policy Center, evaluates the progress of state grid modernization efforts in three categories: policy, customer engagement and grid operations. California and Texas, which tied for the highest overall score, are far ahead of other top-ranked states, such as Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Arizona. This chart shows us that the leading states are doing on the smart grid, this chart also helps us to recognized how the idea and technology is helping us and also helping the environment.

Smart Home

Adding devices that can communicate data in real-time about electricity use between utility and customer. For instance, smart meters will deliver signals from your energy provider that can help you cut your energy costs. Smart meters also provide utilities with greater information about how much electricity is being used throughout their service areas.

It is also expected to be an important enabler for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, two promising technologies that can help dramatically reduce oil consumption.

This energy information coming to and from your home through your smart meter can be run through a home energy management system (EMS), which will allow you to view it in an easy-to-understand format on your computer or hand-held device. A home EMS allows you to track your energy use in detail to better save energy. For instance, you can see the energy impact of various appliances and electronic products simply by monitoring your EMS while switching the devices on and off.

Impact

US Department of Energy (DOE) report warns about the massive direct and indirect impacts climate change is expected to have on the United States’ energy grid in the coming years. From a reporter: “Increasing temperatures, decreasing water availability, more intense storm events, and sea level rise will each independently, and in some cases in combination, affect the ability of the United States to produce and transmit electricity from fossil, nuclear, and existing and emerging renewable energy sources.” There are some unexpected impact will soon be the main concerned of this smart grid project. Last year, the Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Connecticut had to deactivate one reactor because the water it normally draws from the Long Island Sound for cooling was too warm, the report noted. Similar events took place at the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station in New Jersey and the Limerick Generating Station in Pennsylvania in 2010. In another incident affecting the energy grid, lower precipitation levels in the Sierra Nevada last year reduced California’s hydroelectric power generation by 8 percent. In 2010, record-low water levels in Nevada’s Lake Mead resulted in a 23 percent loss in the Hoover Dam’s power generation.With this technology, this will not only benefit our lives by having the control for each individual but also making the climate changing even worst. The prediction of this project was to help the climate and also benefit users. The statistics shows that it is not going as we planted.

http://www.smartgrid.gov/ “Smartgrid.gov”

https://www.nationalgridus.com/energy/index.asp “National Grid”

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/chart-of-the-day-top-15-states-leading-us-smart-grid-deployment/24740 “Chart of the day: top 15 states leading US smart grid deployment” by Kirsten Korosec, July 22, 2013

What are Renewable Energies?

From the words we know that is a type of energy could be used multiple times even limitless times, for example: wind and solar energy, hydro-power, geothermal energy and bio-energy, these energy are available in almost limitless supply. Fossil energies such as natural gas, coal, uranium, and most important oil. We rely on the fossil energy for almost every transportation and heavy machines, unfortunately this type of power source can not be re-used. The use of renewable energies protects the climate and environment, is resource-efficient and safe. Using renewable energies can avoid climate-damaging emissions which have serious impacts. The use of renewable energies has therefore not only appropriate from an environmental perspective, it also has macroeconomic benefits.

The following pie-chart shows the renewable energy produced in 2011.

Germany’s green energy revolution called the “energiewende” – proceeds as planned, the price of electricity in Germany will increase by upwards of 20%, according to government estimates. The purpose of this green energy policy is Germany government wants to achieve a climate-friendly and secure energy supply for Germany.

The following goals are laid down by law: The share of renewable energies in total electricity consumption will be increased to at least 35% by 2020. By no later than 2050, that share is expected to grow to at least 80%. In 2020, the share of renewable energies in heating is to reach 14%.

There are five green energy source that Germany thinks it will be the primary source for the stable and secure supply.

First, the German government considers wind energy is the key technology for a future carbon-free environment. Wind power is an affordable, efficient and abundant source of domestic electricity. Right now wind energy has a leading position with regard to generating electricity from renewable energies. The German government believes that increasing the use of offshore wind energy,also replacing older installations with modern, more effective ones, these ideas are still debatable.  Second, the German government plans to further exploit the potential of hydro-power by replacing and build new mini-hydro-power plants.  Third, Biomass for generating electricity or heat includes renewable resources such as wood, but also animal or vegetable waste. In 2009 around 9% more electricity was generated from biomass, bio-gas and landfill then a year before. Forth, the sun provides us with enough energy every year to cover Germany’s energy. Last, Geothermal energy is an energy source which in all probability will never run out. Geothermal installations for power generation are supported by the German government under the Renewable Energy Sources Act.

Right now in Germany:

Right now other nations are watching closely to see how the experiment proceeds, and whether they should follow the German lead. “Germany’s Energiewende can mobilize a global energy revolution,” says Harry Lehmann, chairman of the World Council for Renewable Energies.  The result in the Energiewende is not either stopped or cancelled, using expert termed a “chaotic standstill.” Merkel’s energy plan called for the addition of 25,000 megawatts of sea-based wind turbine power by 2030. However through the first six months of 2012 only 45 megawatts had been added to Germany’s existing 200-megawatt supply, according to an industry analysis. And despite massive subsidies funded by a household energy surcharge, which currently comprises 14 percent of German power bills, major wind projects in the North Sea are being delayed or canceled due to skittish investors. The household in Germany pays the second highest electricity price in Europe.  Right now people in Germany are questioning the entire Energiewende policy. They did not get the promises that the government gave, and they are paying higher rate than others. The high costs, low and unreliable productivity, intractable problems with grid integration, a reliance on subsidies that impose bizarre and counterproductive distortions on energy markets, and an unbreakable dependency on the fossil fuels it is supposed to displace. People are also complaining about the place of those Green energy equipment, some say that the equipment is blocking the sun from the people. Wind farms are notoriously unreliable as a power source. Not only that, they take up vast amounts of space and kill tens of thousands of birds annually. During winter time the demand is higher than summer time but the power source is less gets deliver to people.

Germany’s Energiewende is leading the world to become carbon-free environment. The estimate about the entire green energy was great that within 30 to 40 years they will be able to replace the fossil energy with renewable energy. Turns out that there are lots of unexpected result that appear while operating the event. People in Germany are questioning the estimate of this project, also some people from animal protective foundation are questioning the equipment killing wild species. People still paying the highest electricity price in Europe, and the cost of every equipment is also giving the citizen a lot of pressure. Right now they are having a different opinion about the benefit that this green energy will bring. I guess we just have to wait for the time to tell.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2013/09/05/germans-revolt-against-germanys-green-energy-revolution/ “Forbes, Germans Revolt Against Germany’s Green Energy Revolution.” by William Pentland, 9/05/2013

http://www.bmu.de/en/topics/climate-energy/renewable-energy/general-information/ “BMU, General Information Renewable Energy.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/9559656/Germanys-wind-power-chaos-should-be-a-warning-to-the-UK.html “The Telegraph, Germany’s wind power chaos should be a warning to the UK.” by Christopher Booker, 9/22/2012

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