Talk About It
Those (thinking about|considering purchasing a hybrid car may be more than a little concerned about what lies under the hood. Hybrid cars have partially battery-powered motors. Since a battery powered motors is not what that typically comes to mind when people think about what is driving a car, it’s a good idea to get an understanding of hybrid car battery packs. You will find a few facts about them below.
Hybrid car battery packs do not need to be replaced like torch batteries do. Made to last over the lifetime of the vehicle, a hybrid car’s warranty covers the battery for a time period that lasts between eight and ten years. In terms of mileage, a hybrid car battery pack is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, and it probably will last longer than that.
The toxicity of hybrid car battery packs is a concern, but not a major concern, since hybrid car batteries use NiMH batteries, not the rechargeable nickel cadmium ones. Nickel cadmium batteries can be detrimental to the environment if not disposed of correctly, but the NiMH batteries that are used in hybrid car battery packs are fully recyclable.
Hybrid car battery packs contain hundreds of cells. Hundreds of cells means that hybrid cars have a complex battery underneath their hoods, and complexity does usually mean expensive, but with the generous warranty car manufacturers are giving on these cars, there is little risk of additional massive expense from the battery pack involved in purchasing a hybrid car.
The number of hybrid car battery pack failures has been really low. When I say low, I mean really low. If failure occurs, it’s probably before the hybrid car even gets off the forecourt. Toyota has even said that some of its original Prius models have packs that have gone over 300,000 miles.
The cost of replacing hybrid car battery packs isn’t really even an issue. It isn’t a problem because the hybrid car battery packs are built for longevity. The Department of Energy looked into hybrid cars, but halted its tests when the capacity of the hybrid car battery pack was determined to be “just like new” after 160,000 miles. So, very few people really seem to know for sure what it costs to replace hybrid car battery packs except the manufacturers.
Hybrid car battery packs are evolving very quickly. If we look into the near future, we can see the next generation of hybrid car batteries is already in the works. The goal is, naturally, to discover a technology that gives lots of power, lasts for the hybrid car’s lifetime, and costs less to make than it does today.
If your hybrid car battery pack does develop a problem, there is a solution. Toyota has given some advice on what to do, should your hybrid battery pack run out after the warranty has expired. Their advice is to have the battery reconditioned. This solution works well because if something does go wrong, the problem usually lies with only one of the 28 modules that make up the battery.
So, if you simply replace the problematic module with one that matches the chemistry of the other 27 modules, your hybrid car’s battery should be back in good shape. You can find a match by getting a battery pack from another car that has a similar mileage and age.
If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, just visit our website on http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
Tags: automobiles, Cars and Trucks, environmental, Fashion, hi-tech, hybrid vehicles, innovation, Leasing, oil, other, Outdoors, Science, SUV, Technology, trucks
Posted in Cars and Trucks · November 21st, 2009 · Comments (0)
Structural engineering is a critical but little known aspect of any construction project. Structural engineers are responsible for all phases of the structural design of a project. The design directly affects the longevity of a structure which is directly related to its sustainability. Structures that last longer require less frequent replacement, less construction, fewer materials and in the end are more sustainable.
Whether the project is a building, a bridge or a tunnel, structural engineers are critical to the design of each component of the project. Properly engineered structures ensure the safety and longevity of the project, and ultimately, the people who use them. Some construction firms hire their own engineers, and some subcontract the work. Other structural engineers work for local governments to ensure compliance to building codes and various other regulations
A structural engineer must account for many different factors in the design, the climate and the loads placed on the structure. Wind, snow, and shifting ground are just some of the natural factors that come into play. When the World Trade Center was being built in New York City, structural engineers had to devise a means to keep the local rivers from undermining the integrity of the towers.
Nothing of their size had ever been constructed before and many potential solutions were merely theoretical. The structural engineer who was in charge of the project created a means of using sludge walls to hold out the water and protect the interior of the massive towers footprints. Then, as if that were not enough, they were required to consider the effect the wind would have on the buildings themselves.
A structural engineer faces many obstacles from the beginning of any project. This requires a great deal of foresight, education and imagination. This fact is especially true in certain geographical regions. In Florida for example, a structural engineer has to consider the force of high winds and rains on any structure due to the risk of hurricanes. The highly saturated ground of that state must also be taken into account.
Structural engineering helps to determine the longevity of any project. When millions of dollars are at stake, the project isn’t intended to be short-term. A structural engineer will consider all factors and the effects nature and time will have on it to make sure the structure lasts as long as possible. They also need to allow a degree of flexibility in any structure designed. Too much or too little flexibility in a structure can become dangerous.
A structural engineer must consider many variables and they do so by surveying the location and studying historic models. When a bridge is being designed, it needs a certain level of flexibility but not too much or it becomes unsafe to travel across. It must also withstand regular vibration without weakening joints or components. Structural engineering is what makes these structures safe.
Structural engineering has been an important part of the construction process since ancient times. As modern society spreads into new territory and regions previously thought to be uninhabitable, a skilled structural engineer will be even more important to the design and construction of structures.
Florida Engineering Solutions is committed to provide the structural engineering services, plans, and support you need to complete your projects. We offer state-of-the-art analysis and design, and quick turnaround for all your commercial projects. Our professional structural engineers are ready to help. Contact us today.
Tags: Business, Engineering: Structural, industrial, Industrial Goods and Services, Science, Structural Engineering, Technology
Posted in Business · November 20th, 2009 · Comments (0)