fuel+efficiency

=Fuel Efficiency=

This article will explain fuel efficiency in cars, the problems that are occurring as we read (or type), and the methods we can use to overcome these problems. So:

Should cars be more fuel efficient? Apparently, even in developed countries, people think so. Take a look at this video:

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So what, succinctly, is fuel efficiency?

Fuel efficiency is in many ways like energy efficiency. If you compare:



The lightbulb on the left (incandescent) is far less efficient than the one on the right (fluorescent), due to the massive amount of heat it gives out in comparison. It usually only converts 10% of the power input into light energy, while 90% of its power input is given out as heat energy.

This occurs in vehicles as well. Older vehicles tend to have more fuel-consuming engines, and some still run on diesel, which emits far more carbon monoxide and related chemicals into the air.

Why is this a problem? Well, aside from carbon monoxide being a cause of global warming (i.e. rising surface temperature of the earth, melting polar ice-caps...), humanity also seems to be running out of fuel.

As the world grows smaller and transport more and more advanced, it seems imperative that our holiday destinations be further away, our holiday periods shorter, our transport and transit times longer... this already requires enough fuel to drown millions of people per day; coupled with fuel inefficiency, and the consumption of fuel is double of what is really used to propel a vehicle.

However, there have been breakthroughs in this field. Cars using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, are beginning to see the light of the market. Cars that fully utilise renewable energy are still under development, but there are hybrid cars that are now on sale to the general public.





To get our hands grimy and into engines:

The engine control unit (ECU) is the part of the car which monitors the amount of oxygen entering the car, and which sends a signal to the car program to open or close the flap which allows the oxygen to flow in, thereby controlling how much fuel is used up. Any more information you want about ECUs can be found at...: http://www.howstuffworks.com/car-computer1.htm

The engine of a commercial hybrid car usually requires fuel to start up, but as the driver propels it to beyond a certain speed, the car automatically switches to a renewable energy source (which can be hydrogen powered, wind powered or solar powered, among others) and thereby saves fuel.


 * Social and Ethical Issues**

Fuel inefficiency can unnecessarily increase costs for common folk, and can cause great financial suffering. While having to restrict themselves in everything they do that involves petrol, many folk also have to cut costs in other aspects of their lives, as some expenditures on transport are inevitable.

Those who are seeking to purchase new vehicles may have to consider hybrid cars, which are both good for the environment and the owner's pocket.While hybrid cars are very much in vogue, they may still be unreliable in their programming (for example, delay in switching from fuel energy to renewable energy), and will require a good many years to perfect and become a solid foundation for a new generation of cars.



Renewable energy often requires a base fee, which can be quite costly. This base fee may restrict renewable energy's uses to people with sufficient income, and will in turn exclude the lower income group from gaining access to renewable energy. To overcome this, the government could mandate solar panels in new home developments, or lower tax levied on hybrid cars, to relieve the pressure upon the people.



Finally, technology that will aid in the development of renewable energy sources, and that will enable all walks of life to lead greener, more affordable lives, should be shared around the globe in the true spirit of human ingenuity.

"Alternative, Fuel Efficient Hybrid Vehicles and Automobiles." __HybridCARS__. 2008. 29 Oct. 2008 .

"Fuel Efficiency in Cars." 2008. Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. 29 Oct. 2008 .

"Fuel efficiency." __Wikipedia__. 29 Oct. 2008. 29 Oct. 2008 .

"Hybrid Vehicle." __Wikipedia__. 27 Oct. 2008. 29 Oct. 2008 .

Nice, Karim. "How Car Computers Work." __Howstuffworks__. 2008. 29 Oct. 2008 .