Hybrid+Technology


 * Hybrid Technology and Energy**


 * What is [|Hybrid] technology?**


 * [|Hybrid technology] is the combining of two or more different types of technologies, which produce similar results.
 * Hybrid technology has been present since the 1660s, where this technology has been used to introduce more powerful and fuel efficient automobiles.
 * The design of a [|hybrid vehicle]involves the combination of two power producing sources; a rechargeable battery and gasoline.
 * In 2000, automobile companies such as [|Honda][|Honda] Insight and Civic hybrid, [|Toyota][|Toyota]Prius, [|Ford][|Ford] Escape hybrids and [|GM][|GM]trucks started mass production of hybrid vehicles.


 * Features of a hybrid vehicle:**


 * Engines are smaller, providing extra acceleration power when needed to go uphill.
 * When the vehicle is stationary, the hybrid gasoline engine (motor) shut off and the car runs off of their battery motor.
 * These vehicles are lighter, and more [|aerodynamic][|aerodynamic], with little pressure on their tyres, and use their breaking energy to charge the battery.


 * Different types of Hybrid systems:**
 * Full Hybrid system
 * Mild hybrid systems
 * Parallel hybrid systems
 * Series hybrid systems
 * Plug-in hybrid systems


 * Full hybrid system:**


 * This system allows the car to move forward at a slow speed without the consumption of gasoline.
 * Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids are full Hybrid systems.


 * Mild Hybrid System:**


 * In this system, the electric motor assists the gas engine when the car requires extra power.
 * The mild hybrid system is broken down into three sub categories;

1. [|Stop/ Start hybrid system], where the engine shuts off when the car is stationary, and restarts when the car resumes motion. 2. [|Integrated Starter Alternatior with Damping (ISAD)] hybrid system in which the electric motor helps in the forward functioning of the car. 3. [|Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)] hybrid system is very similar to the ISAD system, but has a larger electric motor providing more electric power in the functioning of the car.


 * Parallel Hybrid system:**


 * This system functions simultaneously, where the engine is supplied with gasoline through the fuel tank, and at the same time power is supplied to the electric motor through a set of batteries.


 * Series Hybrid system:**


 * In this system, a generator is turned on through the gasoline engine and this generator can charge the batteries and or provide power to an electric motor.


 * Plug-in Hybrid system:**


 * [|The plug-in hybrid system], the car can stay is in an all “electric” mode, running on twice the efficiency rate as of that of a normal Hybrid car.


 * Components of Hybrid vehicles:**


 * Computer control systems
 * Hybrid batteries
 * Lithium Ion Battery
 * Low resistance tires
 * Regenerative breaking
 * Ultracapciators


 * Safety concerns for hybrid vehicles:**


 * All hybrid vehicles come with the same safety features that are found in any conventional vehicle design.
 * One major concern the consumer have when buying a hybrid car is its light weight body design, which is as more risk in a multiple car collision.


 * Advantages of Hybrid technology:**
 * Advantages of Hybrid technology:**
 * Advantages of Hybrid technology:**


 * 1. Environmental**
 * Air pollution: fewer toxic fumes released into the air due to less fuel consumption
 * Noise pollution: hybrid energy vehicles are generally quieter then conventional cars
 * Water pollution: again due to electrical energy being used, there is less fuel and toxic waste dumped into water bodies
 * 2. Global warming:**
 * green house gases can be reduced by switching to hybrid cars, as they once again consume less fuel, burning less carbon which reduces the amount of fumes released into the earths atmosphere.
 * 3. Health Effects:**
 * Health problems caused by air pollution and toxic chemicals will be reduced, as the overall traffic pollution will reduce due to reduce gas consumption.
 * 4. Oil dependency**:
 * Hybrid technology reduces the dependence of off oil and thus lessens the burden we humans have placed on oil.


 * Sources**

"Advanced fuel and vehicle research." 2004. 21 Feb. 2006 http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/hev/

"aerodynamics." __Wikipedia__. Wikipedia, 2005. //Answers.com// 28 Feb. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/aerodynamics

"Ecological Homes." 2002. 23 Feb. 2006 .

"hybrid." __Computer Desktop Encyclopedia__. Computer Language Company Inc., 2005. //Answers.com// 24 Feb. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/hybrid

__Hybridcars.com__. 23 Feb. 2006 .

__Hybrid energy system__. 21 Feb. 2006 .

"Hybrid Technologies." 22 Feb. 2006 .