PESWiki.com -- Pure Energy Systems Wiki: Finding and facilitating the best renewable energy technologies.





Directory:Fuel Efficiency

From PESWiki

Friday, August 29, 2008

Identifying the appropriate fuel efficiency solution for your car.

B O O K M A R K - T H I S - P A G E

Exhaustive directory includes listings of additives, engine modifications, kits, books, efficient engine technologies.

Why 
- Most everyone has a car or two.
- Most everyone wants to get better gas mileage.
- Methods abound for increasing fuel efficiency.

It's just a matter of getting the two together -- the best method for the individual user.

Problem 
There is so much "noise" out there on the Internet: lo here, lo there. While people hear rumors that methods exist to increase mileage, and they believe that this is most likely the case, the task of weeding through the many claims and scams is daunting.
Solution 
This directory can become a trusted tool where people can come to find just what technology would be best for their particular car and ability to install and budget for installing. Once they have installed a system, they can come here to report their results, to either strengthen or weaken a claim, so that the absolute best technologies trickle to the top.

'This site is built by . . . YOU:: the experience researchers and investigators and consumers who have knowledge to impart on this subject. Our collective wisdom is far greater than any one person who might compile a site on their own. Because you can edit this site, you can help build it into the most reliable and helpful resource on this subject.

Table of contents
1 About
2 Overview
3 Books
4 Mechanical Solutions

4.1 Lubricants
4.2 Shows
4.3 Economical Vehicles

4.3.1 Electric Vehicles
4.3.2 Electric Cars
4.3.3 Electric Trucks
4.3.4 Electric Scooters
4.3.5 Solar Vehicles
4.3.6 Hybrid Vehicles
4.3.7 Hydrogen Vehicles

4.4 Engines
4.5 Retrofits

4.5.1 Spark Plugs

4.6 Hacks
4.7 Transmissions

5 Infrastructure

5.1 Electric Freight Rail

6 Fuel-Based

6.1 Fuel Additives

6.1.1 Acetone
6.1.2 Hydrogen Injection

6.2 Alternative Fuels

6.2.1 Butanol
6.2.2 Hydrogen Peroxide

6.3 Hydrogen from Water
6.4 Biodiesel from Algae Oil

7 Awards

7.1 Automotive X Prize

8 Explanations
9 Skeptics
10 Non-Modification Tips for Economy
11 Locating Inexpensive Fuel
12 Discussion Groups and Newsletters
13 Related Sites
14 Related Technologies
15 Contact
16 See Also
[edit]

About

[edit]

Overview

  • Model of Efficiency (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/effi-flash.html) - PBS/Nova has a "Car of the Future (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/)" feature addressing the question, Why haven't cars improved more in fuel efficiency over the decades? View the brief 5-part Nova video with Amory Lovins and Rocky Mountains Institutes' new hyper car presentation. (Thanks Wesleybruce)
  • How Many Miles to the Bushel? (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/business/media/27offline.html?ex=1149393600&en=f0336e57db2a5516&ei=5099&partner=TOPIXNEWS) - The May issue of Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/2690341.html) compares fuel costs for various types of fuels. Coast-to-coast drive would be $60 for coal (electricity); $110 for natural gas; $213 for gasoline; $231 for biodiesel; $425 for E85/ethanol; $619 for M85/methanol; $804 for hydrogen. (NYTimes; May 27, 2006)
  • U.S. can cut oil imports to zero by 2040 (http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0329-lovins.html) - Since vehicles use 70% of oil in the United States and 75% of fuel use is weight-related, the biggest savings would come from making cars lighter, which would reduce oil consumption and make cars safer and more reliable. "Ultralighting" vehicles using carbon composites or ultralight steels is essentially "free" with cost increases for materials offset by gains in efficiency. (Mongabay; Mar. 29, 2007)
  • Top 4 Ways Automakers Can Meet New MPG Standards (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4218266.html) - New CAFE standards will jump to 35 mpg for all cars and SUVs by 2020, up from 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.5 mpg for trucks. Here are four keys for automakers to bolster their fuel economy: Reduce weight, use diesel engines (30% more efficient than gas), low rolling resistance tires and continuously variable transmissions. (Popular Mechanics; Jun. 21, 2007)
[edit]

Books

  • Beat The Gas Pump (http://pesnetwork.btgaspump.hop.clickbank.net) - Finally, the First Practical, Complete, Manual of Insider Secrets and Industry Experts Special Strategies to Save Gas and Money at the Pump.
  • Super Gas Saver Secrets (http://www.eagle-research.com/fuelsav/fsbasic/supersec.html) - Gasoline pre-heater, heated air intake, homemade fuels, mothballs in gas tank, double ignition coil, coil capacitor assist, water tuneup, solid copper core ignition cables, water injection, deceleration fuel shutoff, electric radiator fan and more.
[edit]

Mechanical Solutions

[edit]

Lubricants

See Directory:Lubricants

[edit]

Shows

  • Green Car Live! 2008 Green Motor Show (http://www.green-car-guide.com/gcg-live-2008.htm) - Online Pre-registration required, but the event is free. June 12, 2008, ACC Liverpool, Liverpool, England.
[edit]

Economical Vehicles

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Vehicles - The most economical vehicles in production today are TDI diesels and hybrid electric vehicles. Other topics include concept cars and high mileage gasoline cars.

Image:SmartCarZap.jpg Image:Clever mini car 95x95.jpg Image:Loremo_balloon_95w.jpg Image:BioDiesel_car_95pxw.jpg Image:Humming_Bird_Water_Injected_Car.jpg

[edit]

Electric Vehicles

Directory:Electric_Vehicles (Separate page) - The fuel cost for an electric car is one quarter that of a gasoline car. Lithium batteries extend the range and top speed. Choose from several new models or convert a conventional car into an electric car.

Image:E_trans_sol_collage_e_95x95.jpg Image:Tesla Roadster front back 95x95.jpg Image:Subaru_All_Electric_Car.jpg Image:Hybrid_Technologies_Electric_PT_Cruiser.jpg Image:AC_Propulsion_tzero.jpg Image:EV-Global_E-Bike.jpg

[edit]

Electric Cars

  • Electric Cars - Put solar PV panels on the roof of your garage or carport and "fill up" at home for free.
[edit]

Electric Trucks

[edit]

Electric Scooters

  • Directory: Electric Scooters - There is great alternative to city commuting -- electric scooters. The cost to travel 10-20 miles is well below $0.2 as opposed to $2 on city bus (NYC). Scooters require less mass to be moved, and hence can be far more economical.
[edit]

Solar Vehicles


[edit]

Hybrid Vehicles

  • Directory: Hybrid Vehicles - Hybrid Vehicles run on a combination of propulsion systems to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Most commercially available hybrids (such as the popular Toyota Prius) are classified as HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles). HEV cars typically use gasoline as the fuel, but they also have an electric motor which can propel the vehicle. Electricity is generated by recovering braking energy as well as directly by the ICE. It is stored in batteries and used by the electric motor to assist the ICE and even to propel the car by itself (primarily at low speeds where the ICE is inefficient).
[edit]

Hydrogen Vehicles

  • Volkswagen HyMotion fuel cell vehicle (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-9967606-48.html) - built into Volkswagen's new Tiguan crossover model, uses hydrogen to create electricity, providing power for the car's electric drive motor. It also has a lithium ion battery pack for extra electricity storage, and gets the gasoline equivalent of 42-to-62 miles per gallon. (CNet Reviews; June 12, 2008)
[edit]

Engines

Directory:Engines - new engine designs that are more efficient, more versitile, smaller, etc.

Image:Massive_yet_Tiny_engine_crop_95X95.jpg Image:Starrotor_engine_95x95.jpg Image:Revtec_anim_95w.gif Image:Green_steam_engine_anim_95x95.gif Qtv2-SCAnim2.gif

[edit]

Retrofits

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Retrofits - A variety of add-on devices and gadgets claim to enhance mileage. Includes high flow air filters, performance spark plugs, electronic tools and gauges, capacitor spark assist, premium ignition systems, vaporizers, lubricants, free flow exhausts.

Image:K&N_FilterCharger.jpg Image:Torco_MPZ_Friction_Reducer.jpg Image:Aero_Turbine_Exhaust.jpg Image:Vortexvalveside 95x95.jpg

[edit]

Spark Plugs

Directory:Spark Plugs - index of spark plug technologies that boost economy, and increase horsepower

Image:Pulstar pulse plug 20kx 95x95.jpg Image:Smartplug_firing.gif Image:Sonic_Spark_Plugs_95x95.jpg Image:Halo_spark_plug_95x95.jpg

[edit]

Hacks

  • Aerocivic and its aesthetically-challenged modifications strikes again! (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/09/aerocivic-and-its-aesthetically-challenged-modifications-strikes/) - When Mike Turner designed his Honda Civic into the Aerocivic, the homemade body kit extends the nose and tail of the vehicle in an airfoil shape of sorts and adds hinged wheel skirts around the previously exposed tires. He doubled fuel mileage on the highway. (AutoBlog Green; May 9, 2008)
  • 1959 Opel T-1 (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/351903_needle20.html) - This old car gets 376 MPG using a chain drive and a closed-up rear wheel axle with rock-hard tires. (Seattle PI; Feb. 20, 2008)
  • Japanese "Mileage Maniacs" Hack Prius To Get 116 MPG (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/04/how_japanese_mi.php) - Enthusiasts in Japan have hacked their Priuses, and use zen-like driving techniques to get up to 116 miles per gallon. Their techniques involve hacking the cars' computer systems, adding special tires, and going to great lengths to perfect what they call the "pulse and glide" driving method. (TreeHugger; Apr. 9, 2007)
[edit]

Transmissions

  • Directory:Transmissions - Efficient designs for Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) and Infinitely Variable Transmissions (IVT) optimize engine efficiency, resulting in fuel economy improvement and reduced emissions. Hybrid models use electric motors or hydraulics for regenerative braking and energy storage.


[edit]

Infrastructure

[edit]

Electric Freight Rail

  • Electric Freight Rail 8X More Efficient than Heavy Trucks - Electrifying railroads and transferring half of the ton-miles of trucks to rail could save 6.3% of US oil consumption. Electric railroads, well-proven in other countries, are cheaper to operate and can carry more freight because they accelerate and brake faster (and can generate electricity while braking, saving energy), and have no delays for refueling. (PESWiki)
[edit]

Fuel-Based

[edit]

Fuel Additives

[edit]

Acetone

  • Directory: Acetone As a Fuel Additive - Said to increase mileage 15-35%. Added to gas tank in small proportion improves the fuel's ability to vaporize completely by eliminating the surface tension that causes some particulates to not fully vaporize. Directory page created to compile date.
[Perhaps the most easy-to-prove and accessible fuel-economizing approach to date]
[edit]

Hydrogen Injection

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Hydrogen Injection - By injecting hydrogen through the air intake, fuel consumption can be reduced and engine performance increased. A list of companies and products that use this approach.

Image:Dieselgasaustralia_95x95.jpg Image:Liberty_Hydrogen_Booster.jpg Image:H-boost_kit_95x95.jpg

[edit]

Alternative Fuels

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Alternative Fuels - Bio fuels, gas, alcohol, hydrogen, vegetable oil, alternative methods of powering vehicles. Make your own fuel or fill up at bio-diesel or E85 stations listed.

Image:Yugo_wood_95x95.jpg Image:Biomass harvesting 95.jpg Image:Algae collage Biodiesel txt 95x95.jpg

[edit]

Butanol

Directory:Butanol - Butanol is compatible with gasoline. It uses the same air/fuel mixture and has the same energy content. It can be mixed with gasoline in any ratio in unmodified engines. Butanol can be produced at an estimated cost of 85 cents per gallon, and is a direct replacement for gasoline.

[edit]

Hydrogen Peroxide

Directory:Hydrogen Peroxide as Fuel - Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) has been used as rocket propellant, but can also be used to run automobiles. With how well it stores in liquid form, it is perhaps an under-appreciated mechanism for energy storage and fuel. Could possibly find application as a fuel for jet aircraft engines.

[edit]

Hydrogen from Water

Directory:Hydrogen from Water - Hydrogen can be generated from water by `splitting' it from oxygen. The most well-known process is electrolysis, but other mechanisms exist as well, such as catalyst in the presence of heat (e.g. solar).

[edit]

Biodiesel from Algae Oil

  • Biodiesel from Algae Oil - Advantages include rapid growth rates, a high per-acre yield, and algae biofuel contains no sulfur, is non-toxic, and is highly biodegradable. Some species of algae are ideally suited to biodiesel production due to their high oil content--in excess of 50%.
[edit]

Awards

  • 50 MPG Plane Wins PAV Prize  (http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/887/) - The Pipistrel (http://www.ultralightflyer.com/pipistrel_s04/) won NASA's Personal Air Vehicle (http://cafefoundation.org/v2/pav_home.php) (PAV) X-Prize like contest, achieving 50 MPG. The plane is extremely light weight, so it becomes more fuel efficient as it flies and burns fuel, getting lighter. The plane's simple controls and ease of operation also helped it take home the prize. It costs about $70,000. (EcoGeek; Aug. 15, 2007)
  • World fuel consumption champion gets 10,517 mpg (http://www.gizmag.com/go/7630/) - Microjoule (http://la-joliverie.com/index.php?id=91) won the 31st annual Shell Eco-marathon UK with 10,517 mpg. The best Alternative vehicle was ESSTIN (http://www.esstin.uhp-nancy.fr/) (solar), at 10,197 mpg. For the second year, schools gathered from all over the UK to compete in the ‘Schools Initiative’, with children as young as 11 pushing the boundaries of vehicle design. (GizMag; Jul. 16, 2007) How much fuel mileage does the MicroJoule (http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/03/18/transportation-tuesday-8923-miles-per-gallon/) really get? The next Eco-Marathon (http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=eco-marathon-en&FC2=/eco-marathon-en/html/iwgen/leftnavs/zzz_lhn1_0_0.html&FC3=/eco-marathon-en/html/iwgen/welcome_global.html) will find out. (Inhabitat; March 18, 2008)
  • Challenge X 2007 Competition Winner (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/06/mississippi_sta.html) - Mississippi State University won the third annual Challenge X (http://www.challengex.org/) with a hybrid electric 1.9-liter GM direct injection turbodiesel engine fueled by B20 biodiesel, a 330V NiMH battery pack from Johnson Controls, and a 45 kW Ballard Integrated Power Transaxle. The vehicle achieved a 48% increase in fuel economy over the production 2005 Chevrolet Equinox that served as the basis for all the entries. (Green Car Congress; Jun. 7, 2007)
  • Cal Poly wins Shell Eco-Marathon with 1,902.7 mpg! (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/04/15/cal-poly-wins-shell-eco-marathon-with-1-902-7-mpg/) - The team from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California, won the 2007 Shell Eco-Marathon. The team's vehicle recorded a best of 1,902.7 mpg to win the Grand Prize and the first in the Combustion Engine Group. (AutoblogGreen; Apr. 15, 2007)
  • Ethanol Car Beats Fuel Cells to Win European Eco-marathon (http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2006/2006-05-22-03.asp) - French High School students achieved the best fuel efficiency at the European Shell Eco-marathon, with an energy consumption equivalent to traveling 2,885 kilometers on a single liter of gasoline (6,788 mpg). (Environment News Service; May 22, 2006)
  • Shell Eco-Marathon (http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=eco-marathon-en) - Anual race features the most efficient designs worldwide. May 22-24, 2008.
  • Car achieves almost 10,000 miles per gallon (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/395366.stm) - A car driven by a 10-year-old and built at a French school has set a world record for fuel efficiency, managing the equivalent of 9,845 miles per gallon while driving for 10 miles around Silverstone race track in the UK. More than 100 teams competed in the Shell Eco-Marathon to see how far they can travel on a minuscule amount of fuel. (BBC News; July 16, 1999) (Thanks Ronald Gillen)
[edit]

Automotive X Prize

  • Automotive X PRIZE - The Automotive X PRIZE (AXP) announced a list of teams competing to build and bring to market 100 MPG or higher fuel economy vehicles that people want to buy. Those that qualify will race their vehicles in rigorous crosscountry stages that combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance.
[edit]

Explanations

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Explanations - Looking at how and why fuel technologies work.

.

[edit]

Skeptics

Directory:Fuel Efficiency Skeptics - Skeptics say most mileage claims are bunk, and unfortunately, they are probably more correct than incorrect, though their skepticism is often applied to new claims based on past prejudices, rather than actual experimentation on their part.

A little humor:
Image:Fahrtwind diagram.jpg Fahrtwind Design
Stereotypical depiction of a 'free energy' device. Hopefully we are all smart enough to know that something like this would not work.

[edit]

Non-Modification Tips for Economy

Things you can do to increase your mileage, without additives or add-on devices. Focusing on driving habits, etc.

  • Fuelly (http://www.fuelly.com/) - By recording and analyzing your mileage, you can see how much money you can save with small driving changes. You can also see how your mileage compares with EPA estimates and the mileage of other drivers using Fuelly. Tips and a discussion forum also offer ways to save. The site is free to use, so sign up to start tracking your miles today.
  • MPG for Speed (http://www.mpgforspeed.com/) - Your car's gas mileage decreases once it gets past its optimal speed. For most cars, this is around 55-60 mph. This means that every time you go over this speed, you're essentially wasting gas and money - and creating unnecessary greenhouse gases.
  • An Alternative to Alternative Fuels - An analytical look at the effect of driving habits (#1 acceleration speed), engine modifications (ECU needs to be in sync), as well as alternate fuels (#1 biodiesel). (OmniNerd; July 16, 2006) http://www.omninerd {dot} com/2006/07/16/articles/57 {spam filter keeps us from posting this url properly}
  • The AutoAnything complete guide to saving gas (http://www.autoanything.com/savegas/)
  • how to get better gas mileage (http://www.gas-mileage-enhancers.com/)
  • Pumping the gas pedal is somewhat like flushing the toilet. Accelleration takes a lot of gas.
    • Use speed control to maintain a constant speed.
    • Do not accellerate quickly.
    • In stop&go traffic, try to avoid rapid start & rapid stop. Give yourself some buffer space between you and the car ahead to reduce the rapid start & stop cycle of the traffic.
  • Keep tires properly inflated.
  • Keep engine in good shape i.e. cleaned out with Redex (http://www.honeywell.com.au/business/holts/redex/default.html) periodically
  • Keep windows rolled up for better aerodynamics at high speeds.
  • Turn off the air conditioning at low speeds, and use windows.
[edit]

Locating Inexpensive Fuel

  • Gasbuddy.com (http://www.gasbuddy.com) - Breaks down fuel prices by state and location in state.
[edit]

Discussion Groups and Newsletters

  • Gas Savers Forum (.com) (http://www.gassaversforum.com/) - The Gas Savers Forum was designed to bring people together on a grass-roots level to discuss gas saving tips and tricks, new technologies and more.
  • Hydrogen-Boost Newsletters (http://www.hydrogen-boost.com/newsletter.html) Research and Development Reports include test results for various fuel economy products and methods.
  • PES Carb (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pes_carb/) - PES' discussion list to facilitate the development of this page and general issues pertaining to the various carburetor open source projects that will be hosted by PES.
  • www.gasavers.org
  • more (click on the "edit" button to the right of the heading)
[edit]

Related Sites

  • Shurepower (http://www.shurepower.com/) - Truck stop electrification (TSE) technology allows truckers to plug in during rest periods for fuel efficiency, money savings, cleaner air, and a better night's rest. No more idling, noise and vibration during layovers. It delivers power for on board amenities such as heating, cooling and entertainment. Drivers also have access to cable TV, Internet and phone connections.
[edit]

Related Technologies

Not specifically geared toward a retrofit or even fuel consumption, though still related to transportation. For example, water as fuel, solar power, other propulsion systems that have nothing to do with fossil fuel. If they can be implemented in existing vehicles as a retrofit, then they belong in the "Retrofits" section above.

  • Skytrain (http://www.skytraincorp.com/) - Overhead Supported Light Rail (OSLR) transit runs on steel wheels, which carry heavier loading , larger vehicles and consume less than a quarter of the energy of motion consumed by vehicles on rubber tires. Regenerative braking adds as much as 40% additional savings in energy. Propulsion can be electric or traditional diesel-electric.
    • Skytrain Forerunners (http://safege.free.fr/Histoire/Histoire.html) - This is the site of the French forerunner of Skytrain which is a carbon copy without any reference to it.
  • DK Group (http://www.dkgroup.dk/) - The Air Cavity System improves the fuel efficiency of ships up to 15% by reducing the frictional resistance (http://www.hydrofoils.org/Acs/acs.html) of the hull surface. This is achieved by replacing the flat-bottom surface of the vessels hull with a specially designed Air Cavity System that minimizes the hull/water contact area.
  • Moller Skycar (http://www.moller.com/) - developing a personal air transportation device.
  • Magplane (http://www.magplane.com/) - uses individual passive vehicles, magnetically levitated above a trough of semi-circular cross section, for intracity transportation that will link metropolitan regions. Vehicles are propelled by a linear synchronous motor winding in the magway and controlled by a central computer. They can negotiate horizontal curves of 2 km radius at 360 km/h with airplane comfort.
  • Dual-mode train-tram-bus systems gain momentum (http://www.gizmag.com/go/6634/) - Japanese rail firm JR Hokkaido is poised to launch its dual-mode bus and rail vehicle, that will run on tram or train tracks and is also capable of driving on the road. Preliminary trials suggest the vehicle’s fuel cost is about a quarter of a diesel vehicle, and maintenance cost about one-eighth, while offering the flexibility to extend railed systems. (Gizmag; December 18, 2006)
  • Taxi 2000 (http://www.taxi2000.com/) - SkyWeb Express is a system of three-passenger vehicles that travel on a network of elevated guideways. Empty vehicles wait for passengers, who select a destination, purchase a ticket, and travel directly to their destinations without stopping. You don't share your trip with strangers, just with your family or friends.
  • MagneMotion (http://www.magnemotion.com/products/maglev/main.shtml) - Maglev (M³) transportation system is based on ElectroMagnetic Suspension using only one set of permanent magnets for propulsion, levitation and guidance. It is a cost effective, low power, and energy efficient system for urban environments that cuts travel time and operating cost in half.
  • Air propelled train (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/07/cool-videos-air-propelled-train-personal-street-car/) - Aeromovel (http://www.aeromovel.com/) is a train that is driven by compressed air and which has no on-board motor. It uses a sail-like propulsion device on what looks like traditional train tracks. Stationary electrical blowers, located close to the passenger stations produce the necessary pressurized air. (AutoblogGreen; Jan. 7, 2008)
  • SmartSkyways.com (http://www.smartskyways.com/) - modular rail car (switchable, automated) going to prototype phase. Is open to alternative energy technology for power source. concept overview (http://smartskyways.com/summary/overview.html).
  • StarDrive Engineering (http://www.stardrivedevice.com/) - "A reactionless space drive that is theoretically capable of breaking the light barrier!! in a somewhat simpler form, could actually now be used for electric power generation on a commercial scale far more efficiently and economically than any other method known"
[edit]

Contact

  • User John Q. Public - is responsible for much of the content on this page. Leave a comment on his 'talk' page. He'll see it next time he logs in.
[edit]

See Also

- Other Directory listings • Latest • A-I • J-R • S-Z • Tree • News
- PESWiki home page

Retrieved from "http://www.peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Fuel_Efficiency"
Related

for sale . . .

for businesses . . .

Related