If you're wondering why the supposedly substantially longer-lasting battery life of you shiny new iPhone 4 just is not as great as you thought it would be, check your Bluetooth utilization prior to you condemn your phone.
The battery for the iPhone 4 is considerably larger than those on previous models, and is advertised to work for a lot longer, in both talk/ use time and standby than on older iPhones. When you may well have gotten your new iPhone (and especially some new accessories) and come across that your battery life is just not living up to your expectations, you'll discover a couple of issues that you should take a look at initial. These consist of your Bluetooth utilization, use of GPS systems, push notifications, WiFi settings, and display settings.
Let's just speak about Bluetooth utilization for now. In case you may possibly have introduced your system to any Bluetooth gadgets, and in case you may well have Bluetooth turned on in settings, your iPhone will likely be making use of energy checking to see if those gadgets are readily offered every and every single few seconds. Inside the event you're not making use of the defined devices, you are incredibly significantly a lot better off, battery-wise, to turn Bluetooth off. That also means that you'll be ahead to turn Bluetooth processing off as soon as you stop utilizing a Bluetooth device.
To turn off Bluetooth entirely, tap on the "Settings" icon, then on "General" on the Settings display. Part way down the General page, you will see the "Bluetooth" entry. To the proper, it says regardless of whether Bluetooth is On or Off. If it is On, tap about the word "Bluetooth" and then once around the On / Off slider 0n the resulting display. Which will flip Bluetooth completely off. When you as soon as again need to use a bluetooth gadget, just reverse that process to turn Bluetooth back on.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Apple Launches the New 11 and 13 Inch Macbook Air in India
Apple's officially launched the new Macbook Air in its 11 and 13 inch versions. The personal computer was unveiled at final month's Back again For the Mac event. The 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air will likely be accessible by means of the Apple Authorized Resellers in India. The 1.4-GHz 11-inch MacBook Air with 2GB of memory and 64GB of flash storage begins at a value of Rs. 60,900 which has a 128GB product for Rs. 72,900. The 1.86 GHz 13-inch MacBook Air with 2GB of memory and 128GB of flash storage begins at a value of Rs. 79,900 which has a 256GB product will promote for Rs. 98,900. Configure-to-order alternatives and accessories contain more rapidly processors, 4GB of memory, MacBook Air SuperDrive plus a USB Ethernet Adapter.
This can be the Macbook Air that is touted to be an pricey netbook. It is also the laptop you don't need to take out of your bag when becoming security screened in the airport. Whilst it is totally logical why Apple would launch the Macbook Air in India way sooner than other cool objects, say the iPad or iPhone 4, it is undoubtedly not cool.
This can be the Macbook Air that is touted to be an pricey netbook. It is also the laptop you don't need to take out of your bag when becoming security screened in the airport. Whilst it is totally logical why Apple would launch the Macbook Air in India way sooner than other cool objects, say the iPad or iPhone 4, it is undoubtedly not cool.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
New High-Powered Organic Batteries
Chemists from the University of Texas developed new organic batteries that offer lightweight energy storage. Unlike similar developments, their new battery does not rely on toxic heavy metals, making it a potential ecologic replacement for current batteries. The new study, conducted by Christopher Bielawski and Jonathan Sessler, tries to improve the way electrons move back and forth between two molecules, since this event creates electricity. Moreover, it may be a necessary step toward making artificial photosynthesis, where fuel might be generated directly from the sun, a lot as plants do.
According to previous studies, the exchange of electrons between molecules frequently form new compounds. In some cases, the electron transfer procedure creates one molecule with a positive charge and one molecule with a negative charge. Molecules with opposite charges are attracted to each other and can combine to form something new.
In this latest study, published in Science, the chemists produced two molecules that could meet and exchange electrons ¡§C but not unite to form a new compound. "These molecules were effectively spring-loaded to push apart following interacting with each other," explained Bielawski. "After electron transfer occurs, two positively charged molecules are formed which are repelled by each other, a lot like magnets held in a certain way will repel each other. We also installed a chemical switch that allowed the electron transfer procedure to proceed in the opposite direction."
The new system gives the capability to produce efficient organic battery. By understanding the electron transfer processes in these molecules, the group could design organic materials for storing electrical energy that could then be retrieved for later use. While similar plans were made in the past, other researchers lacked the capability to manipulate electron flow. "This is the first time that the forward and backward switching of electron flow has been accomplished via a switching procedure at the molecular scale," said Sessler.
The paper defines organic batteries by likening it to regular batteries; nevertheless, rather than heavy metals, organic materials are used. They are lightweight, can be molded into any shape, have the potential to store much more energy than conventional batteries, and are safer and cheaper to produce. Thanks to the development with the molecular switch, the group can ensure the electron movement will produce electricity. "I am excited about the prospect of coupling this kind of electron transfer 'molecular switch' with light harvesting to go following what may be an improved artificial photosynthetic device," says Sessler. "Realizing this dream would represent a big step forward for science."
Aside from improving battery technologies, the research may help develop technologies that mimics plants' capability to harvest light and convert it to energy. With such a technologies, fuel might be produced directly from the sun, rather than through a plant mediator, such as corn.
The most exciting application with the new development, nevertheless, is making smaller, lighter, and much more efficient batteries. "I would love it if my iPhone was thinner and lighter, and the battery lasted a month or even a week rather than a day," says Bielawski. "With an organic battery, it might be possible. We are now starting to get a handle on the fundamental chemistry needed to make this dream a commercial reality."
The group collaborated with a number of scientists from multiple institutions, but they wish to specially credit graduate student Jung Su Park, for his detailed work growing crystals with the two molecules. Their next step is to demonstrate these processes can occur in a condensed phase, like in a film, rather than in solution.
According to previous studies, the exchange of electrons between molecules frequently form new compounds. In some cases, the electron transfer procedure creates one molecule with a positive charge and one molecule with a negative charge. Molecules with opposite charges are attracted to each other and can combine to form something new.
In this latest study, published in Science, the chemists produced two molecules that could meet and exchange electrons ¡§C but not unite to form a new compound. "These molecules were effectively spring-loaded to push apart following interacting with each other," explained Bielawski. "After electron transfer occurs, two positively charged molecules are formed which are repelled by each other, a lot like magnets held in a certain way will repel each other. We also installed a chemical switch that allowed the electron transfer procedure to proceed in the opposite direction."
The new system gives the capability to produce efficient organic battery. By understanding the electron transfer processes in these molecules, the group could design organic materials for storing electrical energy that could then be retrieved for later use. While similar plans were made in the past, other researchers lacked the capability to manipulate electron flow. "This is the first time that the forward and backward switching of electron flow has been accomplished via a switching procedure at the molecular scale," said Sessler.
The paper defines organic batteries by likening it to regular batteries; nevertheless, rather than heavy metals, organic materials are used. They are lightweight, can be molded into any shape, have the potential to store much more energy than conventional batteries, and are safer and cheaper to produce. Thanks to the development with the molecular switch, the group can ensure the electron movement will produce electricity. "I am excited about the prospect of coupling this kind of electron transfer 'molecular switch' with light harvesting to go following what may be an improved artificial photosynthetic device," says Sessler. "Realizing this dream would represent a big step forward for science."
Aside from improving battery technologies, the research may help develop technologies that mimics plants' capability to harvest light and convert it to energy. With such a technologies, fuel might be produced directly from the sun, rather than through a plant mediator, such as corn.
The most exciting application with the new development, nevertheless, is making smaller, lighter, and much more efficient batteries. "I would love it if my iPhone was thinner and lighter, and the battery lasted a month or even a week rather than a day," says Bielawski. "With an organic battery, it might be possible. We are now starting to get a handle on the fundamental chemistry needed to make this dream a commercial reality."
The group collaborated with a number of scientists from multiple institutions, but they wish to specially credit graduate student Jung Su Park, for his detailed work growing crystals with the two molecules. Their next step is to demonstrate these processes can occur in a condensed phase, like in a film, rather than in solution.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Li-ion batteries in electric cars greener than believed
For the initial time, researchers at Empa have made a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) or ecobalance of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, in specific the chemically improved (i.e. much more environmentally friendly) version on the ones most frequently used in electrical vehicles.
The investigation shows that if the energy utilized to charge the battery isn't derived from purely hydroelectric sources, then it is primarily the operation in the electric vehicle, which has an environmental impact, exactly as is the case with conventionally fuelled automobiles.
The size with the environmental footprint depends on which sources of power are employed to "fuel" the e-mobile.
About the other hand, the Li-ion battery itself has a limited impact on the LCA in the electric powered vehicle.
This is contrary to initial expectations that the manufacture of the batteries could negate the advantages in the electric powered drive.
Battery powered electric powered cars are usually promoted as the ideal solution on the challenges of future mobility, since they produce no exhaust gases in operation.
Li-ion batteries have established themselves over competing lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) types due to the fact they are lighter and can store additional energy.
Li-ion batteries are also basically maintenance-free, display no memory effect (loss of capacity when repeatedly charged after partial discharge), have a low self-discharge rate and are regarded as safe and long-lived.
Researchers at Empa's "Technology and Society Laboratory" decided to come across out if they are also environmentally friendly for sure.
They calculated the ecological footprints of electric powered cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all achievable relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way via towards scrapping on the vehicle as well as the disposal of the remains, including the operation with the vehicle throughout its lifetime.
The analyze shows that the electric powered car's Li-ion battery drive is actually only a moderate environmental burden.
At most only 15 per cent with the total burden could be ascribed on the battery (such as its manufacture, maintenance and disposal). Half of this figure, that's about 7.5 per cent with the total environmental burden, occurs during the refining and manufacture in the battery's raw materials, copper and aluminium.
The production in the lithium, from the other hand, is responsible for only 2.3 per cent in the total.
"Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries aren't as poor as previously assumed," said Dominic Notter, coauthor with the analyze.
The Empa team concluded that a petrol-engined auto need to consume between three and four litres per 100 kilometers (or about 70 mpg) in order to be as environmentally friendly as the e-car studied, powered with Li-ion batteries and charged with a typical European electricity mix.
The study has just been published within the scientific journal "Environmental Science and Technology".
The investigation shows that if the energy utilized to charge the battery isn't derived from purely hydroelectric sources, then it is primarily the operation in the electric vehicle, which has an environmental impact, exactly as is the case with conventionally fuelled automobiles.
The size with the environmental footprint depends on which sources of power are employed to "fuel" the e-mobile.
About the other hand, the Li-ion battery itself has a limited impact on the LCA in the electric powered vehicle.
This is contrary to initial expectations that the manufacture of the batteries could negate the advantages in the electric powered drive.
Battery powered electric powered cars are usually promoted as the ideal solution on the challenges of future mobility, since they produce no exhaust gases in operation.
Li-ion batteries have established themselves over competing lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) types due to the fact they are lighter and can store additional energy.
Li-ion batteries are also basically maintenance-free, display no memory effect (loss of capacity when repeatedly charged after partial discharge), have a low self-discharge rate and are regarded as safe and long-lived.
Researchers at Empa's "Technology and Society Laboratory" decided to come across out if they are also environmentally friendly for sure.
They calculated the ecological footprints of electric powered cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all achievable relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way via towards scrapping on the vehicle as well as the disposal of the remains, including the operation with the vehicle throughout its lifetime.
The analyze shows that the electric powered car's Li-ion battery drive is actually only a moderate environmental burden.
At most only 15 per cent with the total burden could be ascribed on the battery (such as its manufacture, maintenance and disposal). Half of this figure, that's about 7.5 per cent with the total environmental burden, occurs during the refining and manufacture in the battery's raw materials, copper and aluminium.
The production in the lithium, from the other hand, is responsible for only 2.3 per cent in the total.
"Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries aren't as poor as previously assumed," said Dominic Notter, coauthor with the analyze.
The Empa team concluded that a petrol-engined auto need to consume between three and four litres per 100 kilometers (or about 70 mpg) in order to be as environmentally friendly as the e-car studied, powered with Li-ion batteries and charged with a typical European electricity mix.
The study has just been published within the scientific journal "Environmental Science and Technology".
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
UPS analysing lithium battery safety after crash
DUBAI — The operator of the Boeing 747 cargo aircraft which went down inside Nad Al Sheba military camp area here last month, explained on Sunday it was assessing hearth dangers posed by lithium batteries, based on a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report on Friday. The crash killed both pilots.
The FAA had stated in its alert that the plane’s cargo contained huge quantities of these batteries. "We note too that United Parcel Service (UPS) Flight 006 crashed inside United Arab Emirates on September 3, 2010. Investigation from the crash is still underway, as well as the cause with the crash has not been determined. We are aware, nevertheless, that the plane’s cargo did include big quantities of lithium batteries and believe it prudent to advise operators of that fact."
Speaking to Khaleej Times, UPS Public Relations Manager Mike Mangeot, said the firm was in the process of analysing the authority’s report on fireplace dangers of lithium batteries.
"Speaking broadly, UPS has a standing lithium battery working group and an in-flight hearth mitigation group which are already looking at difficulties similar to those outlined inside Safo (Security Alert for Operators)." Mangeot stated the corporation would not be drawn into speculating the result in of the crash when an official inquiry was being conducted by a team headed by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and included professionals from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, FAA and UPS.
It's crucial to understand that the investigation into the Dubai accident has not mentioned a result in, and may possibly not for quite some time, until experts have been able to conduct a thorough analysis of the facts, he explained.
"We commend the FAA for its drive to improve lithium battery safety and have a long track record of operating with them to improve security on industry-wide concerns like this," he added.
The Wall Street Journal had first reported that lithium batteries could have stoked the fire on board the ill-fated flight.
Smoke was reported from the cockpit along with the two pilots mentioned they were unable to maintain altitude, according to an GCAA statement earlier.
The FAA said lithium metal batteries were highly flammable and capable of ignition. "This might be caused when a battery short circuits, is overcharged, is heated to extreme temperatures, is mishandled, or is otherwise defective.’
The FAA had stated in its alert that the plane’s cargo contained huge quantities of these batteries. "We note too that United Parcel Service (UPS) Flight 006 crashed inside United Arab Emirates on September 3, 2010. Investigation from the crash is still underway, as well as the cause with the crash has not been determined. We are aware, nevertheless, that the plane’s cargo did include big quantities of lithium batteries and believe it prudent to advise operators of that fact."
Speaking to Khaleej Times, UPS Public Relations Manager Mike Mangeot, said the firm was in the process of analysing the authority’s report on fireplace dangers of lithium batteries.
"Speaking broadly, UPS has a standing lithium battery working group and an in-flight hearth mitigation group which are already looking at difficulties similar to those outlined inside Safo (Security Alert for Operators)." Mangeot stated the corporation would not be drawn into speculating the result in of the crash when an official inquiry was being conducted by a team headed by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and included professionals from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, FAA and UPS.
It's crucial to understand that the investigation into the Dubai accident has not mentioned a result in, and may possibly not for quite some time, until experts have been able to conduct a thorough analysis of the facts, he explained.
"We commend the FAA for its drive to improve lithium battery safety and have a long track record of operating with them to improve security on industry-wide concerns like this," he added.
The Wall Street Journal had first reported that lithium batteries could have stoked the fire on board the ill-fated flight.
Smoke was reported from the cockpit along with the two pilots mentioned they were unable to maintain altitude, according to an GCAA statement earlier.
The FAA said lithium metal batteries were highly flammable and capable of ignition. "This might be caused when a battery short circuits, is overcharged, is heated to extreme temperatures, is mishandled, or is otherwise defective.’
Friday, October 8, 2010
MacBook firmware update addresses battery problems
Should you have a Macbook from 2007-2008, run your Software program Update. Apple has released a firmware patch that clears up some bugs with your battery. The bug doesn’t affect everybody, so you may possibly not have noticed it, but if you’ve switched to an L-shaped MagSafe adapter recently, and you can’t get your laptop to charge, this need to fix your problem.
You may get the update via your Computer software Update, or by downloading the installer (Macbook or Macbook Pro).
I seem to be having a comparable dilemma with my early 2009 Macbook Pro. The MacSafe adapter’s LED indicator doesn’t light up anymore. I haven’t been able to figure it out. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know within the comments.
You may get the update via your Computer software Update, or by downloading the installer (Macbook or Macbook Pro).
I seem to be having a comparable dilemma with my early 2009 Macbook Pro. The MacSafe adapter’s LED indicator doesn’t light up anymore. I haven’t been able to figure it out. If anyone has any ideas, feel free to let me know within the comments.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Competition for Lithium Battery Technology Heating Up
Toshiba Corp is targeting greater than ten percent in the rechargeable battery market share in five years, with an ambitious eye for a considerable distribution in the surging but extremely competitive sector.
Toshiba’s strategy to help boost the company’s development and weather the impact of volatile costs for chips is focused on the international appetite for batteries to power hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrical vehicles. Toshiba has made the company one of its focus areas but increasing demand is also making competition fiercer, with Toshiba and its Japanese peers, including current leader Sanyo Electrical Co, NEC and Hitachi, facing South Korea’s LG Chem and other rising rivals around the world.
“We would like to expand our business with the hope of securing a greater than 10 percent share (with the global lithium-ion battery market),” Toshiba chief executive Norio Sasaki stated at a news conference held in Kashiwazaki, northern Japan, to celebrate the completion of its second lithium-ion battery factory.
Toshiba will start out mass-producing its rechargeable SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery) in February 2011 with an initial capability to make 500,000 cells per month and it plans to double that by March 2012. Toshiba manufacturers its SCiB at another facility in central Japan, which has a monthly capacity of 150,000 cells.
In April Honda Motor Co. introduced plans to adopt Toshiba’s SCiB for its electrical motorcycles and Mitsubishi Corp is jointly developing battery systems containing the SCiB with Toshiba for electric cars.
Related International Developments
Last week, billionaire Warren Buffett confirmed his support and investment in Chinese automaker BYD Co., announcing the company will be a leader in electrical cars. The carmaker is currently dealing with challenges ahead as it tries to address falling sales, as it slashed its 2010 sales outlook by 25 p.c to 600,000 motor vehicles from 800,000 on Aug. four. The fabled oracle of Omaha reported, “BYD is a young and promising business experiencing dynamic growth. BYD will play a leading role inside the future.” Berkshire Hathaway owns 10 p.c of your automaker by way of MidAmerican Power Holdings, based in Des Moines, Iowa.
The corporation in fact began as a battery maker, founded by China’s richest man, Wang Chuanfu, and entered the automobile market in 2003 mass producing the world’s first plug-in hybrid five years later. The carmaker ideas to start out selling the E6 electric car in the U.S. this 12 months and in Europe next yr. The E6 will take six hours for a full charge and will run for greater than 300 kilometers per charge in cruising mode.
BYD is adding electrical vehicles and plug-in hybrids as rivals for instance General Motors and Nissan plan to introduce battery-powered models in China. The nation, the world’s biggest polluter, is offering buyer incentives for fuel-efficient cars to help cut emissions.
In June, the government mentioned it would offer as a lot as $7,400 towards the buy of plug-in hybrid models and up to 60,000 yuan for autos that run only on batteries in 5 Chinese cities on a trial basis. The National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner has announced the nation may subsidize purchases of at least four million energy-efficient automobiles by 2012.
Mining News
Galaxy Resources has produced its first lithium concentrate from the Mount Cattlin operation, in Western Australia. On Tuesday the company stated that the production start-up was on schedule and followed the successful commissioning with the crushing circuit and heavy media plant. It's expected the Mount Cattlin mine and minerals plant will produce 137, 000 tonnes per 12 months of 6 % lithium oxide spodumene concentrate, which Galaxy would add value to by building the Jiangsu downstream lithium processing facility, in China. The plant will have the capability to generate 17, 000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate that's suitable for use in manufacturing battery cathode materials. On Monday, Galaxy announced that it would raise $30 million from Chinese investments, and said that it may possibly list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Toshiba’s strategy to help boost the company’s development and weather the impact of volatile costs for chips is focused on the international appetite for batteries to power hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrical vehicles. Toshiba has made the company one of its focus areas but increasing demand is also making competition fiercer, with Toshiba and its Japanese peers, including current leader Sanyo Electrical Co, NEC and Hitachi, facing South Korea’s LG Chem and other rising rivals around the world.
“We would like to expand our business with the hope of securing a greater than 10 percent share (with the global lithium-ion battery market),” Toshiba chief executive Norio Sasaki stated at a news conference held in Kashiwazaki, northern Japan, to celebrate the completion of its second lithium-ion battery factory.
Toshiba will start out mass-producing its rechargeable SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery) in February 2011 with an initial capability to make 500,000 cells per month and it plans to double that by March 2012. Toshiba manufacturers its SCiB at another facility in central Japan, which has a monthly capacity of 150,000 cells.
In April Honda Motor Co. introduced plans to adopt Toshiba’s SCiB for its electrical motorcycles and Mitsubishi Corp is jointly developing battery systems containing the SCiB with Toshiba for electric cars.
Related International Developments
Last week, billionaire Warren Buffett confirmed his support and investment in Chinese automaker BYD Co., announcing the company will be a leader in electrical cars. The carmaker is currently dealing with challenges ahead as it tries to address falling sales, as it slashed its 2010 sales outlook by 25 p.c to 600,000 motor vehicles from 800,000 on Aug. four. The fabled oracle of Omaha reported, “BYD is a young and promising business experiencing dynamic growth. BYD will play a leading role inside the future.” Berkshire Hathaway owns 10 p.c of your automaker by way of MidAmerican Power Holdings, based in Des Moines, Iowa.
The corporation in fact began as a battery maker, founded by China’s richest man, Wang Chuanfu, and entered the automobile market in 2003 mass producing the world’s first plug-in hybrid five years later. The carmaker ideas to start out selling the E6 electric car in the U.S. this 12 months and in Europe next yr. The E6 will take six hours for a full charge and will run for greater than 300 kilometers per charge in cruising mode.
BYD is adding electrical vehicles and plug-in hybrids as rivals for instance General Motors and Nissan plan to introduce battery-powered models in China. The nation, the world’s biggest polluter, is offering buyer incentives for fuel-efficient cars to help cut emissions.
In June, the government mentioned it would offer as a lot as $7,400 towards the buy of plug-in hybrid models and up to 60,000 yuan for autos that run only on batteries in 5 Chinese cities on a trial basis. The National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner has announced the nation may subsidize purchases of at least four million energy-efficient automobiles by 2012.
Mining News
Galaxy Resources has produced its first lithium concentrate from the Mount Cattlin operation, in Western Australia. On Tuesday the company stated that the production start-up was on schedule and followed the successful commissioning with the crushing circuit and heavy media plant. It's expected the Mount Cattlin mine and minerals plant will produce 137, 000 tonnes per 12 months of 6 % lithium oxide spodumene concentrate, which Galaxy would add value to by building the Jiangsu downstream lithium processing facility, in China. The plant will have the capability to generate 17, 000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate that's suitable for use in manufacturing battery cathode materials. On Monday, Galaxy announced that it would raise $30 million from Chinese investments, and said that it may possibly list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Get a Better Battery Gauge for Your Laptop
Over the years, Windows has gotten progressively better at laptop ability management--but it still doesn't tell you very much about your battery.
Enter BatteryBar, a totally free, easy, ingenious ability gauge that is compatible with XP, Vista, and Windows 7--and really should have been built into all three of them.
Generally, you have to mouse over that tiny System Tray strength icon if you would like Windows' read on just how much battery life is left. BatteryBar adds a full-time, at-a-glance gauge to the proper side of the taskbar, which, by itself, is mighty handy.
That gauge shows you either a percentage of battery life remaining or the amount of runtime left; clicking it toggles between the two readings. Interestingly, when you're running on AC energy, the gauge switches from green to blue and shows how long until you reach a full cost.
But wait, there's far more: if you mouse more than the gauge, a pop-up window displays a boatload of extra facts, for example total battery capacity, charge/discharge rate, AC status, and even a lifetime estimate based on historical charge/discharge data. That's what I'm talking about!
Although BatteryBar is no cost, there's also a Pro version that adds a lot more features, like a graph of battery profiles, low/critical energy warnings, and automatic power-scheme switching that kicks in when you switch between AC and battery ability.
How much? The developer sort of lets you choose your own price: $3 for a one-year license, $5 for two years, or $7-9 for lifetime. Pony up $10 and you get two lifetime licenses.
While I suspect most users will probably be happy enough with the no cost version, I admire this creative approach to pricing.
I love this program. Do not run a laptop without it.
Enter BatteryBar, a totally free, easy, ingenious ability gauge that is compatible with XP, Vista, and Windows 7--and really should have been built into all three of them.
Generally, you have to mouse over that tiny System Tray strength icon if you would like Windows' read on just how much battery life is left. BatteryBar adds a full-time, at-a-glance gauge to the proper side of the taskbar, which, by itself, is mighty handy.
That gauge shows you either a percentage of battery life remaining or the amount of runtime left; clicking it toggles between the two readings. Interestingly, when you're running on AC energy, the gauge switches from green to blue and shows how long until you reach a full cost.
But wait, there's far more: if you mouse more than the gauge, a pop-up window displays a boatload of extra facts, for example total battery capacity, charge/discharge rate, AC status, and even a lifetime estimate based on historical charge/discharge data. That's what I'm talking about!
Although BatteryBar is no cost, there's also a Pro version that adds a lot more features, like a graph of battery profiles, low/critical energy warnings, and automatic power-scheme switching that kicks in when you switch between AC and battery ability.
How much? The developer sort of lets you choose your own price: $3 for a one-year license, $5 for two years, or $7-9 for lifetime. Pony up $10 and you get two lifetime licenses.
While I suspect most users will probably be happy enough with the no cost version, I admire this creative approach to pricing.
I love this program. Do not run a laptop without it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Li-ion batteries in electric cars greener than believed
For the first time, researchers at Empa have made a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) or ecobalance of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, in particular the chemically improved (i.e. additional environmentally friendly) version from the ones most frequently utilized in electric vehicles.
The investigation shows that if the energy used to charge the battery is not derived from purely hydroelectric sources, then it is primarily the operation with the electric automobile, which has an environmental impact, precisely as is the case with conventionally fuelled automobiles.
The size with the environmental footprint depends on which sources of energy are applied to "fuel" the e-mobile.
About the other hand, the Li-ion battery itself has a limited impact about the LCA on the electrical automobile.
This is contrary to initial expectations that the manufacture of the batteries could negate the advantages of the electrical drive.
Battery powered electric powered cars are usually promoted as the ideal solution towards challenges of future mobility, since they produce no exhaust gases in operation.
Li-ion batteries have established themselves over competing lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) kinds due to the fact they're lighter and can store a lot more energy.
Li-ion batteries are also basically maintenance-free, display no memory effect (loss of capacity when repeatedly charged after partial discharge), have a low self-discharge rate and are regarded as safe and long-lived.
Researchers at Empa's "Technology and Society Laboratory" decided to discover out if they are also environmentally friendly for sure.
They calculated the ecological footprints of electrical cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all possible relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way through to the scrapping of the car as well as the disposal in the remains, including the operation in the car through its lifetime.
The analyze shows that the electric car's Li-ion battery drive is in fact only a moderate environmental burden.
At most only 15 per cent of the total burden might be ascribed on the battery (including its manufacture, maintenance and disposal). Half of this figure, that is about 7.5 per cent in the total environmental burden, occurs in the course of the refining and manufacture of the battery's raw materials, copper and aluminium.
The production from the lithium, in the other hand, is responsible for only 2.3 per cent with the total.
"Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries aren't as poor as previously assumed," said Dominic Notter, coauthor of the study.
The Empa team concluded that a petrol-engined automobile should consume between three and four litres per 100 kilometers (or about 70 mpg) in order to be as environmentally friendly as the e-car studied, powered with Li-ion batteries and charged with a typical European electricity mix.
The study has just been published in the scientific journal "Environmental Science and Technology".
The investigation shows that if the energy used to charge the battery is not derived from purely hydroelectric sources, then it is primarily the operation with the electric automobile, which has an environmental impact, precisely as is the case with conventionally fuelled automobiles.
The size with the environmental footprint depends on which sources of energy are applied to "fuel" the e-mobile.
About the other hand, the Li-ion battery itself has a limited impact about the LCA on the electrical automobile.
This is contrary to initial expectations that the manufacture of the batteries could negate the advantages of the electrical drive.
Battery powered electric powered cars are usually promoted as the ideal solution towards challenges of future mobility, since they produce no exhaust gases in operation.
Li-ion batteries have established themselves over competing lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) kinds due to the fact they're lighter and can store a lot more energy.
Li-ion batteries are also basically maintenance-free, display no memory effect (loss of capacity when repeatedly charged after partial discharge), have a low self-discharge rate and are regarded as safe and long-lived.
Researchers at Empa's "Technology and Society Laboratory" decided to discover out if they are also environmentally friendly for sure.
They calculated the ecological footprints of electrical cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all possible relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way through to the scrapping of the car as well as the disposal in the remains, including the operation in the car through its lifetime.
The analyze shows that the electric car's Li-ion battery drive is in fact only a moderate environmental burden.
At most only 15 per cent of the total burden might be ascribed on the battery (including its manufacture, maintenance and disposal). Half of this figure, that is about 7.5 per cent in the total environmental burden, occurs in the course of the refining and manufacture of the battery's raw materials, copper and aluminium.
The production from the lithium, in the other hand, is responsible for only 2.3 per cent with the total.
"Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries aren't as poor as previously assumed," said Dominic Notter, coauthor of the study.
The Empa team concluded that a petrol-engined automobile should consume between three and four litres per 100 kilometers (or about 70 mpg) in order to be as environmentally friendly as the e-car studied, powered with Li-ion batteries and charged with a typical European electricity mix.
The study has just been published in the scientific journal "Environmental Science and Technology".
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Toyota to release alarm for quiet Prius hybrid to warn pedestrians
Toyota Motor Corp. is set to release an alarming device for its quiet Prius hybrid car later this month in a bid to warn pedestrians, the business has announced.
There have been some claims that the engine noise of hybrid and electric cars is barely audible for pedestrians to notice approaching vehicles, specially when they're moving at low speeds.
Toyota is going to be the world's initial automaker to launch an accessory to alert pedestrians of approaching vehicles. The alarm system will cost a total of some 20,000 yen, including the installation cost. The new item will become obtainable at Toyota car or truck dealers nationwide from Aug. 30.
The alarm technique produces a fake motor noise from a dedicated speaker attached to the vehicle's engine compartment, which is as loud as that of conventional gasoline cars. The tone becomes higher as the automobile speeds up, but it stops when the driving speed exceeds 25 kilometers per hour. The technique may be switched off by remote control.
The automaker is also planning to release similar warning equipment for other hybrid models. It has yet to choose regardless of whether to pre-install the system to every hybrid model as standard gear.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s i-MiEV electric car will also come equipped with an alarm process for pedestrians from this autumn, as well as Nissan Motor's new Fuga hybrid model and Leaf electric vehicle -- both of which are scheduled to hit the market later this year.
Meanwhile, Honda Motor Co. said it will not introduce such a technique, saying, "The engine of our hybrid vehicle is running all the time, so it requires no artificial noise."
There have been some claims that the engine noise of hybrid and electric cars is barely audible for pedestrians to notice approaching vehicles, specially when they're moving at low speeds.
Toyota is going to be the world's initial automaker to launch an accessory to alert pedestrians of approaching vehicles. The alarm system will cost a total of some 20,000 yen, including the installation cost. The new item will become obtainable at Toyota car or truck dealers nationwide from Aug. 30.
The alarm technique produces a fake motor noise from a dedicated speaker attached to the vehicle's engine compartment, which is as loud as that of conventional gasoline cars. The tone becomes higher as the automobile speeds up, but it stops when the driving speed exceeds 25 kilometers per hour. The technique may be switched off by remote control.
The automaker is also planning to release similar warning equipment for other hybrid models. It has yet to choose regardless of whether to pre-install the system to every hybrid model as standard gear.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s i-MiEV electric car will also come equipped with an alarm process for pedestrians from this autumn, as well as Nissan Motor's new Fuga hybrid model and Leaf electric vehicle -- both of which are scheduled to hit the market later this year.
Meanwhile, Honda Motor Co. said it will not introduce such a technique, saying, "The engine of our hybrid vehicle is running all the time, so it requires no artificial noise."
Understand your gadget’s batteries
An MP3 player or any portable gadget, including your phone, is pretty useless without power, so naturally electric batteries are very important. There’s a great deal of confusion both with regards to charging the batteries, preserving their maximum ability and maximising the usage per fee. Several on the rules on how to cost batteries are still close to in the old days, where electronics utilized fully diverse forms of power packs, but these have absolutely nothing to do with the reality these days.
Any modern gadget with a rechargeable battery will far more frequently than not have a lithium-based battery in it. Most persons have heard that you require to cost the battery for eight or much more several hours after you get it and leave it alone whilst charging.
The game fully changes when it comes to lithium-based electric batteries. We’re talking a absolutely diverse battery technology, one which has a whole other set of guidelines. For instance, Lithium batteries could be charged anytime, for any amount of time - all night, fine. Five minutes at a time, fine. 10 times a day, go ahead.
There’s no initialisation required, which means that the initial time you demand the battery is no distinct from the 100th time. You don’t need to impose it for an insane amount of several hours, as it'll shut down charging when it’s full anyway. In most cases, absolutely nothing poor will happen, but there’s a chance it will if you fully discharge the battery, specially if it is stored for extended periods of time with no fee.
Battery life varies greatly among different gadgets. The actual battery time you get out of a device depends not only on the ability from the battery, but also how effectively the gadget uses the electrical power. Some quite small MP3 players have rated battery lives inside the neighbourhood of 60 hours, which is a lot much more than larger players, yet they have physically smaller power packs.
The rating listed by the manufacturer is the optimistic version rather than what you most likely will get. Battery life depends on so numerous things that there is no way to know how much you will actually get. For instance, some men and women just can’t quit tinkering with their gadgets, an activity that sucks up your strength.
Unsurprisingly, a battery loses its capacity to hold fee with time and laptop batteries generally serve as a worst-case scenario as they usually lose their ability a good deal faster than anything else. This is due to several factors, like becoming discharged too frequently or getting kept at temperatures as well high. But if your battery is at this level, it is time to obtain a newer gadget or merely replace the battery.
With Lithium electric batteries, the finest thing you can do is absolutely ignore how and whenever you demand them and just be sure you have enough energy after you need to have it.
Lithium power packs are made to serve the user, not the other way around and the “tips and tricks” picked through the old days of other kinds of power packs in fact hurt lithium batteries. Use the device as you want and ensure you have adequate battery energy; don’t let the fear of running out of strength stop you from using it to the fullest.
Any modern gadget with a rechargeable battery will far more frequently than not have a lithium-based battery in it. Most persons have heard that you require to cost the battery for eight or much more several hours after you get it and leave it alone whilst charging.
The game fully changes when it comes to lithium-based electric batteries. We’re talking a absolutely diverse battery technology, one which has a whole other set of guidelines. For instance, Lithium batteries could be charged anytime, for any amount of time - all night, fine. Five minutes at a time, fine. 10 times a day, go ahead.
There’s no initialisation required, which means that the initial time you demand the battery is no distinct from the 100th time. You don’t need to impose it for an insane amount of several hours, as it'll shut down charging when it’s full anyway. In most cases, absolutely nothing poor will happen, but there’s a chance it will if you fully discharge the battery, specially if it is stored for extended periods of time with no fee.
Battery life varies greatly among different gadgets. The actual battery time you get out of a device depends not only on the ability from the battery, but also how effectively the gadget uses the electrical power. Some quite small MP3 players have rated battery lives inside the neighbourhood of 60 hours, which is a lot much more than larger players, yet they have physically smaller power packs.
The rating listed by the manufacturer is the optimistic version rather than what you most likely will get. Battery life depends on so numerous things that there is no way to know how much you will actually get. For instance, some men and women just can’t quit tinkering with their gadgets, an activity that sucks up your strength.
Unsurprisingly, a battery loses its capacity to hold fee with time and laptop batteries generally serve as a worst-case scenario as they usually lose their ability a good deal faster than anything else. This is due to several factors, like becoming discharged too frequently or getting kept at temperatures as well high. But if your battery is at this level, it is time to obtain a newer gadget or merely replace the battery.
With Lithium electric batteries, the finest thing you can do is absolutely ignore how and whenever you demand them and just be sure you have enough energy after you need to have it.
Lithium power packs are made to serve the user, not the other way around and the “tips and tricks” picked through the old days of other kinds of power packs in fact hurt lithium batteries. Use the device as you want and ensure you have adequate battery energy; don’t let the fear of running out of strength stop you from using it to the fullest.
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