Sunday, May 22, 2011


Panasonic, which is one of the well known electronics producing company has launched a new ultra portable projector by the name of Panasonic, PT-LB3U.This device comes in a white colour and has been equipped with a lot of advanced features.
This device comes with a contrast ratio 600:1 and provides a resolution count of 1024x768pixels.PT-LB3U also comes with a 3200 lumens brightness count. The technology that this projector from Panasonic works on is that it uses a lamp drive system which is capable of allowing the lamp to last up to 5000 hours. It can also be mounted on the ceiling and placed on the desktop.
Panasonic PT-LB3U uses the Daylight View Technology which lets users view clear video even in a well lit room. The other features which are available on this projector are that it can measure ambient light and is equipped with 220W UHM lamp. It includes dual VGA inputs, S-video and A serial inputs.


Epson is one of the leading computer product companies and it has announced to launch two new desktop PCs called Epson Endeavour LX9000 and Pro5000.Both this devices come with a host of impressive features and good looking exteriors.
Epson Endeavour LX9000 is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 processor which provides quick processing speeds. It has also been fitted in with Intel G41E Express chipset graphics card. The other desktop Epson Endeavour Pro5000 supports many impressive features such as an Intel Sandy Bridge processor. Epson Endeavour Pro5000 has also been equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 graphics.
Epson Endeavour LX9000 supports up to 4GB of RAM along with up to 1TB HDD memory while its cousin has been made available with an NVIDIA Quadro 2000.It also supports HDD and SSD for the convenience of the users. With these ultra modern features and specifications, both these products have become a huge hit in the market.



HP, one of the leading producers of IT products has announced the launch of their new monitor known as the HP X2301 LED Backlit LCD monitor. This new device from the company is one of the thinnest monitor screen known and comes with a host of impressive specifications. The metallic body makes it look sophisticated.
There comes a 23 inch LED backlit display screen with this monitor which is capable of letting users enjoy a resolution count of1980x1080 pixels. The speciality of this screen is that it delivers 3 million second grey to grey response time and contains mercury free LED backlit and arsenic free display glass.
This monitor from HP meets the Energy Star and EPEAT Silver certification level. The connectivity options provided are HDMI, DVI and VGA ports. HP X2301 LED Backlit LCD monitor also comes with the Bright View technology and the contrast ratio offered by this device is of 8000000:1.



Lenovo is all set to launch their new all in one desktop named as ThinkCentre EDGE 91Z. This device comes in a brilliant design and body and is equipped with many impressive specifications.
With this model comes a 21.5 inch HD LED Infinity screen with the feature of view management utility. It has been powered with the Intel Core i7 processor and also the Intel HD Graphics card which is expandable to 1GB AMD Radeon HD6650A.This desktop also includes a 6 in 1 card reader.
ThinkCentre Edge 91Z has been fitted in with a 2MP camera which can be used as the webcam and the feature of microphone has also been made available for the convenience of the users. The other features provided on this device include Wifi and Bluetooth for connectivity and 6USB ports too. It runs on the Windows 7 professional operating system and users can enjoy an 8GB RAM support.

Apple iPad 2 Launched in India – Specs, Features & Price


The Apple iPad 2 has already been launched in the US and several other countries on March 25. Now, approx. 1 month later, it’s coming up in India as well. The new Apple iPad 2 is the successor of the popular Apple iPad Tablet. It is one-third thinner, lighter than the old iPad, more powerful with double speed CPU and 9 times speed GPU. Also comes with the latest iOS 4.3.

Apple iPad2 with Covers 300x147 Apple iPad 2 Launched in India – Specs, Features & Price

Rumours and speculations have made the Apple iPad 2 as the much awaited gadget of 2011. So here are the Apple iPad 2 specifications:

  • Dimensions (HxWxD) : 241.2×185.7×8.8mm
  • Weight : 601 GM or 1.33 pounds
  • Storage : 16GB/32GB/64GB
  • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology
  • 3G : UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA , Quad band GSM/EDGE
  • Digital Compass
  • Sensors : Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor
  • GPS with A-GPS
  • Display : 9.7-inch LED-back-lit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology , 1024×768 resolution
  • Processor : 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 Processor
  • Camera : 5MP Rear and Front VGA
  • HD Video Player and Audio Player
  • Battery :
    • Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi
    • Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using 3G data network
  • Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system
  • 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
  • Built-in speaker
  • Micro-SIM card tray (Wi-Fi + 3G model)

Bike Number Plates Design

Model with MotorBike Bike Number Plates DesignThe motoring community in return to seeing an growing number of cyclists on the road. The term for bike registration is for the most part a knee jerk reaction. There are numerous ways that you can personalize your motorcycle if you are keen to spend a little money but perhaps one of the easiest and cheapest is to get your hands on some custom motorcycle number plates.

The cyclist’s is the one group of road users who do not have to have any form of licensing, identification or even a recognized qualification to use the public highways. For the bulk of road users, a license and some sort of registration plate such as a number plate is a legal requirement to be able to drive on the road like biker.

It’s a bit of a pain that we have to have number plates on your motorcycle at all really if you want your vehicle to look as good as possible. There is no doubt that the majority of us would do away with them if we weren’t at the mercy of the law. Motorbike number plates do nothing for the looks of your bike and they probably ruin your color scheme and disturb the lines of your machine.

Bike Number Plate Bike Number Plates DesignMany companies in the UK are using computer controlled design, printing and routing technologyto provide a service that you are guaranteed to be happy with within a few days. By following some simple steps first Design your plate by your own choice, second buy surely online & third they will deliver the number plate to you free.

What law says about Bike number plates?

  • Hand painted plates are not permitted to be used.
  • The correct number plate is attached on a bike rack and the vehicle number plate is not covered by the rack
  • Attach the rear number plate from your car to your bicycle rack when it is in use and then return it to your vehicle when you are not using the bicycle rack
  • The registered operator of a vehicle must ensure that the numbers and letters on the vehicle’s number plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres.
  • You can be fined if the number plate is illegible
  • A bicycle rack is usally fitted or attached to the towbar

5 New Green House Technology – Going Green at Home

As the economy takes a downturn and the earth’s resources start to get lower, many people consider going green in the home. Below are five new green technologies to consider when making environmentally-conscious enhancements to your home.

Solar Attic Fans:

Do you want to save up to 30% of your cooling expenses? Solar-powered attic fans will dissipate heat. This is useful in the summer when cooling costs rise. It’s also helpful in the winter when ice re-freezes, causing ice damage. In addition, these fans will offset moisture that accumulates via the shower, cooking, etc. — no more mold or mildew. They’re weather resistant and efficient.

Water-Conserving Showerheads:

According to EPA, we use 30,000 gallons of water per day. Through their WaterSense program, you could save some of this water (and your wallet). If you’re worried about water pressure, don’t be. These water-conserving shower heads are reported to have slightly larger water droplets that oscillate, hitting you from all different directions and eliminating the feeling of “low flow.”

LED Lamps:

The state of California has stopped selling 100-watt and 150-watt A19 incandescent light bulbs, and will stop selling 75-watt incandescent bulbs by 2013. This could become a trend. LED (light-emitting diodes) lamps emit light in short wavelengths, so they come in multiple colors. This is more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, which have a white light source and discard the colors of light (energy) not needed. They range from 5 to 100 watts and can last up to 30,000 hours. While LED lamps are more costly, they last longer and have tubes that don’t break.

Tankless Water Heaters:

It’s so often that people use water, even when they’re not…using it. Standard water heaters keep all water heated even when you’re not actively using it. Tankless water heaters heat water as you use it. Step 1: Turn on the tap. Step 2: The system heats the water. Step 3: The water comes out of the tap hot. There’s no need for a storage tank and you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. These demand water heaters can save 24%–34% more energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It doesn’t get much easier.

Solar Air Purifiers:

A greentech convenience, the solar air purifier is portable and silent. Eliminating odors like those from pets and smoke, you place it next to your window. The carbon filter and photo catalytic oxidation will strip the air of any smells, neutralize airborne viruses and render toxic gasses harmless. They’re also useful for people with allergies or respiratory issues. As long as there’s light, there’s a way.


New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in India

There are several Dual Sim mobile phones launched by leading brands in India market since they became popular in mid 2007. This featured article lists 5 such Dual SIM mobile phones, offer reasonable value for money with good performance.

LG A155 Dual Sim CellPhone New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in IndiaLG Mobiles in India launched latest dual sim mobile LG A155. With Dual SIM LG A155 is affordable to buy in India. As the Dual SIM mobile trend is going up and LG joins again with its latest mobile LG A155.LG A155 is a stylish Dual SIM GSM mobile Phone from LG company having MP3 Player and FM Radio available at attractive price in India. LG A155 comes with expandable memory, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. LG A155 has a 2 inch, 144 x 176 pixels TFT display, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, MicroSD Card support (up to just 2GB) but it doesn’t have any camera.

LG cookie Duet C310lg cookie duet c310 New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in IndiaLG introduces Cookie Duet C310 mobile phone featured with full QWERTY keypad and Dual SIM, Dual standby capability. Embedded with Internal Memory of 19 MB and support external microSD memory card upto 4GB. Built with 2.4? TFT display and 2 megapixel camera enabled with video recording and 2x digital zoom. Camera featured with continuous shot, White Balance and Self Timer captures high resolution images as well.

LG Cookie Duet C310 dual sim mobile phone Enabled with the features of anti-theft mobile tracker, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, JAVA enabled, GPRS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and much more. Powered through 1250 mA standard Li-ion battery for long lasting battery backup. Embedded withGames, Wallpapers and attractive themes turns your mobile into colourful entertaining gadget. Loaded with 64 mind blowing polyphonic ringtones and supports for MP3 ringtones as well.

LG KS660 Dual Sim Phonelg ks660 1 New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in IndiaLG has Unveiled latest dual-SIM phone LG KS660 which runs on tri-band network. LG KS660 handset allows users to have both their personal and business lines concurrently on a single device without change SIM Cards. LG KS660 features below:

  • 3.0-inch WQVGA (240×400) TFT touch-screen display with feedback
  • 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus, video recording (720×480), flash
  • 50MB internal memory with microSDHC memory slot
  • Integrated Accelerometer
LG GX500 Dual Sim Phone:lg gx500 New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in IndiaDual Sim GSM Mobile is an elegant touchscreen phone which features Wi-Fi, a 3 inch WQVGA display, Bluetooth, music player, FM radio, 3MP fixed focus camera, and a 1500 mAh battery.

LG GX500 Dual Sim GSM Mobile Phone Features and Specification:

  • Dual SIM GSM
  • Quad band GSM
  • Dimensions – 108 x 53.4 x 12.9 mm
  • Weight – 115 g
  • Display – 3-inch touchscreen WQVGA, 240 x 400 pixels
  • Bluetooth
  • Mini USB
  • Music Player:MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, AMR
  • Video Player:MPEG4, H.263, H.264
  • FM Radio
  • 1500 mAh Li-Ion battery
  • Standby time 400 hours
  • Talk Time 6 hours
  • Camera – 3 megapixels
  • 40MB internal memory
  • Expandable memory – microSD slot

LG Terry P520 is basic dual sim mobile phone with resistive touchscreen, 2 Megapixel Camera and multimedia features @ affordable price in India.
LG P520 dual SIM phone New LG Dual Sim Mobile Phones in India
LG P520 Terry Phone Features:

  • 2.8” inch Touch display
  • Stereo FM Radio with RDS
  • Dual SIm (GSM+GSM)
  • E-mail/IM/Social Networking
  • Audio/Video Multimedia Player

LG Terry P520 Dual Sim Mobile Technical Specifications:

  • Dual GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz
  • GPRS/EDGE/WAP
  • 2.8” inch (240×320 pixels) 262k TFT LCD Display Screen
  • 2 MP Camera with 2X Digital Zoom
  • Up to 4GB Micro SD Card Slot
  • FM Radio
  • Bluetooth v2.1+A2DP
  • USB 2.0
  • AAC, AAC+, MP3, RA, WAV, WMA Music Player
  • Flash Lite 3.0
  • E-Mail (SMTP, POP3, IMAP4)
  • SMS/MMS
  • HTML/XHTML/WAP Browser
  • Dimensions: 109.4 x 56.2 x 12.95 mm
  • Weight: 120 gm

Volvo working on wireless charging for EVsIllustration of Volvo's wireless charging solution for the C30 Electric.

Illustration of Volvo's wireless charging solution for the C30 Electric.

(Credit: Volvo)

Volvo's electric vehicle technology is about to become cleaner. The car maker will begin testing wireless charging technology on its Volvo C30 Electric that will let drivers recharge the battery without touching a cable or dirtying their hands.

The current C30 Electric that will begin customer testing in Europe later this year uses a cable to plug into the car's grille via a specially designed charge connector. In a new partnership agreement, Belgium's state-owned Flanders' Drive will modify a Volvo C30 Electric so a 20kWh battery can be recharged wirelessly using induction charging.

With inductive charging, a magnetic field is created between a charging plate on the ground and the vehicle's inductive pick-up, which transfers electricity from the energy source to the battery. The car's built-in voltage converter converts the alternating current to direct current, which is fed into the car's battery pack. Using this method, a fully drained 24kWh battery will take an hour and 20 minutes to fully recharge, according to Volvo. In the current C30 Electric, the 24kWh lithium ion battery pack can be recharged in 6-8 hours using a 230-volt outlet.

Toyota recently began working with Massachusetts-based WiTricity on a similar test project that could eventually wirelessly charge the Prius. In March, Google received a Plugless Power wireless charging station developed by Virginia-based Evertran for its fleet of EVs. The Plugless Power can wirelessly recharge electric vehicles outfitted with model-specific adapters mounted to the car. The inductive charging technology is about 10 percent less efficient than delivering power using cords.

There are no wireless charging standards for electric vehicles, but someday the technology could be integrated into roads and highways to continuously charge electric vehicles, effectively putting an end to range anxiety.

"One aspect of this project is to integrate this technology into the road surface and to take energy directly from there to power the car," says Johan Konnberg, project manager for Volvo. But it won't be any time soon, he adds.


Boston's wind site to test giant turbine blades

The newly inaugurated Wind Technology Testing Center.

(Credit: Matt Bennett/Massachusetts Governor's Office)

Boston is now home to the world's largest commercial wind-blade testing site, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Wind Technology Testing Center officially opened yesterday inside what looks like a massive airplane hangar in Boston's port.

The seemingly minor ceremonial event is actually quite significant for the U.S. wind industry and could improve the timeline for wind turbine technology development in the U.S.

In the past, large-scale wind blades under development in the U.S. had to be shipped out of the country for testing, usually to Europe, because the U.S. had no testing facility of its own that could accommodate a commercial-scale wind turbine blade longer than 50 meters, according to the DOE.

The Wind Technology Test Center, which is partnering with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), can test blades up to 90 meters long--the anticipated largest blade size that wind turbines may begin to use in the coming years.

To put that size into perspective, an NFL-regulation football field is just under 110 meters, including the end zones

The center has the capacity to test up to three blades simultaneously. Blades are tested for fatigue through an endurance test that typically takes about four months, as well as for static strength and resonance testing, which normally takes about two weeks, according to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the state's economy development agency for technology projects.

It is through a cooperative research and development agreement with Mass Tech that NREL is partnering with the Wind Technology Test Center and providing the facility with testing hardware and technical advice.

The facility is located in the Boston Autoport, an 80-acre port in the Charlestown section of Boston that abuts the Boston Harbor and is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority. The oceanfront site will enable the Wind Technology Test Center to accept blades shipped by boat, as well as by truck, according to Mass Tech.

The wind testing center, which took two years to build, was funded in part by the DOE, which awarded Massachusetts $25 million for the project via the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An additional $13.2 million came in the form of loan and grant money from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust.

Of course, the "world's largest" title is already up for grabs. A wind testing facility in Bremerhaven, Germany, set to open this summer is also expected to be able to accommodate blades up to 90 meters long.


Toshiba to snag smart-meter leader for $2.3 billion

Toshiba announced a deal today to acquire smart-meter company Landis+Gyr for $2.3 billion in a move to fill out its power business.

Landis+Gyr, founded in 1896 and based in Zug, Switzerland, is one of the largest makers of two-way smart meters. It has about 5,000 employees. Landis+Gyr will remain a unit within Toshiba and retain its brand.

Toshiba, which is known for its consumer electronics but is actually a massive conglomerate, said it bought Landis+Gyr to broaden the power-grid equipment that it sells to utilities.

"Our intent is to become a global leader in the smart community business by 2020," Toshiba Executive Vice President Hideo Kitamura said in a statement.

The deal comes after weeks of speculation over which companies, including General Electric, were bidding over Landis+Gyr.

Smart meters have a radio to send information from utility customers back to utilities, which allows utilities to quickly spot outages and more efficiently manage the flow of energy over the grid. Millions are projected to be installed in the U.S. over the next few years.

Toshiba already sells power equipment, such as transformers and turbines, to utilities. Through its consumer electronics division, Toshiba has been seeking to expand into in-home energy monitors.

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter.


These smart light bulbs heed iOS, Android devices

GreenWave Reality bulb with the NXP chipset.

(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET)

NXP Semiconductors has developed chipsets for CFL and LED light bulbs that allow the devices to be operated remotely via wireless networks and portable devices, the Dutch chipmaker announced this week.

The GreenChip iCFL chipset for CFLs and GreenChip iSSL chipset for LEDs have been adopted by lighting manufacturer TCP.

The bulbs can be turned on, turned off, or dimmed.

Both chips operate at the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, the low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) standard for many wireless networks, including ZigBee, used to support home smart meters, smart appliances, and security systems.

But the bulb chipset has a 2.4GHz wireless controller and employs the JenNet-IP platform using a 6LoWPAN mesh-under tree network instead of ZigBee. This allows for a low standby power at about 10 milliwatts, according to NXP. The protocol also allows the bulbs to easily communicate with Apple iOS and Google Android devices, according to the company.

The initial bulbs are for industrial use, but TCP said it will soon be offering the same CFL and LED lighting options to consumers.

GreenWave Reality, meanwhile, is using GreenChip-enabled bulbs running the JenNet-IP software to develop systems compatible with any PC, smartphone, or TV. Its home lighting systems included an option for the bulbs to self-regulate inside a home based on outside lighting conditions, or in conjunction with room sensors to turn off when no one is in the room.

Of course, there is already an Android-compatible LED light bulb in the works from Google itself. Earlier this month it was announced that Google is developing an LED bulb with Lighting Sciences Group that talks to it Android devices via a mesh network wireless protocol instead of using a standard Wi-Fi or ZigBee network.

Google's protocol is open-source, allowing software developers to create compatible applications.

NXP also announced that it plans to release JenNet-IP's software as an open-source license, and that the platform can be used on a large-scale supporting up to 500 devices at once.

Why would anyone outside the home automation business develop applications that turn light bulbs on and off, you say? Think theatrics. One Google demo, for example, had LEDs in a room blinking on and off in conjunction with things happening in a video game.


Using wind power, Audi aims for carbon-neutral motoringThe Audi A3 TCNG will enter production in 2013.

The Audi A3 TCNG will enter production in 2013.

(Credit: Audi)

- Audi plans to use wind power as a source of clean energy for its upcoming electric and natural gas vehicles. The combination of clean power and zero- and low-emissions vehicles is a first step by the manufacturer toward making its entire lineup carbon-neutral.

To make its carbon-neutral goal a reality, the carmaker is financing the construction of four wind turbines off the North Sea that will generate annually up to 53 GWh of electricity. Wind-generated electricity will be fed to the public power grid, and Audi plans to use a portion of the wind power to charge its electric e-tron vehicles. It will also use wind-generated electricity to produce hydrogen and something Audi calls e-gas.

Harnessing the power of wind to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, Audi can power fuel cell vehicles, including the Audi Q5 HFC. But until fuel cell vehicles enter production, the hydrogen will be combined with CO2 to produce e-gas, a synthetic form of methane. Audi will use the e-gas to power a CNG version of the A3. The A3 TCNG's four-cylinder TFSI engine is designed to run on e-gas, natural gas, or conventional gasoline.

To make the A3 TCNG even more environmentally friendly, Audi plans to break ground on its own synthetic methane facility in July. Using CO2 from a connected waste-biogas plant, Audi's facility will produce annually 1,000 metric tons of e-gas. This fuel will be added to Germany's natural gas network, which serves 900 CNG stations.

Electric vehicles powered by clean energy are the current gold standard for well-to-wheel zero-emission vehicles. And Audi's A3 TCNG is also arguably carbon-neutral because it produces a similar amount of tailpipe C02 emissions that were diverted from the atmosphere to produce methane. In other words, this "closed loop" system introduces no new carbon into the environment.


Lexus hybrid takes on the NurburgringGazoo Racing Lexus CT 200h

Gazoo Racing fitted the CT 200h with a larger engine.

(Credit: Lexus)

Hybrids face the stigma of being more about fuel economy than sport, but the Lexus CT 200h intends to prove it can be a hot hatchback by lapping the Nurburgring. A CT 200h tuned up by Gazoo Racing will compete in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, a six hour endurance race.

Along with suspension tuning, the CT 200h's standard 1.8-liter engine has been swapped out for a 2.4-liter. But the car retains its Lexus hybrid system, letting it use the electric motor from a stop and for added boost under acceleration. This hybrid system will give the CT 200h lower fuel use, a crucial advantage in an endurance race.

Gazoo Racing, a Japanese group racing various Toyota and Lexus models, missed an opportunity to also tune up the hybrid system of the CT 200h. A higher capacity lithium ion battery pack and a higher torque electric motor would give the car added acceleration.


U.K. wagers on large-scale wave power

The Pelamis P2 wave energy converter from Pelamis Wave Power

(Credit: Pelamis Wave Power)

The European Union will consider whether a massive wave energy project from Scotland should receive a piece of a renewable-energy and carbon reduction project fund that could total billions of euros.

The Pentland Orkney Wave Energy Resource (POWER) project was nominated this week by the U.K. government for the NER300, a fund managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank, and member states that's named after the 300 million carbon "allowances" being sold to raise the funds.

If approved, funded, and built, the wave energy farm would be the largest grid-connected wave energy farm in the world, according to the Scottish European Green Energy Centre.

The Oyster 3 wave energy converter from Aquamarine Power

(Credit: Aquamarine Power)

The POWER project as currently proposed would place 24 wave energy converters from Pelamis Wave Power and 10 Oyster 3 wave energy converters from Aquamarine Power in the Orkneys off the coast of Scotland. They would tie in to the Scottish electric grid and, together, they would make up a 28-megawatt wave power farm.

The Pelamis wave energy converter is a floating serpentine machine made up of multiple sealed cylinders that each contain power modules, hydraulic cylinders, and motor generators. The cylinders are connected by two-direction hinged joints. Jostling by the motion of ocean waves in relation to the hinges enables the machine to generate electricity, and transfer it by subsea cable.

The submerged Oyster, meanwhile, is shaped like an oyster shell that opens and closes from wave motion. It uses that energy to pump a hydro-electric turbine back on land to produce electricity.

Perhaps not surprising from the island country, the U.K. nominated five projects among its 12 bids that would place green tech in its surrounding waters: the POWER project, three projects involving tidal turbines, and a project for 10 megawatts of offshore wind turbines.

The NER300 fund overall plans to invest in 34 renewable-energy projects, and eight carbon capture and storage projects. Each member country, including the U.K., will receive funding for at least one but no more than three projects each.


Toyota opens hydrogen station in CaliforniaA Toyota FCHV-adv refueling at the new hydrogen station in Torrance, Calif.

Toyota opened the first hydrogen refueling station in the U.S. that is connected directly to a hydrogen pipeline.

Unlike nearby Santa Monica and Irvine hydrogen refueling stations, this new facility, located in Torrance, Calif., on the Toyota campus, doesn't use trucks to bring hydrogen gas on-site. Instead, it receives a steady supply of hydrogen fuel from Air Products' hydrogen pipeline, which produces hydrogen at its plants in Wilmington and Carson, Calif.

Shell leases the land from Toyota, and manages the station for the manufacturer. The station will service Toyota's fleet of 100 fuel cell test vehicles that the carmaker plans to bring to the U.S. between now and 2013.

"Building an extensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles," said Chris Hostetter, Toyota product and strategic planning vice president. "We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner, and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers' needs."

Until then, Toyota plans to use the facility as a demonstration center to teach local students and the public about fuel cell technology.

Air Products also worked with Toyota and other fuel cell manufacturers to develop a unique wireless recognition system for the Torrance Shell customers to speed the hydrogen refueling process. The station, which will be open to other manufacturers of fuel cell vehicles, can refuel up to four vehicles simultaneously in 5 minutes, according to a Los Angeles Times article.


U.N.: Renewables could be 80 percent of energy by 2050


Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower could fulfill almost 80 percent of the world's energy demand by 2050 with the right policies, according to a U.N. report which won backing from governments today.

The 26-page study, by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), broadly matched a draft written by scientists. It was approved by government delegates at talks in Abu Dhabi.

Environmental groups hailed the report as a guide to the shift from fossil fuels to combat climate change, a process set to cost trillions of dollars. But they said some draft findings were watered down, partly due to opposition by oil exporters.

"Close to 80 percent of the world energy supply could be met by renewables by mid-century if backed by the right enabling public policies," the IPCC said.

The report said moves to cleaner energies including geothermal or ocean energy would help cut greenhouse gas emissions, which it blamed for global warming including floods, droughts, heat waves, and rising sea levels.

Growth in renewables has already surged in recent years, and costs are falling, it said. "We see a rapid increase in wind and solar PV (photovoltaic) especially," Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the IPCC, told a news conference.

"It underscores the irreplaceable potential of renewable energies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the lives of people around the world," said Christiania Figueres, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

The United Nations says governments' pledges for cuts in greenhouse gases are insufficient so far to meet an agreed U.N. goal of limiting rises in global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees F) above pre-industrial times.

Few limits to theoretical potential
Ottmar Edenhofer, who chaired the report, said there were few limits to the theoretical potential for renewable energies. "However, the substantial increase of renewables is technically and politically very challenging," he said.

Scenarios for the share of renewables in world supplies by 2050 ranged widely, from just 15 percent to 77 percent.

Renewables now account for about 12.9 percent of world energy supplies and are dominated by bioenergy such as firewood in developing nations, and followed by hydropower, wind, geothermal, solar power, and ocean energy.

Environmentalists said some language favorable to renewables was toned down in all-night wrangling into today, partly by OPEC nations led by Saudi Arabia.

"There are all sorts of 'mights' and 'mays' introduced," said Jean-Philippe Denruyter, manager of global renewable-energy policy for the WWF conservation group. "It's not a big problem. We are quite positive about the outcome."

Sven Teske of Greenpeace, an IPCC author, said the summary had muted, for instance, clearer statements that some renewable energies were already cost-effective. Still, he added that the underlying findings "will be the standard book for renewables."

The underlying IPCC report, of about 1,000 pages, was written by about 120 experts. The Abu Dhabi talks were to get governments to endorse the summary for policymakers, a step meant to give its conclusions global legitimacy.

An IPCC review of 164 scenarios for the shift to renewable energies showed that they could make cumulative carbon dioxide savings of 220 billion to 560 billion tonnes from 2010 to 2050.

That compares with 1.53 trillion tonnes of cumulative fossil and industrial carbon dioxide emissions in a reference scenario for the same years.