Sony has some new technology in the battery category that looks like it will be making its way into our hands soon. Due to its use of an olivine-type lithium iron phosphate for the cathode material, the battery's overall lifespan is about four times that of conventional lithium ion batteries, not to mention provide an 80% capacity retention after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles and perhaps most impressively, a promised 99% recharge in just 30 minutes.

This is a real improvement in battery technology. This type of fast recharge and power retention helps with renewable energy systems that rely on sources that vary day to day like wind. Wind power is the most environmentally friendly and gives the largest yield over the entire lifespan of the equipment compared to other renewable sources. However, not having a good way to store the energy is a road block for many small scale situations, preventing them from using wind as a power source.

For more details from Sony, follow the related link below.

How in the heck is this figure calculated. MPG used to be simple, our vehicles used 1 type of fuel and you simply averaged the range you could go on a given amount. Now, in the case of a hybrid, we have two types of fuel and one of them is often used to replenish the other!

The article at CNN explains the process pretty well:

"...let's say the car is driven 50 miles in a day. For the first 40 miles, no gas is used and during the last 10 miles, 0.2 gallons are used. That's the equivalent of 250 miles per gallon. But, if the driver continues on to 80 miles, total fuel economy would drop to about 100 mpg. And if the driver goes 300 miles, the fuel economy would be just 62.5 mpg."

It is probably reasonable to assume most people do not drive much more than 40 miles in a day, this is how the 230 MPG is calculated. However, I think it would be easy enough to have a hybrid specific rating system, electric range 40 miles and 50 MPG thereafter could be simply -

40ER + 50MPG

This simple 2 part rating would help consumers understand what they are actually getting and how it will fit into their driving needs.

If you like this idea, spread it around. Just remember who suggested it first. : )

see the related link for more information.

This may be a cost effective and reasonable way to put a big band aid on our climate issue. This would not be a solution, but could help significantly for the immediate situation.

As these boats would inject salty water vapor into the atmosphere, the brilliant white color of the formed cloud would greatly reduce the local atmospheric temperature. Enough of these systems working together could help reduce global warming. This is a band aid, not a long term solution.

I like this particular approach because it does not involve putting chemicals or large man made machines into the atmosphere, salty clouds are not too different from naturally forming clouds. The water would eventually precipitate and return to the ecosystem. This is also good, we do not need a massive clean up operation to later remove man made materials. In other words, we don't postpone one problem by creating another.

This is a reasonable approach allowing more time to get at the source of the global warming problem.

For more information, click the related link.

As water temperatures rise in the Pacific Ocean, it historically tells us a lot about the rainfall we might expect. Currently, temperatures are close to what they were in 2002 and climbing. possibly getting near the 1997 and 1998 temperatures. In the winter of 1997 and 1998, the Bay Area received roughly double the normal rainfall.

Keep in mind, we also had significant flooding and blackouts from the rains in the 97' 98' winter.

Be prepared for flooding. Make sure you protect items that are not replaceable, like family photos. Make sure you have batteries, a working flashlight, radio, blankets stored up high in a closet in case you need them. A large plastic tarp can be incredibly useful for covering an area of a leaking roof or building an emergency raft. Did you know that wrapping the box spring of your bed with plastic makes a great makeshift raft? Create a calling tree if you need to relay messages that you are OK or need help. Have canned food and bottled water available for cooking and drinking. Candles with a long burn time, Duct Tape and water proof matches are also important items that you should have in your supplies.

Do not wait for winter storms before taking the above action. A few simple steps now can make you safe and comfortable when problems arise. Not to mention you will avoid the chaos at the stores when people suddenly realize they need these items.

Last, hope the rain really does come, but steady and without the flooding. We need the water to end the drought, but sudden downpours cause flooding and the related problems, so steady is the key.



Check the related link for the Contra Costa Times article.

The Department of Energy announced the winners yesterday of $2.4 billion in grants for the advancement of battery and electric vehicle technology. The highly-competitive grant program had 48 lucky winners spread across the country.

See the related link below for more information.