Solar Energy Powering The Auto Industry

When solar energy and the automotive industry are mentioned together it's assumed the topic is solar powered cars. Understandable, but only partially true. The auto industry, that bastion of fossil fuel burning tradition has been researching clean, renewable solar powered vehicles for years. What few people are aware of is that car makers General Motors, Volkswagen, and Ford are also leading users of solar energy to meet their industrial usage needs.

How Solar Powered Vehicles Work

A solar powered car is a vehicle that operates using electrical energy generated through the collection of the sun's rays. This is accomplished by employing a solar array that uses photovoltaic cells (PV cells) that convert sunlight into electricity. Sunlight comprised of protons strikes PV cells. Electrons are excited and flow, creating an electrical current. These PV cells are made of a semiconductor material, usually an alloy of crystalline silicon, indium, gallium and nitrogen.

Solar powered vehicles have to be lightweight because the energy able to be collected by the car's solar array is limited. Thus aerospace, alternative energy and automotive technologies are combined to produce the lightest vehicle possible.

History Making Solar Powered Cars

Solar powered cars are not a new idea. The concept of using the sun to power a vehicle has been around for decades, since August 31, 1955 to be exact. It was then that General Motors's William G. Cobb created a 15" solar powered prototype called the Sunmobile. Showcased at the Chicago Powerama convention, the solar car had 12 selenium PV cells that powered a small Pooley electric motor turning a rear wheel shaft.

Originally solar cars were automobile industry or technology institution research projects and were one off prototypes. Later solar powered vehicles were still built for scientific research but were used to compete in solar car races or endurance rallies. Starting in 2011 however, solar powered cars intended to be used for daily driving on public roads were built.

The first solar car that a person could drive was demonstrated by the International Rectifier Company in 1962. The platform used was a 1912 Baker electric car that the company converted in 1958 to run on PV cells and showed for the first time 4 years later. Approximately 10,640 individual solar cells were mounted on the car's roof.

An Alabama University professor named Ed Passereni built the Bluebird solar car in 1977. A full scale prototype, the Bluebird was exhibited at the Knoxville, Tennessee World's Fair in 1982.

In 1979 a three wheel solar car with a solar array on the roof was created by Alain Freeman. An Englishman, Freeman managed to get his invention road registered in 1980. It's likely this was the first solar powered car able to be legally driven on public roads in the UK.

The Citicar was the creation of the engineering department at Tel Aviv University in Israel. In 1980 Arye Braunstein and his colleagues created a solar car that had solar panels on its hood and roof. Comprised of 432 cells that generated 400 watts of power, the Citicar used 8 batteries of 6 volts each to store the photovoltaic (PV) energy. Weighing 1,320 lb., the Citicar was able to reach 40 mph and had a range of 50 miles.

In 1981 that Larry Perkins and Hans Tholstrup, creator of the World Solar Challenge, built a solar race car. In 1982 Perkins and Tholstrup were the first people ever to drive a solar powered car across Australia, starting in Perth and finishing in Sydney.

In 1984 another solar race car set a world record. Invented by Greg Johanson and Joel Davidson, the Sunrunner set the official Guinness world record. Driven in the Mojave Desert of California, a top speed of 41 mph was officially recorded for a "Solely Solar Powered Vehicle", meaning it did not use a battery. The official record appears in the 1986 Guinness Book of World Records.

In 1987 the Sunraycer drove at an average speed of 42 mph for 1,866 miles along Australia's Stuart Highway, going south from Darwin to Adelaide. The Sunraycer was a collaboration between General Motors, AeroVironment, and Hughes Aircraft.

Current Solar Cars

Sunswift eVe is a solar powered race car that is expected to be navigating the streets of Sydney by July this year. A team of students from Australia's University of New South Wales is working to make the Sunswift eVe the first street legal solar powered car in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Stella is a family sized, road legal solar powered car. It took first place in the World Solar Challenge, and won the 3,000 km Darwin to Adelaide, Michelin Cruiser Class competition in Australia last fall.

There are many more one off solar powered concept cars and prototype solar energy research vehicles, but those above are the most notable.

Solar Energy Powering The Auto Industry

Volkswagen, GM and Ford will probably all be manufacturing solar powered cars and assorted electric vehicles one day. Today though, all three companies have invested heavily in solar power to meet the energy needs of some of their plant or corporate operations.

Volkswagen is generating its own energy at its Chattanooga, TN, USA plant courtesy of a 65 acre solar park. Thirty-three acres of the solar park are the solar panels themselves, making it the largest single solar array in the state of Tennessee.

There's also a massive solar array on the roof of SEAT's factory in Martorell, Spain. Just completed, it is the largest solar power plant in the automobile industry. The joint venture with utility solar developer Gestamp Solar began in 2010 and cost an estimated US$47.55 million.

Ford Motor Company and DTE Energy are cooperating on building Michigan's largest solar array. The project is to be funded by DTE Energy and will comprise 360 covered parking spaces and 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles at the Ford World Headquarters. The project is to provide employees driving the company's Ford Fusion Energi and C-MAX Hybrid Energi cars with recharge stations.

General Motors is committed to producing clean energy using solar power. GM is already the No. 1 automotive user of solar power in the United States according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and ranks No. 13 of the top 20 solar powered companies in the United States.

Conclusion

There is likely to come a day when the sun meets most of the world's energy requirements. It is likely too that the automotive industry will be leading the way in both industrial uses of solar energy and solar powered vehicles.

Ladies Shoulder Bags

Ladies shoulder bags are bags designed in varying styles that are carried by looping a strap over the shoulder. They give the ladies the liberty to carry around their wide array of day to day necessities while also complementing their different fashion styles as they form a stylish accessory to any collection. They are convenient to carry around as they are hands free and are manufactured in different sizes to fit with varying preferences as well as different seasons.

Most ladies prefer a bag that can accommodate their everyday accessories but with a little more room. However, it is also important to consider other attributes when shopping for a ladies shoulder bag. First and foremost one should consider the quality of the bag with regard to durability. A shopper should ensure that her choice for a bag is made with durable materials that can maintain the bag’s appearance for some time. Bags made with natural materials such as leather, cotton, suede or silk tend to last longer than those made with synthetic materials such as nylon. Most of the information related with ladies shoulder bags can be accessed on a number of websites as many manufacturers and dealers of these bags have retailer websites, for example GVG Bags. This would help one gather important information on the different styles of bags and the one’s that match her taste and preference. Ladies shoulder bags come in different styles in terms of design and make which dictate how the bag is worn.

These styles are:

Cross body: This style of shoulder bags have a long thin strap which runs across the body and on the opposite shoulder to the hip on which the bag lies on. The attached bags are small in size and rarely have more than two pockets. This is so as to prevent the thin strap from digging into the body as a large bag can accumulate much more weight.

Hobo style shoulder bags: These bags have a single or pair of straps that go over the shoulder of the arm in which the bag is carried on. They tend to have a deep main pocket and gathered ends which make the bag to look big in size.

Messenger style: This style resembles the cross body style but has a wide strap that runs across the body. The main difference between the two styles is that the messenger bag is larger and tends to accommodate more weight.

Satchel style: These bags have the characteristics of both the cross body and the hobo style shoulder bags. They have a looser larger bag although they are not as big as the messenger bags. It is ideal for an individual willing to have the cross body look but wish to carry more assortments.

Tote style shoulder bags: These bags on the other hand have a more geometrical looking shape and feature only a single deep pocket. They are designed to enable one to carry a little bit more while still remaining hands free. They are ideal for light shopping trips.

All You Need to Know About Satchels

There are some must have items for every lady. One of these items is the satchel. This is a medium sized bag with a short shoulder loop. It has a bottom that is wide and can also have a long shoulder handle. Satchels are made of various materials. Examples of these materials are leather, canvas, nylon and fabric. They also come in many different colors. There are a number of different types of satchels. Read on to learn more about ladies satchels.

The messenger satchel bags

These are satchels that are large, roomy and worn with a shoulder strap that goes all the way around the chest, over the shoulder and down the back. Messenger satchel bags have been around for centuries. They are a unisex type of bag. They are built for work and play. As such, they are constructed out of durable materials. Examples of these materials are canvas, leather, vinyl and nylon. Messenger satchel bags area available in a myriad of colors. The ladies' messenger satchel bags come in colors such as pink, crimson and violet. The main compartment of the messenger satchel is closed with a zipper. This type of satchel often has pockets on one of the outer sides. Tese pockets provide you with extra storage space. Designer houses such as Louis Vuitton have released very beautiful ladies' messenger bag satchel bags. 

The backpack satchel bags

This bag is mostly associated with school going kids. However, there are some stylish backpack satchel bags for ladies. The main characteristic of backpacks is that this type of bag is carried on both shoulders across the back. The weight of the bag is balanced across both shoulders. As a result, it is easy to carry the weight in the bag and one experiences little to no strain on the shoulders. These satchels are constructed out of materials such as leather, canvas and nylon. They can be very stylish with patterns and graphics printed on their panels. Moreover, this type of satchel bag has fasteners for its two straps. These can be made of plastic or luxurious materials such as gold and silver. One notable characteristic of this type of ladies' satchel is that one has to take it off to access its contents.

The school trolley satchel bags

This type of satchel bag is very similar to the backpack. However, it has little wheels on its bottom and a telescopic handle. Thus, you can take it off your back and tow it along the pavement as you walk. If you desire to carry it on your back, you can just holster the telescopic handle and pick it up. They are available in a number of materials. They often feature very attractive colors and prints on them as well. 

Tips to follow when buying a ladies' satchel

The first step is to check which type of satchel suits you. If you are adventurous and love the outdoors then the backpack satchel is the best bet. If you want to seem classy and sophisticated then a messenger bag satchel is the best fit for you. The best type of material for satchels is leather. It is durable, easy to maintain and available in very many colors.

Women’s Clutch Purses: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

Clutch purses are chic accessories that take your fashion a notch up higher and are excellent on the functional side. A typical clutch handbag can accommodate various belongings like your driving license, money, gadgets, and credit cards, among others. There are diverse types, for example fashionable and leatherette, satin and gemstone beaded bags, sexy and textured, while others feature detachable straps. If you are craving or in pursuit of the best clutch purse, there are various factors to weigh. Consider the size, versatility, design, cost and color in line with your preferences. 

Though clutches are inherently small in size, they differ in space and shape. It is imperative you choose accessories that conspicuously balance your outfit. Petite women dovetail with small and medium clutches while taller ones are perfected by larger and multicolored options. Depending on your tendencies, you may require a small or big clutch. To strike a balance, assess your items to avoid a bulky handbag or smaller ones that are over-stuffed. Size is determined by your needs to ensure you carry along all belongings as well as the woman’s body type.  

Apart from picking the right-sized clutch, color is a crucial factor. Women relate handbag color with outfit and purposes. How often the clutch will be used can shed more light on choices. If you distaste standard clutches or tote, you can opt for a neutral color that is compatible with a broad scope of your wardrobe outfits. Simple black clutches match almost everything. However, faded-brown clutches or red-colored types are ideal when you choose outfits that need to be complemented. 

To suit varying needs, clutches are highly versatile as some types have minimal styles coupled with timeless details. You can go for purses won in a wide range of styles. You may want to acquire affordable ones in multitudes of colors which match with everything. When cross-shopping for flexible clutch purses, you will encounter diversities; they may feature eye-popping prints, simple style and foldable zippers.

A well-built clutch can last for a lifetime in contrast to substandard ones and is a worthy wardrobe investment. Choose high-end materials like leather as it offers great versatility, durability and withstands routine use. Crocodile-styled clutches are equally sturdy and classic. However, some outfits are ideally won with eye-catching purses made from less-durable materials. Explore for high-quality materials and sturdy construction to get a clutch that can endure daily use. A number of trendy beaded clutches including vintage, customized and new designs are also available. On the other hand, you can opt for delicate fabrics as they are impeccable evening clutches.  

Clutches were conventionally made devoid of straps; users had to keep on holding them all times. Since this can be an inconvenience if you have to set it down, designers now offer clutches with straps. The handles are removable when not in use and can be slipped on when needed. Removable straps make these clutches handy while remaining fashionable. 

While the size of clutches restricts them from holding too many items, larger ones come with several pockets allowing you to organize your contents. One practical option is a purse with a phone pocket and enough space for other belongings like credit cards and driver’s license. Some designers like GVG Bags are now providing over-sized clutches with interior organizational pockets for gadgets and common things like lip stick.

Engine Downsizing - When Smaller Is Better

The recent trend in the automotive industry is engine downsizing. Engine downsizing is, as the name suggests, using smaller engines that provide equal or greater power than larger engines. Through the use of newer technologies automobile manufacturers are attempting to provide more efficient vehicles without compromising driving experience.

 It started with the Volkswagen Group replacing their 1.6 and 2.0 litre gasoline engines with the 1.4 litre TSI engine. Launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 125 kW version presented used both a turbocharger and a supercharger. Although far from the first 3 cylinder engine, the TSI producing more power than the 2.0 FSI with 5% better fuel efficiency created quite a stir. Volkswagen recently unveiled the high performance 1.0 litre 3 cylinder TSI, based on the EA211 engine, at the Vienna Motor Symposium. The new engine can produce 268hp and 199lb-ft of torque courtesy of its monoscroll turbocharger and e-booster.

Many car makers have embraced the downsizing trend, reducing engine capacity and number of cylinders. Other makes and models of cars powered by 3 cylinder engines are; Smart Fortwo (1998), Smart Crossblade (2002), Honda Insight (2003), Smart Crossblade (2003), Smart Roadster Coupe (2003), Smart Roadster (2003), Smart Forfour (2004), Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2005), Smart Fortwo Coupe (2005), Honda Insight (2005), Brabus Smart Fortwo Ultimate 101 (2005), Citroen C1 5door (2006), Citroen C1 3door (2006), Smart Fortwo Micro Hybrid Drive (2007), Melkus RS1000 Limited Edition (2007), and Smart Fortwo Coupe (2007) to name a few.

Initially, many auto industry pundits weren't convinced that reducing engine size translated into a more efficient car. However, with the passing of time it has become obvious that by adding a turbocharger, supercharger, variable-cam timing, and/or direct injection technology, smaller engines can produce comparable performance with better efficiency.

With performance and efficiency doubts put to rest, the trend towards smaller engines will continue. Car makers have no option but to meet corporate average fuel economy standards that are likely to be 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year. More fuel efficient, emission reduced, lighter weight engines will help meet this requirement.

Mid-sized sedans that usually feature V6 engines are being subjected to engine downsizing. Hyundai, Audi and General Motors are all rolling out mid sized sedans with downsized engines. Pickup trucks too are being equipped with downsized engines. According to Ford, approximately 57% of F-150 pickups sold recently are equipped with the EcoBoost V-6 that offers performance comparable to the V-8, but at a reduction of 4 mpg.

Engine downsizing is a trend today but will no doubt be the standard a decade from now. We're likely to see technological advances that have smaller engines producing more horsepower than a V8 engine can manage today, but at improved efficiency and with less emission.

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is test conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), India. It is a national-level admission test for facilitating institutions to select students for admission in management programmes approved by AICTE.

Evolution

AICTE launched CMAT to reduce the burden (physical, mental and financial stress) of students in attending multiple examinations.

The first edition of CMAT was conducted in 2012.

There were a number of entrance exams for management programmes in India. These included CAT, JMET, XAT, Gitam SAT, MAT, state-specific exams, exams conducted by management associations of MBA institutes and exams conducted by private colleges. This led to the foundation of CMAT.  Some of leading Business Schools have decided to keep out from CMAT reason being that the results come out very late thus delaying admission procedure. Still quite a number of colleges accept their score.

Syllabus

The question paper comprises four sections:

·         Quantitative technique

·         Logical reasoning

·         Language comprehension

·         General Awareness

There are 25 questions in each section. While each correct answer carries four marks, each wrong answer will carry one negative mark.

CMAT Eligibility

Graduates with 50% in any discipline.

Final year students of Graduate Courses can also apply.

Tips to get through CMAT

Time Management

Familiarize yourself with news/journals/magazines

Take regular mock exams

Precision along with speed

Guess work while attempting the paper

Practice Topics/concepts which elude you

Make Short notes

Revision is the key to success

How To Choose A Good Handbag For Yourself

For most women, a quality handbag is more than something used to carry belongings in. It's also a fashion accessory, with the bag's style, colour or material used to tie an outfit together or complement it. In fact, a handbag is an item most women will rarely leave home without, and when they do they're likely to feel inadequately dressed.  No wonder the average woman owns 21 handbags of different shapes, sizes, styles, materials and colours and buys a new one every couple of months.

Having attaining the status of "necessary accessory item", there's a demand for handbags that hundreds of manufacturers produce tens of thousands of handbag styles to fill. Unfortunately not all of the handbags being produced are made of quality materials, or are they well made. Competition among both handbag manufacturers and retailers has kept pricing competitive, but in pursuit of profits corners are often cut.

Select The Right Bag For You

Consider where and when you'll be using the handbag you're considering buying. What will you be carrying in it? What outfits will you be wearing with the handbag? Is the bag going to be for work, general use, or is it to be for formal occasions. The answers to these questions will determine the size, style, colour, and material you should choose.

Just as you would do with any other fashion accessories, choose a leather handbag that flatters your body. The size of handbag should be proportionate to your body type. If you are short, petite women you'll appear taller carrying a smaller handbag. Tall, slim women suit midsize to larger styles best.

When it comes to the shape of a handbag the rule of thumb is to go with the opposite of your body type. If you're shorter carrying a long, rectangular handbag will make you appear taller. Whereas round handbags suit tall, slim women best. Buxom women will find short strap handbags emphasis the bust, while a bag that is carried at the hip distracts from the bust area. Women of average stature and body style look best wearing handbags that hang in the middle of the torso.

Variations of body styles and shapes are endless, so always check a potential handbag purchase in a full length mirror. If you're planning on using your new handbag while wearing a special outfit be sure to check the look of the bag with it on. If you're not wearing the outfit at the time you buy your new handbag most stores will allow an exchange provided it's returned promptly.

Sorting The Good From The Bad

As important as what looks good is the quality of workmanship invested in a handbag. Unfortunately, poor workmanship is not always visible at first glance. Poor stitching, shoddy material finishes and tacky hardware are obvious signs of poor quality. However, poor quality leather or fabrics may not become apparent until your new handbag is handled a bit. There are some tell tale things to look for though...

The stitching and seaming of a quality handbag is consistent throughout, with no out of line or loose threads. The printed fabric or stitched pattern of a quality handbag will always match at the seams. Ornamentation added to quality handbags will not come loose when tugged on. Quality handbags have zippers that open and close smoothly, and button or clasp closures that close easily and stay closed. Obviously handbags with handles that are glued rather than stitched along their edges will eventually separate, so this is good indicator of poor quality.

There are subtle indicators that a handbag is of quality manufacture to look for. Feet applied to the bottom of a handbag to prevent the underside from getting dirty is a sign of quality. Likewise, little touches such as exterior pockets with a strong magnetic closures also indicated quality.

Of course it is not always possible to determine if a handbag is quality made just from what is included or missing. Knock offs, a.k.a. counterfeit designer handbags, will often be poorly manufactures but include all of the bells an whistles the real McCoy has and look to be quality products, In fact some are well made. However, careful, critical examinations of a bag that includes handling it and looking closely at stitching and finish will usually separate the good from the bad.