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How We See It - Tesla, EVs and the Grid
How We See It - Tesla, EVs and the Grid
Very much agree with Brian H. Good summary but there are a lot of spleling msiateks.
No spelling mistakes left, just missing spaces, running 2 words together here and there.
As far as the grid etc. goes, update on Focus Fusion: it's possible they will hit "scientific break-even" around the end of this year. Once that hits, the engineering will kick into high gear.
And if/when that succeeds, energy will be (super-)cheap and available everywhere. Forever.
Grid demand would be manageable even if every gasoline vehicle in California instantly became an EV. For 2010, some 14 billion gallons of gasoline will be burned, and some 310 million megawatts will be consumed. Let's assume that real world ICE efficiency, complete with idle losses and traffic jams, is about 15 mpg. An EV could could go about same distance on about 6 kWh of electricity. That means the state's gasoline demand could be replaced with 124 million megawatts of electricity. In theory that's a 40% increase in grid demand, but coincidentally it also takes about 6 kWh of electricity to refine a gallon of gasoline. So it really comes down to what happens to the refineries in the state. Would they be shut down, or reconfigured to sell gasoline to other states and/or emerging countries? Probably a little bit of both. In the end, there might be a 20% increase in electric demand, which would be manageable if most of the demand was off-peak. California is probably worst case, because it has one of the lowest per capita electricity consumption rates and one of the highest per capita gasoline consumption rates. Other states would likely have an easier time with the transition.
Jack Bowers
P.S. I live in Rocklin, a Sacramento suburb served by PG&E. This year we've have 8 major power outages (lasting a total of about 100 hours) due to a fault in an underground 21 kV line that keeps burning up switches. When it comes to threats to grid reliability, perhaps the executives at PG&E should take a hard look at their own infrastructure rather than crying wolf over EVs.
Well the way technology is heading the bloombox (or other such inventions) may just well rid us of the grid completely anyway. Roll on self powering homes that do not rely on an unsightly and inefficient grid.
The bloombox is a glorified large fuel cell. I.e., it requires fuel (a hydrogen source, usually NG.) Very expensive power, all in all.
Check out my link to focusfusion.org ; here's the latest official video "Update" on its research project: http://focusfusion.org/index.php/site/article/lpp_webinar_online/
It looks like modular 5MW stand-alone generators may start hitting the market in about 5 yrs. That would also eliminate pressure on the grid, but at about 1/20 the cost of current power sources, not 3-5X as much, like the BloomBox.
my two cents :
I believe that the main reason for these power grid discussions are commercial reasons, at least here in Germany.
If you install here solar power modules you get a guaranteed amount of money for the supplied electric power for at least 20 years. (you get 0,33 EUR / kWh for the supplied power, the average price for 1kWh is 0,20 EUR at the moment )
So the grid problem could easily be solved with solar power modules, even here, but then the big power suppliers would loose money.
Recently there was a statement from this power suppliers in our press. They try to press the government to cancel this guarantee, because the grid might not handle these power supplies.
( Yes, they meant, that there might be to much supplied power for the grid (!!))
For me a reason more to roll out more EVs :-)
The reason the German gov't is thinking about cancelling the guarantees is that so many figgered out that it was a "steal", and the costs are immensely greater than the benefits, except for the "stealers".
@Tesla: There's still a typo in the opening entry text associated with the link: "Tesla is taking grid parameters very seriously as [it] delivers more cars." :-)
"EV's don't use much more power than major electronics." This seems a little disingenous, coming from Tesla. I don't know about *most* plug-in EV's, but when I charge my Roadster on my 240V-50A circuit, and it draws 40A, that's a 10kW pull - considerably more than 2 or even 3 TV's - make that more like 20 or 30? Indeed, when it's charging, my Roadster draws a bit more power than my central air conditioning. (And in Phoenix, residential A/C is the biggest power consumption in the summer months.) Granted, still, it's only 40A, and I have a 400A service on my house, so *my* utility company has allocated a lot more capacity for my neighborhood and even if everybody on the block had a Tesla Roadster, we'd still manage just fine. But taking into account that sizing of transformers and breaker boxes and so forth is somewhat statistical (i.e., if everybody on the block tried to draw 400A at the same time, we'd probably blow the neighborhood fuse), and that average residential service is probably 200A or lower, I think it's a little naive to assume that the grid would be able to handle an EV in every garage without some adjustments.
ON THE OTHER HAND, in Phoenix in the summer (when energy demand is highest), I think everybody could drive an EV, and if the charging times were staggered appropriately throughout night, nighttime grid power still would be less than peak afternoon grid power. And in winter, I'm pretty sure our peak grid power is very low compared to summer peaks. (They do shift our on-peak hours in winter vs. summer, but the middle of the night is off peak all year round.)
On another tack: An interesting aspect of grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) generation, is that during the daytime, when the PV system is producing power, it feeds energy into the grid, which is consumed locally and thus reduces the overall capacity requirement of the larger grid. As more and more PV systems go online, it might actually reduce the necessity of expanding grid capacity (at least in Phoenix) - a modest incentive for the utilities to encourage residential systems. I had a 5kW system up and running a couple of weeks before I took delivery of my Roadster 2.5 this past August. In effect, I use the grid as my "battery" for the PV system, and then draw that energy back from the grid during the night. (It now appears, summing over the calendar year, that my total PV generation will exceed my total EV consumption, with a little margin.) If everybody was doing this, would the peak grid capacity have to be increased or not? But since utility grids have to be sized for maximum "instantaneous" capacity, I suspect there will always be room for "off peak" EV charging - even if everybody had an EV. It just has to be managed correctly. Bottom line is, I don't disagree with the original conclusion - EV's aren't going to break the grid any time soon, and however gradual the adoption of EV technology may be, if we're paying attention, we'll have time to adjust.
The main thing is, we've *got* to wean ourselves from fossil fuels, and widespread use of EV's is going to accelerate the process. Tesla, avant garde!
redsnapper, I agree both with Tesla's general theme and with the nits you pick. Transformer capacity is a potential problem that I have experienced as I've twice been with a group of Teslas that managed to overheat the transformer and cause the fuse to blow even though we were not exceeding panel ratings.You are right the the Phoenix grid capacity is not likely to be exceeded by charging EVs in the middle of the night, but it might still be a problem for the transformers. The story I have heard is that the utility depends upon the low load at night with cooler temperatures to let the transformer dissipate some of the heat that was built up during the day with the heave A/C load.
When we upgraded our service from a 100 Amp to 240 Amp entrance to accommodate PV and EV, an inspector had to come out to check on everything and approve the turn-on. I asked him what could prevent the installation and he said "nothing". If there was a problem, he'd simply order the installation of a new transformer at the street.
Indeed, in both instances of overheated transformers that I mentioned in the previous post, PG&E replaced the transformer with a larger one in a matter of a few hours. Of course, the power was out during those hours, which was inconvenient. So the idea is that they need to start proactively installing larger transformers in the prime EV market areas. Coincidentally, there was an article in the San Jose Mercury News on this topic this morning.
As far as "got to get off fossil fuels", maybe not so much.
Frac gas and associated liquids are in global surplus, and likely to be so for a long time. I've personally never thought too highly of that reason for going electric in cars, etc. I think they're just way smarter, more elegant and efficient, and the zero tailpipe emissions is a big deal.
But "saving the world from Peal Oil collapse" is not on, I'm afraid.
If frac gas and other liquids are in large supply, they can still be most efficiently used by generating electricity with them and feeding it to the grid. This can then be efficiently transported via the grid to run electric cars, rather than trying to make a new car with a new engine, fuel system, and infrastructure for each one.
Ugh. My typo: "Peak Oil collapse", not "Peal". ;)
Agreed, though NG has a pretty well developed distribution system for other uses, like heating, too. As far as powering cars, NG is No Good, in my opinion, because it must be pressurized. EV with next-gen batteries will sweep the field!
There is liquid natural gas (LNG) that I believe is being looked into powering large trucks at least. I agree though that it's not a good way to go. Especially for cars, EVs are the best.
I have read that a consortium of utility companies, ev charger manufacturers and ev manufacturers has looked at the power supply issue for the growing number ev's. They have determined that if ev's are charged at night (which I do 95% of the time) the existing power generating capacity in the U.S. is capable of charging 150 million ev's when figuring the average charge is for 40 miles. That is because the generating capacity is determined by the demand during the day so there is excess capacity at night. This same article agrees with Steve that the only modifications to the existing distribution system would be to upgrade some transformers in some neighborhoods.
In fact, an argument could be made that the more ev's that charge at night the lower our electrical costs will be because the utility companies will be receiving more revenue per genetating plant and so will be able to distribute the fixed costs out over more Kwh's of production.
That sounds like the only good arguement for "smart meters", that can adjust our residencial rates for off peak electric useage, at lower $ rates per KWHr at night!
For natural gas to be liquid, it must have a low temperature and a high pressure. LNG, not a good idea. NG-powered vehicles, however, are an interesting concept. Almost every house has a natural gas line. A gas pump could be installed allowing someone to fill up his car at his own house. Still, NG-powered vehicles are not quiet, and they still produce pollution. I would go electric.
The best use for NG is to make electricity for EVs. Get a Tesla and an NG generator!
for California PG&E power co., largest power user is ... wait for it ... refineries. So, as EVs become more popular, and gas demand is lower, and refineries have less demand, guess where the power comes from!
Those transformers have a life span. They get replaced even when you don't blow them out. If you do, they just replace them. Just another day at the power co.
Or, if you're like me, you can run off grid, charge off grid, and who gives a care about transformers burning up.
By the way, I am not filthy rich. I earn nurse wages. I also save my money. Part of it I save in a Sig series reservation account.
To preface; I'm a huge fan of Tesla Motors. I think the idea of a company dedicated to electric cars that are actually attractive to the general public. I'm not completely won over by the viability of electric cars just yet. Though this is the best idea I've heard for what seems that is inevitably about to come. Enough of that though. I do have a question about this topic, or more so some offered solutions, if not just temporarily.
"Thin-film" solar panels. Where are they? Where the heck are they? The exceptionally beautiful Model S (stunning),with it's panoramic-viewing glass roof. Impressive, but where's the thin-film photo-voltaic? If the market naysayers say that the electric car will put "extremely high" demand on the grid, and that we aren't ready, then let the cars be the generators themselves. Or fans that were run by solar power, when the car is sitting in traffic, to cut down on wasting the car's electricity?
Thin-film solar panels are apparently very inefficient at this point in time I know. Expected efficiencies at this point are around 19% at their highest...wow, not excellent. But even Elon Musk worked with one of the highest grade user of thin film photo voltaics; NASA. If we could spend the money with NASA, why not EV's. I love the idea of Tesla Motors, and its potential. Why not a screen that aligns itself to this glass and will be retractable? We have moon-roofs that can do this with glass, where's the investment into Thin-film solar panels?
Talk about killing two birds with one stone. You mean saving the interior of the car from solar degradation AND generating electricity? (not to mention the negligible weight addition) Yes, that simple. You mean selling an electric device with a charger, YES! You want to sell a car that's worth it's buck, sell something that cal pay for itself, or at least try. Isn't this company in California?
The numbers...well, I don't have any. But I do know that the surface area of solar energy that can pass through that glass is immense. Even though inefficient for the time being, it could still manage enough of a slow steady trickle charge that serves as a neat sun visor. I did mention you guys were based in California right? The typical workday is 8 hours...in the day. Where do most cars spend their time when not used? In the sunlight!!!, Doing what? Generating heat inside your car. Though a solar-electric car is an extremely hard-sell, the idea of a solar charged electric vehicle is not.
Now, tell me why not? if they don't work, scrap the film panels. Or just not use the idea at all. Imagine if every car had a thin-film solar visor...oh wait. They don't make those...yet. That's a wink to you Tesla.
*sorry, couldn't fit everything in there, and there were spelling mistakes. Basically all I'm saying is that I understand the point of view a business must take to make and sell a car, while still making profits. There is a lot of tension in the solar power community. There is a lot of opposition based on its problems with efficiencies. But I believe, I truly believe that this is a good idea. There are ads and "guarantees" on marine-automotive battery chargers, that cover less surface area than what the Model S does. Though there are more batteries in the Tesla, One would assume that solar panels atop a roof are efficient enough over the period of a sunny day to charge some batteries, am I right on that?
They probably wouldn't add enough range (maybe a few miles at most over the entire day) to make it worth the costs or complexity. Good idea but don't think it's ready for primetime yet. Maybe a small solar panel to run an interior fan like the Prius may work to cool the car while parked but not to charge the 70+ kWh battery pack.
If you cover entire roof of the car with thin film solar panel and leave it at Sun for 8 hours you get maybe 200W (20% conversion) * 0.5 (for Sun angle) * 1.5 * 1.5 meters (roof) * 8 hours = 1.8kWh. Model S uses roughly 90kWh / 300 miles so 3.33 miles / kWh 1.8 * 3.33 ~= 6 miles in perfect day. 3 miles each way.
Not very useful. You can walk that in about 45 minutes, using bicycle maybe 15 minutes without hurry. If you live that close to your work and are not interested in exercise you should buy electric scooter. Much easier in traffic jams, faster than car in that small distances (no parking problems) and clean (and a lot cheaper than Tesla cars).
Don't forget the expense: PV tech is still costly. I don't have the numbers to back it up, but I believe adding PV to the model s would push the price up another 10 to 20 grand. On a car with a 50 grand base prove, that's one expensive option!
I doubt it would be that expensive. I priced a 216 watt PV panel at about US$800 a couple days ago. You would still need some electronics and other components to make it work in addition to that. If you were applying thin film collectors it should be even cheaper. A small panel to run a fan that exhausts hot air from the cabin while the car sits in the sun should be fairly cheap (some common retailers sell them). Applying thin film to a wider area is something I would guess would be priced somewhere in the $1000-$2500 per square meter range if Tesla decided to present it as an option.
With those numbers it would take more than $3,500 to charge 1000 watts an hour. That is extremely expensive considering I pay 5 cents a kilowatt/hour here in the midwest.
I'd have to use it for over 70,000 hours for it to pay off.
In Missouri I have a 5 hour average useful charging time off solar a day. SO I'd have to use that panel for 35 years before it payed for itself.
I never have seen the cost savings in solar but my electricity is cheap.
It might be a reasonable option for those paying 20-25 cents a kilowatt/hour.
Well, see. Maybe I have my numbers incorrect, or other companies are selling their product under false pretenses. For example. If every sq. meter of solar panel has the potential for 1000 Watts at 100% charging efficiency (unrealistic) with thin-film reaching upper limit of 20% efficiency at highest point. So, 1000 Watts * 20% efficient conversion is 200 Watts/hour. If the sun shines 8 hours of the day you work, then you'll charge 8 hours * 200 Watts per square meter of solar panel (thin film) equals 1600 Watts (1.6 Kilowatts) potential per day. You're right, this isn't enough for the 90 Kilowatt hour(300 mile range). But that also assumes that the thin film is relegated to only 1 square meter, I'd assume there is close to 2 or more square meters of potential coverage area. So for the sake of argument, then you'd have 2 * 1.6 Kilowatts = 3.2 Kilowatts. per 8 hour day of sunlight. 3.2 kilowatts * 7 days a week = 22.4 Kilowatts per week. 4 weeks to the month * 22.4 Kilowatts = 89.6 Kilowatts per month. That's almost one third of a full charge meaning it would take you a little over 3 months for a full charge. Fine. You're right there too. But what about pv panels that are installed at home or at businesses which reach 40%(with same measurements) efficiencies on top of that? Also, how much energy(potential electricity) is burned using petroleum to ship petroleum? Meaning, drill the oil, capture it, ship it via boat, refine it and then distribute it using trailer tractors to ship it everywhere. How much oil does it take just to ship oil to its final destination? Where as making electricity in one place and sending it over power lines almost removes the shipping costs after having power produced. I'm not saying that pv's in cars are a solution just yet, but they don't take anything away. Tesla could sell pv's with their cars, you know how some car companies sold gas contracts as a selling point with their cars not too long after the prices jumped to almost $5 per gallon when the refinery in the gulf blew. Generating electricity in one place and sending it over permanent cables doesn't have the costs that maintaining a shipping fleet does, especially when one uses their own product to sell their product. There is always loss. Solar has a strong potential to shut down the argument of causing a disturbance on the grid. Right, if cars started doing that it would. My argument is that if there is free power/energy to be had, especially with how well solar and ev's go together, why the heck not? There is always gain when the energy source is free. ALWAYS.
You should look at Solar City http://www.solarcity.com/. I think Tesla has some connection to them, so maybe you get panels from them a bit cheaper than other places. (http://www.solarcity.com/residential/electric-vehicle-charging-stations....).
(BTW, it is quite a bit less than 1.6kWh / day for 1m^2 thin film, you need to have your solar panel directed to Sun to get full power, which in case of a car is not the case)
I'm not saying solar is wrong for everyone. It works for people who have high electric costs. You have to do the math and figure out if it works for you. There are flexible solar panels you can roll up and put in your trunk.
My company installs solar panels.... rarely.
To get the full efficiency out of a solar panel it must be pointed directly at the sun. For max efficiency (that 20% you are talking about) you need to mount the panels on a tracker that will follow the sun.
Dust, pollen, snow, leaves.... anything on the panels will reduce the efficiency.
Clouds will reduce the efficiency.
The sun does not shine at full strength from sunrise to sunset. At rise and set it is coming thru more atmosphere so the efficiency is less. Best efficiency is when the sun is directly over head.
There are less sun hours in winter than in summer.
That's where the AVERAGE usable hours comes from. In St, Louis, MO there are 5 hours of sun per day on average for the year. There are charts and all kinds of stuff on the web to calculate the pay off. In Saint Louis it's just not there yet.
Sun angle calculator:
This one will give you an idea of solar output if you live in the US.
Also watch the solar panel warranties very closely. The site above has good expensive panels. They guarantee the panel to be at 80% in 25 years. Some panels drop in power on a parabolic curve the minute they see sunlight over the 25 year warranty.
Darn map now shows St. Louis only has 4 hours (or less) now. Well at least they update their web page.
ifilm77, You were posting this same messege on all the threads. As someone pointed out to you not necessry to post same messege on all threads as most of us read them all any way. Some were critsizing you for this. I just thought you might hve not learned the ropes yet and defended you but it was pointed out to me you were likely just advertising you website. Whether just a new kid on the block and not familiar with how things go or someone blantantly advertisising will let you decide. But surely you know now not to put same messege on every thread. I kind of felt ridiculous defending you when it was pointed out why you were posting on all threads. Anyway whatever, glad you like the Tesla's and hope you enjoy an SUV.
I have been researching solar panels for several years now - I plan to use them on the house I will build. The prices for solar have come down enormously over the past 2 years. Yesterday I
priced some panels by BP and Canadian Solar and Evergreen, all with 25 year warrantees and guaranteed output. The price for some were less than $1.60 per watt. I estimate that my house will require about a 6K system, or roughly $9,000 for 30 panels.
Use microinverters - they make the installation a snap and remove most of reduced harvest issues, such as clouding, dirty panels, shadowing, etc. The Feds grant $1000 per kilowatt capacity of your system and the tax break can be spread over 3 years, I beleieve.
My site, in NC, averages 5 suns, from 3.8 in the dead of winter to 5.9 in the height of summer. Tracking mechanisms have never been recommmended - they are simply not cost effective, and even less so today with cheaper panels - simply add more panels. they are far, far more reliable than any tracker machinery, which is mechanical and will always break down. You can construct your array so that it can have its elevation adjusted as the seasons change, but the benefits are not that great. Simply point your panels due south and elevate them at an angle equal to 90% minus your latitude. That will maximize yearly energy harvest for a fixed array.
I looked at the link for Focus Fusion that Brian H posted a while back in this thread. (I am a newcomer to this forum but have been following Tesla for several years.) The article describes a process that sounded so odd to me that I looked it up on Wikipedia, where it is described as being theoretically possible, but extremely difficult, with several enormous technological hurdles and unlikely to come to fruition any time in the near to moderate future. Among the problems are that a much higher temperature is required and much less energy produced, compared with other fusion reactions.
I see no reason that fusion cannot supply energy at some time in the future, but given how far we are from solving the technological problems, I'm comfortable saying that in my lifetime the only fusion power we're going to have outside of minuscule amounts in the lab is that big yellow fireball that rises up over the horizon every morning.
The wiki article is worth about as much as you paid for it. The temperatures involved in the LPP process occur in minute "plasmoids" which are magnetically self-contained, and last microseconds. That's the key to the process; the fusion bursts are short enough not to require "containment", but powerful enough to generate significant ion and electron flows.
Your confidence is based on inadequate investigation.
I have been researching and following solar PV for almost two years
and they have become more efficient and a lot cheaper. Thinfilm
is not what an automaker would likely use and they do not achieve 20% efficiencies. Mono or polychrystaline can achieve close to 20% in commercially available panels. Of course, those stated figures of 20% efficiency are actually exaggerations of what will be obtained in most situations. Expect more like 15 or 16% efficiencies, yielding 300 watts off your 2 square meters. Unfortunately you have made several errors - first you assume that 8 hours of sunlight striking a panel that could yield, realistically, 200 watts (max) would provide 8 times 200 watts. Wrong. The panel rated at 200 watts will only yield that rate for a few minutes per day when the sun is dead overhead, there's no smog, etc. or clouds. All other times the panel will yield less than its maximum. Locales are rated in terms of the number of "suns" they receive, on average, for that date. The sun may actually shine for 12 hours in Arizona, but the number of suns will probably be around 6 or 7. Most locales in the US yield 5 or fewer suns per day during the summer and 3 to 4 per day in the winter months. The number can be obtained from solar irradiance charts and provide data from the past 20 years or so for any locale in the world. The other error you make is asssuming that if a panel produces 200 watts, that the battery will absorb
all 200 watts and none will be lost drawing the power from the
battery , both of which are quite wrong. Expect to lose 25% from the action of putting power into and drawing power out of a battery. And there is yet another error- that 200 watt panel is rated to harvest 200 watts (theoretically, not in actuality) only IF it is pointed directly towards the sun, at all times, which is impossible.
Using this data, for an average day, with 5 suns, expect to harvest not 2000 watthours, but more like 1500, and to lose
25% or 375 watthours, ending up with 1125 watthours per day.
That's enough to travel roughly 4 miles in a Tesla Model S.
And the power is worth 15 cents where I come from. The panels will
probably be a $1000 plus option.
i'm getting solar panels on my roof from solarcity.com. this will reduce my costs, and help the environment, and future generations. this will cost me nothing.
my monthly electric bill will be less. solar city has a GREAT lease program. i wish everybody would do this. solarcity.com. thanks. peace. :-)
tesla roadster owner number 1229
Powered Highways
Not everyone can afford to buy a 300 mile range battery pack; even if prices come down more than current forecasts, there is an environmental penalty associated with batteries of that capacity. Even worse, when EVs become more than a few percent of total vehicles, the queuing of people and vehicles at roadside charging stations on major highway routes will become an intractable problem. What we need is powered highways that sustain the vehicle charge while underway. The vehicle enters the highway with a particular state of charge, drives a few hundred miles, or even more, then leaves the powered highway with the same or better charge status. While there are challenges in bringing this to fruition, the problems are amenable to engineering.
First, the vehicle needs a computer-controlled pickup arm that optimizes the charge efficiency over the uneven roadway and various driver maneuvers. Equipped with IR, sonar or radar, the intelligent pick up arm will be articulated and powered to maintain the closest possible alignment of the vehicle to the charge element in the roadway. When you consider what Google is doing with self-driving cars, the knowledge base for vehicular software is getting quite mature.
Second, the charge element in the roadway is also a communications carrier; signals are exchanged between the vehicle and a regional traffic control system that integrates each vehicle into an intelligent grid of all the vehicles active on that roadway. Auto-pilot ervices are provided to the driver that surpass what can be provided by cruise control, including possible hands-free driving. The auto-pilot system provides control over the vehicle while it is in the charging lane and controls its relationship to other vehicles in the lane for greatly increased safety. Like the HOV lanes of today, legislation would provide that only EVs could drive in the charging lane. Because the charging element is recessed into the roadway, drivers enter and leave the charging lane at will, just by steering across the lane. The system acquires or releases vehicle telemetry and control automatically. Part of the telemetry system functions will be to steer the vehicle under computer control to also optimize the efficiency of the charging functions.
Third, the vehicle computer provides for payment of the charging toll; use of the charging lane should be something that can be paid in advance for regular users of a particular highway or paid on the spot by "guest" drivers. The tolls should be enough to pay for the electricity used and to retire the capital invested in the charging and computing infrastructure in the roadway. This toll should be favorable when contrasted to the cost of fuel over the same route for a gasoline powered vehicle. For example, I-5 between Sacramento and Los Angeles passes about 105,000 vehicles an hour at peak. If EVs become 3% of vehicles on this route, each one paying about $40 for a 400 mile trip, the peak revenue/hour could be $3,150. The average daily revenue could be in the range of $25,200 and the annual revenue could be over $9 million, or about $100 MM over the life of the infrastructure. At 10% penetration of EVs on a powered highway the annual revenue could hit $30 MM and the lifetime revenue would be over $2 billion.
nice thoughts. Allow me to make some comments on that.
First, a mechanical (conductive) energy pickup is improbable. You don't want voltage carrying metal strips exposed on the tarmac. There is, however, an overhead pickup system well established for vehicle use. It's called electric train ;-)
Seriously, inductive electric charge transfer while-you-drive is in test. Engineering problem solved. Now we need funding...
Second, you want only one communication system in the car and you want it to work everywhere, side roads, city, front yard. It will be wireless. Model S will come with 3G or 4G and an attractively priced data plan.
Third, infrastructure projects paid by future users always run into the chicken-egg-problem: Huge investments prohibit a large-scale roll out, low user numbers prohibit a quick scale up, low coverage prohibits many cars to be fitted with the necessary pickup tech.
Some people won't like charge-per-use since it gives an exact record of whodunnitwhereandwhen.
Since electricity cost is 6c per mile, there is little room for margin to run that business model on. Double it and collect another 6c for every mile...
I'm afraid you need the government to step in there, a no-go for so many US citizens... but might be a possibility in China where the govt sticks at nothing.
At local rates here, home charging costs about 2¢/mi. 10¢ for the privilege of charging on the road is a bit rich!
As someone who spent the last two years of my life designing and building a competition solar car for Iowa State University, I can attest that unfortunately even with the best mono-crystalline silicon solar cells on the market right now, a Model S roof covered in solar panels wouldn't make much of a dent in the overall energy usage of the vehicle. This is not to say that it doesn't make sense to offer it as an option. After all, vehicle's do spend a lot of their lives parked in sunny spots, so why not take advantage of this as much as possible if you can afford the cost?
First a little background. Our 2012 solar car called Hyperion had 6m^2 photovoltaic area using 22.3% efficient cells made by SunPower in California. This is far more area than would be practical for any production vehicle (it barely leaves room for the small cockpit that accommodates a single driver). On a good sunny day with the sun directly overhead, our solar array could produce 1200-1300W. However, over the course of the year in typical Iowa weather, the flat array would only produce an average of 5kWh per day throughout the course of the year assuming that it is never shaded. This is sufficient energy to take the car about 170 per day at a cruising speed of 45MPH. However, the car only weights 660lb with a driver and have an aerodynamic cd of about 0.11. If you'd like more info on the car, check out the fact sheet. http://solarcar.stuorg.iastate.edu/media/fact_sheets/p11_hyperion.pdf
Transferring this solar technology to something like the Model S is certainly possible, but the results would be much less impressive. A quick calculation shows that there is about 1.65m^2 of space available on the Model S roof for a photovoltaic surface. Taking SunPower's latest and greatest C65 cells, this would yield about 350W of power on good day with the sun directly overhead. Again taking Iowa's average solar radiation for a flat panel solar array, this could realistically produce 1.3kWh/day if it weren't shaded. If we assume the Model S can go 3mi/kWh, that would yield a range of nearly 4 miles per day on power from the rooftop solar installation. For the average american that drives 37 miles per day, this would be over 10% of their driving powered on solar energy produced by the vehicle. This could of course be supplemented by an additional home solar installation. In general, a home solar installation makes more sense it me since you could get by with cheaper, lower efficiency solar cells since there is generally a lot more space available on a roof or in a back yard than on a vehicle.
Finally, let's try to gauge the cost of the solar installation described above for the Model S. For our 6m^2 solar car array at Iowa State, we paid $9,000 just for the cells. Hence a Model S installation, the cost of these same cells would be under $2,500. Granted, this cost would likely be a lot lower for mass production due to economies of scale, but then you have to add the cost of the inverter, wiring, and cell mounting/protection. I should mention that there are solar cells on the market that cost significantly less per watt (1/4 the cost), but only have an efficiency of 18-20% and from less reputable companies. My numbers above are intended to show the best case scenario that could be realistically achieved with today's technology (without considering 30% efficient space grade gallium arsenide solar cells which are triple junction and cost astronomically more than silicon solar cells).
Compared to the cost of slightly increased battery capacity, and the electricity required to fill it, solar on cars is insanely expensive, and in practice almost useless. The constraints do not conform in any respect to how people actually use cars.
There is a one use which could be enough for adding tiny solar panel in practical family BEV: all batteries lose energy slowly if left unplugged, so add a solar panel that just big enough to counter that loss + a bit extra and you can leave your BEV in sunny parking lot indefinitely without plugging it in. For that use panel needed would be tiny.
As option of course, here in Finland such solar panel would not make much sense, but if you live in some very sunny place it could be worth the extra buck.
Apparently the Karma solar roof cost $5K (or $5K/W?), enough to run a fan. Is that worth it?
That price has quite a bit "Karma" in it, you can run a fan with panel that costs fifty bucks, not five grand if that is all that it is doing.
Real question here is how much power do you need to maintain battery charge.
... found this "50 percent charge would approach full discharge only after about 12 months.
12 months is about 8600 hours, 50% of charge of 85kWh battery is 42.5kWh. 42500/8600 ~= 5W. Not kW, W. to maintain charge panel needed would be really tiny.
Nice to have some hard numbers Evan, thank you.
"Real question here is how much power do you need to maintain battery charge"
And battery temperature.
Averaged over 24 hrs., say 120Wh, of course, with variable sun hours, intensity, and angle daily, and seasonally. Or none if it's indoors. And assuming it doesn't accumulate a layer of dust or condensed smog. /:p


text:
LAN Port temperature humidity detector smoke alarm system&Indoor network monitoring system
Product Code: 1W340K_S1T1
Manufacturer: PCsensor
Stop production
1. Equipment Introduction:
Model Name: 1W340K
Application fields: Computer Room, hotel, shopping mall, supermarket, museum, library, warehouse, Industrial environment temperature & humidity real-time detect.
1. Software on PC in local area network can real-time read the environment temperature and humidity data, and save related data as files.
2. Can connect external smoke alarm sensor, real-time monitoring of smoke data, once happen abnormal timely alarm
3. Software support window system
4. POE power supply, compatible with 802.3 af standards.
New Functions!!
1W340 product Newly add remote access function , welcome to download the newest software (1W340 V4.0 zip) .
Operating steps: 1. Search Device >> 2. Register Account >>3. Login user >> Set device config >>4. Search network device
Electrical parameters:
1.Working voltage:DC 5V
2.Working current:<230ma
3.Equipment power:<1.15W
Factory settings:
(1)IP address: 192.168.1.188 (the user can modify)
(2)The subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 (the user can modify)
(3)The gateway: 192.168.1.1 (the user can modify)
(4)Connection types: TCP (default shall not modify)
(Device supports secondary development; the details please consult the salesman)
Equipment appearance:
2. Device Use
Device using aviation plugs connecting internal circuit board, probe and network port. Please tighten the aviation plug, and then connect the switches that support POE with the cable. Device can work (Note: You must insert the plug before power-on).
2.1. Direct connection
Connect device to computer with one LAN cable, generally called direct connection or point-to-point connection. It makes it easy to visit device. Simplified wiring and operation.
2.1.1Network Settings
Factory default IP (192.168.1.188) subnet mask (255.255.255.0) gateway (192.168.1.1).Computer and device must in the same network segment.
Steps as follows:
Step one: "Network Place" -> 'Check the local connection" ->"Local Connection", right click the "Local Connection"->"Properties"
Step Two: "This connection uses the following items" ->"Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IP)"->"Properties"
Step three: Select "Use the following IP address", fill in the subnet mask, default gateway same to the device. Set the IP as 192.168.1.xxx, the final data (xxx) of device IP and the computer IP cannot be same (note : xxx don't set 0 or 255),Set up and then click "ok", save.
2.2 Networking connection
The device and the computer have only one network port, if the user wants to visit several devices, or use several computers to visit one or more devices, it requires the user to form a network, the user needs to choose the switch supports POE. There must be more switch ports than the devices.
If the computer and the device is not in the same network segment, users need to modify the IP, subnet mask, gateway to fit with current network, please refer to the device software setting
2.3 Restore factory settings
If you forget the parameters or incorrectly set to make it not work, you can press the Preset button on device for 3~5 seconds. It is finished when the LINK and ACK light go out.
3. Data detection
The resolution and precision of the data will be different by different probes. Please refer to the table below:
Note: If the user needs to connect the smoke alarm, Please pay attention to this device only supports 12V smoke alarm (working voltage).when smoke alarm triggered, the signal line should be 12V output voltage.
4. Software instructions (Note: Our software only support windows system .)
4.1. Search probe
Open software will appear the following window, fill in equipment starting the IP address and ending IP address, then, software will search the device from starting to end the IP address .(including all the 1W340 equipment )
4.2. Real-time temperature
Click on "real-time data" and select IP address what you want to check the equipment. As follow:
4.3. Log
Choose what you want to see the equipment IP address and read the temperature (As follows).
4.4. Curve
Choose what you want to see the equipment IP address
Click left mouse button under marquee can zoom curve and narrow curve; Click and hold the right mouse button, can move the curve.
4.5. Setting
Click on "Setting" and select "General Setting ". As follows:
Click "Setting" and choose "Device Setting", choose one IP address, as follow:
Click on the HS10, will enter DS18b20 temperature probe to set temperature calibration value.
4.6. MSN remote access to the temperature
MSN users log in, your friends can send related instructions and to obtain the relevant temperature data. When your friends send prompted number 1 to you, he will automatically get the temperature data. Include real-time temperature, maximum, minimum and average.
4.7. Email function
Fill-mail message, and save. (Send E-mail request: support for POP3/SMTP services or other ports.) Receiving mail can fill two.
Can realize the following functions:
1, Open warning function, when the alarm is automatically triggered to send a message to the specified mailbox;
2,You can set the time, from time to time, it will send a message to the specified mailbox (recommended);
3, Open continuous send, you can send mail to open a row in the specified mailbox (not recommended).
6. Specification version
7. Copyright statement
Copyright© 2014 by SHENZHEN RDING TECH CO., LTD.
Note: If you want to download the latest software, please click here: http://software.pcsensor.com/pc_en.html
Customer Reviews
This product hasn't been reviewed yet.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"Dancing with the Stars'' ended its 11th season with its most-watched results and competition shows since fall 2007, and the episodes were also the two most-viewed entertainment programs of the 10-week-old prime-time television season.
The two-hour results show last Tuesday was the most-watched prime-time program between Nov. 22 and Sunday, averaging 24.2 million viewers, according to live-plus-same-day figures released today by The Nielsen Co.
The season's final competition episode a day earlier averaged 23.7 million viewers, finishing second for the week.
In a Thanksgiving holiday week that included many reruns in the final four days, CBS was the most-watched network for the ninth time this season, averaging 9.64 million viewers.
ABC finished second, averaging 8.93 million viewers, followed by Fox Broadcasting (7.09 million viewers); NBC (6.44 million viewers) and The CW (1.15 million viewers).
CBS continued its streak of having the most-watched scripted series, comedy and new series for each week of the season.
"NCIS'' was the most-watched scripted program for the ninth time in the nine weeks this season that an original episode has aired, finishing third overall, averaging 18.78 million viewers.
"Two and a Half Men'' was the most-watched comedy for the ninth time in 10 weeks, finishing ninth overall, averaging 14.39 million viewers.
"Mike & Molly'' was the most-watched new series for the fourth time this season, averaging a series-high 12.93 million viewers, finishing 11th overall.
The one-hour, 47-minute premiere of ABC's "Skating with the Stars'' which followed the Nov. 22 "Dancing with the Stars'' competition episode, was second in its 9:13-11 p.m. time slot behind CBS' lineup of "Two a Half Men,'' "Mike & Molly'' and "Hawaii Five-0.'' It was 21st for the week, averaging 9.36 million viewers.
Fox was first for the week among viewers ages 18-49, the group coveted by advertisers. ABC and CBS tied for first among viewers ages 25-54.
ESPN's "Monday Night Football'' game between San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos was the week's most-watched cable program. It averaged 11.66 million viewers, which would have ranked 15th among the week's programs on the five major broadcast networks.
ESPN was the week's most-watched cable network in prime time for the fifth consecutive week and 10th time in 12 weeks, averaging 4.70 million viewers.
As usual, Univision was the most-watched Spanish-language network, averaging 3.28 million viewers for its prime-time programming. Telemundo was second, averaging 1.04 million, followed by TeleFutura (1.01 million), Estrella TV (260,000) and Azteca America (160,000).
The week's most-watched Spanish-language prime-time program was the Monday episode of the Univision telenovela ``Soy tu Duena,'' which averaged 5.64 million viewers, which would have put it 54th among the programs on the five major English-language networks.
Ratings were not available for the network nightly newscasts.
The week's 10 most-watched prime-time programs were ABC's "Dancing with the Stars: The Results'' and "Dancing with the Stars''; Fox's initial eight-minute football postgame show Thursday; NBC's "Sunday Night Football''; CBS' "NCIS''; a second six-minute football postgame show Thursday on Fox; CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles''; NBC's nine-minute "Sunday Night Football'' pregame show; and CBS' "Two and a Half Men'' and its "Hallmark Hall of Fame''presentation, "November Christmas.''
"Dancing" Goes Out For the Fall on Top
"Dancing with the Stars'' ended its 11th season with its most-watched results and competition shows since fall 2007, and the episodes were also the two most-viewed entertainment programs of the 10-week-old prime-time television season.


text:
|文殊 Monju
|Naruto Episode #209
|Appears in
|Voice Actors
|Presumed Deceased
Monju (文殊, Monju) was a member of the criminal group Shinobazu.
Monju loved men was shown to have a rather sly, and merciless attitude. Even in a small skirmish with Akio, Monju beat him, tied him up with metal wires, and threatened to kill him in order to interrogate Gantetsu. When Naruto Uzumaki and Todoroki were caught in his special metal wires, Monju simply left with a captured Gantetsu, giggling.
Monju's appearance was somewhat feminine. He had neck length light-blue hair held back by a purple-coloured hairband and black-coloured eyes, wore shorts and a purple tank top showcasing a unique symbol, and orange armbands and long, painted nails. Unlike most shinobi who wear sandals, he wore brown boots. His bangs hung over the left side of his face covering his left eye and the hair by his neck grew outward on each side of his neck. He had a single strand of hair hang over his right ear.
Wire-Based Techniques
Monju's fighting style involved the manipulation of metal wires, and he was proficient on various wire-based techniques. Using chakra to increase the sharpness of the wires he could cut through thick doors, walls and even a large boat with ease. He also could use the wires to bind and immobilise his opponents, proving to be efficient with traps. When he wrapped an opponent in his metal wires, he could use a technique to make the wires shrink the warmer the temperature got, slicing up his opponent, or he could simply squeeze them as a torture method. To protect himself from physical attacks, he could also form a wire cage, which is effective against most taijutsu attacks. The only weakness of his wires seems to be humidity, as it made them weak enough for Naruto Uzumaki to chew through.
Part I
Gantetsu Escort Mission
Monju, along with the other members of the Shinobazu, was shown breaking into a house, killing the family within it and burning it down shortly after stealing its goods. Later, as part of his mission to capture Gantetsu, he was shown slicing a boat in two using the wire-based technique, Murderous Grasp.[1] A day after the unsuccessful attempt of breaking Gantetsu out of captivity, he managed to capture him in a net made of metal wires, leaving Todoroki and Naruto Uzumaki in a cluster of wires that tighten up as the temperature increases. As Monju ventures out through the forest with the now captured Gantetsu, he passes by the kids that Gantetsu had saved from Shinobazu's raids, prompting Gantetsu to struggle and break the net off the zipline that the net was attached to. Monju then landed beside Gantetsu, proceeding to lock himself in his Wire Cage and interrogate Gantetsu. With Akio and Gantetsu under the oppression of Monju, both Naruto and Todoroki, who had recently escaped from Monju's wires, show up.
Naruto makes a foolish attempt in trying to chew up the wires of Monju's wire-cage, considering that sweat and saliva are the wire's weaknesses. This results in the cage being turned upon Naruto, leaving him tied up and later crushed in a cluster of wires. This, however, was a shadow clone, where as Naruto emerges from the ground and punches Monju, sending him flying back. Having to break the impact, Monju wraps wires around two trees and flings himself towards Naruto with intents to commence battle. Instead, Monju was halted by the two clones that grabbed a hold of his wires, and then gets knocked out by another bundle of clones. Shura, the leader of Shinobazu glides down from the sky on his Umbrella interrupting the fight. Monju then quickly tells Shura that Akio knew where their treasure was. Seeing this, Rock Lee runs up and knocks out Monju with Leaf Whirlwind. It is unknown if Monju is dead or not.[2]
- In Japan, there is a nuclear power-plant named Monju.


text:
Stand-alone Star Wars films confirmed
- Bang Showbiz
- 6 February 2013
Disney will release some stand-alone 'Star Wars' movies as well as the three new films planned for the franchise
Disney are planning some stand-alone 'Star Wars' movies.
The studio are currently working on the seventh, eighth and ninth installments of the popular sci-fi series, but have revealed writers Simon Kinberg and Lawrence Kasdan are also working on additional films that won't interfere with the on-going storyline.
Disney chief Bob Iger told CNBC: "We plan to make 'Star Wars' 7, 8 and 9 over roughly a six-year period of time starting in 2015.
"But there are going to be a few other films released in that period of time, too."
Last year, Disney splashed out $4 billion to but George Lucas' Lucasfilm and Bob admitted the price tag was based on the value of the main three movies and resulting product sales, not the potential money to be made from spin-offs.
He said: "When we were exploring very seriously with George [the acquisition of Lucasfilm], the idea of producing a few standalone films that were not part of the overall saga came up. Those possibilities are becoming more real."
'Star Wars Episode VII' is scheduled for release in 2015 and Disney are prioritising the film above all else.
Bob added: "The priority of Disney and Lucasfilm is to create a great film for 2015 and do everything we can across our businesses to help the success of that film."


text:
Monday, February 7, 2011
First Impressions
Greetings from Friuli everyone! I arrived safely and aside from one "zipper situation" in the security line at LAX, (Really? I just had to wear the Tootsie Pop unders on a day that I decide to flash all that cared to look, at Los Angeles International Airport? Perfect) I made it here to the North Eastern hills of Italy unscathed and in good spirits. Those of you that pay attention to such things you might have noticed that I posted my last entry about three hours before I was to supposed to leave for the airport…yeah, I suck at travel. Was only about fifteen minutes late for our, "Let's leave by" time and sailed my exhibitionist ass through security with lots of time to spare.
Empty row all to myself from Los Angeles to New York, this was a godsend. Stretched my chunky, sleep needing ass out and slept almost the entire way there which I am sure is part of the reason I can find the energy to write and the desire to pop the bottle of Il Roncal Chardonnay that was just like sitting here, waiting for me and junk. Yummy un-mucked with Chardonnay is charging my batteries while I screw around before dinner. Off to a fantastic start.
Kinda weird meeting, like face to face meeting, people you have been reading and chatting with for as long as I have been with a couple of the guys along on this amazing journey. Alfonso of On the Wine Trail in Italy is exactly as I thought he would be; smart, dashing, funny, inclusive, wicked interesting and I adore that he and I share a similar "emotional" way of writing, not just writing, but feeling about wine. I was a fan before we actually met and now, well now I'm just trying my best to not be like that boogery kid that we all hid from in grade school, "Hey! Wait for me!" with him…
Jeremy of Do Bianchi on the other hand is not at all what I expected. I had in my mind that he would be kind of quiet and shy but nothing could be further from the truth. Matter of fact I've found myself speechless a couple of times by just how charismatic and commanding he is. The guy not only knows his shit, he knows it in multiple languages and is an ever willing teacher. Cannot believe my good fortune to be here in Friuli with these guys that are so very passionate about this place and just so happen to be wicked cool.
David of McDuff's Food & Wine Trail falls somewhere in between. Kind of what I expected as far as the wine stuff goes but he caught me a little off guard with a kind of quiet sweetness. The first to grab my bag, following me out while I had my dreaded cigarettes, I'm guessing in an effort to watch out for me which is just adorable as hell and comforting when being in a place so far from the people, smells and even the wines I know. I felt at home with him the second he hugged me….
I'll have to report on Nicolas and Wayne after spending just a touch more time with them. Poor Nicholas of 'na cica de vino, had one hell of a trek to get here and has been struck with sleep deprivation retardation, a syndrome I've come to know all too well. Poor baby, I'm sure he will up and running after a good night's sleep. Wayne of both Bastianich and Old White Wine, joined us for our welcome snack, he lives here in Friuli….but I didn't get quite enough face time with him to discover anything more than he seems like a genuinely kind man, appears to get my particular brand of humor and is absolutely in love with this place that he now calls home. I am sincerely excited to learn more about all of these tremendously articulate and remarkably knowledgeable dudes. I've got lots to learn and this group is saturated with guys that can teach me. Just gotta keep to my chant, "Don't go all boogery kid. Don't go all boogery kid"….wish me luck.
As for Friuli, well we have just met but I am immediately struck by the beauty, soft rolling hills, the way everything looks like it has been sprinkled with a soft dusting of powder….just enough to keep things from looking too stark or severe…kind of reminds me of Burgundy in that way. I've discovered that this place and I have something in common, a profound love for white wine and a fierce passion for the tender, glistening, groan inspiring meat of the gods…pork. Pork is huge here and seeing that prosciutto is as prevalent catsup back home round these parts….well, I'm happy as a pig in, well maybe the pigs aren't so happy here but dammit they taste fucking amazing.
Just checking in all. Not too much to share as of yet but be sure to check out the COF2011 blog, (I put it on my blogroll) where my fellow travelers will be posting their impressions and photos, (sigh….dreaded pictures) as well….
Sweet dreams everyone
10 comments:
- Valerie said...
Now I feel like the boogery kid being the first to comment...and admit that I was dreaming about a wine shop that for some reason had 45 aisles, the last 5 containing ... auto parts - I think you were there rolling your eyes when some guy asked me to explain Brolio to him (but he bought the bottle). And WTF? That's what I get for mixing Verdicchio and Superbowl. Can't wait to read more! Gotta go wipe my nose - I mean drink coffee. Divertiti!!!!
- February 7, 2011 at 6:29 AM
Boogery kid #2 checking in, right behind Val. Was wondering how you were going to avoid the dreaded photos...
Buon appetito(?)
I dunno. My one semester of Italian way back when consisted of drooling over the hot Italian guy who taught it.
- February 7, 2011 at 6:49 AM
- Michael Hughes said...
Love ya darlin. Drink some for me!
- February 7, 2011 at 7:47 AM
- Romes said...
Have a great trip! I'll be following along everyday - can't wait to see, hear, feel what you discover! Loves ya!
- February 7, 2011 at 8:56 AM
- Samantha Dugan said...
I love boggery kids....now. So thankful to hear from you guys, while I am having a blast and learning so much it is nice to get a little taste or vision of home. Big hugs from one boogery kid to another!
Another Day of Crazy,
I so thought of you today and even had a picture taken of the men that made me do so. Damn, father and three sons all freaking gorgeous...bringing me wine and food all afternoon. I wish you were here. Then you would be wiping your chin and not your nose...
I miss you and I will drink lots for you! Just for you, I would never consider getting over indulging but seeing as you made a special request.
Awe, thanks for following along girlie. Nice to know that a few of you are keeping me company along the way. I know I will have more interesting posts here soon, just still recovering from the flight and trying to soak it all in. Thanks again for following, means a lot.
- February 7, 2011 at 4:12 PM
- Sara Louise said...
Boogery kid #3 checking in! That is all.
- February 7, 2011 at 10:28 PM
- Carl said...
YAY!!! I can see pictures!!!!
Carry on.
- February 8, 2011 at 12:44 AM
- Do Bianchi said...
aw shux. :) so glad to finally meet you and get to taste with you lady!
- February 8, 2011 at 12:59 AM
- Samantha Dugan said...
Oh man are these cats picture happy! Follow the COF2011 blog and I'm sure you will see plenty of pics of my ugly mug....bastards. That being said Alfonso took one that was very cool, try and have Lisa or Todd show you on their facebook page. I miss you!
Been a fantastic trip thus far although I don't think I have ever been so full, like ever. Very interesting for me to taste with you guys, you all know these wines so well, an amazing opportunity to learn. Sorry for the giggles last night at dinner....blame Alfonso. Just couldn't keep a straight face after he told me his new nickname was Gigante Pignolo...(snickering). Ready for day two and when you get a chance I would love those names...
- February 8, 2011 at 1:23 AM
- Nancy Deprez said...
Wow, you sound like you are having the time of your life! I'm enjoying following along. Your style of writing, as usual, is captivating and powerful.
- February 9, 2011 at 9:11 AM


text:
South Carolina
Laser Spine Surgery in South Carolina
Whether you've been in a car accident or a just had a bad workout session, there's a good chance you will have back pain while living in South Carolina. By some estimates, up to 8 in 10 adults will suffer from some form of back pain in their lives.
Although numerous treatments and solutions exist to relieve back pain temporarily, surgical options offer another way to get rid of pain once and for all. However, surgery is perceived by many to be a less than ideal option due to the possibility of complications. In fact, surgical operations carry the same risks as taking certain kinds of medications or undergoing physical therapies.
One alternative to traditional open back operations is laser spine surgery. Its minimally invasive approach only requires a small opening to operate, giving patients peace of mind.
With laser and endoscopic equipment, surgeons who provide laser spine surgery can reach the affected area more easily and treat it effectively. Whether you need to remove extra bone growth or widen the spinal canal to release pressure, you can experience relief in just a few hours after the surgery is complete. In some cases, the patient can even check out on the same day the surgery is performed and go home with minimal scars.
Spinal stenosis
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Pinched nerves
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
Want to learn more about laser spine surgery in South Carolina? See the directory below for facilities near you. There may be some travel involved in order to receive treatment from a qualified practice. If you're still uncertain about laser spine surgery in South Carolina and whether it can solve your back problems, make an appointment with your primary care physician to get a professional opinion.
- South Carolina
Find Back Pain
Close To Home
Simply fill out the form
below to get started on
your road to recovery:


text:
Last revised 15:00 ET July 28, 2010.
Please send comments about this plan to the firstname.lastname@example.com developer mailing list.
This draft document lays out the feature and API set for the next feature release of the Eclipse e4 project, designated the July 2010 release.
Plans do not materialize out of nowhere, nor are they entirely static. To ensure the planning process is transparent and open to the entire Eclipse community, we (the e4 team) post plans in an embryonic form and revise them throughout the release cycle.
The first part of the plan deals with the important matters of release deliverables, release milestones, target operating environments, and release-to-release compatibility. These are all things that need to be clear for any release, even if no features were to change.
The remainder of the plan consists of plan items for all of the component areas under the e4 Project. Each plan item covers a feature or API that is to be added to the e4 Project deliverables, or some aspect of the e4 Project that is to be improved. Each plan item has its own entry in the Eclipse bugzilla database, with a title and a concise summary (usually a single paragraph) that explains the work item at a suitably high enough level so that everyone can readily understand what the work item is without having to understand the nitty-gritty detail.
Not all plan items represent the same amount of work; some may be quite large, others, quite small. Some plan items may involve work that is localized to a single component; others may involve coordinated changes to several components; other may pervade the entire project. Although some plan items are for work that is more pressing than others, the plan items appear in no particular order.
Fixing bugs, improving test coverage, documentation, examples, performance tuning, usability, etc. are considered routine ongoing maintenance activities and are not included in this plan unless they would also involve a significant change to the API or feature set, or involve a significant amount of work. The intent of the plan is to account for all interesting feature work.
The current status of each plan item is noted:
The complete set of release deliverables for the e4 project will include:
Release milestones will be occurring at roughly 6 week intervals, and will generally occur three weeks after an Eclipse project milestone.
M6 (Feature and API Freeze)
Our target is to complete the release in late July 2010, one month after the Helios release. All release deliverables will be available for download as soon as the release has been tested and validated in the target operating configurations listed below.
In order to remain current, each e4 Project release targets reasonably current operating environments.
Most of the e4 Project is "pure" Java code and has no direct dependence on the underlying operating system. The chief dependence is therefore on the Java Platform itself. Portions are targeted to specific classes of operating environments, requiring their source code to only reference facilities available in particular class libraries (e.g. J2ME Foundation 1.0, J2SE 1.3 and 1.4, etc.). In general, the July 2010 release of the e4 Project is developed on Java SE 5.
e4 has dependencies on components from other Eclipse projects, notably the Platform project, and the EMF project. While specific version dependencies may specify a wider range, e4 is generally built and tested against the versions contained in the Helios release train.
There are many different implementations of the Java Platform running atop a variety of operating systems. We focus our testing on a handful of popular combinations of operating system and Java Platform; these are our reference platforms. Eclipse undoubtedly runs fine in many operating environments beyond the reference platforms we test. However, since we do not systematically test them we cannot vouch for them. Problems encountered when running Eclipse on a non-reference platform that cannot be recreated on any reference platform will be given lower priority than problems with running Eclipse on a reference platform.
e4 July 2010 is tested and validated on the following reference platforms (this list is updated over the course of the release cycle):
|Operating System
|Windowing System
|x86 32-bit
|Sun Java 5 Update 22
IBM Java 5 SR11
|Red Hat Enterprise Linux
|x86 32-bit
| Sun Java 5 Update 22
IBM Java 5 SR11
|Apple Mac OS X
|Apple Java 10.5 Update 2
As stated above, we expect that e4 works fine on other current Java VM and OS versions but we cannot flag these as reference platforms without significant community support for testing them.
The e4 platform is designed as the basis for internationalized products. The user interface elements provided by the e4 components, including dialogs and error messages, are externalized. The English strings are provided as the default resource bundles.
Latin-1 and DBCS locales are supported by e4 on all reference platforms; BIDI locales are supported by e4 everywhere but on Motif.
e4 supports GB 18030 (level 1), the Chinese code page standard, on Windows XP and 2000, Linux/GTK and the Macintosh.
e4 July 2010 will not be compatible with previous releases of e4, such as the e4 0.9 release. This includes binary compatibility, contract compatibility, workbench model compatibility, and workspace compatibility.
e4 July 2010 includes a set of bundles that are binary and API contract compatible with Eclipse Platform UI API from the Eclipse Helios (3.6) release. This set of bundles is known as the compatibility layer, and is intended to be used to create a full Eclipse SDK release on e4 that is fully compatible with previous Eclipse project releases. Thus while e4 July 2010 itself is not compatible with previous Eclipse project releases, it provides the necessary infrastructure to allow a fully compatible e4-based release of the Eclipse SDK to be created.
Non-compliant usage of API's: All non-API methods and classes, and certainly everything in a package with "internal" in its name, are considered implementation details which may vary between operating environment and are subject to change without notice. Client plug-ins that directly depend on anything other than what is specified in the Eclipse e4 API are inherently unsupportable and receive no guarantees about compatibility within a single release much less with earlier releases. Refer to How to Use the Eclipse API for information about how to write compliant plug-ins.
The plan items listed below were defined according to contributor requirements and the themes and priorities established by the e4 Project. Each plan item covers a feature or API that is to be added to the e4 Project deliverables, or some aspect of the e4 Project that is to be improved. Each plan item has its own entry in the Eclipse bugzilla database, with a title and a concise summary (usually a single paragraph) that explains the work item at a suitably high enough level so that everyone can readily understand what the work item entails.
Although there are several components under the e4 project, there is a significant amount of commonality and shared effort between them. In general, many plan items involve coordinated changes to multiple components, and thus attempting to separate the items into sections based on sub-project leads to artificial distinctions between them. As such, this plan covers the work of all components under the e4 Project.
Not all plan items represent the same amount of work; some may be quite large, others, quite small. Although some plan items are for work that is more pressing than others, the plan items appear in no particular order. See the corresponding bugzilla items for up-to-date status information on ongoing work and planned delivery milestones.
The current status of each plan item is noted:
Over the years the Eclipse platform has accumulated a large body of API, resulting in a platform that is very powerful, but also very difficult for non-experts to use and extend. This theme encompasses work to make it easier to develop software components for the Eclipse platform.
None at this time.
The Eclipse platform provides an excellent basis for producing extensible integrated development environments (IDEs). However, it can be difficult to assemble and customize Eclipse components into different kinds of applications or for different runtime environments. This theme encompasses work to make it easier to rearrange, customize, and otherwise mash up Eclipse components into very different kinds of applications.
None at this time.
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Well, Mitt Romney, does corn count as an amber wave of grain?
According to Stephen Colbert, Romney should know — because he sure has asked that same question in enough speeches by now.
On "The Colbert Report" Wednesday, Romney's razor-thin apparent victory in the Iowa caucuses was the talk of the hour.
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.
So was the "rousing, impromptu victory speech" — Colbert's words — for which Romney ditched the teleprompter in an effort to appear more natural.
But Romney caught flak from Colbert for again not appearing natural when Colbert replayed a barrage of clips of the GOP frontrunner delivering his stump speech throughout the last week.
In all those speeches, as well as his pre-victory speech Tuesday night, Romney quoted the same lyrics from "America the Beautiful" and made the same crack about amber waves of grain in Iowa.
"I think we'll all remember where we were every time we heard that," Colbert said.
The Colbert Report
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text:
Logical fallacy
A logical fallacy can be any one of a number of formal or informal mistakes in a deductive proof.
Note that an argument can be fallacious but still correct. For instance:
- All fish live in the water.
- All trout live in the water.
- Therefore all trout are fish.
The premises are true and the conclusion is true, but the conclusion is not a valid inference from the premises. To see why, notice that we could use identical reasoning to prove that "all whales are fish" (of course, whales are mammals not fish).
Likewise, an argument can be logically valid but still wrong:
- All bugs are insects.
- All spiders are bugs.
- Therefore, all spiders are insects.
One of the premises is factually incorrect (which one depends on your definition of the word bug) and the conclusion is also untrue. However, the conclusion is an accurate deduction based on these premises. Validity and soundness are also discussed in the article Validity vs. soundness.
For examples of logical fallacies, visit the logical fallacies category.
- How To Win Every Argument by Madsen Pirie, ISBN 0-8264-9006-9
External links[edit]
- List of fallacies on Wikipedia
- Fallacies: alphabetic list (full list)
- Logical Fallacies, Literacy Education Online
- LogicalFallacies.info
- Stephen's Guide to the Logical Fallacies
- The Skeptic's Field Guide: Fallacy List
- The Taxonomy of Logical Fallacies, FallacyFiles.org
- Logic & Fallacies: Constructing a Logical Argument at The Secular Web


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UConn at hearing over NCAA infractions
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Coach Jim Calhoun and other University of Connecticut officials went behind closed doors Friday with NCAA investigators, hoping to convince them that the school has done enough to punish itself for recruiting violations in the men's basketball program.
President Philip Austin, athletic director Jeff Hathaway and Calhoun testified before the NCAA's committee on infractions in a hotel conference room. Hathaway and Calhoun both declined comment before the session began.
The school last week acknowledged violations stemming from the recruitment of former player Nate Miles, but denied an allegation that Calhoun failed to foster an atmosphere of compliance in the program.
Rich Karcher, director of the center for law and sports at the Florida Coastal School of Law, says the school could face additional sanctions if the NCAA affirms that allegation.
"The self-imposed sanctions are essentially a minimum floor," he said. "The NCAA may impose more, but they certainly are not going to reduce what the university self-imposed."
Under the self-imposed sanctions, the scholarships for men's basketball have been reduced from 13 to 12 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years. The school also has agreed to reduce the number of coaches who make calls to recruits and the number of "recruiting person days." The school also put itself on probation for two years, which Karcher said will include some increased reporting requirements.
The NCAA and the school have been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide Miles to UConn, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
The school said it found that the basketball staff exchanged more than 1,400 calls and 1,100 text messages with Nochimson between June 2005 and December 2008.
Miles was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without ever playing a game for the Huskies. He was charged with violating a restraining order in a case involving a woman who claimed he assaulted her.
Neither he nor Nochimson cooperated with the NCAA investigation.
Calhoun said in his own response that he investigated whether there was an improper relationship between Nochimson and the recruit, and warned the player against getting involved with Nochimson.
The school also has admitted that five players from last year's team also received improper calls. Those players were declared ineligible when the school discovered the calls, and were reinstated by the NCAA last November. But Karcher said that doesn't mean UConn will avoid sanctions. "If you had ineligible players that played in games, then if the NCAA is going to be consistent with past practices, it could vacate some wins," he said.
Two members of last year's basketball staff, Beau Archibald, the director of basketball operations, and assistant coach Patrick Sellers lost their jobs after allegations they provided false and misleading information to NCAA investigators.
They also are expected to testify at the hearing, which comes as UConn opens practice Friday for the upcoming season. It's not clear whether Calhoun will make it back in time to participate in the "First Night" activities for the fans, but associate head coach George Blaney said Calhoun will be back when the real work begins on Saturday.
"You don't know how long those meetings could be," Blaney said. "The initial plan is that he would be back late Friday night."
UConn was 18-16 last season and lost in the second round of the NIT.
A decision from the NCAA is not expected for several months.


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Liberty deal Quanitra Hollingsworth for WNBA draft pick
The Washington Mystics acquired backup center Quanitra Hollingsworth from the New York Liberty for a third-round pick in the WNBA draft.
The pick is the 25th overall in Monday's draft.
The 6-foot-5 Hollingsworth, who played at VCU, will not join the Mystics until July, because she will be with the Turkish national basketball team at the European championship.
A first-round pick in the 2009 draft, Hollingsworth has averaged 3.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in three WNBA seasons with the Minnesota Lynx and Liberty. She has started two of 90 career games.


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ALGONQUIN – Learning Express Toys of Algonquin plans to celebrate its anniversary this weekend with crafts and Star Wars characters in the store Saturday.
This year marks the franchise's 25th anniversary and the store's fourth, said store owner John Flanagan. The celebration will include crafts from the Orb Factory and Creativity for Kids throughout the day on Saturday.
Members of the Star Wars 501st Legion and Rebel Legion will be posing for photos with visitors at the store as they work to raise money for next month's American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Aurora. They will be at the store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Algonquin mother of two sets of twins and author Dawn Karlovsky will also be at the store to promote her book, "Project Baby Management," which features time-saving tips and tech-savvy organizational ideas.
Learning Express Toys is located at 117 S. Randall Road in Algonquin.


text:
Community Investor is now part of Think Realty
Now offering even more resources for savvy investors - like you!
We are excited to announce our move to Think Realty! You'll find all the insightful content and informative articles you've come to expect from Community Investor right here on ThinkRealty.com, in addition to a host of other educational resources, content, and tools for savvy real estate investors.


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as far as the eye can see
Also found in: Wikipedia.
as far as the eye can see
Extending to the farthest possible point, as of that which one can see in the distance. Sometimes used hyperbolically, humorously, or sarcastically. I love this part of the country. The green hills stretch out as far as the eye can see. My father was always so proud of his little shop. When I was a boy, he'd take me to the roof and say, "One day all this will be yours, as far as the eye can see."


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Spiced toffee apple cake
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal327
- fat17g
- saturates10g
- carbs42g
- sugars27g
- fibre2g
- protein5g
- salt0.53g
- 200g dates, roughly chopped
Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits - it's thought that they were a staple part of…
- 200ml milk, plus a splash
One of the most widely used ingredients, milk is often referred to as a 'complete' food…
- 250g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
Butter is a dairy product made from separating whole milk or cream into fat and…
- 280g self-raising flour
- 200g light soft brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
Baking powderbay-king pow-dah
Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali…
- 4 large eggs
The ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition packed with protein and a…
- 1 tbsp mixed spice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 small red apples
Grown in temperate regions, apples are one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. There are…
- squeeze lemon juice
- handful of toffees
There are few secrets to toffee. It is simply sugar that has been…
- a little icing sugar, for dusting
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 20 x 30cm baking tray with baking parchment. Put the dates and milk in a small pan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and set aside for 15 mins to cool.
Whizz the date mixture to a smooth purée in a food processor or blender, then scrape into a large mixing bowl. Tip in the butter, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, eggs, mixed spice and vanilla, and set aside while you prepare the apples.
Quarter and core the apples, then slice quite thinly, tossing in a little lemon juice as you go. Quickly beat together the cake ingredients with an electric whisk until smooth, then scrape into the baking tray. Arrange the apple slices, overlapping in rows, on top of the cake – you should be able to get 3 rows lengthways down the tray. Bake for 45-50 mins until a skewer poked into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the tray.
Put the toffees in a small pan with a good splash of milk and gently melt, stirring, until runny. To finish, dust with a little icing sugar, then drizzle sauce all over the cake. Cut into squares or slices to serve.


text:
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Idioms, Wikipedia.
Related to bacon: Francis Bacon
bacon,flesh of hogs—especially from the sides, belly, or back—that has been preserved by being salted or pickled and then dried with or without wood smoke. Traditionally, the process consisted of soaking the pork in brine or rubbing it in a salt mixture by hand, then smoking the sides in smoke from an open chimney. It sometimes took three or four months. Bacon is still home cured in some rural communities, but the bulk of its manufacture is carried on in large industrial meatpacking plants equipped to slaughter, dress, cure, smoke, and sell on a large scale. Bacon refers to different cuts in different countries. In the United States it usually means the side between the fifth rib and the hipbone. In Europe, the word bacon generally refers to one half of a fattened pig. Bacon has one of the highest fat contents of any cut of meat.
1. Francis, Baron Verulam, Viscount St. Albans. 1561--1626, English philosopher, statesman, and essayist; described the inductive method of reasoning: his works include Essays (1625), The Advancement of Learning (1605), and Novum Organum (1620)
2. Francis. 1909--92, British painter, born in Dublin, noted for his distorted, richly coloured human figures, dogs, and carcasses
3. Roger. ?1214--92, English Franciscan monk, scholar, and scientist: stressed the importance of experiment, demonstrated that air is required for combustion, and first used lenses to correct vision. His Opus Majus (1266) is a compendium of all the sciences of his age


text:
Modern Royal Navy & Merchant Ship Plans & Drawings for the Scale Model Maker
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The federal government's new oil spill prevention regime received strong support from the B.C. marine shipping sector Monday for taking what the industry considers to be best practices and formalizing them in legislation.
"We as a marine industry are obviously very conscious that we have to do the right thing to provide Canadians with confidence that everything that can be done is being done to ensure the safety in the movement of tankers," said Capt. Stephen Brown, president of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia.
The program announced by the government will allow the industry to examine its own practices and benchmark them against other best practices around the world, Brown said.
Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver and Transport Minister Denis Lebel announced plans Monday in Vancouver to create an expert panel to review the current shipping regime, conduct annual inspections of tankers visiting B.C. ports, implement stronger pollution-prevention and response measures at oil handling facilities, and increase aerial surveillance to spot oil leaks from vessels.
Brown said the shipping sector considers that it has developed best practices already, but that the ability to have those practices benchmarked and reviewed will likely result in further improvements.
"We have every confidence in what we are doing today but we are obviously aware that there may be things that we can do better."
He said tankers are already vetted by oil companies through an international inspection database before they are hired. Transport Canada also inspects tankers on their first visit and then targets tankers making subsequent visits for inspection. The new regulation will require first visit inspections and then annual inspections after that. Vancouver has 14 inspectors now and Brown said he believes they will be able to carry out the additional work.
Putting current practices into legislation, he said, should increase public confidence in oil shipments.
However, critics of oil shipments said the new federal regime will likely make no difference in already-formed public opinions around tankers on the B.C. coast.
Having more eyes on the tankers will be better, acknowledged Ben West, campaigns director for ForestEthics Advocacy. But he said he believes the government's announcement was aimed at swaying minds rather than making real changes.
"We have heard this rhetoric before about world-class standards," he said. "I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that we don't have world-class standards now."
The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, whose community is across Burrard Inlet from Kinder Morgan's Westridge oil export terminal, also criticized the federal announcement.
"Ultimately the best way to safeguard Canada's seas and skies is to say 'No' to new pipelines," Tsleil-Waututh councillor Carleen Thomas said in a news release. "It's time for the Harper government to stop talking about pipelines to the West Coast like they are inevitable and start listening to what the people of B.C. are saying. British Columbians do not want new pipelines and increased tanker traffic on our coast."
Enbridge, whose Northern Gateway pipeline project to Kitimat is currently before Joint Review Panel hearings at Prince Rupert, said the federal proposals go one step further in balancing environmental protection with economic growth. Enbridge has its own stable of world-class experts on marine safety testifying at that hearing.
"We fully support the announcement," said Ivan Giesbrecht, Enbridge's communications manager for Vancouver. "Ongoing protection of B.C.'s unique and diverse coastline is something that Northern Gateway supports, Enbridge wants, the federal government wants, Canadians want, and, of course, British Columbians want. This is something that I think we can all agree upon."
Travis Davies of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said Canada is an exporting nation and the new federal program will help in providing a social licence in which producers can operate.