Conventional vehicles typically rely on Lead Acid Car Battery due to their high power output and affordability. These batteries use water-based electrolytes and have individual cell voltages that are relatively low. While they offer proven safety, lead-acid batteries have a lower specific energy compared to lithium-ion types. In contrast, hybrid electric vehicles often use nickel-metal…
Abstract The Li-ion Second Life Batteries application is of growing interest with significant potential to address sustainability and environmental challenges. By 2040, an estimated 3.4 million kilograms of LIB cells from electric vehicles (EVs) could potentially enter the waste stream. However, these batteries still have many useful years ahead of them. Instead of being trashed,…
A supercapacitor is an advanced energy storage device that offers high power density and has a long cycle life. These devices store energy through the separation of charge in an electrolyte, rather than through the chemical reactions used in batteries. This technology has undergone extensive developments in the last few years. Positioned between batteries and…
Solar energy refers to any form of energy produced by the sun. It is generated through the process of nuclear fusion that occurs within the sun. Solar radiation, also called electromagnetic radiation, is the light emitted by the sun due to nuclear fusion. Although every location on Earth receives sunlight throughout the year. The intensity…
A planetary gear system also known as an Epicyclic gearing or planetary gearing. It consists of spur gears arranged in an epicyclic configuration. In this setup, a central gear, known as the sun gear, acts as the input and drives the system. Multiple “driven” gears, or planets, orbiting the sun gear within a gearbox. These planets mesh…
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are driven by both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, utilizing energy stored in batteries. Unlike fully electric vehicles and Plug in Hybrids (PHEVs), HEVs cannot be directly plugged in to charge their batteries. Instead, the battery is recharged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion…
Have you ever wondered how a conventional powertrain makes your car move? Today, we’re diving into the world of conventional powertrains, the beating heart of most vehicles on the road. In a conventional powertrain, an internal combustion engine (ICE), transforms the stored energy from gasoline or diesel fuel into kinetic energy within the engine. This…
Alright, so let’s talk about vehicle performance and driveability! Many young car owners struggle with the misconception that modifying a car doesn’t affect its driveability. But what exactly is driveability? And how does it differ from vehicle performance? When we talk about vehicle performance, we’re talking about how well a car can do its thing,…
Why are the dynamics of mechanical systems important? Dynamics of mechanical systems is the science/ study of motion, aiming to describe natural and technological movements in the simplest way possible. It encompasses all aspects of motion, including displacements, deformations, and static systems where motion appears frozen. In the realm of engineering, understanding the dynamics of…
We all know that the braking system in a car is super important! That has never changed however, in the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, the advent of electrified vehicles has ushered in a new era of sustainability and efficiency. Every electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle available in the U.S. today features a regenerative braking…