Become a fan of Slashdot on Facebook

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×
Power

Li-Ion Batteries Get Green Seal of Approval 69

thecarchik writes "It is not an easy task to compare the environmental effects of battery powered cars to those caused by conventionally fueled automobiles. The degree to which manufacture, usage and disposal of the batteries used to store the necessary electrical energy are detrimental to the environment is not exactly known. Now, for the first time, a team of Empa scientists have made a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) or ecobalance of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, in particular the chemically improved (i.e. more environmentally friendly) version of the ones most frequently used in electric vehicles. Researchers decided to find out for sure. They calculated the ecological footprints of electric cars fitted with Li-ion batteries, taking into account all possible relevant factors, from those associated with the production of individual parts all the way through to the scrapping of the vehicle and the disposal of the remains, including the operation of the vehicle during its lifetime."

Comment Re:stupid (Score 1) 393

True, it is important to know how the communication between the chip and the PC was made. I'm guessing here, but I think my dad's pacemaker isn't that easily accessable... If it is, or in the future will be, the communication port should -logically- be protected. But for now, I think my dad should fear EMFs more.
Robotics

Lego Robot Solves Bigger and Harder Rubik's Cubes 63

kkleiner writes "It was only two months ago that we saw Mike Dobson's Cube Stormer Lego robot that could solve any 3x3 Rubik's cube in less than 12 seconds. You would think that there was only one person in the world crazy enough and talented enough to pull this off, but now we have found someone else that is just as amazing. The latest Rubik's cube-solving Lego monstrosity is called the MultiCuber, and although it's constructed out of nothing but Mindstorms components and a laptop, it can solve 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5 cubes all in the same build! As if that weren't enough, a larger version solves the dreaded 6×6 Rubik's. We discovered the MultiCuber when its creator, David Gilday (IAssemble), wrote us an email to brag about its puzzle-solving might. Consider us impressed, sir."

Comment Re:These are useless as transport (Score 2, Interesting) 494

That, in fact is not the problem. The e-bikes perform quite well on steep climbs and recharge a bit on the way down. The test has been done on the Mont Ventoux without problems. I do have concerns on how long it takes for the battery to lose it's full power capability. Six months? A year, maybe? And what will be the price of a new battery?

Comment really? (Score 2, Insightful) 205

The researchers theorize the correlation comes from the way candy is given rather than the candy itself. Candy frequently given as a short-term reward can encourage impulsive behavior, which can more likely lead to violence So bad parenting is the cause of criminal behaviour? Who would have thought...

Comment Re:useful energy is not free (Score 1) 404

just a thought but even if de plate is on the same level as the surrounding surface, then the loss of energy could be regained by lowering the amount af friction of the surface, a regular surface must provide grip for turning and braking, if you install smooth plates where these actions aren't necessary it makes sense...

Comment Re:A necessity (Score 1) 217

this would be funny if not for the more than 50% who actually think this way. The minister of defence in Belgium gave us the "you're either with us or you're with the terrorists" speech as a reply on a valid question asked by a senator 2 months ago and there was no outrage what so ever over this... this is when it hit me that the world is changing rapidly and not for the better.
United States

Discuss the US Presidential Election 1912

We made it. It's election day. Tomorrow we'll know. So for today's election discussion story, I'm throwing it wide open: let's discuss the election itself. Who are your picks and why. And also what about your actual experience voting today? Did Diebold eat your vote or did everything go off without flaw?

Slashdot Top Deals

Saliva causes cancer, but only if swallowed in small amounts over a long period of time. -- George Carlin

Working...