Future

[edit]Twin-fuel engines
Code named Bobcat, the new twin-fuel engine from Ford is based on a 5.0L V8 engine block but
uses E85 cylinder injection and gasoline port injection. The engine was co-developed with Ethanol
Boosting Systems, LLC of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which calls its trademarked process DI Octane
Boost. The direct injection of ethanol increases the octane of regular gasoline from 88-91 octaneto more
than 150 octane. The Bobcat project was unveiled to the United States Department of Energy and
the SAE International in April 2009.[52][53]

[edit]Formula One
As part of the rule changes under discussion for the 2013 season, GDI has been mentioned as a potential
technology of interest by Ferrari. [54

Power generation efficiency of piezoelectric crystals

Evans, K. A.
Ph.D. Thesis Georgetown Univ., Washington, DC.

The purpose of this research is to explore, as a basis for an alternate energy

source, the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by means of
the piezoelectric effect. The scope is limited to experimentally determining the
energy conversion efficiencies of thickness mode vibrating quartz cyrstals.
Because maximum conversion efficiencies are desired, measurements were
restricted to the crystals' resonant frequencies since piezoelectric crystals
behave as forced harmonic oscillators. As such they have a marked increase
in efficiency at resonance. It was found experimentally that X-cut quartz
crystals with nominal resonant frequencies of 1 MHz possess an energy
conversion efficiency of approximately 95 percent. Associated with this was
an 18.6 percent experimental error of which approximately two-thirds came
from errors in calibrating the ultrasonic probe. The major conclusion reached
in this experiment is that piezoelectric crystals in general and quartz crystals
specifically are potential alternate energy sources.
Keywords: ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY, PIEZOELECTRIC CRYSTALS,
PIEZOELECTRICITY, QUARTZ CRYSTALS, CALIBRATING, ERRORS, RESONANT
FREQUENCIES, SOUND WAVES

Disadvantages and risks

If the relative humidity is over 60% vol, then the use of a humidifier can allow the reproduction of dust
mites or the growth of harmful mold, which can be especially harmful for children and the elderly. The
relative humidity should be kept between 40% and 60%. [4] Can also cause Hypersensitivity
pneumonitis (humidifier lung).[5]

The EPA provides detailed information of the risks as well as recommended maintenance procedures [2]. If
the tap water contains a lot of minerals, also known as hard water, then the ultrasonic or impeller
humidifiers will produce a "white dust" (calcium is the most common mineral in tap water), which usually
spreads over furniture, and is attracted to static electricity generating devices such asCRT monitors. The
white dust can usually be prevented by using distilled water and a demineralization cartridge in ultrasonic
humidifiers.

Deeming the design to be unsafe, the Supreme Court of Minnesota held the manufacturer of a

humidifier strictly liable in products liability in the 1960s when a three-year-old knocked it over, severely
burning herself.