Since the nation`s electric power grid is fueled by domestic resources, electric vehicles can also help hold the line on fossil fuel imports. Emissions would fall to zero if the electricity came from photovoltaic, wind, or other renewable energy technologies. With their use, air pollution would be cut drastically and, if fueled by electricity from natural gas plants or the current mix of electric power plants in the United States, these vehicles would more » emit only half as much carbon dioxide as gasoline-fueled alternatives. These carbon-based fuels may make the air a bit cleaner, but as they are now produced, they will neither reduce carbon-dioxide emissions enough to slow global climate change nor shrink fuel imports.
In this book the author surveys the environmental and economic costs and benefits of alternative fuels, finding that ethanol, methanol, and natural gas can serve, at best, as transitional options. In the short term, large efforts must be conducted on a national basis since these policies differ one country to another, depending on the involvement of policy makers. However, the definition and implementation of a European policy in this area is still not easy. (5) They insist on the need to define and operate policies not only in the office equipment area, but more generally, in the information and communication technologies sector as a whole. (4) They suggest that all mains-powered office equipment, especially that in information technology (IT) systems, should be designed and built as if it had access only to the limited power supplies of a battery-operated device, i.e., having automatic power management capability, controlled by use. (3) Since evidence indicates that the OT market is a world-wide market, it is recommended to implement an international labelling program in the near future. (2) The technology to ensure energy-efficient use of office equipment has arrived, and will steadily grow and improve. The units would allow for more flexibility and control, improved reliability, and more effective power management in the = submitted in early 1994, provides the main conclusions: (1) OT power load and electricity consumption are so high that a `laissez-faire` policy will soon be unaffordable. Improved fuel economy and overall performance would result from more effective utilization of the prime mover in the generator. The number of differing units necessary (both family sizes and frequency modes) to cover the medium power range would be decreased significantly, while the weight and volume of each unit would decrease, improving the transportability of the power source.
The recommendations, if implemented, should result in future power generation systems that are much more functional than today's gen-sets. The market survey revealed that the commercial market is in a state of flux, but it is currently or will soon be capable of providing the technologies recommended here in a cost-effective manner. The study includes a market survey of the state of the art in several key component areas and recommendations comprising a design philosophy for future military gen-sets.