Neworld » Energy and New Technologies

Alto, a trailer for nature’s sake

alainanglais — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:16:14 +0000

In a world of overconsumption beleaguered by excess and cheap disposable products, Safari Condo chose to break new ground in the design and development of the Alto, and bank on quality, functionality and sustainability. The original idea was to create a new RV type easily towable using a family car.

The large fuel-inefficient SUVs become unnecessary; avoid buying an expensive and gas-guzzling vehicle that’s really required just a few weeks each year. The resulting annual fuel savings is as important as the environmental impact.

Alto had to be lightweight and extremely aerodynamic. After extensive virtual wind tunnel testing, Safari Condo chose a rounder shape and reduced height for improved aerodynamics. The results are dramatic, because with its retractable rounded roof, formed of a single piece of joint-free aluminum, the Alto shows a 75 % lower drag coefficient than a traditional trailer. Its walls and roof are made of a sandwich-type material with a honeycomb core covered with aluminum on one side and Alufiber on the other. The choice of aluminum for the Alto was self-evident because of its lightness, resistance and infinite recyclability. Reaching for the lightest of construction, this same material is also used in the walls, roof, floor, chassis and even furniture.

Alto offers all the comfort expected by today’s travellers. Nature-friendly thanks to an all glass crescent-shaped retractable roof, its bright and spacious interior houses a King-size bed, a shower toilet, a modern kitchen area and plenty of storage. Flexible contour solar panels provide great energy sufficiency and let wannabe explorers freely enjoy off-course breathtaking panorama.

Safari has another Condo project on the drawing table: the Alto 1733. A larger Alto perhaps? Not at all! A mini Alto, even more aerodynamic and towable by sub-compacts. This brand new model will be unveiled at RV Shows in the spring of 2010. Safari Condo

The Home Energy Saver

Jason — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:37:14 +0000

The Home Energy Saver web site greets about 1 million people each year. It’s calculator is designed to help people identify the best ways to save energy in their homes, and find the resources to make the savings happen. It quickly computes a home’s energy use on-line and users can estimate money they can save and emissions they can reduce by implementing energy-efficiency improvements.

The Home Energy Saver’s Energy Advisor calculates energy use and savings opportunities, based on a detailed description of the home provided by the user. By providing more information about the home the user will receive increasingly customized results along with energy-saving upgrade recommendations.

The project has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as part of the national ENERGY STAR Program for improving energy efficiency in homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s PATH program, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program, and Touchstone Electric Cooperatives.

The Home Energy Saver

Tailwind Electric Bike

Jason — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:16:06 +0000

The Tailwind features a lightweight aluminum frame and front suspension fork to ensure a comfortable ride.

It has Shimano Nexus 8-speed rear hub , which is clean and maintenance-free, yet gives you the gears to tackle any terrain.

It is fully accessorized with full-fenders, dynamo light, and rear-wheel lock.

With Toshiba’s Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology, a battery charges in less than 30 minutes.

It has an industry-leading warranty which promises years of trouble-free use.

Schwinn electric bikes are among the lightest on the market.

http://www.schwinnelectricbikes.com/Bikes/Tailwind.aspx