Vehicle to Grid – How Electric Vehicles Interact With a Smart Power Electricity Network

What is Vehicle to Grid
Also called Vehicle 2 Grid or V2G, Vehicle to Grid is the process of connecting your electric car into the transmission electricity network. If you have an electric vehicle then you will definitely want to consider setting up V2G through a simple metering system and contract with your local electricity supplier. Electrician Brisbane 24 hours is a great advantage to our residence because we can’t avoid emergencies during night time.

What do I need to consider before deciding to connect my vehicle to the grid?

  • Firstly you have to have an electric car which can be charged by a standard electricity outlet.
  • The second thing you will want to do is determine some basic driving habits – i.e. if you drive almost your entire vehicle range to work and back every day, then there is unlikely to be much energy left over to swap between your battery and the grid, which makes setting up V2G a little redundant
  • Having decided that V2G connectivity is possible and feasible, you will need to look at the right products on the market to help you achieve this. I.e. which inverter should be used and which electricity trading contract will suit your needs the best?
  • If you decide suddenly that V2G is not good for you, how can you get out of an otherwise more expensive contract?

Once these basic items have been checked off the list, it is time to call up your utility and start the process of applying for V2G. You can then purchase a suitable inverter which allows you to feed back into the grid (this will be similar if not identical to the type of inverters used on solar PV grid connected power supplies). Of course you will have to decide what sized inverter to go for.

For example, a 5kW inverter may cost $1000 and a 2kW inverter may cost $600. Therefore you have to be sure that you can recover the $400 over being able to sell a higher rate of electricity in peak times. Some simple maths will help you work out the optimal solution, but just be aware of the various pay offs for each option.

Why is Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Good?
Vehicle to Grid applications have a number of benefits for all sorts of businesses and stakeholders. Vehicle to Grid (V2G):

  • Empowers the home consumer to make sensible choices about when they use their electricity through smart metering
  • saves the consumer money in the long run through effective electricity management
  • is green! Every time you supply the grid with electricity during the yearly peak energy demand, you are reducing the need to upgrade the electricity network with more transmission lines and generators
  • You are helping to bring electric vehicles (EV’s) onto the market
  • You are reducing your carbon footprint! This is a big ones these days
  • The electricity company can save money and reduce their unit electricity prices, or reduce the need to increase them
  • reduce the amount of electricity transmission line needed. I.e. the car transports the electricity to where it is needed.
  • Cuts down on the amount of fuel stations required
  • Reduces our addiction to foreign oil through the accelerated introduction of electric vehicles and ability to replace fossil fuel generation with renewable energy generation.
  • Allows more sustainable energy and renewable energy to be introduced onto the electricity grid, as electric vehicle batteries can now act as a buffer to intermittent generation.

The last point is an important one. Traditional transmission networks are struggling to cope with large percentages of intermittent renewable and sustainable energy generation, as electricity generation from these sources is largely dependent on the elements. Therefore to have the ability to store electricity somewhere is important. In many countries power utilities are approaching this by pumping water up a hill and regenerating during peak times (~60% efficiency) or storing hydrogen formed by electrolysis underground ready for re generation (~40% efficiency). Storing electricity in batteries is a much higher efficiency (60% – 90%) however is a little costly.

Japan uses large battery sheds to store small amounts of energy, however vehicle to grid systems also work very well as storage mechanisms and are likely to play this role in the future as more electric vehicles hit the market. How soon we will see such networks will largely rely on the countries commitment to renewable and sustainable energy sources, as well as the abundance of wind, sun and wave energy. Although many companies claim to have a green lining, short term economics of such projects still remains the number one driver for the introduction of such technology.

The advantage to the end consumer who is running a vehicle to grid system is the savings in electricity for essentially hiring out the storage space in their electric car battery. So as we can see, it is a win win for many as it not only reduces the stress on our electricity transmission and generation networks, allows more sustainable energy to be placed on the system with lower carbon emissions, but also saves the end user money whilst making electric vehicles more affordable. It also weans us off our foreign oil addiction through the cost effective introduction of electric vehicles, a topical issue as we approach peak oil status around the world.

For more information you may want to consult your electricity network to find out about their smart metering tariffs. You will also want to look into the purchase of an electric vehicle, or an electric vehicle conversion in able to make use of the vehicle-2-grid (V2G) technology. I guess we can all look forward to a cleaner, greener, cheaper carbon restrained future, and V2G is going to help us get there in a big way!

More information on Vehicle to Grid (V2G) at [http://www.v2g.com.au].

has plenty of information on solar PV, solar thermal, wind energy, geothermal generation, biomass and biofuel energy, peak oil, electric vehicles and other renewable and sustainable energy alternatives.

I look forward to seeing sustainable energy, electric vehicles and effective energy management bring us into the next era. Richard Watson

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How to Build a Water Garden – Concrete Lined Pool

The advent of pre-formed pools and butyl liners has tended to make the building of pools from concrete a less common option, but if you want a formal pool, do consider using concrete, as it is a durable, strong material with a good, watertight finish. Making a concrete pool is not an easy undertaking, and it requires far more building expertise than using a liner or a pre-formed pool. Remember too, that once built, a concrete pool will be difficult to remove if you decide you do not like it or find it is in the wrong place. Pool removal Sydney is insured to handle any kind of residential or commercial concrete demolition job.

PLANNING

Check the ground on which you are going to put the pool is completely stable. If it is not, you may have to bed the pool into a layer of compacted hardcore. For an informal pool, the deepest part of the pool, where the fish and water lilies will be, should be a rectangle or square, and it should have sides that slope outwards at an angle of about 20 degrees to reduce the pressure exerted as ice expands in winter, which is a common cause of cracks. The rest of the pool, including the planting ledges, can be any shape you wish, but add at least an additional 15cm (6in) to the depth and to all the sides this is the minimum thickness of concrete that will be necessary to make a strong pool. In a formal pool, where it is more likely that you will want the sides to be completely vertical, you should be prepared to make the concrete about 20cm (8in) thick.

The larger the pool, the more important it is that you include heavy gauge wire mesh or reinforcing steel mesh, and it is vital that the concrete completely fills the holes and that there are no spaces left around the mesh. A very large pool will need steel reinforcing rods.

The most problematic part of building a large, formal, concrete pool is the need for shuttering, which is used to hold the concrete in place while it sets. Without shuttering, there is a danger that the concrete will slide down the walls, so that they are thinner at the top but bulging at the bottom. The shuttering, which is a bottomless, topless box made of wood and smaller in all dimensions by the thickness of the concrete, is built inside the pool when the base has been completed.

BUILDING THE POOL

Make the bottom of the pool first by laying poured concrete over a layer of hardcore. Include wire mesh between two layers of concrete, and leave to set. The shuttering must be built in situ so that it is both completely rigid and easily taken apart. Build the shuttering and insert mesh in the sides and then add the concrete. When the concrete is dry remove the shuttering and coat the sides and base of the pool with a proprietary waterproof sealant.

If the mix was wrong in some way the proportions of the cement, sand and aggregate were wrong or if the materials were not thoroughly mixed together before water was added, the pool will leak. Cracks may also occur if the foundations subside.

Ready-mixed concrete is easy to work with and will have been made to the correct consistency. Its main drawback is that everything must be absolutely ready so that the concrete is used on the day it is delivered. You should also think about access and how you will transport your load of concrete from where it is delivered to the site of the pool. If you decide to mix your own concrete, which is possible to do if you are building a small pool, it is vital that you get the proportions right. Use good quality cement, sharp builder’s sand and clean graver or ballast (aggregate) in the proportions 1:2:3 by volume (not weight). Do not add too much water, leaving puddles in the mix: your aim is to get a smooth consistency. Add a waterproofing agent, which will increase the durability and impermeability of the concrete. Using a concrete mixer, which can be hired by the day, will make sure the concrete is thoroughly mixed and will keep it workable for you.

Poured concrete is, sadly, prone to cracking. Even if you do not build your own pond with concrete, you may inherit such a pond in a new garden, and should you discover your pond leaks, is at least possible to effect short-term repairs.

Once you have found the crack, use a thin stone chisel and a club hammer to widen it. Tap very slowly and gently. Clean away all the debris with a stiff brush. Mix the mortar and use a trowel to fill the crack. Leave it to dry for at least 48 hours. Apply a coat of a proprietary pool sealant to the crack to prevent toxins from leaking into the water.

This will not be a very long-lasting solution to the leak, and you may eventually find it necessary to line the pool with a butyl liner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Patrick_J_Smith/438816

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Here’s What You Need to Know About Pilates

Pilates is among the most sought-after low-intensity workouts. Everyone has heard of it, even if not everyone is absolutely convinced of its pronunciation, but what is it and what can it do for you? Pilates instructor course performs body conditioning workout on the mat, combining ballet movements with the alignment of yoga and the precision of Pilates.

What is it?

To begin with, Pilates is an exercise named after German-born Joseph Pilates who defeated asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever through developing his own method of exercises. Pilates sessions in Arlington, MA spin class focuses on both the body and mind to condition and strengthen the body muscles, and train the mind to maintain a constant level of body awareness as well.

What can it do for you?

Pilates is a full body workout that works the physique in an effective way to train you for the physical challenges of daily life. Largely, pains and cramps that hold back a significant percentage of the population are caused by bad posture. If you experience body pain a little too often, then Pilates is for you. It has long been known to improve core stability and postural alignment, thus reducing the chances of injury or pain caused by overuse of one body part.

What many people don’t know is that Pilates is a great workout for those looking for sculpted muscles as well. Though it’s not a cardio workout and won’t exercise your heart and lungs enough, it’d still increase your muscle tone and rapidly burn your calories. It has also been known to reduce stress levels, which is closely associated with weight loss.

Pilates and yoga

Pilates has regularly been associated with yoga in that it can enhance balance and coordination by teaching a greater relationship between the body and the mind. If you think you’re not using your body to its full potential, Pilates is an ideal way to get back in touch with it. This workout can train the mind to stay focused on the workout objectives and push the body for more. This is likely why a large number of people are considering this low-intensity workout for a healthy lifestyle.

Injury rehabilitation

Pilates has also attained widespread acceptance as an approach to rebuilding strength and function following injuries. Pilates is a low-impact workout and as such, it’s ideal for injury rehabilitation. That being said, it’s definitely not a substitute for medical care.

“Where can I practice Pilates near me?” Fortunately, Pilates is now widely available throughout the United States. So, what’re you waiting for? Get started on your journey to improve the structural integrity of your body.

True Business Success Begins With These Social Media Marketing Steps

If you have a business, there is a good chance a lot of your customers belong to social network sites. You need to make sure your business is also on these social media sites. Determine which sites your customers belong to, and include these in your marketing because if you hesitate to do this, you could be missing out on bringing in new customers and creating new relationships with them. An SEO consultant Sydney can take on a wide range of skills at multiple levels for clients, so what I do for you really depends on what you need.

Create new blog entry as often as you can as well at regular intervals. This is also the truth when people subscribe to newspapers and magazines. Be sure you stay consistent to keep people coming back.

When headlines or titles draw readers in to the point that they want to read more, you are going to notice people go where you ask them.

Answer as many questions or comments that people post.

Until you have a better grip on what social media marketing works for your company, mimic the style of those that you admire. Look at what they are posting and filled their profiles and read through their regular posts.

Always provide a way that your business on popular social media websites. Most people use social media sites on a daily basis, so give them a quick way to access you via Twitter, Linkedin or Twitter is a great way to make sure they have instant access when you put up a new post.

Regardless of how big your business is, consumers never want to feel like they are being talked down to. They are essential to your business’s success.

Always respond to posts with questions or comments on social sites. Check these sites more than once a day to see if there are any concerns you need to address. You can change settings to get notifications in your regular email box. Remember that everything you write as a response to a comment will be public for everyone to see.

Ask your customers to answer a survey that reveals how they use of social media. If your target audience does not care about social networks, you will need to find different ways to market your business.

When it comes to social media, Short posts work best, to-the-point messages are generally the most effective. Readers have a better chance of remembering and sharing short pieces of information than long pieces, allowing them to spread the word to other users.Using images properly can also reduce the wall of text that might be otherwise needed.

Use what you’ve learned to send out messages.

When using social media to market your company’s products or services, make sure that you provide some incentives, but you don’t want to seem overly pushy. No one wants a sale. This will make it so your customers get great deals without feeling coerced.

Only include information on Facebook that is interesting or worth sharing. Do not habitually share content just to be posting something for no discernible purpose. Share relevant information that you find to be interesting, factual and interesting information. Make sure that what you share is what people will want to read about. Avoid meaningless quizzes and surveys about irrelevant topics that will only distract or annoy your customers.

Make sure your blog posts stand out by putting in a design or picture of visual interest. People do not enjoy reading lots of text without anything to break it all up. Add graphics, like logos, pictures or borders to make the page more interesting. But remember to not overdo it and make it too stimulating.

Make comments on the posts of other social media blogs regularly. A simple way to promote yourself is to engage others in dialogue that blog within your niche. This can be a great networking opportunity.

You need to add fresh content now and then to keep the interest of your Facebook page. You can post funny videos or writing interesting articles. Find a balance between being friendly and professional.

You need to stay friendly with other posters on public forums.These users are all prospective clientele, so you need to make sure that you don’t try too hard to advertise to them, instead giving them relevant information.

If you are the owner of a RSS feed, use subscription buttons on your social media sites. This will help the readers of your blog to visit your social media profiles. This is much more convenient for users who are familiar with your company and they can follow you all forms of social media on the net.

Use automation with Twitter API to keep people interested in your page. You can use your Twitter account automatically re-tweet content posted by other users or bloggers. Find good blogs that are trustworthy and timely to share with your followers. This keeps your page fresh so your followers when they search for new content.

Your customers will be impressed with the effort that you put into this.

Prior to selecting a social media marketing firm, find out if they use two-way. This assures you they can handle any problems you are having.

Link social media with advertising and other campaigns.Generate interest by having a contest that is related to your advertisements, or by having a photo contest related to your posters.

The annotation feature found on YouTube is an excellent way to hide a coupon code until the end of your video.

This way you won’t publish materials that may ruin your reputation.

Although it’s great to show that you are human with a great personality, going overboard may appear unprofessional and your followers may develop a poor impression of you.

To motivate people to share the information you post, it needs to resonate with people who aren’t familiar with your niche. Use humor a lot and avoid technical terms. The customers you are talking to may understand you, but it may prevent those followers from sharing the information with friends who are less knowledgeable about your niche.

As you have seen from the above article, social media sites are one of the great ways you can market your business. It allows you to communicate with your customers, attract new customers and get the word out about your business. Dive in and see what happens!

Best Central America Beaches for Surfing

When it comes to water adventurous vacation, Central America comes to the mind first. With a lot of beaches with pristine sands and large open area ideally suitable for a variety of adventurous activities, beaches there offer a good opportunity for full fun and pleasure coupled a chance for digging through plenty of delicious cuisines that you will have irresistible cravings for. Surfing app provides forecasts for thousands of spots around the globe.

If the sea surfing is part of your vacation, Cost Rica and Punt Rica are two best beaches that allow for unstoppable water recreational activities. From sea surfing, boating, motor boating, cruising to fishing, you will have plenty of different experience all you vacation. Not only that, there are many restaurants offering a variety of palatable dishes. So you can have a chance of enjoying beautiful yummy dishes with your family. When in Costa Rica, you must go to the Nicoya Peninsula, the home to a beach often known as Playa Tamarindo that is among the best beaches across the USA. Unlike other places, it is more than just a tourist hotspot that offers a variety of accommodation and entertainment. The Manual Antonio a famous nature reserve is more than a reason for those who want to explore of the beauty of nature from a close distance. Also, the place boasts of many world-class hotels offering great accommodations at the most reasonable price to tourists from across the world. Other beaches widely known for sea surfing and other water sports include Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua as well as Belize. They are less developed areas so they are one of the best places for those who want to explore natural life in a different way. You not just enjoy the surfing, but also dig through a number of amazing things that you can hardly find at other places. They are excellent places for a perfect fun packed vacation either with family, spouse, or colleagues. Another place that makes an ideal choice for an exciting and thrilling vacation is called Palencia which is situated in the sought of Belize at the end of a very small peninsula. It is often referred to as being a beach that allows tourists to have an amazing relax as well as explore the water or marine life in exciting ways. Also, it has incredible flora life. If you have a passion for photography, the place offers a gilded opportunity for photography. Rich wildlife, beautiful aquatic life, and amazing scenery from dusk to dawn make tourists from across the world visit here. It is one of the most visit Central America beaches for surfing and other adventure water activities such as motor boating, scuba diving and so on.