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| Glossary of Energy Related Terms and Acronyms
· A · Absorbed (or absorptive) Glass Mat - A technique for sealed lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte is absorbed in a matrix of glass fibers, which holds the electrolyte next to the plate, and immobilizes it preventing spills. AGM batteries tend to have good power characteristics, low internal resistance, and good behavior during charging.
Additives - Chemicals added to fuel in very small quantities to improve and maintain fuel quality. Detergents and corrosion inhibitors are examples of gasoline additives.
Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) - A vehicle that combines new engine/power/drivetrain systems to significantly improve fuel economy. This includes hybrid power systems and fuel cells, as well as some specialized electric vehicles.
Aftermarket - Broad term that applies to any change after the original purchase, such as adding equipment. When applied to AFVs, it refers to conversion devices or kits for conventional fuel vehicles.
AGM - Absorbed Glass Mat
Ah - Amp-hour
Air Quality Management District (AQMD) - A term used principally in California to describe administrative districts organized to control air pollution. Nationwide, AQMDs are parallel to the areas designated for classification against the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Generally, AQMDs and their national parallel encompass multiple jurisdictions and closely follow the definition of Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
Air Toxics - Toxic air pollutants defined under Title II of the CAA, including benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 1-3 butadiene, and polycyclic organic matter (POM). Benzene is a constituent of motor vehicle exhaust, evaporative, and fueling emissions. The other compounds are exhaust pollutants.
Alcohols - Organic compounds that are distinguished from hydrocarbons by the inclusion of a hydroxyl group. The two simplest alcohols are methanol and ethanol.
Aldehydes - A class of organic compounds derived by removing the hydrogen atoms from an alcohol. Aldehydes can be produced from the oxidation of an alcohol.
Alternative Fuel - Methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols; mixtures containing 85% or more by volume of methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols with gasoline or other fuels; natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas; hydrogen; coal-derived liquid fuels; non-alcohol fuels (such as biodiesel) derived from biological material; and electricity. 'P-Series' fuels were added to this list since the original definition in EPAct.
Alternative Fuel Provider - A fuel provider (or any affiliate or business unit under its control) is an alternative fuel provider if its principal business is producing, storing, refining, processing, transporting, distributing, importing, or selling (at wholesale or retail) any alternative fuel (other than electricity); or generating, transmitting, importing, or selling (at wholesale and retail) electricity; or if that fuel provider produces, imports, or produces and imports (in combination), an average of 50,000 barrels per day of petroleum and 30% (a substantial portion) or more of its gross annual revenues are derived from producing alternative fuels.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) - As defined by the Energy Policy Act, any dedicated, flexible-fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.
Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) - A program sponsored by DOE and managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to collect data and information on all types of Alternative Fuels and AFVs across the country.
Alternative Fuels Utilization Program (AFUP) - A program managed by DOE with the goals of improving national energy security by displacing imported oil, improving air quality by development and widespread use of alternative fuels for transportation, and increasing the production of AFVs.
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (AMFA) - Public Law 100-494. Encourages the development, production and demonstration of alternative motor fuels and AFVs.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - A nonprofit organization that provides a management system to develop published technical information. ASTM standards, test methods, specifications, and procedures are recognized as definitive guidelines for motor fuel quality as well as a broad range of other products and procedures.
Amp, Ampere - Unit of electrical current. Abbreviated "A"
Amp-hour – Ah - Unit of electrical energy, one amp of current flowing for one hour. Abbreviated Ah
Anode - The negative electrode of a battery (or other device).
Anhydrous - Describes a compound that does not contain any water. Ethanol produced for fuel use is often referred to as anhydrous ethanol, as it has had almost all water removed.
Aromatics - Hydrocarbons based on the ringed six-carbon benzene series or related organic groups. Benzene, toluene and xylene are the principal aromatics, commonly referred to as the BTX group. They represent one of the heaviest fractions in gasoline.
Automotive post - A battery terminal style found on starting batteries in internal-combustion vehicles. A round post made of lead. See terminal styles for comparison.
· B · B100 - 100% (neat) biodiesel.
B20 - A blend of biodiesel fuel with petroleum-based diesel where 20% of the volume is biodiesel.
BCI - Battery council international. Promoters of battery standards, notably the "Group sizes" which specify the external dimensions of a battery. See also the group size chart. They have a minimal web page.
BEMF stands for Back Electro-Motive Force, or in other terms just "generated voltage."
BTX - Industry term referring to the group of aromatic hydrocarbons—benzene, toluene and xylene (see aromatics).
Balance of Payments - The dollar amount difference between a country's exports and imports. In the United States, large oil imports are one of the main causes of the negative balance of payments with the rest of the world.
Battery Management System – The main functions of a BMS are: 1) To keep the battery (individual cells/batteries and therefore the whole pack) going outside predefined limits (integration with the charging hardware is mandatory) 2) To keep individual cells/batteries at the same (or close) State of Charge at all times continuously managing them 2) To disconnect the pack from the charger or from the load if preset alarm/pre-alarm conditions are met This can be done gradually or in stages
NOTE: Clampers/shunt regulators which are active only at the end of charge do not qualify because: a) they are typically only active at the end of charge to prevent exceeding max voltage on a cell/battery while allowing cells/batteries with lower voltage still being charged. This is very useful feature, but different class of hardware Shunt type regulators: b) Have no idea about SOC of each cell/battery c) Never have chance to work if cells/batteries are purposely cycled in the middle of capacity range and for whatever reason never fully charged. This is not good for lead but allowed for Lithium based battery. Some people cycle a pack between about 40% and 80% State of Charge. Any shunt type regulators/clampers in this case would be useless. /end of NOTE Nice to have but not necessary "definitions" are: a) Detailed visual feed back to the driver (idiot light may be sufficient as long as the battery is protected) b) Control of the drive system c) Data collection (for off-line analysis)
Battery Pack – Composed of: Cells assembled into finished packs for use by the end user. Slice – Section of vertical or horizontal group of cells as a portion of the finished pack (usually the linked cells rather than the visual section). Stack - The group of series elements. Module - a smaller group of cells that makes up a larger pack, or an electrical BCU assembly. Group - usually parallel elements. Layer - Usually refers to a single level of abuse protection. Pack - The finished group of modules or cells that is useable by the customer.
Benzene - A six-carbon aromatic; common gasoline component identified as being toxic. Benzene is a known carcinogen.
Bi-Fuel Vehicle - A vehicle with two separate fuel systems designed to run on either an alternative fuel, or gasoline or diesel, using only one fuel at a time. Bi-fuel vehicles are referred to as "dual-fuel" vehicles in the Clean Air Act Amendments and Energy Policy Act.
Biochemical Conversion - The use of enzymes and catalysts to change biological substances chemically to produce energy products. For example, the digestion of organic wastes or sewage by microorganisms to produce methane is a biochemical process.
Biodiesel - A biodegradable transportation fuel for use in diesel engines that is produced through transesterification of organically derived oils or fats. Biodiesel is used as a component of diesel fuel. In the future it may be used as a replacement for diesel.
Biomass - Renewable organic matter such as agricultural crops; crop waste residues; wood, animal, and municipal waste, aquatic plants; fungal growth; etc., used for the production of energy.
BLDC - Brush-Less Direct Current
BMS – See ‘Battery Management System’
British Thermal Unit (Btu) - A standard unit for measuring heat energy. One Btu represents the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit (at sea level).
Butane - A gas, easily liquefied, recovered from natural gas. Used as a low-volatility component of motor gasoline, processed further for a high-octane gasoline component, used in LPG for domestic and industrial applications and used as a raw material for petrochemical synthesis.
Butyl Alcohol - Alcohol derived from butane that is used in organic synthesis and as a solvent.
· C · What is 'C' 'C' stands for capacity. Since capacity definition is different at different rates of discharge (see Peukert's Equation), it is useful to be talk about capacity at a specified rate of discharge. Thus the C10 rate of a battery is defined as the charge or discharge current in amperes that is numerically California Air Resources Board (CARB) - The state agency that regulates the air quality in California. CARB standards are often stricter than federal standards.
California Low-Emission Vehicle Program - State requirement for automakers to produce vehicles with fewer emissions than current U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards. The four categories of California Low-Emission Vehicle Program standards from least to most stringent are transitional low emission vehicles (TLEVs), low emission vehicles (LEVs), ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).
California Pilot Program - Federal program, administered by EPA under the Clean Air Act, which sets lower emission standards (relative to cars in the general U.S. market) for a set number of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in California. Beginning in 1996, the program will require the sale of 150,000 clean vehicles in the state. In 1999 that number increased to 300,000 annually. California must mandate availability of any fuel necessary to operate clean fuel vehicles.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - A product of combustion that has become an environmental concern in recent years. CO2 does not directly impair human health, but is a greenhouse gas that traps the Earth's heat and contributes to the potential for global warming.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) - A colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels with a limited oxygen supply, as in automobile engines. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CO contributes to the formation of smog ground-level ozone, which can trigger serious respiratory problems.
Carbon Sequestration - The absorption and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere by the roots and leaves of plants; the carbon builds up as organic matter in the soil.
Carcinogens - Chemicals and other substances known to cause cancer.
Catalyst - A substance whose presence changes the rate of chemical reaction without itself undergoing permanent change in its composition. Catalysts may be accelerators or retarders. Most inorganic catalysts are powdered metals and metal oxides, chiefly used in the petroleum, vehicle, and heavy chemical industries.
Certification of Higher Learning in Alternative Motorfuels Program (CHAMP) – A national program established by DOE to implement Section 411 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Cetane - Ignition performance rating of diesel fuel. Diesel equivalent to gasoline octane.
Clean Air Act (CAA) - Signed into law in 1963, then amended in 1970, and again in 1990 (see Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990). Includes emissions standard for mobile and stationary sources. Enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) - Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 created two new gasoline standards designed to reduce harmful fuel emissions for vehicles in highly polluted cities. The Act required gasoline to contain cleaner burning additives called fuel oxygenates such as ethanol. This Act recognized that changes in motor fuels and fuel composition would play a vital role in reducing pollution from motor vehicle exhaust.
Clean Cities Program - A voluntary program established and administered by DOE to increase AFV market penetration, particularly in more polluted urban areas. Clean Cities chapters are recognized by DOE as having successfully established a sulf-sustaining environment for AFVs. Specific chapters may include federal, state, and local government agencies, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, fleet managers, utilities, local distribution companies, and other stakeholders. The first international entities joined the program in 1995.
Clean Diesel - An evolving definition of diesel fuel with lower emission specifications, which strictly limit sulfur content to 0.05 weight %; in California, aromatics content is further limited to 10 volume % (for large refiners).
Clean Fuel - Any fuel or power source that is used to certify a vehicle to the LEV, ILEV, ULEV, SULEV, or ZEV standard.
Clean Fuel Fleet Program - Implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a provision of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 to require cities with significant air quality problems to incorporate vehicles that will meet clean fuel emissions standards.
Clean Fuel Vehicle (CFV) - Any vehicle certified by EPA as meeting certain federal emissions standards. The three categories of federal CFV standards from least to most stringent are low emission vehicles (LEVs), ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). The inherently low emission vehicle (ILEV) standard is voluntary and does not need to be adopted by states as part of the Clean-Fuel Fleet Program. CFVs are eligible for two federal programs, the California Pilot Program and the Clean-Fuel Fleet Program. CFV exhaust emissions standards for light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks are numerically similar to those of CARB's California Low-Emission Vehicle Program.
Closed-Loop Carburetion - System in which the fuel/air ratio in the engine is carefully controlled to optimize emissions performance. A closed-loop system uses a fuel metering correction signal to optimize fuel metering.
C20, C6, C1, etc - An expression describing rate of discharge. The number indicates the number of hours to completely discharge the battery at a constant current. So C/20 is the current draw at which the battery will last for 20 hours, C/1 is the current at which the battery will last 1 hour. The useful capacity of a battery changes depending on the discharge rate, so battery capacities are stated with respect to a particular rate. For instance, a particular model of Hawker battery is rated at 42 amp-hours at the C/10 rate of 4.2amps, but only 30 Ah at the C/1 rate of 30A. Also written as the 20-hour rate, 1-hour rate, etc.
CCA - Cold Cranking Amps
Cathode - The positive electrode of a battery (or other device). Cold Cranking Amps - A performance rating for automobile starting batteries. It is defined as the current that the battery can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a terminal voltage greater than or equal to 1.20 volts per cell, at 0degrees Fahrenheit (-18Celsius), when the battery is new and fully charged. Starting batteries may also be rated for Cranking Amps, which is the same thing but at a temperature of 32F (0C).
Cycle Life - How many charge/discharge cycles the battery can endure before it loses its ability to hold a useful charge. Cycle life typically depends on the depth of discharge. For example, if a hypothetical battery pack will propel your car for a maximum range of 100 miles, and you drive 50 miles between charges, (50% DOD) then you may get 600 trips before replacing the pack; but if you drove 80 miles between charges, you might only get 400 trips before the pack wears out. (All numbers were made up.)
Cold Cranking Amps – aka CCA - Cold Cranking Amps is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The rating is the number of amps a new, fully charged battery can deliver at 0° Farenheit for 30 seconds, while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts, for a 12 volt battery. The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of the battery.
Co-solvents - Heavier molecular weight alcohols used with methanol to improve water tolerance and reduce other negative characteristics of gasoline/alcohol blends. Tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) was used commercially as a co-solvent for methanol/gasoline blends during the 1980s.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) - Natural gas that has been compressed under high pressures, typically 2000 to 3600 psi, held in a container. The gas expands when used as a fuel.
Compression Ignition - The form of ignition that initiates combustion in a diesel engine. The rapid compression of air within the cylinders generates the heat required to ignite the fuel as it is injected.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program A federal grant program established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991 that allocates funds to states to help them simultaneously expand or initiate transportation services while improving air quality. CMAQ funds may be used to support alternative fuel and alternative fuel vehicle programs.
Converted or Conversion Vehicle - A vehicle originally designed to operate on gasoline or diesel that has been modified or altered to run on an alternative fuel.
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) - Federal and private joint research and development program that is used to further technology commercialization.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) - Law passed in 1975 that set federal fuel economy standards (P.L. 94-163). The CAFE values are an average of city and highway fuel economy test results weighted by a manufacturer for either its car or truck fleet. CAFE is also a program created to determine whether vehicle manufacturers are complying with the gas mileage, or fuel economy, standards set by the federal government. The CAFE values are obtained by combining the city and highway fuel economy test results and computing an average that is weighted by vehicle sales.
Corrosion Inhibitors - Additives used to inhibit corrosion (e.g., rust) in the fuel system.
Cryogenic Storage - Extreme low-temperature storage.
· D · Dedicated Natural Gas Vehicle - A vehicle that operates only on natural gas. Such a vehicle is incapable of running on any other fuel.
Dedicated Vehicle - A vehicle that operates solely on one fuel. Generally, dedicated vehicles have superior emissions and performance results because their design has been optimized for operation on a single fuel.
Denatured Alcohol - Ethanol that contains a small amount of a toxic substance, such as methanol or gasoline, which cannot be removed easily by chemical or physical means. Alcohols intended for industrial use must be denatured to avoid federal alcoholic beverage tax.
Department of Energy - See U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
DOD - Depth of Discharge - (100% means a dead battery) The amount of energy that has been removed from a battery (or battery pack). Usually expressed as a percentage of the total capacity of the battery. For example, 50% depth of discharge means that half of the energy in the battery has been used. A 50% DOD is the same as 50% SOC State of Charge or can be known as 50% POC - Percentage of charge. A 20% DOD is the same as 80% SOC or battery is still 80% charge. 80% DOD means that eighty percent of the energy has been discharged, so the battery now holds only 20% of its full charge.
DOT - Department of Transportation. Responsible to approve vehicle components for mass production.
Detergent - Additives used to inhibit deposit formation in the fuel and intake systems in automobiles.
Dimethyl Ether (DME) - An oxygenated hydrocarbon, which is the simplest compound in the class of ethers. It is generally produced from natural gas but almost any carbon-based feedstock can be used, including crude oil, coal, crop residues, oil sands, wood, or straw.
Direct Drive – If there is no requirement to shift (a motor is linked to the wheels through a fixed gear set), they call it "direct drive". A direct drive technically is only a motor (+ supporting electronics) directly linked to a [drive] wheel, so the rotor runs at the same speed as the wheel. Really, 2 types of setups qualify: 1. A hub motor. Doesn't have a shaft per se, by definition runs at the same speed as the wheel. 2. Any motor which extends its shaft to a wheel by the half-shaft(s) and CV joints. This allows reduction in unsprung weight by mounting motor in traditional manner. Practically only multi-pole AC motors or BLDC ones (with slow speed high torque) would be used. If there is a fixed gear reduction between the shaft and the wheel, or even 1:1 ratio, it is NOT a direct drive system anymore, it is called a fixed gear (or single gear) transmission. If you only have a differential driven directly (no gear box) from the motor, as White Zombie for instance, everyone calls it "direct drive", but it's not. He has a reduction gear. Technically nothing prevents using 2 different switchable gears built right into a differential as many Porsches are arranged, to switch gears. Non-switchable gear doesn't make drive "direct". Direct drive doesn't use gears. If there is at least one pair of gears between motor and wheel (diff or not), strictly speaking, it is no longer "direct drive".
Distillation Curve - The percentages of gasoline that evaporate at various temperatures. The distillation curve is an important indicator for fuel standards such as volatility (vaporization).
Domestic Fuel - As defined by the Energy Policy Act, Section 301, domestic fuel is derived from resources within the United States, its possessions and commonwealths, and Canada and Mexico (the two nations in a free-trade agreement with the United States).
Dual-Fuel Vehicle - Vehicle designed to operate on a combination of an alternative fuel and a conventional fuel. This includes (a) vehicles that use a mixture of gasoline or diesel and an alternative fuel in one fuel tank, commonly called flexible-fuel vehicles; and (b) vehicles capable of operating either on an alternative fuel, a conventional fuel, or both, simultaneously using two fuel systems. They are commonly called bi-fuel vehicles.
Dual-Fuel Vehicle (EPAct definition) - Vehicle designed to operate on a combination of an alternative fuel and a conventional fuel. This includes vehicles using a mixture of gasoline or diesel and an alternative fuel in one fuel tank, commonly called flexible-fueled vehicles; and vehicles capable of operating either on an alternative fuel (usually compressed natural gas or propane), a conventional fuel, or both, simultaneously using two fuel systems. These are commonly called bi-fuel vehicles.
Dynamometer - An instrument for measuring mechanical force, or an apparatus for measuring mechanical power (as of an engine).
· E · E10 (Gasohol) - Ethanol mixture that contains 10% ethanol, 90% unleaded gasoline.
E85 - Ethanol/gasoline mixture that contains 85% denatured ethanol and 15% gasoline, by volume.
E93 - Ethanol mixture that contains 93% ethanol, 5% methanol and 2% kerosene, by volume.
E95 - Ethanol/gasoline mixture that contains 95% denatured ethanol and 5% gasoline, by volume.
ECD - Energy Conversion Devices
Electrode - A conductor by which electrical current enters or leaves a non-metallic medium, such as the electrolyte in a battery (as well as vacuum tubes and lots of other devices).
Electrolyte - An elctrically conductive medium, in which current flow is due to the movement of ions. In a lead-acid battery, the electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid. In other batteries, the electrolyte may be very different.
Electric Vehicle - A vehicle powered by electricity, generally provided by batteries. EVs qualify in the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) category for emissions.
Electricity - Electric current used as a power source. Electricity can be generated from a variety of feedstocks, including oil, coal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas, wind, and solar. In electric vehicles, onboard rechargeable batteries power electric motors.
ElectroSource - Makers of "Horizon" advanced lead-acid batteries. They have a web site.
Emission Standards - Limits or ranges established for pollution levels emitted by vehicles as well as stationary sources. The first standards were established under the 1963 Clean Air Act. Emission limits are imposed on four classes of vehicles: automobiles, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty gasoline trucks, and heavy-duty diesel trucks.
Energy Conversion Devices - Parent company of Ovonics.
Energy Density - The amount of energy that can be contained in a specific quantity of the fuel source. Typically quoted in watt-hours per pound, wh/lb, or watt-hours per kilogram, wh/kg. For example, flooded lead-acid batteries generally have about 25 wh/kg, the latest advanced lead-acid designs claim about 50 wh/kg, and newer battery technologies such as NiMH and LiON are in the 80-135 wh/kg range.
Energy/Fuel Diversity - A policy that encourages the development of energy technologies to diversify energy supply sources, thus reducing reliance on conventional (petroleum) fuels; Energy/fuel diversity applies to all energy sectors.
Energy/Fuel Security - A policy that considers the risk of dependence on fuel sources located in remote and unstable regions of the world. It also considers the benefits of domestic and diverse fuel sources.
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) - Passed by Congress to enhance U.S. energy security by reducing our dependence on imported oil. It mandates the use of alternative fuel vehicles, beginning with federal, then state, then fuel provider fleets.
Environmental Protection Agency - See U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ester - An organic compound formed by reacting an acid with an alcohol, always resulting in the elimination of water.
Ethane (C2H6) - A colorless hydrocarbon gas of slight odor having a gross heating value of 1,773 Btu per cubic foot. It is a normal constituent of natural gas.
Ethanol (also known as Ethyl Alcohol, Grain Alcohol, CH 3 CH 2 OH) - Can be produced chemically from ethylene or biologically from the fermentation of various sugars from carbohydrates found in agricultural crops and cellulosic residues from crops or wood. Used in the United States as a gasoline octane enhancer and oxygenate, it increases octane 2.5 to 3.0 numbers at 10% concentration. Ethanol also can be used in higher concentration in alternative fuel vehicles optimized for its use.
Ether - A class of organic compounds containing an oxygen atom linked to two organic groups.
Etherification - Oxygenation of an olefin by methanol or ethanol. For example, MTBE is formed from the chemical reaction of isobutylene and methanol.
Ethyl Alcohol - See Ethanol.
Ethyl Ester - A fatty ester formed when organically derived oils are combined with ethanol in the presence of a catalyst. After water washing, vacuum drying, and filtration, the resulting ethyl ester has characteristics similar to petroleum-based diesel motor fuels.
Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (ETBE) - A fuel oxygenate used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and reduce engine knock.
EV - Electric Vehicle, or Environmental Vehicle
Evaporative Emissions - Hydrocarbon vapors that escape from a fuel storage tank or a vehicle fuel tank or vehicle fuel system.
· F · Feedstock - Any material converted to another form of fuel or energy product. For example, cornstarch can be used as a feedstock for ethanol production.
Fermentation - The enzymatic transformation by microorganisms of organic compounds such as sugar. It is usually accompanied by the evolution of gas as the fermentation of glucose into ethanol and CO2.
Fischer-Tropsch - A method discovered in 1923 by the German coal researchers Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch, for the synthesis of hydrocarbons and other aliphatic compounds. A mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide is reacted in the presence of an iron or cobalt catalyst. Much heat is evolved and products such as methane, synthetic gasoline and waxes, and alcohols are made. Water or carbon dioxide is its by-product.
Flexible-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) - A Vehicle with a common fuel tank designed to run on varying blends of unleaded gasoline with either ethanol or methanol.
Flooded cell - A design for lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte is an ordinary liquid solution of acid. Flooded cells are prone to making gas while being charged. Flooded cells must be periodically checked for fluid level and water added as necessary. Flooded cells are also typically less expensive than AGM or gel type lead-acid batteries. Fuel Cell (aka FC) A battery where reactants are supplied to the cell from an external source. The most commonly cited example is the hydrogen fuel cell, in which hydrogen and oxygen are combined, producing electric current and water.
Fossil Fuel - A fuel such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Fuel Cell - An electrochemical engine with no moving parts that converts the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant, such as oxygen, directly to electricity. The principal components of a fuel cell are catalytically activated electrodes for the fuel (anode) and the oxidant (cathode) and an electrolyte to conduct ions between the two electrodes.
· G · Gas to Liquid Technology - Gas-to-liquid conversion technologies use chemical or physical means to convert natural gas to a liquid form suitable for ready transport or direct use.
Gasohol - In the United States, gasohol (E10) refers to gasoline that contains 10% ethanol by volume. This term was used in the late 1970s and early 1980s but has been replaced in some areas of the country with E10, super unleaded plus ethanol, or unleaded plus.
Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (gge) - A unit for measuring alternative fuels so that they can be compared with gasoline on an energy equivalent basis. This is required because the different fuels have different energy densities.
Global Warming - The theoretical escalation of global temperatures caused by the increase of greenhouse gas emissions in the lower atmosphere.
GNB - GNB Industrial Battery company, maker of lead-acid batteries.
Gel Cell - A technique for sealed lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte solution is in a gel form, usually silica gel, instead of plain liquid.
Genesis - Brand of advanced lead-acid battery made by Hawker Energy Products.
Group size - A set of standard sizes for the external dimensions of a battery, standardized by BCI. All "group 27", etc, batteries are the same size, though they may differ in weight and capacity. We have a chart of the group sizes most likely to be found in a car.
Greenhouse Effect - A warming of the Earth and its atmosphere as a result of the thermal trapping of incoming solar radiation by CO2, water vapor, methane, nitrogen oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other gases, both natural and man-made.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - Maximum weight of a vehicle, including payload.
· H · Hawker - Manufacturer of "Genesis" advanced lead-acid batteries. They have a web site.
Heavy-Duty Vehicle - Generally, a vehicle that has a GVWR of more than 26,000 lb. Definitions vary by organization.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes - Lanes on the highway that are restricted to vehicles carrying more than one passenger.
Horizon - Brand of advanced lead-acid batteries made by ElectroSource. (also apparently the name of a stationary power supply system made by Exide.) The plates in a Horizon battery are arranged horizontally, instead of the more common vertical arrangement, hence the name. Horizon batteries have very high energy density for lead-acid batteries, but are not general available at retail.
HP - Horsepower - Unit of rate of doing work. Defined as 550 foot-pounds per second. One horsepower is about 746 watts. (A horsepower has also been defined as the amount of power needed to drag a dead horse 500 feet in 1 second, but this was not accepted by the international standards community.)
Hybrid - Dual powered vehicle. e.g. Gas/Electric, Diesel/Gas, Gas/Fuel Cell, Elec/Diesel
Hydrometer - A tool for testing the specific-gravity of a fluid, such as the electrolyte in a flooded battery. Typically a squeeze-bulb is used to suck up a sample of the fluid, and a float indicates the specific gravity.
Hygrometer - A tool for measuring the humidity of the air. It is not unheard-of for people to say "hygrometer" when they mean "hydrometer".
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A vehicle powered by two or more energy sources, one of which is electricity. HEVs may combine the engine and fuel of a conventional vehicle with the batteries and electric motor of an electric vehicle in a single drivetrain.
Hydrogen - A colorless, highly flammable gaseous fuel.
· I · IGBT - Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor
IIRC - If I remember correctly
IMHO - In my humble opinion
Immobilized Electrolyte - A technique for lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte (the acid) is held in place against the plates instead of being a free-flowing liquid. The two most common techniques are gel and glass mat.
Infrastructure - In transportation, this term generally refers to the charging and fueling network necessary to successful development, production, commercialization, and operation of alternative fuel vehicles. It includes fuel supply, public and private charging and fueling facilities, standard specifications for fueling outlets, customer service, education and training, and building code regulations.
Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) - This is a federal standard only. Such a vehicle meets EPA CFV ILEV exhaust emission standards and produces very few or no evaporative emissions (5 grams or less per test without using auxiliary emission control devices). ILEVS are dedicated AFVs in most cases. Dual-fuel vehicles will be considered ILEVs only if both fuels meet the standard. ILEV credits can be banked in the Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) - An omnibus act that further integrates the national intermodal surface transportation system and authorizes funds for highway construction, highway safety programs, and mass transit programs. ISTEA seeks a national intermodal surface transportation system that is economical, energy efficient, and environmentally sound. Section 1008 of the ISTEA establishes the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, which can provide funds to support alternative fuel and alternative fuel vehicle programs.
IOW - In other words
· J · · K · Kilowatt - One thousand watts. Equivalent to about 1.34 horsepower.
· L · LOL - Labor of love
Lead - see Tetraethyl Lead.
Lead-acid - A technique for rechargable batteries. Electrodes of lead oxide and metallic lead are separated by an electrolyte of sulfuric acid.
Light-Duty Vehicle - Passenger cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 or less.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - Compressed natural gas that is cryogenically stored in its liquid state.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - A mixture of hydrocarbons found in natural gas and produced from crude oil, used principally as a feedstock for the chemical industry, home heating fuel, and motor vehicle fuel. Also known by the principal constituent propane.
Liter (L) - A metric measurement used to calculate the volume displacement of an engine. One liter is equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters or 61 cubic inches.
LNG to CNG Station - A station, supplied with LNG, that pumps and vaporizes the liquid supply to vehicles as CNG fuel, generally at the correct pressure and temperature (i.e., the temperature effect of compression is factored into the design).
LNG vehicle - A vehicle that uses LNG as its fuel.
L-Post - A style of battery terminal, shaped like an L, with a flat vertical part to which the cable is bolted. See terminal styles for comparison.
LiON - LiIon - Lithium ion - A technique for rechargeable batteries. Instead of using metalic lithium as the anode, lithium ions are added to a carbon electrode.
Lithium - A light metal, atomic number 3. Used in advanced rechargeable batteries.
Lithium Polymer - A technique for rechargeable batteries. The lithium anode is separated from the cathode by a thin polymer electrolyte.
Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) - A vehicle that meets EPA's CFV or LEV standards or CARB's California LEV standards.
Lubricity - Capacity to reduce friction.
· M · M100 - 100% (neat) methanol.
M85 - 85% methanol and 15% unleaded gasoline by volume, used as a motor fuel in FFVs.
Medium-Duty Vehicle - Typically, a vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 to 14,000 lb.
Methane (CH4) - The simplest of the hydrocarbons and the principal constituent of natural gas. Pure methane has a heating value of 1,012 Btu per standard cubic foot.
Methanol (also known as Methyl Alcohol, Wood Alcohol, CH3 OH) - A liquid fuel formed by catalytically combining CO with hydrogen in a 1 to 2 ratio under high temperature and pressure. Commercially, it is typically manufactured by steam reforming natural gas. Also formed in the destructive distillation of wood.
Methyl Alcohol - See Methanol.
Methyl Ester - A fatty ester formed when organically derived oils are combined with methanol in the presence of a catalyst. Methyl Ester has characteristics similar to petroleum-based diesel motor fuels.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) - A fuel oxygenate used as an additive to gasoline to increase octane and reduce engine knock. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MTBE has been detected in ground water across the country, somtimes contaminating drinking water. Recent work by EPA and other researchers is expected to help determine the potential for health effects from MTBE in drinking water.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)/ Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an area qualifies for recognition as an MSA if it includes a city of at least 50,000 in population or an urbanized area of at least 50,000 with a total metropolitan area population of at least 100,000.Consolidated metropolitan statistical areas are defined similarly but have populations of 1 million or more and include within them separate metropolitan statistical areas. For purposes of EPAct, covered MSA and CMSA areas include those that had a 1980 U.S. Census population figure of more than 250,000.
Mobile Source Emissions - Emissions resulting from the operations of any type of motor vehicle.
Motor Octane - The octane as tested in a single-cylinder octane test engine at more severe operating conditions. Motor octane number (MON) affects high-speed and part-throttle knock and performance under load, passing, climbing, and other operating conditions. Motor octane is represented by the designation M in the (R+M)/2 equation and is the lower of the two numbers.
· N · National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) - Ambient standards for air pollutants specifically regulated under the CAA. These pollutants include ozone, CO, NO2, lead, PM, and SOx.
National Automotive Technical Education Foundation - A consortium of automotive education experts that has established a steering committee to administer the CHAMP certification process at educational institutions.
National Low-Emission Vehicle (NLEV) Program - This program creates voluntary requirements that automakers can adopt in lieu of compliance with other vehicle emission control measures. (Applies only to light-duty vehicles lighter than 6,000 lb GVWR.) Vehicles are certified with California test procedures. See EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/oms/lev-nlev.htm.
Natural Gas - A mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, primarily methane, occurring naturally in the Earth and used principally as a fuel.
Natural Gas Distribution System - This term generally applies to mains, services, and equipment that carry or control the supply of natural gas from a point of local supply, up to and including the sales meter.
Natural Gas Transmission System - Pipelines installed for the purpose of transmitting natural gas from a source or sources of supply to one or more distribution centers.
Natural Gas Vehicle - Vehicles that are powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas.
Near Neat Fuel - Fuel that is virtually free from admixture or dilution.
Neat Alcohol Fuel - Straight or 100% alcohol (not blended with gasoline), usually in the form of either ethanol or methanol.
Neat Fuel - Fuel that is free from admixture or dilution with other fuels.
NiMH - Nickel Metal Hydride - Nicad - Nickel Cadmium. (historical note, Nicad is/was a registered trademark, but has effectively passed into the public domain, like aspirin.)
Nickel Cadmium - "Old" rechargeable battery technology. For many years, rechargeable dry cell meant nickel-cadmium. Recently, newer technologies such as nickel-metal hydride have mostly replaced nicad, since they have better energy characteristics and don't contain toxic cadmium. The battery has a nickel-hydroxide cathode, a cadmium anode, and aqueous potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Saft is a leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for EV applications.
Nickel Metal Hydride - A technique for making rechargeable batteries. NiMH batteries are common in laptop computers and cellular phones. The battery is similar to nickel-cadmium but uses an anode of a metal hydride; a variety of metal alloys are used.
Non-Attainment Area - A region, determined by population density in accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau, which exceeds minimum acceptable NAAQS for one or more "criteria pollutants" (see Clean Air Act Amendments). Such areas are required to seek modifications to their State Implementation Plans, setting forth a reasonable timetable using EPA-approved means to achieve attainment of NAAQS for these criteria pollutants by a certain date. Under the CAA, if a nonattainment area fails to attain NAAQS, EPA may superimpose a Federal Implementation Plan with stricter requirements or impose fines, constructions bans, cutoffs in federal grant revenues, and so forth, until the area achieves the applicable NAAQS.
Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) - The sum of non-oxygenated and oxygenated hydrocarbons (exclusive of methane) contained in a gas sample as measured in accordance with California's non-methane organic gas test procedure.
Non-Road Vehicle (off-road vehicle) - A vehicle that does not travel streets, roads, or highways. Such vehicles include construction vehicles, locomotives, forklifts, tractors, golf carts, and others.
· O · OEM - Original equipment manufacturer.
Octane Enhancer - Any substance such as MTBE, ETBE, toluene, or xylene that is added to gasoline to increase octane and reduce engine knock.
Octane Rating (Octane Number) - A measure of a fuel's resistance to self-ignition, hence a measure as well of the antiknock properties of the fuel.
Off-Road - Any non-stationary device, powered by an internal combustion engine or motor, used primarily off the highways to propel, move, or draw persons or property, and used in any of the following applications: marine vessels, construction/farm equipment, locomotives, utility and lawn and garden equipment, off-road motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.
Office of Transportation and Air Quality - Division of EPA that protects public health and the environment by controlling air pollution from motor vehicles, engines, and the fuels used to operate them, and by encouraging travel choices that minimize emissions.
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) - System required on vehicles beginning in 1998 to control refueling emissions.
OTOH - On the other hand
Open-Loop Fuel Control - System in which the air/fuel mixture is preset by design with no feedback correction signal to optimize fuel metering.
Optima - Manufacturer of sealed lead-acid batteries: the Red Top and Yellow Top. They have a web site.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) - The original manufacturer of a vehicle or engine.
Ovonics - Division of Energy Conversion Devices, makes nickel metal-hydride batteries. They have a web site.
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) - Regulated air pollutants, primarily NO and NO2 but including other substances in minute concentrations. Under the high pressure and temperature conditions in an engine, nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the air react to form various NOx. Like hydrocarbons, NOx are precursors to the formation of smog. They also contribute to the formation of acid rain.
Oxygenate - A term used in the petroleum industry to denote fuel additives containing hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in their molecular structure. Includes ethers such as MTBE and ETBE and alcohols such as ethanol and methanol.
Oxygenated Fuels - Fuels blended with an additive, usually methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) or ethanol to increase oxygen content, allowing more thorough combustion for reduced carbon monoxide emissions.
Oxygenated Gasoline - Gasoline containing an oxygenate such as ethanol or MTBE. The increased oxygen content promotes more complete combustion, thereby reducing tailpipe emissions of CO.
Ozone - Tropospheric ozone (smog) is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxygen, and NOx react in the presence of sunlight (not to be confused with stratospheric ozone, which is found in the upper atmosphere and protects the earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays). Though beneficial in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is a respiratory irritant and considered a pollutant.
Ozone Transport Region (OTR) - The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 enable EPA to establish Ozone Transport Regions to reduce the likelihood ozone and its precursors will be carried from one area to another, lowering air quality in the downwind location. The first such region consists of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
· P · P-Series Fuels - Fuels designed by the Pure Fuel Corporation to run in E85/gasoline flexible fuel vehicles. Added by DOE after EPAct as an alternative fuel.
Paraffins - Group of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, including methane, ethane, propane, and butane and noted by the suffix "-ane".
Particulate Matter (PM) - A generic term for a broad class of chemically and physically diverse substances that exist as discrete particles (liquid droplets or solids) over a wide range of sizes. A NAAQS pollutant.
Particulate Trap - Diesel vehicle emission control device that traps and incinerates diesel particulate emissions after they are exhausted from the engine but before they are expelled into the atmosphere.
Petroleum Fuel - Gasoline or diesel fuel.
Peukert's equation - A formula that shows how the available capacity of a lead-acid battery changes according to the rate of discharge. The capacity of a battery is expressed in Amp-Hours, but it turns out that the simple formula of current times hours doesn't accurately represent the situation. Peukert found that the equation: C = I n T fits the observed behavior of batteries. "C" is the theoretical capacity of the battery, "I" is the current, "T" is time, and "n" is the Peukert number , a constant for the given battery. The equation captures the fact that at higher currents, there is less available energy in the battery.
Peukert number - A value that indicates how well a lead-acid battery performs under heavy currents. The Peukert number is the exponent in Peukert's equation. A value close to 1 indicates that the battery performs well; the higher the number, the more capacity is lost when the battery is discharged at high currents. The Peukert number of a battery is determined empirically. For Peukert numbers for typical EV batteries, see Uve W. Rick's Battery Page. Power-Sonic Maker of lead-acid batteries. See also “C”, Capacity
Explaining Peukert equation: Peukert equation is a way to approximate lead acid battery capacity (amp/hrs) under different loads. Basically every lead acid battery can deliver more total amp/hrs by draining at low amps over many hours versus a burst of high amps over a short time. This relationship of amp/hrs delivered at low current versus amp/hrs at high current is different for each battery, and will change over the life of the battery. C= I^n ( T ) C is Peukert Capacity The constants can be empirically determined by draining the battery at two different rates ( I ) and finding the times ( T ) to reach a cut off voltage (usually 1.75 volts per cell). This is good for this battery at that time within about 5-10%. Use currents that bracket your expected range. The manufacture calculated Peukerts are for new batteries.
Phase Separation - The phenomenon of a separation of a liquid or vapor into two or more physically distinct and mechanically separable portions or layers.
PMSM - Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Portable Fueling System - A system designed to deliver natural gas to fueling stations. Such systems are usually configured as tube trailers and are mobile. Fuel delivery usually occurs via over-the-road vehicles.
POC - Percentage of charge. See DOD for more.
Pounds Per Square Inch (psi) - A unit of measure for pressure.
Private Fleet - A fleet of vehicles owned by a non government entity.
Propane (C3H8) - A gas whose molecules are composed of three carbon and eight hydrogen atoms. Propane is present in most natural gas in the United States, and is refined from crude petroleum. Propane contains about 2,500 Btu per standard cubic foot. Propane is the principal constituent in liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
Public Fueling Station - Refers to fueling station that is accessible to the general public.
Pump Octane - The octane as posted on retail gasoline dispensers as (R+M)/2; same as Antiknock Index.
· Q · · R · Reactivity Adjustment Factor (RAF) - An NMOG adjustment used in the certification of vehicles to the California emission standards to reflect reduced ozone forming potential of a fuel, especially alternative fuels.
Red Top - A sealed battery made by Optima, so-called because of the color of its case, it is not the official product name. The red top is a starting battery, sometimes used in racing applications. It is not designed as a traction battery
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) - Gasolines that have had their compositions or characteristics altered to reduce vehicular emissions of pollutants, particularly pursuant to EPA regulations under the CAA.
Refueling Emissions - VOC vapors that escape from the vehicle fuel tank during refueling. Storage II pump controls and onboard refueling vapor recovery systems (ORVR) are intended to control these emissions.
Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) - A standard measurement of a liquid's vapor pressure in psi at 100°F. It is an indication of the propensity of the liquid to evaporate.
Research Octane Number (RON) - The octane as tested in a single-cylinder octane test engine operated under less severe operating conditions. RON affects low-to medium-speed knock and engine run-on. Research Octane is presented by the designation R in the (R+M)/2 equation and is the higher of the two numbers.
Reserve Capacity - A performance rating for automobile starting batteries. It is the number of minutes at which the battery can be discharged at 25 Amps and maintain a terminal voltage higher than 1.75 volts per cell, on a new, fully charged battery at 80degrees Fahrenheit(27C).
Retrofit - To change a vehicle or engine after its original purchase, usually by adding equipment such as conversion systems.
· S · Saft - Manufacturer of Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Lithium Ion batteries. See Also Lead Industry Associates http://www.leadinfo.com/USES/battery.html Delco's battery glossary: http://www.apaa.org/delco/glossary.html Uve W. Rick's battery page Mike Thompson's battery information page SAFT AG
SG - Specific Gravity. A specific gravity of 1.300 is sometimes written as 1300SG, multiplying by 1000 to avoid the use of fractional parts.
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