Author: Bal Bansal

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Car Technology

Biofuel’d Cars

Biofuels for Cars: A Greener Drive

Biofuels, derived from renewable biological sources, have emerged as a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuels for powering vehicles. These fuels offer a more environmentally friendly option while reducing our reliance on finite petroleum resources. Let’s delve into the world of biofuels and explore their benefits and challenges.

Types of Biofuels for Cars
  • Ethanol: A common biofuel, ethanol is produced from crops like corn, sugarcane, and switchgrass. It is often blended with gasoline to create E10 (10% ethanol) or E85 (85% ethanol) fuel.
  • Biodiesel: Made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or algae, biodiesel can be used as a direct replacement for diesel fuel.
  • Biogas: Produced from the breakdown of organic matter in anaerobic conditions, biogas can be refined into biomethane and used as a vehicle fuel.
Benefits of Biofuels
  • Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, helping to mitigate climate change.
  • Renewable Resource: Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are derived from renewable sources, ensuring a steady supply.
  • Improved Air Quality: Burning biofuels can lead to cleaner air, with lower emissions of harmful pollutants like particulate matter and sulfur oxides.
  • Support for Rural Economies: The production of biofuels can create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Challenges and Considerations
  • Land Use: The cultivation of crops for biofuel production can compete with food production for land, leading to concerns about food security.
  • Water Usage: Growing crops for biofuels can be water-intensive, especially in regions with limited water resources.
  • Indirect Land-Use Change: The expansion of biofuel production can lead to deforestation and habitat loss in other areas, which can offset carbon emissions reductions.
  • Carbon Intensity: The carbon intensity of biofuels can vary depending on the feedstock and production process. Some biofuels, such as those derived from corn or palm oil, can have a higher carbon footprint than fossil fuels when the entire life cycle is considered.
The Future of Biofuels

While biofuels offer a promising alternative to fossil fuels, addressing the challenges and ensuring their sustainability is crucial. By promoting the use of sustainable feedstocks, improving production efficiency, and considering the entire life cycle, biofuels can play a valuable role in a greener transportation future.

What do you think? Are biofuels a viable solution for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, or do the challenges outweigh the benefits?

Here’s a great video talking about Biofuel

Categories
Car Technology

Hydrogen Cars

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs): A Closer Look

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs) have been gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional petrol and electric vehicles.

Toyota and many others have released hydrogen fuel cell cars recently, and they’ve been quite popular. Even James May (ex-Top Gear presenter) bought one recently! But how do they work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

How do FCEVs work?

Unlike electric vehicles (EVs) that store electricity in batteries, FCEVs generate electricity on-board through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

  1. Hydrogen Storage: Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks within the vehicle.
  2. Fuel Cell: The hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell, producing electricity, water, and heat.
  3. Electric Motor: The electricity powers an electric motor, driving the wheels.
Advantages of FCEVs
  • Zero Tailpipe Emissions: FCEVs emit only water vapor, making them a cleaner option compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
  • Long Range: FCEVs can offer comparable or even longer driving ranges to gasoline vehicles, without the need for long charging times.
  • Quick Refueling: Refueling an FCEV is similar to refueling a gasoline vehicle, taking only a few minutes.
  • Quiet Operation: FCEVs are virtually silent, providing a more peaceful driving experience.
Disadvantages of FCEVs
  • Limited Infrastructure: The availability of hydrogen fueling stations is currently limited, which can restrict the usability of FCEVs for long-distance travel.
  • Higher Cost: The upfront cost of FCEVs is generally higher than that of gasoline or electric vehicles.
  • Hydrogen Production: The production of hydrogen can be energy-intensive, and the environmental impact depends on the source of energy used.
The Future of FCEVs

While FCEVs have several advantages, their widespread adoption is dependent on the development of a robust hydrogen infrastructure. As technology advances and costs decrease, FCEVs could become a more viable option for sustainable transportation.

And I’ll leave you with a clip of James May talking about his experience…

Categories
Car Technology

What else other than EV?

Alternative Fuels: A Closer Look Beyond Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have undeniably taken center stage in the sustainable transportation conversation. But are they the only viable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars? Let’s explore some other promising alternative fuels.

1. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs)
  • How they work: Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which powers the vehicle’s motor.
  • Benefits: Zero tailpipe emissions, long driving range, quick refueling times.
  • Drawbacks: Limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure, higher upfront costs.
2. Biofuels
  • Types: Ethanol (made from corn, sugarcane, or other plant materials), biodiesel (derived from vegetable oils or animal fats).
  • Benefits: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, potential for carbon neutrality.
  • Drawbacks: Can compete with food production for land and resources, some biofuels may have higher emissions when the entire production process is considered.
3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
  • Benefits: Lower emissions than gasoline or diesel, abundant supply.
  • Drawbacks: Limited fueling infrastructure, potential methane leaks (a potent greenhouse gas).
4. Synthetic Fuels
  • How they’re made: Created from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, often using renewable energy sources.
  • Benefits: Can be used in existing gasoline and diesel engines without modifications, potentially carbon-neutral.
  • Drawbacks: Production process is energy-intensive and expensive.

So, which is better?

The “best” alternative fuel depends on various factors, including:

  • Infrastructure: The availability of fueling stations.
  • Cost: The upfront cost of the vehicle and fuel.
  • Environmental impact: The overall greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental effects.
  • Driving needs: Range, refueling time, and suitability for different types of driving.

While electric vehicles have made significant strides, these alternative fuels offer unique advantages and could play a crucial role in a sustainable transportation future. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, we may see a diverse mix of alternative fuels powering our vehicles.

What do you think? Which alternative fuel is most promising in your opinion?

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

So recently, I was on holiday and took the opportunity to read a book.

The book I read this summer was called, Never split the difference.

It was a great ready! Thoroughly recommend it.

The reason why I like it so much was because Chris gave some wonderful examples, he shared stories of successes but also failures! (you don’t have many people do that.. and then finally, it really did teach me something about empathy!)

So today’s thought is… make sure you’re equipped with the skills needed to negotiate.

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Yesterday, I was talking to my team member about some work we are doing and I made the comment.. ‘slowly but surely’.

Now, for those who know me, I love the old Brian Clough quote, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but I wasn’t on that particular job”. That’s very much me… but then on the other hand, there’s only so much you can do with what you have control over. It’s all about control.

So today’s thought is centred around doing what you can do, little by little, with the control you do have.

Categories
Security

Global IT Outage

Friday was, somewhat busy and crazy if you work in IT!

You must know by now… there was a Global IT outage. Well, I say you must know – there was worldwide disruption to arilines…

Difficulty in paying for your shopping…

It was basically a faulty software update by a company called Crowdstrike, that caused the global IT outage which likely skipped checks before being deployed.

An estimated 8.5 million Microsoft Windows PCs devices were affected worldwide by the update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, causing delays for airports, broadcasters, hospitals and businesses.

Problems came to light quickly after the latest version of CrowdStrikes Falcon sensor software was rolled out on Friday.

The update was meant to make systems more secure against hacking, but instead caused devices to display a “blue screen of death” due to faulty code.

Shares in Crowdstrike fell, considerably. Not only them, airlines revealed a 46% fall in profit!

CrowdStrike told customers early Friday the outages were caused by “a defect found in a single content update of its software on Microsoft Windows operating systems,” according to a post on X from CEO George Kurtz. The issue was identified and isolated, and engineers deployed an update to fix the problem, Kurtz said.

I’ve been reading about it on various social media platforms. The one that really caught my eye was an engineer, up at 2am, who had a call come in about the Blue Screen Of Death… they, at the time thought it was an isolated incident, then all of a sudden, more calls started coming in and it got all serious. The good thing was, they’re kind of trained for situations like this – firstly, they focused on getting hospitals up…

But it really does make you think. How reliant we are on tech – and how one single content update caused worldwide disruption.

I’ve always said, and will always say – technology is wonderful. However, we should have back up systems or something in place if all goes wrong.

Below is the latest from Crowdstrike…

The last bit I wanted to say was – if you have a company reaching out that you’ve never heard of suggesting they can fix your computer system for you – don’t get scammed!

Efforts by CrowdStrike to make clients more secure against hacking attempts further backfired as malicious websites have begun to use the incident to publish “unofficial code” claiming to fix any ongoing issues, Australia’s cyber intelligence agency has warned.

On its website, the Australian Signals Directorate said its cybersecurity centre “strongly encourages all consumers to source their technical information and updates from official CrowdStrike sources only”.

I talk alot a fair amount regarding cyber security – but in all honesty, make sure you listen to your IT team, official updates only and stay alert. These can be testing times as we’re so reliant on tech – well, not just us – but our customers, friends, etc… too.

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Know your worth. It’s important you believe in yourself and you know what your worth is.

Everyone has value.

Everyone can contribute.

Everyone has a skill.

Surround yourself where you can shine and prosper. You’re not a tree…. Move.

Categories
Sport

England Lose (again), New Leadership required?

England lost to Spain in the Euro’s 2024 Final.

It was a great competition. Spain did really well, they beat the like of Germany, France and others on their way to the finals.

England, who made the final last time (but lost to Italy) had a slightly easier route – but then, is there such a thing as ‘easy’ when it comes to a football competition?

So England have lost 2 consectuive Euro’s finals. What should happen next?

Here’s my thoughts…

  1. Southgate has been really good! Since he’s taken over, his man-management skills have been great. He’s really brought a sense of togetherness and the ability to grind out results. He has to be, one of the most successful managers England has had, especially with his track record of the Euro Finals, World Cup QF, etc… but is it time for a fresh perspective? He’s been at the helm since 2016. He can keep doing the same thing, but then he’ll get the same result…

2. The players, Hey Jude… Kane, and others – they didn’t perform as well as they could have for their country as they do for their club. Did we pin too many ‘hopes’ on them? or was it a matter of them not rising to the occasion? We saw was the likes of Cole Palmer and Watkins can do. Would have loved to see Gordon get some game time. How great was Luke Shaw. Whilst we talk about the process in point 1… point 2, is all about the people.

3. Let’s be honest. It’s a results based business. We’ve seen great progress sine 2016. But now, it’s time we started winning some of these competitions. Do we bring in a new manager? Does the manager stay and we bring in some additional support staff? New assistants? I think we’re primed, with the players coming through, to really win a trophy. Soon. But we have to get the process and the people right.

Taking nothing away from Spain, their manager knows what he’s doing.

The 63-year-old De La Fuente, a native Spaniard, has spent his entire playing and coaching career in his home country.

With the Spain u19’s, he won the 2015 UEFA European Championship.

He’s managed and won with the u21’s and the u23’s.

De la Fuente was also in charge of the Spanish Olympic team at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. His side won the silver medal, losing 2–1 to Brazil in the final

And now with the national team – he wins again.

For those who have read the book, Good to Great – he really does show the value of the ‘hedgehog concept’.

And if you don’t know it, I’d suggest you read the book, or watch the video on this particular concept.

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

Many folks, really read into what other people think and say about them.

Whilst your reputation is critically important for success, there is an element of what they know about you. Do you advertise certain fact? Do you correct people immediately?

It’s not a matter of you correcting people – but it’s a matter of you knowing how much you want to disclose. How much it matters. It’s not for someone to say, ignore them all – that’s not entirely practical. But it is up to you, how much content you want to share…

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Uncategorized

New Government… New Leadership

Firstly, congratulations to the Labour part for winning the recent UK election. They won a majority and have formed a new government.

It looks like they have not wasted any time in starting some of the work they said they would do. And this is great. Sometimes, change is good. Many of the new MP’s seem eager to get going and make the changes needed for the country.

I’ve blogged previously about leadership – and how change can be necessary, or knowing when to step down. Remember Julius Caeser?

New leaders will have a point to prove.

New leaders will want to show what they can actually do.

New leaders will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

I’m not just referring to the new Prime Minister. But the leaders of the various departments across the government.

So as the new leaders start actioning on their plans and what they’re going to do, I’m reading this morning stories how one minister, spent the weekend preparing a speech to cut red-tape and encourage more homes to be built. This has sent the share price of house builders up. All of a sudden, the energy is increased – the hope for a better future starts to be built. And will be soon, literally.

As you know, I’ve studied and looked at many leaders… from political background to sports, to many other types. And there’s a few principles which really matter. I won’t share them all here – but one key one, is having the attribute of believe.

Not going all Ted Lasso, but honestly – if you look at leaders, the good ones, the best ones, they have a believe they can improve the situation. Build for success and really enjoy the gains. It might not be all smooth sailing but the returns will come.

If you’re a leader, would love to hear what makes you so good?

Is it your skills to manage to manage a team?

Is it more numbers related?

Are you someone who always has positive energy?