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Electric Scooter Buying Guide: How To Buy The Best Electric Scooter

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Electric Scooter Buying Guide: How To Buy The Best Electric Scooter

Electric Vehicles are getting popular in India. This is because petrol and diesel prices are at their peak and commuters want something that will take them from point A to B without making a big hole in their pocket.

Electric scooters are also a great choice in terms of power distribution as you will get a liner power delivery, which means the same amount of torque at any RPM.

Considering these benefits, commuters are inching towards electric scooters, but people still do not know what to consider when buying an electric scooter.

This article about the Electric Scooter Buying Guide will document the key factors you should consider before you head to the showroom to get your favorite electric scooter.

Understanding Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are a popular mode of personal transportation that runs on electric motors and rechargeable batteries. They are designed to provide a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered scooters and cars.

Electric Scooter Buying Guide_1

What Is An Electric Scooter?

An electric scooter, also known as an e-scooter, is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor. It typically consists of a deck or platform for the rider to stand on, handlebars for steering, and a battery pack that powers the motor.

There is no engine, nor a multi-speed transmission system. Yes, it does have a single-speed transmission system to transfer the power from the motor to the wheel, but since it offers constant torque at any RPM, an electric scooter does not need a multi-speed gearbox system like an ICE scooter.

Types of electric scooters

There are various types of electric scooters available in the market, including commuter scooters, off-road scooters, and foldable scooters. Each type is designed to cater to different usage scenarios and user preferences.

In this article, we will be focusing more on commuter scooters as these types of scooters make more sense for daily commuting in the city.

Benefits of using an electric scooter

  • Environmentally friendly: Electric scooters produce zero emissions, making them an eco-friendly transportation option.
  • Cost-effective: They are cheaper to operate and maintain compared to traditional vehicles.
  • Convenient: Electric scooters are compact and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for short commutes and urban travel.
  • Less Mechanical Parts: Electric scooters offer constant torque, which eliminates the need for a multi-speed gearbox system. It also does not have an engine. Fewer parts mean fewer chances of failure.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Scooter: Electric Scooter Buying Guide

Here are some of the factors that you should consider while buying an electric scooter. However, this list is not exclusive as there could be multiple other factors that could influence your decision.

Range

The range of an electric scooter refers to the distance it can travel on a single charge. When choosing an electric scooter, consider your typical commuting distance and select a model with a range that meets your needs.

Charging your scooter frequently won’t cost you extra, and it will affect the battery life, but it will add some extra inconvenience to your daily routine.

Charging Time

Better to choose a scooter that can charge itself quickly. Waiting for half of the day to charge your scooter does not make any sense.

Modern scooters are coming up with a DC charger option but not everyone can install a DC charger at home. So look for a scooter that has less charging time even with a home portable charger.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity will define how long the battery will take to fully charge itself and how much range you may get. It also tells us how much power it may consume for a full charge.

For example, a 3 kWh battery will take about 6-7 hours to fully charge using a 500W portable charger and It will consume 3 units of electricity for every charge.

Battery-management-system

Battery Life

The biggest confusion among commuters is about the battery life of electric vehicles. Many people may think that they need to change the battery every few years.

Although it’s true, in most cases, the battery will survive the life of the vehicle. Typically an electric scooter battery lasts for 8-10 years which is kind of enough for an electric scooter.

Even after 10 years, the battery may not be dead, but it may not offer the same range that it used to offer before.

Motor Power And Speed

The motor power determines the speed and performance of the electric scooter. Consider the terrain and inclines you will encounter during your rides, and choose a scooter with sufficient motor power to handle them.

You need to also consider the types of motor used and how it is mounted on the scooter. For example, the Ola scooter comes with a hub-mounted motor whereas Vida V1 comes with a side-mounted motor.

Although, the way of mounting the motor does not have any effect on the performance it may make things complemented during servicing.

Top Speed And Acceleration

Gone are the days when your electric scooter could only gain speed up to 25 kmph. Modern scooters are powerful enough to compete with ICE scooters in terms of speed.

Go for a scooter that offers a decent speed that is essential for daily commuting. A bare minimum speed of 80 kmph is a must.

In terms of acceleration, most scooters nowadays come with two modes. One is eco and the other one is sports. You can adjust the mode based on your power requirement.

Charging Infrastructure

Go for a brand that has enough charging infrastructure in your city. You can not always charge at home as it takes almost 4-5 hours to do a full charge whereas DC charging only takes about an hour for a full charge.

Better charging infrastructure also eliminates the range anxiety that most of us have while driving an electric vehicle as you will never be out of range of a charging station.

Weight Capacity And Build Quality

Check the weight capacity of the scooter to ensure it can support your weight. Every scooter has a limit of weight that it can carry depending on the motor power. Better motor power means the scooter can take up more weight.

Additionally, consider the build quality and materials used in the construction of the scooter for durability and longevity.

Connectivity Features

Electric scooters are no longer a typical scooter. It’s more of a gadget and you need to consider some connectivity features in it through app integration.

Almost 90% of scooters sold in India come with some connectivity features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi function, cloud-based features like geo-fencing, etc.

Navigation is one more feature that you should consider. Better to choose a scooter that offers full-fledged navigation over turn-by-turn navigation as in turn-by-turn navigation, you need a mobile phone with data connectivity.

Convenient Feature

Features like cruise control, parking, and reverse are very popular in cars. But in scooters, you may not use these features much. However, considering the road conditions and traffic, you may choose to use these features more often than before.

Consider choosing a scooter with the hill hold feature as this is one of the most important convenient features that will make your drive easy and safe. Other features are good to have features.

Portability And Under Seat Storage

If you need to carry your scooter on public transportation or store it in a small space, consider the portability and size of the scooter.

Also if you are a daily commuter, you need to consider the underseat storage where you can dump your daily groceries safely without any external attachment.

Safety And Security Features

Since you are buying an electric scooter, you need to ensure that the battery is safe enough to use. It should be at least IP67 rated and does not cause any issues with overcharging and overheating.

It should also have an auto cut-off feature so that when the battery is fully charged, it should cut off the power automatically.

Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred choice for electric scooters as they offer better energy density, can withstand severe heat, and are safe in other aspects too.

Considering braking, disk brakes are a new norm for electric scooters. ABS is getting popular in scooters. If you have ABS, it’s always better.

Choosing the Right Electric Scooter for You

Commuting needs and distance

Evaluate your commuting needs, including the distance you need to travel and the terrain you will encounter. Choose a scooter that aligns with your specific requirements.

Budget considerations

Set a budget for your electric scooter purchase and explore options within your price range. Consider the long-term cost savings of owning an electric scooter compared to other forms of transportation.

Here is an electric vehicle savings calculator that may come in handy for you to see how much you might be saving if you switch to EV



Design And Aesthetics


Select a scooter that matches your style and preferences. Consider factors such as color, design, and overall aesthetics. Some electric scooter looks like a toy that may not align with everyone’s taste.


Additional Features And Accessories


Look for additional features such as LED lights, better suspension systems, and smartphone connectivity. Consider any accessories you may need, such as a phone mount or storage attachments.


Maintenance And Care Tips For Electric Scooters


Charging And Battery Maintenance


Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and maintaining the battery of your electric scooter to prolong its lifespan. Never charge your battery beyond 80% and don’t let it discharge below 20%. Both will damage your battery in no time.




Prefer to charge the battery using a home portable charger. Continuous use of DC charging may degrade your battery faster than AC charging.


Cleaning And Upkeep


Regularly clean and inspect your scooter for any signs of wear or damage. Keep it well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.


Repairs And Servicing


Be prepared for routine maintenance and occasional repairs. Familiarize yourself with local service centers or authorized repair shops for your scooter.




Where To Buy Electric Scooters


Online Retailers


Explore online platforms and e-commerce websites for a wide selection of electric scooters and competitive pricing. You may get a very good discount on Amazon and Flipkart if you are buying a scooter during the festive season.


Occasionally, they give lucrative offers if you hold credit cards from certain banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Axis back.


Local Stores And Dealers


Visit local stores and dealers to test ride different models and receive in-person assistance from knowledgeable staff.




Although the number of dealers in your city may be very few, but its always better to have a test drive before you choose the scooter.


Secondhand Market Considerations


Consider purchasing a used electric scooter from reputable sources to find a budget-friendly option.


Conclusion: Electric Scooter Buying Guide


In conclusion, buying an electric scooter requires careful consideration of various factors such as range, motor power, safety, and maintenance. By understanding your commuting needs and evaluating different models, you can find the right electric scooter that suits your lifestyle and preferences.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Electric Scooter Buying Guide








What is the average range of an electric scooter?




The average range of an electric scooter varies depending on the model and battery capacity, but it typically ranges from 60-120 KM on a single charge.








How long do electric scooter batteries last?




The lifespan of electric scooter batteries can vary, but with proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years before needing replacement.








What are the maintenance costs for electric scooters?




Maintenance costs for electric scooters typically include periodic battery replacements, tire changes, and general upkeep. The overall maintenance costs are relatively low compared to traditional vehicles.

2024 Luminate / New York Photonics Tech Fast Pitch – April 11th!

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2024 Luminate / New York Photonics Tech Fast Pitch – April 11th!

2024 Luminate / New York Photonics Tech Fast Pitch – April 11th!The highly anticipated annual event, where the new Nextcorps/Luminate cohort of entrepreneurs present their technical issues to New York Photonics companies.

FORMAT:
Each of the ten teams in the Luminate cohort shares information in a fast-pitch format (3 minutes each) about what they’re doing, where they’re going, and what they need from experienced company partners, researchers and scientists in order to succeed.
With a combined total of $500,000 that must be spent in our region, these start-ups are looking for local partners that can help them get their technologies into the market. That could be YOU.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first-hand about their technologies and what they need now. Then you’ll be able to connect with them immediately to explore potential opportunities.

Just a few of the items on their lists:

Optical design and assembly services, light sources (e.g. OLED, lasers, etc.), optical components, lithography, coatings, masks, and many others.

The Line-up: (Links are live)

  • AI Optics, Inc.— Handheld imaging technology that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide a new standard of care for disease screening, starting with preventing vision loss
  • cureVision — Automatic, rapid 3D wound measurement, analysis, and reporting for hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulatory and home care
  • Enlipsium,— The company is developing advanced nanomaterials for future X-ray imaging devices, anti-counterfeiting, and self-cleaning coatings.
  • iLoF (Intelligent Lab on Fiber) — Non-invasive tracking, screening, and stratification for drug discovery using a cloud-based library of optical fingerprints, powered by photonics and AI
  • Nicslab, Inc.— Fabless chip company developing electronics and photonics integrated circuits for future optical solutions in data centers, AI, instrumentation, and quantum computing
  • Photosynthetic — New manufacturing method enabling complex 3D geometries to be produced at mass-production speeds, while retaining sub-micron feature sizes
  • Q-Block Computing — Fault-tolerant quantum devices for advanced computation, communication, and sensing
  • SaferStreet Solutions — Traffic safety devices that target unsafe driving behavior and collect data to help communities reduce speeding, distracted driving, car crashes, and lack of seat belt usage
  • SeeTrue Technologies — Advanced eye tracking technology featuring a robust sensing solution for use in health care, augmented and virtual reality, and industry applications
  • VoxelSensors — Groundbreaking Single-Photon Active Event Sensor that enables power-efficient and intuitive interaction for spatial interfaces and mobile extended reality (XR)

BE THERE!

reflection – Artificial Rain Ring formation

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reflection – Artificial Rain Ring formation

The base of a cone of $43^{\circ}$ has 7 concentric thin glass toroidal transparent tubes filled with water and held together in a plane by a vertical frame (like 10 feet size) outer ring resting on ground.. The symmetry axis of cone is a line connecting the standing observer’s eye to circles center. A very rough sketch..

reflection – Artificial Rain Ring formation

Do the toroidal tubes when filled with water or water mist show rainbow colored rings at any time of the day? It is sometimes said total internal reflection is not necessary for the formation the rainbow.

How should such a toroidal construction be changed in order to see full coloured “Rain” Rings? Appreciate all suggestions/useful hints.

User:CometVolcano: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia

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User:CometVolcano: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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{{User:AubreyEllenShomo/Templates/Userboxes/User collegedropout}}

{{Template:User degree/BSc subject|Biology}}

{{User:UBX/mental health consumer}}

{{Template:User current age|day=25|month=04|year=1987}}

{{Template:User cisgender}}

{{User previous account|Otolemur crassicaudatus}}

{{User previous account|Otolemur crassicaudatus}}

{{User previous account|NGC 2736}}

{{User previous account|NGC 2736}}

Latest revision as of 10:13, 17 October 2024

Now published: Building Quantum Computers

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Now published: Building Quantum Computers

Building Quantum Computers: A Practical Introduction by Shayan Majidy, Christopher Wilson, and Raymond Laflamme has been published by Cambridge University Press and will be released in the US on September 30. The authors invited me to write a Foreword for the book, which I was happy to do. The publisher kindly granted permission for me to post the Foreword here on Quantum Frontiers.

Foreword

The principles of quantum mechanics, which as far as we know govern all natural phenomena, were discovered in 1925. For 99 years we have built on that achievement to reach a comprehensive understanding of much of the physical world, from molecules to materials to elementary particles and much more. No comparably revolutionary advance in fundamental science has occurred since 1925. But a new revolution is in the offing.

Up until now, most of what we have learned about the quantum world has resulted from considering the behavior of individual particles — for example a single electron propagating as a wave through a crystal, unfazed by barriers that seem to stand in its way. Understanding that single-particle physics has enabled us to explore nature in unprecedented ways, and to build information technologies that have profoundly transformed our lives.

What’s happening now is we’re learning how to instruct particles to evolve in coordinated ways that can’t be accurately described in terms of the behavior of one particle at a time. The particles, as we like to say, can become entangled. Many particles, like electrons or photons or atoms, when highly entangled, exhibit an extraordinary complexity that we can’t capture with the most powerful of today’s supercomputers, or with our current theories of how nature works. That opens extraordinary opportunities for new discoveries and new applications.

Most temptingly, we anticipate that by building and operating large-scale quantum computers, which control the evolution of very complex entangled quantum systems, we will be able to solve some computational problems that are far beyond the reach of today’s digital computers. The concept of a quantum computer was proposed over 40 years ago, and the task of building quantum computing hardware has been pursued in earnest since the 1990s. After decades of steady progress, quantum information processors with hundreds of qubits have become feasible and are scientifically valuable. But we may need quantum processors with millions of qubits to realize practical applications of broad interest. There is still a long way to go.

Why is it taking so long? A conventional computer processes bits, where each bit could be, say, a switch which is either on or off. To build highly complex entangled quantum states, the fundamental information-carrying component of a quantum computer must be what we call a “qubit” rather than a bit. The trouble is that qubits are much more fragile than bits — when a qubit interacts with its environment, the information it carries is irreversibly damaged, a process called decoherence. To perform reliable logical operations on qubits, we need to prevent decoherence by keeping the qubits nearly perfectly isolated from their environment. That’s very hard to do. And because a qubit, unlike a bit, can change continuously, precisely controlling a qubit is a further challenge, even when decoherence is in check.

While theorists may find it convenient to regard a qubit (or a bit) as an abstract object, in an actual processor a qubit needs to be encoded in a particular physical system. There are many options. It might, for example, be encoded in a single atom which can be in either one of two long-lived internal states. Or the spin of a single atomic nucleus or electron which points either up or down along some axis. Or a single photon that occupies either one of two possible optical modes. These are all remarkable encodings, because the qubit resides in a very simple single quantum system, yet, thanks to technical advances over several decades, we have learned to control such qubits reasonably well. Alternatively, the qubit could be encoded in a more complex system, like a circuit conducting electricity without resistance at very low temperature. This is also remarkable, because although the qubit involves the collective motion of billions of pairs of electrons, we have learned to make it behave as though it were a single atom.

To run a quantum computer, we need to manipulate individual qubits and perform entangling operations on pairs of qubits. Once we can perform such single-qubit and two-qubit “quantum gates” with sufficient accuracy, and measure and initialize the qubits as well, then in principle we can perform any conceivable quantum computation by assembling sufficiently many qubits and executing sufficiently many gates.

It’s a daunting engineering challenge to build and operate a quantum system of sufficient complexity to solve very hard computation problems. That systems engineering task, and the potential practical applications of such a machine, are both beyond the scope of Building Quantum Computers. Instead the focus is on the computer’s elementary constituents for four different qubit modalities: nuclear spins, photons, trapped atomic ions, and superconducting circuits. Each type of qubit has its own fascinating story, told here expertly and with admirable clarity.

For each modality a crucial question must be addressed: how to produce well-controlled entangling interactions between two qubits. Answers vary. Spins have interactions that are always on, and can be “refocused” by applying suitable pulses. Photons hardly interact with one another at all, but such interactions can be mocked up using appropriate measurements. Because of their Coulomb repulsion, trapped ions have shared normal modes of vibration that can be manipulated to generate entanglement. Couplings and frequencies of superconducting qubits can be tuned to turn interactions on and off. The physics underlying each scheme is instructive, with valuable lessons for the quantum informationists to heed.

Various proposed quantum information processing platforms have characteristic strengths and weaknesses, which are clearly delineated in this book. For now it is important to pursue a variety of hardware approaches in parallel, because we don’t know for sure which ones have the best long term prospects. Furthermore, different qubit technologies might be best suited for different applications, or a hybrid of different technologies might be the best choice in some settings. The truth is that we are still in the early stages of developing quantum computing systems, and there is plenty of potential for surprises that could dramatically alter the outlook.

Building large-scale quantum computers is a grand challenge facing 21st-century science and technology. And we’re just getting started. The qubits and quantum gates of the distant future may look very different from what is described in this book, but the authors have made wise choices in selecting material that is likely to have enduring value. Beyond that, the book is highly accessible and fun to read. As quantum technology grows ever more sophisticated, I expect the study and control of highly complex many-particle systems to become an increasingly central theme of physical science. If so, Building Quantum Computers will be treasured reading for years to come.

John Preskill
Pasadena, California

Now published: Building Quantum Computers
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Cut Your Rates and Save Big

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Cut Your Rates and Save Big

Key Takeaways

  • Finding cheap energy is great, but you should also consider the reputation of your energy provider.
  • Low electricity rates are only part of the equation, as you also want to modify your energy consumption habits to ensure the lowest electricity bills
  • Always read your energy plan contract carefully and understand all the terms, including potential hidden fees and early termination fees.

Affordable electricity service is a priority for many Plano, Texas residents. With uncertain energy rates that fluctuate regularly, it can be difficult to keep a consistent budget. However, by researching and finding cheap electricity in Plano, Texas, you can minimize the expense and be better prepared for potential rate hikes.

Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of cheap electricity in Plano, including obtaining the lowest rates, securing discounts, determining average costs, and other tips for reducing electricity bills.

How Can I Find the Lowest Electricity Rates in Plano?

You can find cheap electricity in Plano with a few key strategies, starting with an online comparison tool like PowerToChoose.org. This website, which the Public Utility Commission of Texas runs, offers comparisons of energy providers that service your ZIP code.

Simply enter your ZIP code and click “View Results.” The site will list all the energy providers in your area, as well as their energy rates, ratings, fees, terms, and much more.

You can also take the manual route and contact local utility providers directly. Sometimes, these companies have promotional offers or special rates they don’t advertise online. You can also sign up for their newsletters or follow them on social media to remain current on all their latest offers.

You can also speak with friends and neighbors and use online community forums to get their opinions and insights into local electricity providers. This social approach can give you a look into the actual life of a customer of these energy providers and give you valuable information about which companies offer the best rates and service.

What Should You Keep in Mind While Searching for Cheap Electricity in Plano?

Understanding how to find cheap electricity in Plano is only one part of the battle. You also want to consider other critical factors beyond just the cheapest rate.

First, you must be aware of the different types of plans available. For instance, fixed-rate plans lock you into a rate for the contract’s duration. A fixed-rate electricity plan may not always offer the best electricity rates, but it provides stability against fluctuating market prices.

The other common energy plan Plano electricity companies offer is a variable-rate plan, where your electricity rates can change monthly based on market conditions. This may lead to savings during low-demand periods, but you may also experience higher bills when demand spikes.

You should also monitor seasonal trends in electricity pricing, as rates can vary significantly throughout the year. They often peak in the summer when demand for air conditioning is high. You may secure a better rate by switching to a new provider or plan during off-peak seasons.

Also, some energy companies incentivize signing up during promotional periods, which can further enhance your savings. Being proactive and informed will empower you to navigate the electricity market effectively and secure the cheapest electricity.

Find out why over half a million Texans trust Just Energy!

Find out why over half a million Texans trust Just Energy!

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for Electricity in Plano?

Many utility companies attract new customers and retain existing customers with discounts, promotions, or specials. Some common types of discounts Texas electricity companies offer include:

  1. Seasonal promotions: Service providers may offer reduced rates during peak usage months or for signing up during specific promotional periods to entice customers to switch providers.
  2. Referral bonuses: Some providers give discounts to customers who refer friends or family to their services.
  3. Bundled services: Consider packages that include both electricity and internet, cable, or natural gas services at a reduced rate.
  4. Special time-of-use offers: Some Plano electricity providers offer special rates during specific times to entice a switch, such as free nights.

Always read the terms and conditions associated with any discount or promotional offer before signing up. Some may have specific requirements or be time-sensitive.

Moreover, some Plano electricity plans may offer discounts for energy-efficient upgrades or participation in demand response programs. By reducing energy usage during peak hours or investing in energy-efficient appliances, customers can lower their bills and contribute to a more sustainable energy grid. This dual benefit of saving money while being eco-conscious is increasingly appealing to many people.

What Are the Average Electricity Costs in Plano Compared to Other Cities?

Electricity costs can vary between cities. As of September 2024, the average energy cost in Plano, TX is 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is slightly below Texas’ average rate of 14.78 cents per kWh. This means that just living in Plano helps you secure some of the cheapest electricity rates in Texas.

For context, Plano is slightly higher than nearby Dallas and Fort Worth, where the average is 13.5 cents per kWh. Another large city with slightly lower average electricity rates is Houston, which rings in at 13.1 cents per kWh. This shows that while Plano’s electricity is cheaper than most areas in Texas, other large cities have even more affordable energy plans.

How Do I Switch to a Cheaper Electricity Plan in Plano?

Switching to a cheaper retail electricity provider in Plano is a straightforward process, but it requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Follow these steps for a seamless transition:

  1. Research and compare plans: Online tools can help you compare different plans and see how they compare, considering your monthly usage patterns.
  2. Check contract length and details: Always review the length of your new plan’s contract and the company’s cancellation policy. Pay close attention to the early termination fee (ETF), as what appears to be the best electricity plan may have a huge ETF that prevents you from switching if rates suddenly drop.
  3. Contact your current provider: Notify your current residential electricity provider about your decision to switch, as some may have specific cancellation procedures.
  4. Finalize the new plan: Complete the sign-up process once you choose a new provider. Your new provider will usually handle the switch and keep you updated throughout the process.

You can typically complete the switch without interrupting your electricity service, and you’ll begin benefiting from your new rates promptly.

When seeking cheap electricity in Plano, It’s also crucial to find the possible on top of low rates. You should consider additional factors such as:

  • Customer service ratings: Check out online reviews and speak with friends and family about various providers to see which electricity providers offer the best service. Having a low rate is great, but poor customer service can quickly offset those low rates.
  • Hidden fees: Before signing up, read the contract and promotional information closely to determine whether there are any extra fees or limitations on the promotion.
  • Renewable energy options: Some plans offer the opportunity to support renewable energy sources through green energy plans. This may be a priority if you’re an environmentally conscious consumer.

Switch Plans Anytime, With Zero Fees

Say goodbye to restrictions and hello to freedom. Switch your plan anytime, at zero cost, and discover the perfect energy fit for your lifestyle.

Are There Any Government Programs or Incentives for Affordable Electricity in Plano?

The Texas government has various programs to help residents manage their electricity expenses. A few noteworthy initiatives that might be available in Plano are:

  • Energy assistance programs: The Texas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers low-income households financial assistance to help with their heating- and cooling-related energy costs, bill-payment assistance, energy crisis support, and more.
  • Weatherization assistance: The Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income households improve their homes’ energy efficiency, thereby reducing overall electricity costs.
  • Temporary assistance programs: You may also find local organizations with programs that provide temporary support for families facing energy hardships, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Contact local government offices or community organizations to learn about eligibility and application processes.

How Can I Save on Electricity Bills in Plano?

Saving on Electricity Bills in Plano Woman Adjusts Temperature

Finding cheap electricity in Plano is one part of lowering energy costs, but you can further decrease your monthly bill by making energy-saving changes in your lifestyle.

Some practical tips to keep costs down include:

  • Use energy-efficient appliances: Invest in appliances that use less energy without sacrificing performance. Focus on purchasing appliances with the EnergyStar logo.
  • Adjust thermostat settings: Keeping your thermostat at a moderate temperature can lead to significant savings. Turning your thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees in the winter and up the same amount in the summer can save you up to 10% in heating and cooling costs.
  • Unplug devices: Some chargers and electronics draw power when not in use. Unplug all electronics when you‘re not using them, or consider using power strips to manage multiple devices easily.
  • Limit use of high-energy appliances: Limit the number of times you use things like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. If you’re on a time-of-use plan, shift their usage to off-peak hours when possible.
  • Implement smart home technology: Use smart thermostats and home automation systems to monitor and control energy use more effectively.
  • Seal leaks and insulate: Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent conditioned air from escaping, reducing the workload on heating and cooling systems.

Where Can I Find Reliable Reviews of Electricity Providers in Plano?

Finding a great balance of cheap electricity in Plano and a trustworthy electricity provider is critical for making an informed choice. Finding a reliable provider generally requires you to dig deep into online review sites. Some reliable review sites to consider include:

  • com: This site allows users to leave detailed reviews of their experiences with various electricity providers.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB offers ratings and insights into a company’s performance, customer service, and complaint resolution efforts.
  • Social media platforms: Social media has become a go-to spot for customers to share their experiences with businesses. A popular place to read reviews is Facebook, but you can also review X for any glowing or not-so-hot comments on a business page.
  • Google: Google is another great spot to read reviews, but beware of fake reviews made under the wrong business.

When you research and read reviews, you can avoid potentially signing on with an electricity provider with a bad reputation.

Save Big on Your Electric Bill With Cheap Electricity in Plano

Charges for Electricity Services

Finding cheap electricity in Plano is a great way to lower your overall energy costs, but it takes research, an understanding of your options, and a focus on reducing costs and energy consumption.

With the strategies outlined above, you can successfully navigate Plano’s deregulated electricity market and leverage it for significant savings. With a combination of low rates, discounts, incentives, and smart consumption practices, you can ensure your electricity bills make a minimal dent in your monthly budget. Check out what great electricity rates you can get in Plano at Just Energy.

Brought to you by justenergy.com

All images licensed from Adobe Stock

Operando NMR methods for redox flow batteries and ammonia synthesis – Physics World

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Operando NMR methods for redox flow batteries and ammonia synthesis – Physics World






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Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) Technology: Transforming Automotive Sustainability Through Innovation

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Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) Technology: Transforming Automotive Sustainability Through Innovation

Achieving net zero is a crucial target for all manufacturing companies, especially in the automotive industry, which faces increasing regulation. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are on the lookout for innovative green technologies to enhance or replace their existing processes.

Let’s dive into the automotive sector’s current landscape and learn how Hot Form Quench (HFQ) and increased use of aluminium can drive it toward a more sustainable future.

Reducing a Car’s Carbon Footprint

A car’s carbon footprint comprises embodied carbon (emissions during construction and decommissioning) and operational carbon (emissions during use). Manufacturing processes like mining, casting, rolling, and heat treatment use significant carbon.

During its lifetime, a typical car emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon annually from gasoline. Even electric vehicles contribute to carbon emissions through the electricity used in their operation.

To shrink a car’s carbon footprint, reducing both embodied and operational emissions is essential. Auto manufacturers are adopting several strategies to meet their sustainability goals.

Recycling Challenges in the Automotive Industry

Although recycling may seem simple, it presents many challenges, especially for advanced industries like automotive, which use multiple materials and manufacturing methods. For aluminium, there are cast, extruded, and sheet parts, all of which contain different quantities of principal elements. Despite this complexity in construction, when a car reaches the scrapyard, valuable parts like alloy wheels and catalytic converters are removed, and then the rest of the car is ground into fragments, which need to be sorted for reuse. While sorting technologies are improving rapidly, they are still relatively slow, not 100% accurate, and require energy.

Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) Technology: Transforming Automotive Sustainability Through Innovation

Fig. 1: Aluminum Engine Blocks Scrap. Courtesy Iscrapapp.com

Furthermore, permanent joining methods such as steel rivets are used, increasing the risk of contamination when re-melted.

Because of these challenges, it is currently common for the aluminium fraction to be recycled back into non-structural secondary castings rather than being fully circular.

Other Obstacles to Sustainable Car Manufacturing

The weight of vehicles

In recent decades, vehicles have become heavier, increasing their embodied and operational carbon due to higher curb weights, with some now exceeding 3000 kg. This issue extends to electric vehicles, where batteries alone can weigh over 500 kg. Therefore, relying solely on recycling for sustainability is insufficient, necessitating the use of fewer resources.

No reuse of functional parts

Often, many functional parts are discarded when a vehicle reaches the end of its lifecycle. Introducing design-for-disassembly practices to retain materials in use for as long as possible will be critical for future sustainability. 

The use of various compositions

The current practice of incorporating multiple aluminium compositions into a single vehicle structure complicates recycling due to sorting challenges. A more efficient approach would involve using a single alloy with versatile forming techniques.

What Changes Does the Automotive Industry Need for Maximum Sustainability?

For maximum impact on a vehicle’s sustainability, the automotive industry should adopt the waste hierarchy, which prioritizes:

1. Reduce

2. Reuse

3. Recycle

The most effective strategy to achieve sustainability targets involves manufacturing lighter vehicles. Lighter vehicles use less material and energy, which minimizes waste and enhances operational efficiency through improved fuel economy.

Following reduction, it is important to work towards a future in which vehicles can be disassembled efficiently to allow for component reuse. Finally, once the components have reached the end of their useful life, recycling them back into the same value chain is essential.

Fig.1: Recycled material A-Pillar.

How Does HFQ Help the Automotive Manufacturing Process?

Hot Form Quench (HFQ) is a novel aluminum hot forming process that integrates solution heat treatment, forming, and in-die quenching into a single step.

Key features include:

Improved material utilization

The primary goal of HFQ is to enhance material utilization in the automotive industry. Due to the enhanced formability and the ability to integrate multiple parts into a single forming step, the blank size can be significantly reduced.

Reduced weight and costs

By using higher-strength aluminum alloys to form complex shapes, HFQ allows for thinner parts, contributing to greater light-weighting.

Compatibility with recycled metal

HFQ has been used to produce A-pillars and B-pillars from AA6082 sheet using 100% recycled feedstock. The geometric tolerance and mechanical properties were equivalent to conventional alloys. HFQ has also been used with novel alloy compositions containing higher contamination levels, offering proof strengths greater than 400MPa and elongation to failure greater than 12%.

Efficiency with F-temper Aluminum Sheet

Traditional cold stamping requires T4P tempering of sheet blanks prior to forming, which involves heating and tempering the entire raw material coil to enhance strength and formability. In contrast, HFQ eliminates the need for pre-stamping heat treatment, saving significant costs and opening up a wider range of supply options.

As a hot forming process, HFQ applies heat just before forming, targeting only the blank rather than the entire coil. This focused heating approach maintains similar energy consumption while optimizing efficiency by heating only the useful portion of the material.

Embracing Innovative Forming for Carbon Neutrality

To significantly reduce the carbon footprint of automobiles and advance toward circularity, the industry must embrace deviations from traditional alloys and adopt disruptive technologies that facilitate carbon neutrality. Closed loop recycling and advanced sorting technologies are essential for creating a reliable source of raw materials, but focus must remain on impactful strategies like improving material utilization, down-gauging, increasing the use of aluminum alloys, and maximizing the use phase of each component.

Technologies like HFQ demonstrate the potential to use novel aluminum alloy compositions that maximize the recycled content and optimize weight and carbon footprint beyond what is possible with cold stamping. Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers play a crucial role in integrating these advancements, but the push for these transformative changes must come from OEMs, who are ultimately responsible for minimizing the environmental impact of their products. 

Monitoring Bioprocesses with Raman Spectroscopy

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Monitoring Bioprocesses with Raman Spectroscopy

Monitoring Bioprocesses with Raman Spectroscopy

Our annual article in Spectroscopy‘s June Raman supplement for 2024 shows how affordable, reliable Raman instruments can be combined with intuitive AI-driven software to achieve noninvasive process monitoring in bioreactors.

Fermentation has long been essential for producing foods like beer, wine, and bread. Modern biotechnology now uses genetically modified microorganisms to create complex molecules, improving efficiency and quality in production. However, contamination remains a challenge, as unwanted microorganisms can reduce yields and increase costs by competing with the desired cell lines.

To overcome these challenges, non-invasive, in-line monitoring techniques are highly desirable. These approaches, such as optical monitoring through a view port, eliminate the need to break the sterile seal of a fermenter, thus reducing the risk of contamination. Additionally, in-line methods offer much faster feedback compared to traditional offline sampling, making them invaluable for maintaining optimal bioprocess conditions in real-time.

One of the most promising emerging technologies for this purpose is Raman spectroscopy. Known for its unparalleled specificity and ease of use, Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for monitoring bioprocesses. It is capable of simultaneously detecting multiple chemicals, is insensitive to water, and can be deployed with simple probe-based systems or even through a view port. This makes Raman spectroscopy especially well-suited for applications that demand continuous and accurate monitoring of bioprocesses. Recent technological advancements have made this tool more accessible and affordable, further driving its adoption in biotechnology.

Despite these advantages, one significant hurdle remains—the complexity of transforming spectroscopic data into actionable insights. Chemometric analysis, the process of converting spectral information into quantitative concentration data, can be challenging, particularly for those without specialized training.

Fortunately, new developments in AI-powered analysis software are helping to bridge this gap. By combining affordable, reliable Raman instruments with intuitive AI-driven software, even individuals without deep expertise in spectroscopy can now benefit from in-line Raman measurements. This democratization of the technology opens up a world of possibilities for biotechnology professionals, enabling them to monitor and control their processes with greater ease and precision—from laboratory research to full-scale production.

In this journal article, we show how the integration of Raman spectroscopy with the cutting-edge AI analysis tools available in RamanMetrix® software can revolutionize the way bioprocesses are monitored to improve yields, reduce contamination risks, and provide a more streamlined path to consistent, high-quality products.

Read the full article in Spectroscopy‘s Raman supplement, June 2024:
Real-Time Chemometric Analysis of Multicomponent Bioprocesses Using Raman Spectroscopy

To read more articles where Raman spectroscopy is used in healthcare, medicine and other bioprocesses, click here.

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geophysics – How is the mass of the Earth determined?

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geophysics – How is the mass of the Earth determined?

Note: I updated this answer to include a description of the historical techniques.

Historical Techniques

Newton developed his theory of gravitation primarily to explain the motions of the bodies that form the solar system. He also realized that while gravity makes the Earth orbit the Sun and the Moon orbit the Earth, it is also responsible for apples falling from trees. Everything attracts everything else, gravitationally. That suggested that one could in theory measure the gravitational attraction between a pair of small spheres. Newton himself realized this, but he didn’t think it was very practical. Certainly not two small spheres (Newton 1846):

Whence a sphere of one foot in diameter, and of a like nature to the
earth, would attract a small body placed near its surface with a force
20000000 times less than the earth would do if placed near its surface;
but so small a force could produce no sensible effect. If two such spheres
were distant but by 1 of an inch, they would not, even in spaces void of
resistance, come together by the force of their mutual attraction in less
than a month’s time; and less spheres will come together at a rate yet
slower, namely in the proportion of their diameters.

Maybe a mountain?

Nay, whole mountains will not be sufficient to produce any sensible effect. A mountain of an hemispherical figure, three miles high, and six broad, will not, by its attraction, draw the pendulum two minutes out of the true perpendicular :
and it is only in the great bodies of the planets that these forces are to be
perceived, …

Newton’s idea on the impracticality of such tiny measurements would turn out to be incorrect. Little did Newton know that the scientific revolution that he himself helped propel would quickly make such tiny measurements possible.

Weighing the Earth using mountains

The first attempt to “weigh the Earth” was made during the French geodesic mission to Peru by Pierre Bouguer, Charles Marie de La Condamine, and Louis Godin. Their primary mission was to determine the shape of the Earth. Did the Earth have an equatorial bulge, as predicted by Newton? (The French had sent a different team to Lapland to accomplish the same end.) Bouguer used the trip as an opportunity to test Newton’s suggestion that a mountain would deflect a plumb bob from surveyed normal. He chose Chimborazo as the subject mountain. Unfortunately, the measurements came up completely wrong. The plumb bob was deflected, but in the wrong direction. Bouguer measured a slight deflection away from the mountain (Beeson, webpage).

The next attempt was the Schiehallion experiment. While surveying the Mason-Dixon line, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon found that occasionally their calibrations just couldn’t be made to agree with one another. The cause was that their plumb bobs occasionally deviated from surveyed normal. This discovery led to the Schiehallion experiment conducted by Nevil Maskelyne. Unlike Bouguer, Maskelyne did get a positive result, a deflection of 11.6 arc seconds, and in the right direction. The observed deflections led Maskelyne to conclude that the mean density of the Earth is 4.713 times that of water (von Zittel 1914).

It turns out that Newton’s idea of using a mountain is fundamentally flawed. Others tried to repeat these experiments using other mountains. Many measured a negative deflection, as did Bouguer. There’s a good reason for this. For the same reason that we only see a small part of an iceberg (the bulk is underwater), we only see a small part of a mountain. The bulk of the mountain is inside the Earth. A huge isolated mountain should make a plumb bob deviate away from the mountain.

Weighing the Earth using small masses

So if using mountains is dubious, what does that say about the dubiousness of using small masses that would take months to approach one another even if separated by mere inches?

This turned out to be a very good idea. Those small masses are controllable and their masses can be measured to a high degree of accuracy. There’s no need to wait until they collide. Simply measure the force they exert upon one another.

This idea was the basis for the Cavendish experiment (Cavendish 1798). Cavendish used two small and two large lead spheres. The two small spheres were hung from opposite ends of a horizontal wooden arm. The wooden arm in turn was suspended by a wire. The two large spheres were mounted on a separate device that he could turn to bring a large sphere very close to a small sphere. This close separation resulted in a gravitational force between the small and large spheres, which in turn caused the wire holding the wooden arm to twist. The torsion in the wire acted to counterbalance this gravitational force. Eventually the system settled to an equilibrium state. He measured the torsion by observing the angular deviation of the arm from its untwisted state. He calibrated this torsion by a different set of measurements. Finally, by weighing those lead spheres Cavendish was able to calculate the mean density of the Earth.

Note that Cavendish did not measure the universal gravitational constant G. There is no mention of a gravitational constant in Cavendish’s paper. The notion that Cavendish measured G is a bit of historical revisionism. The modern notation of Newton’s law of universal gravitation, $F=\frac {GMm}{r^2}$, simply did not exist in Cavendish’s time. It wasn’t until 75 years after Cavendish’s experiments that Newton’s law of universal gravitation was reformulated in terms of the gravitational constant G. Scientists of Newton’s and Cavendish’s times wrote in terms of proportionalities rather than using a constant of proportionality.

The very intent of Cavendish’s experiment was to “weigh” the Earth, and that is exactly what he did.

Modern Techniques

If the Earth was spherical, if there were no other perturbing effects such as gravitational acceleration toward the Moon and Sun, and if Newton’s theory of gravitation was correct, the period of a small satellite orbiting the Earth is given by Kepler’s third law: $\left( \frac T {2\pi} \right)^2 = \frac {a^3}{GM_E}$ . Here $T$ is the satellite’s period, $a$ is the satellite’s semi-major axis (orbital radius), $G$ is the universal gravitational constant, and $M_E$ is the mass of the Earth.

From this, it’s easy solve for the product $G M_E$ if the period $T$ and the orbital radius $a$ are known: $G M_E = \left( \frac {2\pi} T \right)^2 a^3$. To calculate the mass of the Earth, all one needs to do is divide by $G$. There’s a catch, though. If the product is $G M_E$ is known to a high degree of accuracy (and it is), dividing by $G$ will lose a lot of accuracy because the gravitational constant $G$ is only known to four decimal places of accuracy. This lack of knowledge of $G$ inherently plagues any precise measurement of the mass of the Earth.

I put a lot of caveats on this calculation:

  • The Earth isn’t spherical. The Earth is better modeled as an oblate spheroid. That equatorial bulge perturbs the orbits of satellites (as do deviations from the oblate spheroid model).
  • The Earth isn’t alone in the universe. Gravitation from the Moon and Sun (and the other planets) perturb the orbits of satellites. So does radiation from the Sun and from the Earth.
  • Newton’s theory of gravitation is only approximately correct. Einstein’s theory of general relativity provides a better model. Deviations between Newton’s and Einstein’s theories become observable given precise measurements over a long period of time.

These perturbations need to be taken into account, but the basic idea still stands: One can “weigh the Earth” by precisely observing a satellite for a long period of time. What’s needed is a satellite specially suited to that purpose. Here it is:

geophysics – How is the mass of the Earth determined?

This is LAGEOS-1, launched in 1976. An identical twin, LAGEOS-2, was deployed in 1992. These are extremely simple satellites. They have no sensors, no effectors, no communications equipment, no electronics. They are completely passive satellites. They are just solid brass balls 60 cm in diameter, covered with retroreflectors.

Instead, of having the satellite make measurements, people on the ground aim lasers at the satellites. That the satellites are covered with retroreflectors means some of the laser light that hits a satellite will be reflected back to the source. Precisely timing the delay between the emission and the reception of the reflected light gives a precise measure of the distance to the satellite. Precisely measuring the frequency change between the transmitted signal and the return signal gives a precise measure of the rate at which the distance is changing.

By accumulating these measurements over time, scientists can very precisely determine these satellites orbits, and from that they can “weigh the Earth”. The current estimate of the product $G M_E$ is $G M_E=398600.4418 \pm 0.0009 \ \text{km}^3/\text{s}^2$. (NIMA 2000). That tiny error means this is accurate to 8.6 decimal places. Almost all of the error in the mass of the Earth is going to come from the uncertainty in $G$.

References

M. Beeson, “Bouguer fails to weigh the Earth” (webpage)

H. Cavendish, “Experiments to determine the Density of the Earth,” Phil. Trans. R. Soc. London, 88 (1798) 469-526

I. Newton (translated by A. Motte), Principia, The System of the World (1846)

NIMA Technical Report TR8350.2, “Department of Defense World Geodetic System 1984, Its Definition and Relationships With Local Geodetic Systems”, Third Edition, January 2000

K. von Zittel (translated by M. Ogilvie-Gordon), “History of Geology and Palæontology to the End of the Nineteenth Century,” (1914)

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