TECHNO TRUCKS * UK - Hydrogen generator to cut emissions for Grundon Waste trucks

Wallingford,Oxfordshire,UK -Transport Engineer, by Brian Tinham -4 Dec 2011: -- An on-board hydrogen generator, launched by h2gogo for retrofitting to petrol or diesel engined transit vans, trucks and buses, is being trialled by Grundon Waste Management... The company, which has fitted the hydrogen generators to three of its waste and recycling trucks says it is looking to the technology to reduce emissions, increase engine efficiency and power output, and improve on fuel economy... h2gogo's HRN3 unit runs on distilled water, which produces hydrogen on throttle/engine demand, eliminating the need for additional fuel storage tanks, other than a small distilled water tank... The company explains that it works by injecting hydrogen into the engine's air induction tract, at the air filter end, which then follows the standard route to the engine, via intercooler and turbo... This cycle results in the engine burning all fuel in the cylinder and cylinder head combustion chamber... Tests at the Millbrook Vehicle Emissions Laboratory suggests that the hydrogen generator cuts CO, HC, PM (particulate matter), NOx and CO2 emissions by up to a 40%... Additional trials are also due to commence shortly at: Heathrow Airport with BAA; bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis, and the Metropolitan Police Service in London...

* Australia - A.N.T. Aid Necessities Transporter concept vehicle

(Image: Loading and unloading the supply unit would be an easy and efficient procedure due to the unique suspension. Whilst in Rapid mode, the vehicle simply lines itself in front of the supply unit. From here, the vehicle would lower itself whist rotating the head piece. Guided by electronics, the vehicle could then reverse into the supply unit. Once connected, the vehicle simply lifts up and drives off)

Melbourne,Australia -Gizmag, by Grant Banks -January 4, 2011:   -- A multi-purpose vehicle designed by Bryan Lee, capable of delivering emergency housing and supplies to disaster areas then rapidly returning to base ready for another mission – that is the concept behind the Aid Necessities Transporter (A.N.T.). The idea takes inspiration from it's namesake in the insect world – creating more than just a unique concept vehicle but an entirely new aid distribution system. The A.N.T has been designed to traverse rough terrain that would be impossible for conventional trucks to navigate, delivering supply pods and temporary shelter to disaster stricken communities...

(Image: The ability to transform the supply unit into a temporary housing is another efficient way in aiding people in need)
The vehicle then transforms itself into a low-profile form for a swift return to headquarters...


* Denmark - Anti Sleep Pilot detects drowsy drivers

(Photo: The Anti Sleep Pilot is a dashboard device that lets drivers know when they're becoming too fatigued)

Copenhagen,Denmark -Gizmag, by Ben Coxworth -January 3, 2011: -- According to a 2008 study by the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, about 20 percent of all road traffic accidents are caused by driver fatigue. Tired motorists are also eight times more likely than rested motorists to get in an accident, displaying driving abilities similar to those of someone who is intoxicated. The problem is, we often don’t know when we’ve reached that “too tired” state – a situation that the Anti Sleep Pilot was created to address. The Danish-designed device sits on your dashboard, monitoring you and your driving conditions, and lets you know when it’s time to pull over and take a ten-minute rest.

... Unlike systems developed by Fraunhofer and Lexus, it does not use cameras to monitor the driver’s eyes.... The Anti Sleep Pilot is so far only available in Denmark, although interested parties can pre-order on the company website. Its price should be around US$250...