The 1K17 was one of many many prototypes the Soviet Union inbuilt its quest for a “Self-propelled Laser Complex” (SLK). The idea was initially proposed within the Seventies and early Eighties with the event of the 1K11 Stilet. The Luch Central Design Bureau, below the management of Gen. Dmitry Ustinov, engineered two prototypes to ship round 1982. The 1K11 advanced had a laser emitter atop a tracked chassis.
After the Stilet was the “Sangvin” (Sanguine). This prototype utilized the chassis of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-air gun. The weapons had been eliminated and changed with a single laser emitter to disable the sensors and optics of fight plane. While there may be restricted take a look at knowledge accessible right this moment, quite a few sources counsel that at ranges of 5 to 6 miles, the Sanguine might go away a helicopter inoperable.
The most superior SLK arrived in 1989, within the type of the 1K17 Szhatie, however so did the top of the Soviet Union. However, the Russian navy powered forward, Assembled in December 1990 and trialed till 1992, the Szhatie demonstrated promising outcomes throughout testing. However, regardless of the success of the trials, the 1K17 by no means entered full-scale manufacturing or service.
At $199, it appears Meta needs to clear stock and push the Quest 3 as an entry-point possibility. But at $499.99 for a 128GB storage variant, the Quest 3 is not any small funding, particularly for folk seeking to dip their toes into the world of VR content material. Moreover, at $199, there are barely any VR headsets on the market that may provide the identical type of refined {hardware} and an expansive ecosystem of software program constructed round it, so conserving the outdated warrior in its portfolio is smart for Meta.
Aside from including new video games to the library at a brisk tempo, Meta additionally launched help for Xbox Cloud Gaming as a part of a beta program on the Quest 2. Moreover, the corporate’s concentrate on different areas of VR leisure has spawned a wholesome catalog of numerous experiences such because the Survivor Horizon Island VR collection, award-winning brief movies, immersive music live shows, dwell sports activities (NBA and UFC, amongst others), content material streaming, net browning, and even utilizing it as a digital desktop app.
Soon, customers will have the ability to use the headset whereas mendacity down, make the most of exterior mic help, and discover pals in Horizon Worlds utilizing the People app. With continued feature development and software patches, it appears the Quest 2 is right here to remain, and extra in order Meta’s personal delicate nudge to information first-time adopters into paying up for extra premium experiences provided by the Quest 3 and the Quest Pro headsets.
The quest for sustainable and cost-effective vitality options has lengthy pushed innovation in vitality storage applied sciences. Now, a big leap ahead has been made with the event of a brand new cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries by researchers at Argonne National Laboratory. This breakthrough affords a glimpse right into a future powered by sodium, a available and reasonably priced aspect, paving the best way for a paradigm shift within the vitality panorama.
For a long time, lithium-ion batteries have dominated the field, powering every thing from smartphones to electrical automobiles. However, their reliance on lithium, a comparatively scarce and costly useful resource, has raised considerations about long-term sustainability and affordability. Sodium, then again, presents a compelling different on account of its abundance and considerably decrease price.
Despite this inherent benefit, sodium-ion batteries have traditionally struggled to compete with their lithium-ion counterparts. Their decrease vitality density and shorter lifespan have restricted their functions and hindered their widespread adoption. This new growth, nonetheless, guarantees to alter the sport.
The NMF cathode material developed by the Argonne team represents a important step in unlocking the potential of sodium-ion batteries. By enabling environment friendly sodium ion motion throughout the battery construction, this progressive materials considerably boosts the battery’s vitality density, making it a viable possibility for powering electrical automobiles with ranges of as much as 180-200 miles. While this will not but match the highest efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, it presents a compelling possibility for budget-conscious shoppers and metropolis dwellers with shorter commutes.
Furthermore, the NMF cathode addresses one other main disadvantage of earlier sodium-ion batteries – their quick lifespan. By extending the variety of cost/discharge cycles, this new materials improves the battery’s sturdiness and cost-effectiveness, making it a extra enticing long-term funding.
Toyota’s 745-mile solid-state battery guarantees to be wonderful, but it surely’s not the one one invested in SSBs. Here’s how the trade is catching up.
In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and different dependable sources.
A Powerhouse Of Scientific Pursuit
Nissan
Born from the Manhattan Project in 1946, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has carved a distinct segment for itself as a world chief in scientific exploration and technological innovation. Nestled close to Chicago, ANL’s sprawling campus hums with the fixed buzz of groundbreaking analysis throughout numerous fields, with vitality sustainability and environmental stewardship reigning supreme.
Within this vibrant tapestry of scientific pursuit, the laboratory’s battery analysis stands tall, devoted to crafting cleaner, extra environment friendly methods to energy our lives. From fundamental studies of electrochemical processes to the event of novel supplies and designs, ANL’s battery scientists are relentlessly pushing the boundaries of vitality storage.
Pushing The Boundaries Of Energy Storage
Stellantis
This dedication has yielded a wealthy harvest of achievements, together with the latest breakthrough in sodium-ion battery know-how. As the article aptly highlights, this new sodium-nickel-manganese-iron oxide (NMF) cathode guarantees a big leap in vitality density, paving the best way for electrical automobiles with sensible ranges appropriate for on a regular basis commutes. This feat underscores ANL’s dedication to not solely advancing battery efficiency but additionally making certain affordability and useful resource sustainability.
But ANL’s analysis ambitions lengthen far past sodium-ion batteries. The laboratory boasts a strong portfolio of initiatives targeted on numerous vitality options. From pioneering efforts in nuclear energy, with cutting-edge reactor designs and superior gas cycles, to the exploration of renewable vitality sources like photo voltaic and wind, ANL’s scientists are relentlessly searching for cleaner and extra dependable methods to energise our future.
ANL’s Holistic Approach To Research
Furthermore, ANL’s analysis transcends the mere pursuit of vitality options. Its scientists delve into the intricate connections between vitality, atmosphere, and public well being, spearheading developments in air pollution management, local weather change mitigation, and sustainable supplies growth. By forging these essential linkages, ANL ensures that its analysis not solely powers our gadgets but additionally safeguards the well being and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
The quest for sustainable and cost-effective vitality options has taken a big leap ahead with the event of a brand new cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries by researchers at Argonne National Laboratory. This progressive breakthrough guarantees to unlock the potential of sodium-ion batteries, paving the best way for his or her broader adoption in electrical automobiles and renewable vitality storage.
For years, lithium-ion batteries have reigned supreme in the energy storage landscape, powering every thing from smartphones to electrical automobiles. However, their reliance on lithium, a comparatively scarce and costly useful resource, has sparked considerations about long-term sustainability and affordability. Sodium, then again, is much extra considerable and considerably cheaper, making it a horny different for battery manufacturing.
However, sodium-ion batteries have historically struggled to match the vitality density and cycle lifetime of their lithium-ion counterparts. This has restricted their potential functions and hindered their widespread adoption. Enter the Argonne National Laboratory crew, led by senior chemist Christopher Johnson. Inspired by their earlier work on lithium-ion batteries, they’ve developed a novel sodium-nickel-manganese-iron oxide (NMF) cathode material. This layered construction permits for environment friendly insertion and extraction of sodium ions, considerably boosting the battery’s vitality density.
A Leap Towards Practical Electric Vehicle Ranges
Toyota
This development holds the important thing to unlocking the potential of sodium-ion batteries. Compared to different sodium-ion applied sciences, the NMF cathode affords a a lot greater vitality density, sufficient to energy electrical automobiles for a variety of round 180 to 200 miles on a single cost. While this will not attain the vary of high-end lithium-ion batteries, it presents a compelling possibility for budget-conscious shoppers and metropolis dwellers with shorter commutes.
Furthermore, the NMF cathode addresses one other main disadvantage of earlier sodium-ion batteries – their quick cycle life. With this new materials, battery cells obtain an analogous variety of cost/discharge cycles as their lithium-ion counterparts, bettering their total sturdiness and cost-effectiveness.
Solid-state batteries are gaining popularity amongst EV producers. Here’s every thing it’s best to find out about them.
Advantages Of Sodium As A Battery Material
BMW
One of probably the most thrilling features of sodium-ion batteries lies within the inherent benefits provided by the aspect sodium itself. Compared to its extra ubiquitous counterpart, lithium, sodium boasts several key characteristics that contribute to its potential as a sustainable and cost-effective battery materials.
Abundance And Cost-effectiveness
Sodium is without doubt one of the most considerable parts on Earth, readily present in seawater, salt lakes, and minerals like rock salt. This ubiquity interprets to a considerably decrease price than lithium, which is concentrated in a restricted variety of places and sometimes extracted utilizing environmentally damaging practices.
The abundance of sodium interprets to a extra steady and safe provide chain. Unlike lithium, which is topic to geopolitical and financial components, sodium is available and fewer inclined to cost fluctuations and provide disruptions. This could be essential for long-term planning and value management in large-scale functions.
Reduced Susceptibility to Price Fluctuations and Supply Chain Disruptions
The huge reserves of sodium supply a buffer in opposition to the worth volatility skilled with lithium. This value stability makes budgeting and forecasting for initiatives reliant on sodium-ion batteries simpler and extra dependable.
Additionally, the geographical range of sodium sources reduces the danger of provide chain disruptions attributable to political or financial instability in any single area. This resilience contributes to a extra sustainable and safe vitality future.
Cost Reduction Compared To Lithium-Ion Batteries
The abundance and decrease price of sodium in comparison with lithium are expected to translate to significant cost reductions in sodium-ion battery manufacturing. This potential for price financial savings is especially enticing for large-scale vitality storage functions, grids, and renewable vitality deployment.
Toyota appears lastly able to embrace the EV trade, with groundbreaking know-how and $850 million in subsidies at its disposal.
Challenges To Widespread Adoption
Nissan
While the developments in vitality density achieved by US researchers for sodium-ion batteries are promising, it is essential to acknowledge the prevailing limitations that also pose challenges to their widespread adoption.
Lower Energy Density
The most important hurdle for sodium-ion batteries is their decrease vitality density in comparison with their lithium-ion counterparts. This translates to storing less energy per unit weight or volume. In sensible phrases, a sodium-ion battery powering an electrical car would have to be heavier and bulkier than a lithium-ion battery to attain the identical vary. This weight penalty can have an effect on car efficiency and effectivity, hindering their enchantment within the transportation sector.
Weight And Vehicle Range Impact
Mercedes
The weight distinction immediately impacts the vary of electrical automobiles powered by sodium-ion batteries. A heavier battery pack reduces the car’s total vary, doubtlessly falling wanting client expectations and limiting practicality for long-distance journey. This turns into particularly essential for industrial automobiles like vans and buses, the place prolonged vary is paramount.
Less Mature Technology And Supply Chain
Sodium-ion battery technology is still in its early stages of growth in comparison with lithium-ion batteries. This leads to a much less mature provide chain and better manufacturing prices. The restricted manufacturing scale additional hinders price discount and optimization alternatives. This lack of business viability in comparison with established lithium-ion know-how poses a big problem for widespread adoption.
The quest for various gas sources has captivated the automotive trade, and Toyota‘s current patent for a water-cooled hydrogen combustion engine throws open a brand new chapter on this dynamic narrative. This innovation signifies a daring departure from the dominant electric vehicle (EV) narrative, venturing into the uncharted territory of high-performance, clean-burning hydrogen engines.
Unlike its fossil gas counterparts, hydrogen burns cleanly, producing solely water vapor as a byproduct. However, hydrogen’s attraction extends past its environmental credentials. Compared to batteries, hydrogen boasts a considerably greater vitality density, translating to prolonged driving ranges and fast refueling instances.
Yet, harnessing the potential of hydrogen is not with out its challenges. Building a robust hydrogen infrastructure remains a daunting task, with hydrogen refueling stations lagging far behind their gasoline and EV counterparts. Against this backdrop, Toyota’s new expertise emerges as a beacon of hope. The key options of this innovation – strategically positioned water injection valves, twin injection timing, and evaporation administration – characterize a big leap ahead in tackling the inherent warmth challenges of hydrogen combustion.
By dynamically regulating engine temperature by means of exact water injection, this expertise unlocks the potential for high-performance hydrogen engines.
AVL’s Hydrogen Racing Engine breaks efficiency limitations, paving the best way for hydrogen-powered motorsport to change into a actuality.
In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Toyota, and different dependable sources.
Toyota’s Patent Ignites A Path To High-Performance Alternatives To Electric Vehicles
Toyota’s not too long ago filed patent for a water-cooled hydrogen combustion engine marks a big step of their exploration of different powertrains past full electrification. This innovation addresses the problem of upper working temperatures inherent in hydrogen engines in comparison with conventional gasoline ones, doubtlessly paving the best way for high-performance hydrogen autos.
Key Features:
Water injection valves: Each cylinder is supplied with two valves strategically positioned on the consumption ports. These valves exactly management the timing and amount of water injected, making certain optimum cylinder cooling.
Dual injection timing: Water will be injected both when the consumption valve opens or closes, maximizing its effectiveness primarily based on the engine’s working circumstances. This flexibility permits for exact temperature management underneath completely different driving eventualities.
Evaporation administration: The patent details a system for injecting small water droplets that readily evaporate inside the cylinder. This minimizes their impression on combustion and lubrication, making certain engine effectivity.
ECU management: The engine’s digital management unit (ECU) acts because the mind of the operation. It dynamically displays working parameters like temperature and adjusts water injection accordingly, guaranteeing exact and environment friendly cooling.
These options, working in tandem, create a dynamic and adaptive system for managing the upper temperatures of hydrogen combustion engines. This opens up the likelihood for growing highly effective and environment friendly hydrogen vehicles, doubtlessly rivalling the efficiency of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
It’s necessary to notice that this patent continues to be in its early levels, and the expertise could endure additional refinement earlier than reaching manufacturing. However, it represents a big development within the subject of hydrogen engine improvement and will pave the best way for a future the place clear, high-performance autos are powered by hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen excels with fast refueling and prolonged vary, surpassing EVs in some ways regardless of among the challenges this gas imposes.
Hydrogen Is A Rising Star
Toyota
Within the burgeoning panorama of different propulsion programs, hydrogen combustion engines (HCEs) occupy a singular and intriguing place. While not as ubiquitous as conventional inside combustion engines (ICEs) or as prevalent as electrical autos (EVs), HCEs provide a definite set of benefits and challenges that warrant nearer examination.
How Hydrogen Combustion Engines Work
Toyota
At their core, HCEs operate equally to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Both make the most of pistons inside cylinders to transform thermal vitality into mechanical energy. However, the gas and combustion processes differ considerably. HCEs burn hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapor as a byproduct when mixed with oxygen. This eliminates the dangerous tailpipe emissions of conventional ICEs.
Step-by-step:
Air consumption: Air is drawn into the engine cylinders.
Fuel injection: Hydrogen is exactly injected into the cylinders, typically immediately or by means of a port close to the consumption valve.
Mixing and compression: The air and hydrogen combination is compressed by the rising piston.
Ignition: A spark plug ignites the compressed combination, inflicting a managed explosion that pushes the piston again down.
Power technology: This downward motion of the piston converts thermal vitality into mechanical energy, powering the car or equipment.
Exhaust: The water vapor and remaining gases are expelled by means of the exhaust system.
Hydrogen Combustion Engines vs. Traditional Internal Combustion Engines
AVL
Emissions: HCEs produce zero tailpipe emissions, in contrast to ICEs which emit CO2, NOx, and different pollution. This considerably reduces their environmental impression.
Efficiency: HCEs provide comparable effectivity to fashionable ICEs, with some attaining related and even barely greater ranges. However, their effectivity nonetheless lags behind the perfect EVs.
Hydrogen Combustion Engine expertise presents a compelling various to each conventional ICEs and EVs. Their zero emissions, comparable effectivity, and potential for fast refueling provide clear benefits.
However, challenges stay when it comes to infrastructure improvement, gas value, and engine optimization. As additional analysis and improvement progresses, HCEs could properly carve out a big area of interest inside the numerous panorama of future transportation options.
Hydrogen can energy future electrical autos and, with a comparatively easy conversion can cut back emissions of our present inside combustion autos
The Allure Of Hydrogen
Toyota
Amidst the rising refrain of voices calling for cleaner vitality options, hydrogen gas has emerged as a contender with the potential to revolutionize numerous sectors. Its distinctive properties and flexibility provide a plethora of advantages, making it a beacon of hope within the battle in opposition to local weather change and air pollution.
Zero Emissions For A Greener Future
Toyota
Perhaps probably the most heralded advantage of hydrogen gas is its squeaky-clean nature. When utilized in a gas cell, hydrogen’s chemical response with oxygen produces solely water vapor and warmth, forsaking no dangerous emissions just like the greenhouse gases plaguing conventional fossil fuels. This translates to cleaner air, improved public health, and a big stride in the direction of mitigating local weather change.
High Efficiency And Storage Potential
Toyota
Hydrogen boasts a formidable vitality density, packing extra punch per unit mass than most different fuels. This interprets to elevated effectivity in autos and different purposes, requiring much less gas to attain the identical output. Additionally, hydrogen’s versatility extends to its storage potential. Excess renewable vitality will be transformed into hydrogen and saved for later use, smoothing out the intermittent nature of sources like photo voltaic and wind energy.
A Path to Energy Independence
Unlike petroleum assets concentrated in particular areas, hydrogen can be produced from various sources like water, biomass, and even renewable electrical energy. This decentralization empowers nations to scale back their dependence on imported fossil fuels and fosters larger vitality safety. Furthermore, hydrogen manufacturing generally is a useful driver of financial development, creating new jobs and industries within the clear vitality sector.
Hydrogen Production and Cost: Currently, hydrogen manufacturing comes with numerous challenges, together with reliance on fossil fuels and excessive prices. Significant developments in clear and reasonably priced hydrogen manufacturing are essential for long-term financial viability.
Infrastructure And Fuel Considerations
Government Policy: Government incentives and infrastructure funding will play a important function in fostering hydrogen adoption. Supportive insurance policies can speed up station improvement, hydrogen manufacturing initiatives, and client uptake.
Diversification of Hydrogen Sources: Moving past fossil fuel-based manufacturing is essential for sustainability. Exploring renewable vitality sources like electrolysis and bio-hydrogen can guarantee a clear and environmentally pleasant provide chain.
Hydrogen could seem to be a pipe dream, however Toyota actually believes in it and isn’t slowing down regardless of its progress in EVs.
In conclusion, Toyota’s hydrogen combustion engine patent holds promise for the way forward for transportation, however its impression stays unsure. Wider adoption hinges on resolving infrastructure challenges, technological developments, and making certain a clear and reasonably priced hydrogen provide chain.
While the way forward for hydrogen engines continues to be being written, Toyota’s initiative sparks mandatory conversations and technological developments that might pave the best way for a cleaner and extra sustainable automotive future.
All of the Quest controllers launched so far use customary AA batteries by default, so all it’s good to do is swap them out. However, each the Quest 2 and three even have official charging docks you should purchase individually.
To change the batteries, maintain one of many controllers upside-down with the L or R deal with indicator going through up, then fastidiously push in and as much as unlock and slide off the quilt for the battery compartment.
Remove the 2 AA batteries contained in the compartment and change them — both with a contemporary pair or with a pair of rechargeable AAs. If the eliminated batteries are rechargeable, place them of their charger.
Put the battery compartment cowl again on and repeat the method with the opposite controller.
To arrange a charging dock, open the battery covers on each controllers and take away the batteries.
Install the brand new batteries from the charging dock equipment, ensuring the facet contacts are going through the open facet of the compartment, then slide on the brand new battery compartment covers.
Plug the charging dock into an influence supply then place the controllers of their respective cradles, ensuring they’re oriented appropriately with a purpose to cost.
If you determine to go the rechargeable battery route, it is price contemplating getting two units of batteries (eight in whole). That means you should use one set whereas the opposite one prices, then change and recharge with a purpose to preserve enjoying.
To elevate the Quest 3 to the level of the Quest Pro, you have the option to purchase the “Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers” separately. These controllers are equipped with their own processor and three cameras for independent inside-out tracking. The slightly heavier weight and premium feel in the hand add to the appeal.
The Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers are priced at $300. However, after testing both, we find that the default controllers that come with the Quest 3 track more accurately, maintain a more consistent connection, and connect more swiftly. Despite the promising features of the Pro controllers on paper, our experience suggests they are not worth the investment. The tracking cameras of the Pro controllers rely heavily on good lighting, which becomes an issue when the controllers are used in settings with shadows, obstacles, or moving limbs.
Additionally, the Pro controllers feature internal batteries, necessitating the use of the included charging dock for recharging. While they can be stored on the dock, if the batteries are drained when you want to use them, it will take some time before they are ready for use again. On the other hand, the standard Quest 3 controllers operate on AA batteries, allowing for quick replacement and immediate use. Opting for a battery charger and reusable AAs for less than $20 offers a sustainable solution and ensures a spare battery is always available. Ultimately, it is advisable to steer clear of the Quest Pro controllers altogether.
Lamborghini, like many other automakers, is committed to adapting to the future of mobility by transitioning towards electrification. The challenge lies in using electric power to create vehicles that not only enhance performance but also maintain the lively and spirited character of traditional combustion engine models. In order to tackle this task, Lamborghini has started introducing hybrid models, gradually making its way towards full electrification.
The first step in this transition was hybridizing its latest flagship model, the Aventador, which marked the end of Lamborghini’s 60-year-long era dedicated to “pure” naturally-aspirated V12 engines. The result was the introduction of the 1,001-horsepower plug-in hybrid Revuelto.
The demand for the Revuelto has been extraordinary, with its order books already filled for the next two years, just months after its unveiling to celebrate Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary. To commemorate this achievement and to shed light on its future plans, Lamborghini announced that its first fully-electric model will be revealed in 2028.
The upcoming fully-electric model from Lamborghini will be a grand tourer with a 2+2 seating configuration. This body style hasn’t been offered by Lamborghini for many years, so its design, philosophy, and even its name might pay homage to the brand’s historic 2+2 grand tourers or draw inspiration from the Asterion concept car from 2014, as shown in the image above.
The anticipation of Lamborghini entering the electric era and the return of a long-absent body style are two pieces of exciting news for enthusiasts. With this announcement, Lamborghini demonstrates its commitment to both innovative and futuristic advancements and the preservation of its automotive tradition.
