Did you know that environmentally friendly cars use electric motors rather than gasoline engines to create less pollution? Electric cars are much kinder to the environment and are perfectly suited to use in the city. These cars usually look just like regular cars from the outside but on the inside they are quite different: instead of a gasoline engine with all its exhaust pipes and coolant hoses, there is an electric motor connected to a controller.
Running a car on rechargeable power is not only kinder to the environment; it also makes the car much easier to care for. These motors do not require oil checks, tune-ups or smog checks. These cars get their power, however, from batteries which need to be recharged regularly. One perk of using these motor is that it runs pretty much silently, making for a pleasing change after the loud grumbling of a gasoline engine.
The source of power in these cars is located very close to the wheels and controls the movement the wheel axle directly. When you are driving an environmentally friendly car and press down on the accelerator information is sent to the controller telling it how much energy is need from the battery to power the car. The energy delivered is then converted into usable energy and used to drive the wheel axle. This is done smoothly, instantly and at a high torque. With an environmentally friendly car you can get a high acceleration straight from a standing speed.
The second most important part in a these cars is the controller. The controller is responsible for taking power from the batteries and delivering it to the motor. This process is aided by a pair of potentiometers which measure the force exerted on the accelerator and deliver an appropriate signal to the controller.
A variety of different methods are used to power environmentally friendly cars. AC machines are usually installed in the factory built cars. AC three phase machines are the most suited for use in high performing environmentally friendly cars. They can handle driving through hilly areas well and can maintain reasonably high speeds. AC three phase electric motors are also brushless, making them very durable and suited to heavy duty use. Conversely, DC machines, such as the series wound motor, are often preferred for use in DIY car conversions as they are much easier to install, although they don’t offer the same sophistication as AC electric motors.
Purpose of ballasts
The most important part of a HID kit is the ballast. Its function is to supply enough voltage to ignite the lamp and then to regulate the flow of electricity. HID bulbs draw more electrical current than they need to operate and if the ballast was not there to provide a positive reactance, the lamp would quickly destroy itself. This ensures that a high intensity beam is produced and the light does not fluctuate.
Ballasts require an ignitor to provide this initial voltage to ionize the xenon gas inside the bulb. Once the lamp is lit the ignitor stops automatically and the ballast stabilizes and maintains the brilliant white light created by the arc of the bulb. Many manufacturers combine the ballast and ignition parts in the same housing. Though complex devices in themselves, when sold in HID kits they are intended to be used as a ‘plug and play’ mechanism. It should be noted that HID ballasts are only to be used with car and motorcycle headlight applications.
Digital ballasts
Most manufacturers are now using slim digital ballasts in their HID kits. While they are more expensive, they have many benefits which make this new technology very worthwhile. These electronic ballasts often use IC chips and feedback to apply safety features and improved controls into ballasts. Fault mode protection includes open and short circuit protection, over and under voltage safety, and flashing light protection. The digital aspect also allows the temperature at which the ballast operates to be controlled at a consistent level which promotes the life of the bulb. Other advantages are the fact that it is small and lightweight and therefore saves on space. Digital ballasts also give enhanced power regulation, easier lumen maintenance and improved color constancy. Functioning at a higher frequency means that the ballast produces more light but uses less energy and so is much more efficient. You can use a HID kit with digital ballasts with almost all modern cars without causing any onboard computer problems.
Buy quality ballasts
There are vast disparities in the quality of HID kits being sold online. Since ballasts are the core of a HID headlight system, the performance of your HID kit is greatly affected by second-rate ballasts. Faulty ballasts are also extremely dangerous as high voltage is produced from ballasts. Furthermore, they cannot be repaired so if they are not working properly you will have to spend extra money on replacing them. Therefore it is crucial to buy HID kits from reputable companies who can guarantee that they have been put through rigorous testing and have passed quality control. Ballasts should be designed to be durable and manufacturers should be able to guarantee that they are waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Good companies who stand behind the quality of their products will also give a one or two year guarantee on their HID kits so if something does go wrong you can have it fixed without any extra cost to yourself.