Ford Motor Company

About: Ford Motor Company is a company organization based out in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Internal combustion engine & Signal. The organization has 36123 authors who have published 51450 publications receiving 855200 citations. The organization is also known as: Ford Motor & Ford Motor Corporation.

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Electricity Generation

Abstract: Published scientific literature contains many studies estimating life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of residential and utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PVs). Despite the volume of published work, variability in results hinders generalized conclusions. Most variance between studies can be attributed to differences in methods and assumptions. To clarify the published results for use in decision making and other analyses, we conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies, harmonizing key performance characteristics to produce more comparable and consistently derived results. Screening 397 life cycle assessments (LCAs) relevant to PVs yielded 13 studies on crystalline silicon (c-Si) that met minimum standards of quality, transparency, and relevance. Prior to harmonization, the median of 42 estimates of life cycle GHG emissions from those 13 LCAs was 57 grams carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour (g CO{sub 2}-eq/kWh), with an interquartile range (IQR) of 44 to 73. After harmonizing key performance characteristics, irradiation of 1,700 kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m{sup 2}/yr); system lifetime of 30 years; module efficiency of 13.2% or 14.0%, depending on module type; and a performance ratio of 0.75 or 0.80, depending on installation, the median estimate decreased to 45 and the IQR tightened to 39 to 49. The median estimate and variabilitymore » were reduced compared to published estimates mainly because of higher average assumptions for irradiation and system lifetime. For the sample of studies evaluated, harmonization effectively reduced variability, providing a clearer synopsis of the life cycle GHG emissions from c-Si PVs. The literature used in this harmonization neither covers all possible c-Si installations nor represents the distribution of deployed or manufactured c-Si PVs.« less

Observability of Charge-Density Waves by Neutron Diffraction

Abstract: It is shown that atomic displacements $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{A}}sin\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{L}}$ associated with a charge-density wave (CDW) modulation of a metal crystal cause several changes in the anticipated diffraction properties. Very weak satellite reflections should occur at locations $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$ from the ordinary (cubic) reflections. However it is found that vibrational excitations, corresponding to phase modulation of the CDW, may weaken the satellite intensities below the level of observation. The structure factors of the cubic reflections are reduced from unity to (the Bessel function) ${J}_{0}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{K}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{A}})$, where $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{K}}$ is the scattering vector. Measurements of structure factors are difficult to interpret in the alkali metals because of severe primary extinction (mosaic block size \ensuremath{\sim}0.5 mm) and unknown anharmonic contributions to the Debye-Waller factor. Nevertheless, an unambiguous test for CDW structure is possible since $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}$ (and $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{A}}$) must be orientable by a large magnetic field at 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Consequently high-index Bragg reflections should be turned off or on by a magnetic field rotated parallel or perpendicular to $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{K}}$. Motivation for such an experiment is suggested by a survey of electronic anomalies which have been reported in the alkali metals and which can be explained with the CDW model.

Comparison of sol–gel and ion beam deposited MoO3 thin film gas sensors for selective ammonia detection

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study of the gas-sensing behavior of MoO3 thin films prepared by ion beam deposition and sol–gel techniques, respectively. The sensing response of these films to ammonia in the presence of interfering gases (such as NO2) is assessed. The microstructural characteristics of the sensing materials prepared by these two techniques are determined using electron microscopy and microanalysis techniques. MoO3 is shown to be highly sensitive to ammonia, and the sensitivity depends on processing. The sensing properties of MoO3 thin films and the origin of the p–n-type transition occurring in sol–gel processed films are correlated with the type of the MoO3 polymorph(s) used for sensing.

Method and System for Fuel Vapor Control

Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.