新发展工程硕士研究生英语Unit 11.pdfVIP

Unit 11 Alternative Ways of Energy Generation TextA Hybrid Cars Prosand Cons TextA Hybrid Cars Prosand Cons TTeexxttAA HHyybbrriiddCCaarrssPPrroossaannddCCoonnss � Background Information How Does aHybrid CarWork? How Does aHybrid CarWork? HHoowwDDooeessaaHHyybbrriiddCCaarrWWoorrkk?? Hybrid cars use two sources of energy, namely a combustible engine with a smaller capacity, and an electric motor. When the hybrid car is in operation, the low capacity internal combustion engine is always running. In situations where the hybrid car has to accelerate or climb slopes, the electric motor, powered by a high-capacity battery, gets into action and gives the car the required kinetic energy. The electric motor also powers the car when it is running at a constant speed for a long time, like on a highway, and the combustible engine is switched off. A conventional braking system dispenses the excess energy that has been generated by the combustible engine, by converting it into frictional heat. However, unlike a normal car, the hybrid car, whilebraking or reducing velocity, converts the excess kinetic energy into electricity and stores it inthe battery. The device that makes this conversionpossible is known as a regenerative brake. Some of the hybrid cars also work on the liquid nitrogen combustion engine that is supplemented by battery powered motors. Hybrid cars that are powered by fuel cells work on a relatively different principle. In this process, water, with the help of an electronic reaction, is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen, which are then used in the fuel cell to‘make’ water.The fuel cell with the help of the hydrogen and oxygen produces water and electricity. In many countrie