Essay
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C o n t e n t s
Abstract: ..................................................... 3
Activity A: Introducing M-Global (M-Global Activitt#1) ......... 4
Activity B: Alternative Energy Processes (M-Global Activity#4) . 6
Activity C: Researching Hybrid Cars (M-Global Activity#11) ..... 7
References: .................................................. 10
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A b s t r a c t :
The three documents presented in this portfolio show M-Global’s recent Alternate Energy Initiative. Out of 12 M-Global Activities, this document includes three important activities which will be implemented in fall 2014. The initiative is spearheaded by President James McDuff, M-Global Inc., MD, USA. It is a step forward towards sustainable business growth for M-Global and its clients.
The first activity (M-Global Portfolio Activity #1 – Introducing M- Global) involves employees newly employed in M-Global Power and Energy Unit and its business clients. Alternative is an introduction to M- Global and its rich, storied history from its founding in the early 1960s to its growth over the late 20th and early 21st century. The introduction, an About M-Global page from the company website, pays special attention to the company’s efforts towards the Alternate Energy Initiative and the foundations for the initiative from the corporate culture. The introduction, meant for new and prospective employees, delves into M-Global’s expansion from humble roots in a single city to an international devices and services company.
The second activity (M-Global Portfolio Activity #4 – Alternative Energy Processes) is a look at M-Global’s efforts towards spreading awareness on alternatives to tradition, oil-based devices, especially cars. The document provides homeowners a description on how hybrid vehicles recharge their batteries. The text can be adapted to various types of documents, including an informational sheet, a brochure, a presentation, or a web site. As the text is geared towards homeowners, it is simple and jargon-free. Plain English syntax is followed.
The third activity (M-Global Portfolio Activity #11 – Researching Hybrid Cars) has a direct impact on the Initiative. As an assistant to Tanya Grant, the M-Global librarian, it is the author’s assignment to put together an annotated bibliography on hybrid cars from various sources. The bibliography will help Tanya Grant develop a formal report on hybrid cars for the executive board. The bibliography is extensive, and the annotations will help streamline the research process for the librarian.
This set of documents represents a microcosm of M-Global’s daily activities across its 16 branch offices. Taken separately, they are technical documents fulfilling a workplace assignment. Together, they characterize the Alternate Energy Initiative, M-Global’s approach towards spreading awareness on renewable energy and fostering a sustainable energy infrastructure not only for the company and its clients but also for the community.
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A c t i v i t y A : I n t r o d u c i n g M - G l o b a l ( M - G l o b a l A c t i v i t y # 1 )
Who We Are
Welcome to M-Global! Although we are an international organization, we never forget that we started as a small family business. We are committed to quality service to all our clients.
M-Global was founded as McDuff Inc. by Rob McDuff in 1963 as a regional soils analysis firm. Since its inception, it has grown to an international company with expertise in construction management, environment monitoring and management, equipment design and manufacturing, documentation services, training and certification programs, security infrastructure assessment for large facilities including hotels, convention centers, and airports while maintaining its original focus on soil treatment and assessment for dams and power plants. Until recently, M-Global was headed by Rob McDuff as McDuff Inc. When the company was passed onto Jim McDuff, the new president rolled out a radical shift in not only its structure but also lateral growth. Its new name, M-Global Inc., stands for diversity that extends to Energy and Society.
What We Do
Our primary work is with Soils Analysis, where we make recommendations to private clients as well as public government entities for foundations, constructions, factories, dams, and rigs. We entered the Construction Management business in 1981 and subsequently offered services to third party contractors. M-Global today supervises hundreds of construction projects annually, from hospitals, offices, and schools to factories and hotels. We manage the entire project, from planning and scheduling to drawing up contracts to finalizing designs and the actual construction.
Environmental Management has been a core focus since the late 1970s, when Rob McDuff realized the rising levels of waste disposal in the United States and elsewhere promised business opportunities for firms specializing in soil-based waste treatment. Our expertise in this context is to provide pollution control methods and procedures by testing surface soils for toxic wastes, designing waste cleanup plans, and analyzing health of fragile ecosystems.
Our Equipment Design Lab (EDL) began as an intra-company laboratory to design and develop specialized equipment for our soil analysis. Today, the EDL team has expanded to offering its patented products to clients and other firms for all types of analyses. The Publications Development Team emerged in tandem with the EDL to create the documentation for the designed patented equipment. As demand grew
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for expert editors and writers, it began expanding to the company’s grant and proposal writing arm. The team also edits in-house documents such as evidences, formal reports, financial statements, legal statements, and budgetary plans. Recently, it has begun offering its services to clients and organizations, creating documentation for firms, and setting up databases and websites. The legal wing of the team offers consultation services in regard to national and international standards and regulations.
M-Global entered the training business five years ago, when demand arose for training in skills that coincide with the company’s specialization. We offer technical and non-technical workshops as well as certificate programs in the fields of Construction Management, Environment Monitoring, Technical Writing, Security Infrastructure Assessment and newly added Low Carbon Strategy for reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG).
The Emerging Energy and Environmental Business
Our environment is a precious commodity and it is our duty to protect it and make sure our future generations can appreciate it. M- Global has always been at the forefront of emerging technologies and the recent resurgence of renewable energy is no different. Today, the world is in dire straits. Once abundant oil is slated to run out in less than a hundred years and demand is still growing among the emerging economies.
We are proud to participate in a new breed of socially conscious companies as we work towards reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable future both for our firm and global community. Our work is evidence of our commitment. In just the last five years, we have managed construction of seven nuclear power plants, two biofuel laboratories for internationally-acclaimed research organizations. We have partnered with municipalities to promote both energy-efficient LEED certified buildings that have lower carbon footprints and sustainable practices to ensure lower per capita emission.
We have a proven record of ethical environmental monitoring and management. Our environmental work includes conducting soil analysis of fragile ecosystems for government entities and helping prepare proposals for seeking grants from the World Bank agencies, Environmental Protection Agency, United Nations, and the World Pollution Control Organization.
The M-Global of Tomorrow
Under the leadership of Jim McDuff, M-Global will forge ahead into the 21st century as a diverse devices and services company. The
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recent Alternate Energy Initiative throws light on our ongoing commitment to excellence. The M-Global of tomorrow is a truly global company that takes energy and environment activism to heart. We welcome you to the M-Global family and hope you enjoy our services.
For more information on the Alternate Energy Initiative, please contact either the Public Information Department supervisor Mr. Shon Williams or the Program Coordinator Abhijit Suprem.
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A c t i v i t y B : A l t e r n a t i v e E n e r g y P r o c e s s e s ( M - G l o b a l A c t i v i t y # 4 )
Hybrid Cars – What Are They?
Gasoline-powered vehicles are built with the feel-and-drive concept in mind and have only one fueling system. On the other hand, hybrid cars have two fuel systems – a liquid fuel tank and an electric battery. Hybrid cars have additional high powered battery (HPB) systems along with the traditional 12V starter battery. While the starter battery takes care of the lights, internal meters, sound, and start-up, the high power battery does the grunt work of driving the car, just like a gas-powered car. Therefore, proper handling of the HPB is extremely important, as failure to pay attention to the delicate care can leave you stranded in the middle of a highway (Shah). This brochure provides you with information on how a hybrid car charges its battery and some tips on maintaining the HPB.
HPB Charging System
For details, please see your car’s manual. In this section, we give a brief description on how a hybrid car charges its battery – not only from external sources but also from losses. Because it minimizes losses and saves you money in the long run, a hybrid vehicle is the better investment over a fully gasoline or electric car.
Hybrids are known by another name – plug-in hybrids. This is because their batteries can be charged by plugging the car into a standard outlet. Fully charging a battery takes a few hours and it is advisable to leave the car plugged in overnight. Most hybrid cars have monitoring systems and will not take more energy than necessary.
Another type of recharging takes place when you are driving. It is known as regenerative braking and it is an elegant method to reduce losses. Whenever brakes are applied, the kinetic energy of the wheels is transferred back to the battery. There is less heat and the brakes last longer (Romm).
A third way actually conserves energy. When the car is stopped at an intersection, the HPB completely shuts down. The waste of energy during idling is minimized and the battery charge
lasts longer
(Fuller).
Helpful Tips
It is important to maintain your hybrid car if you want to get the most out of it. Here are a few tips to make sure your batteries last as long as possible.
v Make sure your brakes are in good condition. This ensures your battery is charging whenever you are braking and maintains its life longer.
v Be sure to check your alternator regularly. You still need the starter battery to start the car and having a full HPB will not help when the starter battery is empty.
v Remember that the hybrid car may need extra charging at night. Be sure to check your battery levels and use your power outlets to give it the extra charge.
v Maintain your fuel levels. Although the gas tank is small, it is still crucial on the highway and for charging the starter battery.
If you follow these tips and your hybrid car’s manual, you can maintain your car for longer and ensure a worry- free driving experience.
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A c t i v i t y C : R e s e a r c h i n g H y b r i d C a r s ( M - G l o b a l A c t i v i t y # 1 1 ) [1] Abkeimer, Kristin, et. al. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: The Electric
Drive Captures the Mind. Publication. Paris: IA-HEV, 2012. Print. This report from the International Energy Agency for Hybrid Electric Vehicles is a comprehensive study on the state of hybrid electric vehicles and their component technologies. The first part of the report includes an overview of charging technologies, system integration, ecosystem effects, and the market demand and deployment. In the second part, the business analysis for long-term deployment in several low-income countries where such vehicles are seen to be a demand have been predicted. The report concludes with a survey summarizing positive consumer acceptance of hybrid vehicles in emerging economies in South American and African countries. [2] Bennion, K., and M. Thornton. Fuel Savings from Hybrid Electric Vehicles.
Rep. Golden, Colorado: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2009. Print.
This article prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory presents a technical discussion of the anatomy of a hybrid vehicle and an analysis of fuel savings over a period of 10 years compared with gasoline-powered counterparts. There is significant amount of technical and graphical data that compares various models and internal design trade-offs of hybrid cars along with discussions (pros, cons, advantage, disadvantage, etc.) on the fuel-saving findings. Included are also environmental impact such as greenhouse gases and carbon monoxide emissions, comparison of speed versus gear-ratio, optimization of fuel switching, and load-bearing capability versus volume-to-weight ratio. [3] Berg, Phil. "8 Potential EV and Hybrid Battery Breakthroughs." Popular
Mechanics 17 June 2013. Ultimate Enthusiast. Web. 5 Aug. 2014. <http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/fuel-economy/8-potential- ev-and-hybrid-battery-breakthroughs>.
The above web article presents potential hybrid battery breakthroughs and developments. It starts with the improvements in hybrid vehicle battery technologies, considering such design parameters as increased range, performance, efficiency, safety, packaging and insulation, preventive measures in case of fire, and compactness. Technologies
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such as Carbon Nanotubes, Lithium/Silicon Polymers, and Lithium- Manganese Composite and their long-term effects on the hybrid car of the near and far future are systematically described and illustrated. The concluding section includes users’ feedback on the requirement of battery structure, capability, and preferred charging time. Most of the users want faster charging times of approximately 30 minutes. However, such a breakthrough was not found in the report. [4] Coca-Cola Company. "Coca-Cola Transforms Service Vans to Hybrid
Vehicles." Coca-Cola Press Center. Coca-Cola, 11 Dec. 2013. Web. 5 Aug. 2014.
This press release from the Coca-Cola Company discusses the company's switch from gasoline-powered service vans to hybrid vehicles for its entire supply chain starting in early 2014. The press release is part of United Nations Low Carbon Strategic Plan Initiative. Coca-Cola has invested $2 billion in buying new vehicles and retrofitting the old for the first phase of the rollout. [5] "How Hybrid Cars and Trucks Work." Union of Concerned Scientists. 28 Oct.
2013. Web. 05 Aug. 2014. <http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/smart- transportation-solutions/advanced-vehicle-technologies/hybrid- cars/how-hybrids-work.html>.
This report explains the scientific principles behind hybrid electric vehicles. The article characterizes hybrid electric vehicles based on capabilities like regenerative braking and engine downsizing. Each feature is explained in detail and examples are used frequently. The article also delves into drive-trains and considers the advantages and disadvantages of various types. [6] Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Fleet Markets. Rep. Washington DC: Navigant
Research, 2010. Print. This report from Navigant Research is an in-depth study on the economics of switching fleets to hybrid vehicles. It explores government regulations and incentives in various countries, which will aid us in instituting internal policies. Original Equipment Manufacturers as well as suppliers are investigated. The report analyzes current trends to determine future demands and prices, which we can use to develop a rollout plan that minimizes overhead costs. [7] "Hybrids and Diesels: Do They Save Money." Which Are Most Affordable?
ConsumerReports.org, Feb. 2012. Web. 03 Aug. 2014. This short report covers cost efficiency for various hybrid vehicles. The purchase price, gas mileage, and 5-year costs including maintenance, fuel, taxes, and fees are evaluated and an approximate savings amount as well as years to cover costs is given. It can aid in choosing the appropriate vehicles for company-wide fleet replacement keeping in view long-term savings and reducing short-term economic depreciation.
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[8] Klock, Andrew. Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Safety Training for Emergency Responders. Publication. Quincy: National Fire Protection Association, 2013. Web. 03 Aug. 2014. <http://www.nfpa.org/research/fire-protection-research- foundation/reports-and-proceedings/electrical-safety/new- technologies-and-electrical-safety/electric-hybrid-vehicle-safety- training-for-emergency-responders>.
This report provides important safety and handling information for emergency responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. The article contains information on safety features and components of hybrid cars as well as guidelines towards establishment of a resource for awareness. The report has been written with industrial safety and standards in mind so as to enable the manufacturer to train the emergency responders. [9] Kurz, Joaquin. "Hybrid Electric Vehicles: A History of Technological
Innovation." Illumin. University of Southern California, 1 Oct. 2000. Web. 5 Aug. 2014.
The initial releases of prototype cars and the first hybrid cars are evaluated in the article. It explores the recent history of the hybrid electric vehicles starting from the initial interest of research organizations in the early 1990s to the consumer awareness in 1999. Various research projects and government collaborations, including the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles under President Bill Clinton, are listed in tabular form. [10] Wouk, Victor. "Hybrid Electric Vehicles." Scientific American 16 Sept.
1997: 70-74. Print. This Scientific American article explains the basics of hybrid vehicle technology. Various engine and transmission types such as parallel drive trains, serial drive trains, automatic transmission, and alternator principles are extensively illustrated with colored 3D pictures. The author, a pioneer for hybrid vehicles, uses convenient analogies to explain the complicated processes involved in the hybrid vehicles.
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R e f e r e n c e s ( A s r e q u i r e d f o r A c t i v i t i e s A a n d B )
Fuller, John. "How Idle-stop Systems Work." HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks. Web. 05 Aug. 2014.
Pfeiffer, W., & Adkins, K. (2012). Technical Communication: A Practical Approach. (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Romm, Joseph, and Andrew Frank. "Hybrid Vehicles Gain Traction." Scientific American Global RSS. Scientific American, Apr. 2006. Web. 05 Aug. 2014.
Shah, Yagana. "Why Hybrid Cars Are Really Becoming Popular Among Older Drivers." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 05 Aug. 2014.