Current role of fire and technology in automobiles, and where the technology is heading - Research Paper Example

The Role of Fire and Technology in Automobiles The evolution of man’s quest for sources of energy began at its ultimate source – the sun. Obviously, man had to utilize the earth’s natural resources to makes lives better. Wood, wind, running water were creatively utilized to provide heat, to do work, to travel and explore, to develop and produce. However, continued growth and development necessitated enormous amounts of energy sources that nearly exhausted the natural fuel sources. This inevitably resulted in search for alternative energy sources which would ensure fueling the world in the future.

The role of fire in creating light and heat in the combustion of bodies paved the way for utilization of the most innovative invention of all times, the automobile. Continued over reliance to traditional fuel sources ultimately affects the future of automobiles, particularly in ensuring that they run as efficiently as expected. With all the developments in technology, its functionality and aesthetic value, the fact remains that vehicles consume a vast amount of fuel. In this regard, this essay aims to discuss briefly the current role of fire and technology in automobiles, and where the technology is heading.

The following concerns would likewise be addressed: (1) what type of alternative fuel will have the most success meeting transportation needs in the nearby future? Why? (2) How would alternative fuel types evolve in later generations?  Fire and Technology in Automobiles Various studies have indicated that due to the diverse and profoundly productive uses of fire, some technological applications cause destructive capabilities, particularly in automobiles. Due to the susceptibility for car fires, automobile manufacturers have used the latest developments in technology to ensure that passengers are protected and kept ultimately in safe condition while travelling.

In addition, technology is heading for the discovery of cost efficient and safe automobiles utilizing alternative fuels to run them. According to Toyoland (n.d., par. 3), “there are about half a dozen flammable liquids associated with a vehicle. There are an additional number of flammable solids, or “solid propellants,” that contribute to fire. There are, depending on the vehicle, any number of hoses and pumps that move flammable materials past hot areas of the engine. Any leak in a hose or pump can pour flammable liquids onto the hot engine block or electrical systems- resulting in a fire.

” Alternative Vehicle Fuel in the FutureElliot (2004) averred that “about 70 percent of our oil consumption is used for transportation”. The United States is identified as the biggest consumer of oil from among all the countries in the world. The EurActiv Network (2007) identified “three alternative solutions are seen as promising: biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen. It also pointed to one technology solution (hybrid cars), which could offer the degree of fuel saving comparable to what alternative fuels have to offer” (par. 10).With diverse benefits and costs associated with the alternative fuels for vehicles, the technological solution offered by hybrid cars appear to be the most successful and viable option to meet the transportation needs in the nearby future.

According to EurActiv (2007, par. 24), hybrid cars have “two engines (combustion and electric, switches to most efficient mode depending on circumstances (eg. Toyotas Prius) - advantage: fuel savings in urban environment, much less fuel-efficient on motorways”. With fuel savings and environmental benefits through fewer emissions, hybrid cars offer an alternative solution to transportation needs of the future.Future hybrid cars would be improved in terms of more efficient, less expensive and smaller batteries with alternative fuels (diesel, ethanol, hydrogen) to be used.

Later generations would find more innovative answers to the contemporary problems eminent in alternative fuels: high cost of production, environmental and economic considerations, and supply.Works CitedElliott, M. “Kicking the Big-Car Habit,” Time, p. 5. 2004. Print.EurActiv Network. Alternative fuels for transport. 2007. Web. 25 July 2010.< http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/alternative-fuels-transport/article-138101> Toyoland. Automotive fire safety – part 2 – causes of car fires. N.d. Web. 25 July 2010.

< http://www.toyoland.com/toyota/financials/engine-fires.html>