If you belong to the majority of people who think the diesel generator is one of those noisy, smoky engines that farmers don't seem to be able to do without, then you are going to have to think again. There is a growing surge, almost a tidal wave of new owners sweeping across the United States. These are the people who through no fault of their own seem to be forever losing their power supply. It is not until you are faced with trying to take care of your family through an extended power outage that you realise just how difficult life becomes without that magical current flowing through the lines.
It seems that storms are becoming more severe, with some badly affected areas having to go without power for between one and two weeks. On the other hand, heatwaves put so much demand on the national grid that rolling outages have to be forced on the population to keep the whole system from crashing. Then of course there are all the other things that can go wrong, such as transformers malfunctioning, but they all mean the same thing, you are left searching for candles and matches in the dark.
The diesel generator has always been regarded as belonging to industry, and indeed this is where you will find the giant units ranging from 20kW to way over 2000kW's that produce the same amount of power as a small power station. You will also find them permanently installed at hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police departments or anywhere that reliable stand-by power is required. Our transportation systems such as air traffic, sea navigation, and radio communications all rely on diesel generators in times of emergencies. In the situation of a natural disaster, it is the diesel generator that will be the heart beat of emergency services and reconstruction.
Many suburban homeowners, RV owners, tradesmen and small businesses are paying the extra, and purchasing a diesel generator in preference to a gasoline powered unit. When there are so many gas generators coming on to the market at such ridiculously low prices you can be forgiven in asking why. The consumer has finally woken up to the benefits of diesel. There are in fact four main reasons why people are turning away from the cheaper gas alternative in their droves.
1. The diesel generator likes to work, and it is very happy putt-putting away 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It works well under load too, in fact it loves to work hard. Many of the discount and hardware store bought gas generators virtually disintegrate during prolonged use, and you are doing well if they last more than a couple of hundred hours. There are of course very good models, but they will still be more suited to intermittent use, and will need a thorough overhaul at around 1,000 hours. The diesel generator on the other hand won't need anything except regular maintenance - such as oil change, for the first 20,000 hours of its life.
2. Maintenance. No ignition system to give you trouble, no carburettor that needs rebuilding or cleaning, no distributor to go kaput, and no spark plugs to be replaced. Maintenance is simplified on a diesel generator, they are in fact a much simpler system altogether. Regular oil changes as well as replacing the oil, fuel and air filters are all that is required.
3. The diesel generator is way more fuel efficient, and the exhaust is not nearly as toxic as gasoline.
4. Diesel power is synonymous with dependability and for standby or emergency power, this is essential. The quality of the electrical output is also excellent and this means that you are bale to run your computers and electronic equipment with peace of mind.
The cost factor has been a stumbling block for many people, but at the end of the day, the diesel generator is worth every extra dollar and more. It is common for them to outlast their gasoline counterparts by anything up to ten to one. Their work ability has never been questioned, but their noisy and smelly habits have. The diesel generator has cleaned up its act and is now a much quieter and cleaner producer of commercial grade power, and it is fast becoming the preferred choice of all those people who want the best.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Your Diesel Generator Will Ensure the Lights Are On When Somebody's Home
If you're considering putting a permanent power generating system such as a Yamaha generator, in your home or office, this is definitely a job for the experts! Any wiring that is done to the transfer switch and circuit board will need to be done according to your local electrical code and you may need a plumber in to set up the hoses and connect the Yamaha generator to the home's fuel supply.
Diesel generator dealers that are licensed will generally oversee the installation process, and some companies will a secure a permit and schedule the electrical inspection as part of your purchase price. Prices will vary, but you'll find that a 12 kW generator package excluding the transfer switch to be somewhere in the vicinity of US$1,000-$7,000. A 20 kW package will run you somewhere in the vicinity of $8-$10,000. Many brand-name manufacturers are now making home power generating systems such as Generac generators, Honda generators and Kohler more affordable. Most manufacturers encourage homeowners to hire electrical contractors for installation, as these are not do-it-yourself jobs. If you decide to install a permanent diesel generator somewhere outside your home, it should usually be on a concrete pad near the utility meter. Some generators come with a built in mounting pad and you may want to consider these instead of pouring your own concrete pad. As a rule, the unit is usually run off your home fuel supply and you'll need to connect it to the propane or natural gas supply.
The transfer switch is commonly installed inside next to the distribution panel and wiring is run from the generator into the house. Once the transfer switch is connected, it monitors your home's power supply for any interruptions. Backup power from Honda generators or diesel generators is almost becoming a necessity in today's technology-driven world. There are many more electrical items to run now other than lights, heating, cooling system and appliances. Most homes have computer systems, home automation systems and security systems. Electrical regulation has caused complete power outages in many areas and is more prevalent than years gone by.
It is almost essential that when bad weather knocks out your power for days or possibly weeks on end that you have a Honda generator backup power system. A self-contained backup system will help keep your phones ringing, water running, computers running and the furnace keeping your home warm, too. Pipes freezing are also a hazard when power loss occurs, and if you live in an area where intruders could be a problem, your security system on all the time will keep them at bay, too. It's important to understand what a "watt" means if you're going to install a home power generating system. This starts with an assessment of your basic needs, and you'll want to calculate the complete wattage that your home consumes at any one time. If you're at a loss as far as to this calculation, call your electrician and have him do it for you. Such items as heating, cooling, security systems, fans, refrigeration and lighting are some of the items that you need to consider. The size of your diesel generator backup system is based on the essential wattage that you're going to need. When this calculation is done, it is important to remember that you must accommodate the peak power load that these devices will supply. You must make allowances for power surges as well as appliances that are considered to be steady-rate. A good example of a high-demand system with high startup power is your furnace. If your furnace has a low start motor, this will still tax the load a bit. Energy-efficient appliances will directly impact how much load a backup power source can support. If you're in an area that loses power often, you may be well advised to get rid of the energy hogs and replace them with more energy-efficient appliances. If you use electric heat, a gas or wood stove is a great addition. Let a reputable generator dealer in your local area assess your true wattage needs. This way you'll be more confident when you purchase your Yamaha generator system.
Diesel generator dealers that are licensed will generally oversee the installation process, and some companies will a secure a permit and schedule the electrical inspection as part of your purchase price. Prices will vary, but you'll find that a 12 kW generator package excluding the transfer switch to be somewhere in the vicinity of US$1,000-$7,000. A 20 kW package will run you somewhere in the vicinity of $8-$10,000. Many brand-name manufacturers are now making home power generating systems such as Generac generators, Honda generators and Kohler more affordable. Most manufacturers encourage homeowners to hire electrical contractors for installation, as these are not do-it-yourself jobs. If you decide to install a permanent diesel generator somewhere outside your home, it should usually be on a concrete pad near the utility meter. Some generators come with a built in mounting pad and you may want to consider these instead of pouring your own concrete pad. As a rule, the unit is usually run off your home fuel supply and you'll need to connect it to the propane or natural gas supply.
The transfer switch is commonly installed inside next to the distribution panel and wiring is run from the generator into the house. Once the transfer switch is connected, it monitors your home's power supply for any interruptions. Backup power from Honda generators or diesel generators is almost becoming a necessity in today's technology-driven world. There are many more electrical items to run now other than lights, heating, cooling system and appliances. Most homes have computer systems, home automation systems and security systems. Electrical regulation has caused complete power outages in many areas and is more prevalent than years gone by.
It is almost essential that when bad weather knocks out your power for days or possibly weeks on end that you have a Honda generator backup power system. A self-contained backup system will help keep your phones ringing, water running, computers running and the furnace keeping your home warm, too. Pipes freezing are also a hazard when power loss occurs, and if you live in an area where intruders could be a problem, your security system on all the time will keep them at bay, too. It's important to understand what a "watt" means if you're going to install a home power generating system. This starts with an assessment of your basic needs, and you'll want to calculate the complete wattage that your home consumes at any one time. If you're at a loss as far as to this calculation, call your electrician and have him do it for you. Such items as heating, cooling, security systems, fans, refrigeration and lighting are some of the items that you need to consider. The size of your diesel generator backup system is based on the essential wattage that you're going to need. When this calculation is done, it is important to remember that you must accommodate the peak power load that these devices will supply. You must make allowances for power surges as well as appliances that are considered to be steady-rate. A good example of a high-demand system with high startup power is your furnace. If your furnace has a low start motor, this will still tax the load a bit. Energy-efficient appliances will directly impact how much load a backup power source can support. If you're in an area that loses power often, you may be well advised to get rid of the energy hogs and replace them with more energy-efficient appliances. If you use electric heat, a gas or wood stove is a great addition. Let a reputable generator dealer in your local area assess your true wattage needs. This way you'll be more confident when you purchase your Yamaha generator system.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
History of the Diesel Generator
The diesel generator owes its roots to mainly two inventors. One of these is the creator of the first generator Michael Faraday and the other is the creator of the diesel engine Rudolph Diesel. The first of these two has contributed greatly to life as we know it today with all his discoveries in electricity.
Michael Faraday was of humble beginning but always had a curious nature. He was at an early age an errand boy for a bookbinding shop and here he vastly increased his knowledge as he read anything he could put his hands on. He was very interested in the concept of energy and force and this interest is one that continued throughout his life and eventually he developed into a famed chemist and physicist.
It was his discovery of electromagnetic induction in the year 1831 that led to the development of the modern generator. He used what he termed his induction ring to discover the electromagnetic induction. This was the generation or induction of electricity in a wire by the use of the electromagnetic effect of the current in another wire. This was the first transformer and followed closely with the discovery of the magneto-electric induction process which is the production of a steady electric current.
He attached two pieces of wire by the use of a sliding contact to a copper disc. He rotated the disc through the poles of a magnet and was able to generate continuous direct current. This was the first generator of time. This group of experiments led to the revolutionized generator that we know today.
The diesel generator however owes its development to the inventor Rudolph Diesel. He started off as a refrigerator engineer and eventually found himself working on many heat engine designs. He in 1892 put out a patent that dealt with the method and design of a engine where combustion would take place in the cylinder. He continued to work to this goal and was successful in the production of a diesel engine that produced an efficiency of 75%.
It is the coupling of his diesel engine with the generator that led to the diesel generator that we known today. His design was rather large and very heavy and found more use in industrial applications as a generator. They were used to power pipelines and for electric plants and water plants. Later on they found applications in the mines and in oil fields. The diesel generator is simply the coupling of the diesel engine with an electrical generator and has been use throughout history since its invention for many applications.
The diesel generator has been seen to be the choice of many of the larger companies as it is well suited for industrial use. A major discouraging factor for its use in terms of the retail market has been the fact that it can be rather noisy but this has been reduced greatly from the first diesel generators and is now almost comparable to the gasoline generators. These generators also offer other perks such as increase fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs which can explain their popularity in industrial applications.
Michael Faraday was of humble beginning but always had a curious nature. He was at an early age an errand boy for a bookbinding shop and here he vastly increased his knowledge as he read anything he could put his hands on. He was very interested in the concept of energy and force and this interest is one that continued throughout his life and eventually he developed into a famed chemist and physicist.
It was his discovery of electromagnetic induction in the year 1831 that led to the development of the modern generator. He used what he termed his induction ring to discover the electromagnetic induction. This was the generation or induction of electricity in a wire by the use of the electromagnetic effect of the current in another wire. This was the first transformer and followed closely with the discovery of the magneto-electric induction process which is the production of a steady electric current.
He attached two pieces of wire by the use of a sliding contact to a copper disc. He rotated the disc through the poles of a magnet and was able to generate continuous direct current. This was the first generator of time. This group of experiments led to the revolutionized generator that we know today.
The diesel generator however owes its development to the inventor Rudolph Diesel. He started off as a refrigerator engineer and eventually found himself working on many heat engine designs. He in 1892 put out a patent that dealt with the method and design of a engine where combustion would take place in the cylinder. He continued to work to this goal and was successful in the production of a diesel engine that produced an efficiency of 75%.
It is the coupling of his diesel engine with the generator that led to the diesel generator that we known today. His design was rather large and very heavy and found more use in industrial applications as a generator. They were used to power pipelines and for electric plants and water plants. Later on they found applications in the mines and in oil fields. The diesel generator is simply the coupling of the diesel engine with an electrical generator and has been use throughout history since its invention for many applications.
The diesel generator has been seen to be the choice of many of the larger companies as it is well suited for industrial use. A major discouraging factor for its use in terms of the retail market has been the fact that it can be rather noisy but this has been reduced greatly from the first diesel generators and is now almost comparable to the gasoline generators. These generators also offer other perks such as increase fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs which can explain their popularity in industrial applications.
Guide to purchasing a Diesel Generator
There are many grades of durability of diesel generators on the market. You will find that the larger the machine the more well built it is to withstand the pressures of use. This is the general concept when it comes to the diesel generator that the larger the generator the better it is designed.
It is essential when considering purchasing a diesel generator that you are sure of what kind of use you will be demanding. It is very common for the diesel generators that are larger to be installed on ships as backups during power failures. There are often systems on ships that use power systems that are related to weather. This is not reliable and as such a diesel generator is a good choice. It is better to opt for the larger models as these are very well designed to handle the load.
Many businesses seeking to protect their sensitive computer networks can also depend on the diesel generator. These are excellent sources of power should the power fail. This is also great for medical equipment such as those that are essential in hospitals and can provide performance that is low maintenance.
When deciding which diesel generator to choose it is important that a list is constructed of the various pieces of equipment that will be using the generator power. This will aid in the determination of the total wattage requirements and therefore determine which capacity of generator will be required.
One of the first points when comparing diesel generators is to determine the wattage requirement and compare this to the price of the particular generator. This is essential as it is important not to overload the system and this will determine the best generator to suit your needs. It is also possible for persons with intermittent generator usage to opt for the diesel generator due to all the perks such as reduced fuel costs and maintenance costs.
It is also advisable that when you purchase your generator that you install it with a transfer switch. This may require a qualified electrician. It is also essential that the generator you choose will have adequate storage as this is important in maintaining the right temperature. You may also need other features such as soundproof enclosures depending on your space limitations as the diesel generator can be quite noisy and is best installed away from homes.
Other features that will be needed for your generator include shutdown systems. There are three major shutdown systems available. These are low oil pressure automatic shutdown kits, over-speed shutdown kits and high temperature shutdown kits. These are all necessary for the protection of any diesel generator that you purchase.
Make sure that the diesel generator you choose is run at a low rpm approximately 1800 rpm to ensure long life. It is better to opt for a generator that is the best in terms of fuel efficiency and if you can opt for a brand name. They may be a bit more expensive but they will tend to have better warranties than the other generic brands on the market.
It is essential when considering purchasing a diesel generator that you are sure of what kind of use you will be demanding. It is very common for the diesel generators that are larger to be installed on ships as backups during power failures. There are often systems on ships that use power systems that are related to weather. This is not reliable and as such a diesel generator is a good choice. It is better to opt for the larger models as these are very well designed to handle the load.
Many businesses seeking to protect their sensitive computer networks can also depend on the diesel generator. These are excellent sources of power should the power fail. This is also great for medical equipment such as those that are essential in hospitals and can provide performance that is low maintenance.
When deciding which diesel generator to choose it is important that a list is constructed of the various pieces of equipment that will be using the generator power. This will aid in the determination of the total wattage requirements and therefore determine which capacity of generator will be required.
One of the first points when comparing diesel generators is to determine the wattage requirement and compare this to the price of the particular generator. This is essential as it is important not to overload the system and this will determine the best generator to suit your needs. It is also possible for persons with intermittent generator usage to opt for the diesel generator due to all the perks such as reduced fuel costs and maintenance costs.
It is also advisable that when you purchase your generator that you install it with a transfer switch. This may require a qualified electrician. It is also essential that the generator you choose will have adequate storage as this is important in maintaining the right temperature. You may also need other features such as soundproof enclosures depending on your space limitations as the diesel generator can be quite noisy and is best installed away from homes.
Other features that will be needed for your generator include shutdown systems. There are three major shutdown systems available. These are low oil pressure automatic shutdown kits, over-speed shutdown kits and high temperature shutdown kits. These are all necessary for the protection of any diesel generator that you purchase.
Make sure that the diesel generator you choose is run at a low rpm approximately 1800 rpm to ensure long life. It is better to opt for a generator that is the best in terms of fuel efficiency and if you can opt for a brand name. They may be a bit more expensive but they will tend to have better warranties than the other generic brands on the market.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Mobile generator
Raven Technology offers the 5 kW Blackbird generator for the underhood installation in a variety of Ford, GM and International chassis. The generator provides 110 V pure sine power through the flip of a switch to power tools, lights, computers, communications and other equipment used in emergency, utility and construction vehicles. The speed independent Blackbird system weighs in at 75 lb. and is designed to be belt- or PTO- driven from the engine and is speed independent to offer full power from idle to redline, said Raven.
New generator set filter/silencer
The Santa Fe, N.M., manufacturer said the new filter/ silencer is designed to reduce PM emissions by 85% and carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by up to 99%. The CleanAIR Filter/Silencer has an all stainless-steel construction and is fully insulated for sound attenuation, the company said.
The concept of the CleanAIR filter/silencer combines the benefits of a silencer for sound reduction and the benefits of diesel particulate filters for emissions control into one space-saving unit.
"We designed our Permit filter/silencer specifically to fit facilities that need to reduce emissions and sound," said CleanAIR Sales Engineer, Daniel Serrano. "By combining our diesel particulate filters with a silencer, the customer no longer needs two separate units that take up a lot of space. Our Permit filter/ silencer does the job of both by eliminating emissions while at the same time providing sound reduction. It also reduces the overall cost."
Available for all stationary engine sizes, the custom-designed Permit filter/silencer is manufactured using 304 stainless steel. Utilizing CleanAIR's integrated approach, the product is designed and manufactured in-house, including: product design; flow, stress and sound modeling; filter catalyzation; and custom fabrication of the silencer shell. Each Permit filter/silencer is fully insulated to reduce heat loss and provide sound attenuation.
The concept of the CleanAIR filter/silencer combines the benefits of a silencer for sound reduction and the benefits of diesel particulate filters for emissions control into one space-saving unit.
"We designed our Permit filter/silencer specifically to fit facilities that need to reduce emissions and sound," said CleanAIR Sales Engineer, Daniel Serrano. "By combining our diesel particulate filters with a silencer, the customer no longer needs two separate units that take up a lot of space. Our Permit filter/ silencer does the job of both by eliminating emissions while at the same time providing sound reduction. It also reduces the overall cost."
Available for all stationary engine sizes, the custom-designed Permit filter/silencer is manufactured using 304 stainless steel. Utilizing CleanAIR's integrated approach, the product is designed and manufactured in-house, including: product design; flow, stress and sound modeling; filter catalyzation; and custom fabrication of the silencer shell. Each Permit filter/silencer is fully insulated to reduce heat loss and provide sound attenuation.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Generator drive power pack introduced by Perkins
Perkins Engines has introduced the 1104C-44TAG2 ElectropaK generator drive power pack. First shown at the World of Concrete show earlier this year, Perkins said the hunch of the engine is with an eye on broadening its overall product range in the power generation markets.
Power for the new power pack is Perkins 1104C diesel which is packaged with a skid-mounted cooling system. The 1104C is a four-cylinder, turbo-charged and air-to-air intercooled engine designed for 80 and 100 kW 60 Hz standby applications, as well as 50 Hz prime power needs from 80 to 100 kVA, Perkins said.
Perkins is positioning its 1100 series diesels as its premium emissions compliant platform, with the line available in three-, four- and six-cylinder configurations. For Tier 3, Perkins has increased the 1100 series per cylinder displacement to 1.1 L, and has undertaken aggressive development of the combustion system. Other engineering changes include a fundamental redesign of the cylinder block to create an advanced "open-top deck" structure that Perkins said radically reduces transmitted noise.
Further, the addition of air-to-air charge cooling on the 80 and 100 kVA models has enabled Perkins to offer what it says is six-cylinder power from a four-cylinder package.
Power for the new power pack is Perkins 1104C diesel which is packaged with a skid-mounted cooling system. The 1104C is a four-cylinder, turbo-charged and air-to-air intercooled engine designed for 80 and 100 kW 60 Hz standby applications, as well as 50 Hz prime power needs from 80 to 100 kVA, Perkins said.
Perkins is positioning its 1100 series diesels as its premium emissions compliant platform, with the line available in three-, four- and six-cylinder configurations. For Tier 3, Perkins has increased the 1100 series per cylinder displacement to 1.1 L, and has undertaken aggressive development of the combustion system. Other engineering changes include a fundamental redesign of the cylinder block to create an advanced "open-top deck" structure that Perkins said radically reduces transmitted noise.
Further, the addition of air-to-air charge cooling on the 80 and 100 kVA models has enabled Perkins to offer what it says is six-cylinder power from a four-cylinder package.
Diesel particulate filter regeneration: what Cummins is learning in field tests - Around the World of Diesel
San Diego -- Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) might work "passively" in some applications, but growing field experience shows that many DPFs will need sophisticated engine management or other schemes to avoid failures, Cummins field experience shows.
Example: In tests with 17 "passive" DPFs in a New Jersey Transit (NJT) test program, five cracked or melted, seven failed emissions requirements and seven caused excess backpressure to the engine, Cummins engineer Bruce Bunting explained to the Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction (DEER) workshop here.
Data-logging for a separate project for the U.S. Navy likewise showed that only 30% of vehicle applications would allow DPFs to regenerate passively, and a New York City Transit project with diesel-electric hybrids also showed the need for special heat-boosting measures to ensure DPF regeneration.
"Cold," low-load operations cause excessive soot loading in a DPF. If followed by high-load operation, "uncontrolled" regeneration can crack or melt a DPF.
For the Navy project -- all Thomas school buses with different engines -- data logging indicated that typical duty cycles should have allowed for passive regen, with exhaust temps at 400[degrees]C 10% of the time. Yet in its field tests, Cummins found excessive backpressure, Bunting said.
More issues: DPFs not only must be designed to be able to regenerate in any application, regardless of duty cycle, but also provide "self-monitoring" for problems or service. These systems also must be "easily applied to any application with a minimum of special mapping and test work," he said.
Among the possibilities for fail-safe regen are diesel fuel injection into an upstream catalyst (prior to DPF); injection into an upstream fuel burner to boost DPF temps; DPF electrical heater schemes; an exhaust brake scheme; and engine management (including post-main injection, timing, air/fuel ratio changes, exhaust gas recirculation) combined with an upstream pre-catalyst.
Using an upstream catalyst to oxidize NO to [NO.sub.2] (for soot oxidation) can employ both "passive" and engine management schemes in an exhaust temperature range of about 200 to 400[degrees]C, Bunting showed. By contrast, "catalytically enhanced oxidation" could work at temperatures over 300[degrees]C, while "direct oxidation" (using hydrocarbon injection) works above 450[degrees]C, he showed.
Given the advantage of wide effective temperature range, the engine management/upstream catalyst combo seems to be a logical path for future development. However, integration of combined PM/NOx reduction systems could lead to even more clever schemes, and certain diesel applications might favor special technologies.
Example: In a separate investigation, Cummins tested the Rypos electrically-regenerated soot filter for a gen-set application. This four-month operations test involved two 72kW mobile generator-sets at Edwards Air Force base, with emissions tests by University of Utah.
The Rypos system includes four uncatalyzed sintered metal fiber cartridge elements housed in a metal can. Electric heat regenerates the cartridges sequentially. Electric power for the oxidation conveniently came from the Cummins B9 185 horsepower gen-set itself, although secondary (or extra-large) alternator power could be used in a mobile application.
This first-generation system only filtered 62% of particulates smaller than 10 microns, as it suffered from gasket leaks and a failed cartridge. This has led to an improved design. An "overly aggressive regeneration strategy" also may have penalized system efficiency, he said. So, Cummins aims to test the second-generation system for PM reduction performance and energy efficiency.
Example: In tests with 17 "passive" DPFs in a New Jersey Transit (NJT) test program, five cracked or melted, seven failed emissions requirements and seven caused excess backpressure to the engine, Cummins engineer Bruce Bunting explained to the Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction (DEER) workshop here.
Data-logging for a separate project for the U.S. Navy likewise showed that only 30% of vehicle applications would allow DPFs to regenerate passively, and a New York City Transit project with diesel-electric hybrids also showed the need for special heat-boosting measures to ensure DPF regeneration.
"Cold," low-load operations cause excessive soot loading in a DPF. If followed by high-load operation, "uncontrolled" regeneration can crack or melt a DPF.
For the Navy project -- all Thomas school buses with different engines -- data logging indicated that typical duty cycles should have allowed for passive regen, with exhaust temps at 400[degrees]C 10% of the time. Yet in its field tests, Cummins found excessive backpressure, Bunting said.
More issues: DPFs not only must be designed to be able to regenerate in any application, regardless of duty cycle, but also provide "self-monitoring" for problems or service. These systems also must be "easily applied to any application with a minimum of special mapping and test work," he said.
Among the possibilities for fail-safe regen are diesel fuel injection into an upstream catalyst (prior to DPF); injection into an upstream fuel burner to boost DPF temps; DPF electrical heater schemes; an exhaust brake scheme; and engine management (including post-main injection, timing, air/fuel ratio changes, exhaust gas recirculation) combined with an upstream pre-catalyst.
Using an upstream catalyst to oxidize NO to [NO.sub.2] (for soot oxidation) can employ both "passive" and engine management schemes in an exhaust temperature range of about 200 to 400[degrees]C, Bunting showed. By contrast, "catalytically enhanced oxidation" could work at temperatures over 300[degrees]C, while "direct oxidation" (using hydrocarbon injection) works above 450[degrees]C, he showed.
Given the advantage of wide effective temperature range, the engine management/upstream catalyst combo seems to be a logical path for future development. However, integration of combined PM/NOx reduction systems could lead to even more clever schemes, and certain diesel applications might favor special technologies.
Example: In a separate investigation, Cummins tested the Rypos electrically-regenerated soot filter for a gen-set application. This four-month operations test involved two 72kW mobile generator-sets at Edwards Air Force base, with emissions tests by University of Utah.
The Rypos system includes four uncatalyzed sintered metal fiber cartridge elements housed in a metal can. Electric heat regenerates the cartridges sequentially. Electric power for the oxidation conveniently came from the Cummins B9 185 horsepower gen-set itself, although secondary (or extra-large) alternator power could be used in a mobile application.
This first-generation system only filtered 62% of particulates smaller than 10 microns, as it suffered from gasket leaks and a failed cartridge. This has led to an improved design. An "overly aggressive regeneration strategy" also may have penalized system efficiency, he said. So, Cummins aims to test the second-generation system for PM reduction performance and energy efficiency.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Next generation gen-set controls from Controls Inc
Controls Incorporated, the Ohio-based manufacturer of engine and generator set controls, is set to unveil the prototypes of its newest generator control platform. The NextGen controllers are designed to operate with both CAN-capable electronic engines and Tier 1 mechanical engines.
"This new generator control platform has been redesigned from the ground up," said Bob Cowen, president of the company. "The purpose of a total redesign from scratch was to incorporate years of customer feedback into the new product. Redesigning from scratch required a significant investment of nine and resources, but it was determined to be worth it to come out with a new product line that addressed customer feedback on issues such as functionality, flexibility, value and simplicity.
"The new design allows for a high quality product/platform that is very flexible in terms of functionality and features, very cost-effective and simple to install."
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The NextGen controllers will be available in two version, the 1.01 for standard engines and the 2.01 for electronic J1939 engines. The NextGen 2.01 control is designed to provide digital monitoring and control of a variety of engine and generator functions. Through CAN-bus communications, it is designed to survey the J1939 data link for engine parameters such as temperature, oil pressure, battery voltage, rpm and engine operating hours, etc., which can be output to an LCD panel. Generator conditions, such as voltage, frequency, etc., are also monitored.
A wide range of other conditions, including coolant level, fuel pressure, coolant pressure, oil level, oil and fuel temperature, intercooler temperature, percent throttle, fuel rate, boost pressure, manifold temperature, air filter differential pressure, exhaust gas temperature, ECM battery voltage, air inlet temperature and rejector pressure, can also be monitored and displayed. A four-button key pad provides access to these additional parameters and other engine and control functions. The unit can also provide system protection and alarms for specified conditions.
The NextGen 1.01 incorporates some of the same features, using analog inputs, outputs and features.
The NextGen systems have been in development for more than a year. "We have been upgrading our technology portfolio over the last several years," Cowen said. "As part of the process, we recently received our first patent that covers several of these technologies.
"Much of the technology that has been developed has been implemented in the new generator control platform. The new product platform will be a first step in bringing to market some of these new circuits/technologies. A new engine control will also be forthcoming as part of this process that will utilize much of the same circuitry/ technology and achieve the same positive benefits and cost-effectiveness."
The key to the NextGen system is a single circuit design that is small in size, according to Cowen. "Minimizing size was certainly one of the design goals.
"The overall goal was to create a product platform that can be individualized to specific customer specifications in terms of functionality and capabilities," he added. "We think of it as "mass customization" or the ability to address a wide range of customer specifications from the most basic through very complex based on the same product platform that can be specified accordingly."
There will be a variety of housing solutions based on customer requests/ specifications, Cowen said. "In addition to providing product functionality and capability options, we wanted the new product to be flexible in how it is housed and easy for customers to install and wire," he noted.
The first of the new units is expected to enter regular production in the first quarter of 2005, with the release of the engine controller to follow.
Aside from the development of its new control system, Controls Inc. has also been busy on other fronts, highlighted by a move from its first location in Sharon Center, Ohio, to a purpose-built, 5600 sq.ft. facility in nearby Medina. "We're having success in the marketplace and needed additional space for assembly, office, testing, storage, etc.," said Cowen. "The new facility was built to our design specifications so that it had the necessary amenities and efficiencies that would improve the business and provide the basis for future growth.
"One of the key benefits with reference to the manufacturing/assembly process is that the facility could be laid out to properly accommodate the assembly process. The proper work flow could be implemented, the proper work stations could be set up, the proper delineation between assembly, storage and shipping could be implemented.
"This new generator control platform has been redesigned from the ground up," said Bob Cowen, president of the company. "The purpose of a total redesign from scratch was to incorporate years of customer feedback into the new product. Redesigning from scratch required a significant investment of nine and resources, but it was determined to be worth it to come out with a new product line that addressed customer feedback on issues such as functionality, flexibility, value and simplicity.
"The new design allows for a high quality product/platform that is very flexible in terms of functionality and features, very cost-effective and simple to install."
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The NextGen controllers will be available in two version, the 1.01 for standard engines and the 2.01 for electronic J1939 engines. The NextGen 2.01 control is designed to provide digital monitoring and control of a variety of engine and generator functions. Through CAN-bus communications, it is designed to survey the J1939 data link for engine parameters such as temperature, oil pressure, battery voltage, rpm and engine operating hours, etc., which can be output to an LCD panel. Generator conditions, such as voltage, frequency, etc., are also monitored.
A wide range of other conditions, including coolant level, fuel pressure, coolant pressure, oil level, oil and fuel temperature, intercooler temperature, percent throttle, fuel rate, boost pressure, manifold temperature, air filter differential pressure, exhaust gas temperature, ECM battery voltage, air inlet temperature and rejector pressure, can also be monitored and displayed. A four-button key pad provides access to these additional parameters and other engine and control functions. The unit can also provide system protection and alarms for specified conditions.
The NextGen 1.01 incorporates some of the same features, using analog inputs, outputs and features.
The NextGen systems have been in development for more than a year. "We have been upgrading our technology portfolio over the last several years," Cowen said. "As part of the process, we recently received our first patent that covers several of these technologies.
"Much of the technology that has been developed has been implemented in the new generator control platform. The new product platform will be a first step in bringing to market some of these new circuits/technologies. A new engine control will also be forthcoming as part of this process that will utilize much of the same circuitry/ technology and achieve the same positive benefits and cost-effectiveness."
The key to the NextGen system is a single circuit design that is small in size, according to Cowen. "Minimizing size was certainly one of the design goals.
"The overall goal was to create a product platform that can be individualized to specific customer specifications in terms of functionality and capabilities," he added. "We think of it as "mass customization" or the ability to address a wide range of customer specifications from the most basic through very complex based on the same product platform that can be specified accordingly."
There will be a variety of housing solutions based on customer requests/ specifications, Cowen said. "In addition to providing product functionality and capability options, we wanted the new product to be flexible in how it is housed and easy for customers to install and wire," he noted.
The first of the new units is expected to enter regular production in the first quarter of 2005, with the release of the engine controller to follow.
Aside from the development of its new control system, Controls Inc. has also been busy on other fronts, highlighted by a move from its first location in Sharon Center, Ohio, to a purpose-built, 5600 sq.ft. facility in nearby Medina. "We're having success in the marketplace and needed additional space for assembly, office, testing, storage, etc.," said Cowen. "The new facility was built to our design specifications so that it had the necessary amenities and efficiencies that would improve the business and provide the basis for future growth.
"One of the key benefits with reference to the manufacturing/assembly process is that the facility could be laid out to properly accommodate the assembly process. The proper work flow could be implemented, the proper work stations could be set up, the proper delineation between assembly, storage and shipping could be implemented.
New gen-sets, switch from cummins power generation
Cummins Power Generation, Minneapolis, Minn., has developed new generator sets on both the small and large end of its gen-set range, along with new switchgear for emergency and standby power applications.
The new 150 kW model GGLB spark-ignited natural gas gen-set is designed to provide full-rated standby power for backup and emergency power applications. The new generator set features a heavy-duty GM 8.1 L four-cycle natural gas engine that is torque matched to a high-capacity Newage ac alternator for handling motor starting loads. An electronic governor provides precise frequency regulation for powering sensitive loads and the unit also accepts 100% of the nameplate standby-rated load in one step in compliance with NFPA 110, Level 1, the company said.
"The new 150 kW model GGLB spark-ignited generator set is both user-friendly and environment-friendly," said Colette Weiser, market manager for Commercial Standby Generator Sets, Cummins Power Generation. "The basic control system is easy to operate and includes system protection features, digital engine speed control and transfer switch compatibility. The industrial, spark-ignited V-8 engine burns clean natural gas for exceptionally low exhaust emissions."
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A wide range of options and accessories is available with the generator set to allow configuration for specific onsite power applications. The optional PowerCommand 2100 generator set control adds microprocessor-based features such as remote start/stop, integrated voltage regulation, alarm and status message display, output metering and auto-shutdown at fault protection for high reliability.
Several alternator sizes offer selectable motor-starting capability with low reactance, the company said. Available permanent magnet generator excitation delivers enhanced motor-starting and precise voltage regulation for nonlinear loads such as variable speed motor controls and UPS systems. The standard cooling system allows full-rated load operation up to 50[degrees]C ambient air temperature. Available weather-protective and sound attenuated enclosures permit installations at outdoor and noise-sensitive sites.
On the larger end, Cummins Power Generation has introduced a new low-BTU generator set series specifically designed to run on the dilute methane gas mixture produced by natural decay in landfills, sewage digesters or methane emitted from coal seams. The new GQ series generator sets produce a continuous 1570 kW (50 Hz) or 1750 kW (50 and 60 Hz) running on landfill or digester gas containing very low thermal energy, while producing low exhaust emissions. Multiple units can be paralleled for higher power production at larger landfill sites.
"Industry studies indicate that, globally, landfills represent an immense untapped energy resource," said Trevor Passmore, general manager for Energy Solutions, Cummins Power Generation. "In North America alone, candidate landfills can produce enough methane gas to support a total generating capacity of approximately 1500 MW. Currently, much of this potential energy is being flared off or vented into the atmosphere. This new generator set will provide landfill operators, utilities and independent power producers with a proven generating solution to make use of this energy resource. In addition, since methane gas released to the atmosphere has about 20 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide and hence global warming potential, burning methane in a generator set can reduce its environmental impact by a factor of about 20."
Minimum pretreatment is required for the landfill gas to remove particulate matter and excess water vapor. Any additional pretreatment is dependent on the quality of the gas at a particular site and project economics.
Powered by modified versions of the model QSV81G 16-cylinder and QSV91G 18-cylinder natural gas reciprocating engines, the new GQ series 1570 kW and 1750 kW low-BTU generator sets feature an enlarged fuel delivery system, double-safety gas shut-off valves, and special coatings and bearing materials to withstand the corrosive contaminants typical in landfill gas.
A Cummins low-BTU generator at a landfill site in Shrewsbury, England, has accumulated more than 5700 hours of operation. Future installations include a wastewater digester site in the Canary Islands and the Viridor Waste Management landfill near Edinburgh, Scotland. At Viridor, Cummins Power Generation is developing a complete turnkey 3.5 MW power plant using two low-BTU generator sets running on methane from the landfill. The electricity produced at the site will be used to run a nearby cement works. An additional pair of low-BTU generators will be installed during the next two years to take advantage of the site's estimated 20-year supply of methane. "Consistent with our goal of providing total energy solutions, Cummins Power Generation can deliver this new product in a number of ways," says Passmore. "For example, we can deliver a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) power plant, or provide application design, installation and project management for a turnkey power plant. Supply of only the generator set, open or containerized, is also available
The new 150 kW model GGLB spark-ignited natural gas gen-set is designed to provide full-rated standby power for backup and emergency power applications. The new generator set features a heavy-duty GM 8.1 L four-cycle natural gas engine that is torque matched to a high-capacity Newage ac alternator for handling motor starting loads. An electronic governor provides precise frequency regulation for powering sensitive loads and the unit also accepts 100% of the nameplate standby-rated load in one step in compliance with NFPA 110, Level 1, the company said.
"The new 150 kW model GGLB spark-ignited generator set is both user-friendly and environment-friendly," said Colette Weiser, market manager for Commercial Standby Generator Sets, Cummins Power Generation. "The basic control system is easy to operate and includes system protection features, digital engine speed control and transfer switch compatibility. The industrial, spark-ignited V-8 engine burns clean natural gas for exceptionally low exhaust emissions."
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A wide range of options and accessories is available with the generator set to allow configuration for specific onsite power applications. The optional PowerCommand 2100 generator set control adds microprocessor-based features such as remote start/stop, integrated voltage regulation, alarm and status message display, output metering and auto-shutdown at fault protection for high reliability.
Several alternator sizes offer selectable motor-starting capability with low reactance, the company said. Available permanent magnet generator excitation delivers enhanced motor-starting and precise voltage regulation for nonlinear loads such as variable speed motor controls and UPS systems. The standard cooling system allows full-rated load operation up to 50[degrees]C ambient air temperature. Available weather-protective and sound attenuated enclosures permit installations at outdoor and noise-sensitive sites.
On the larger end, Cummins Power Generation has introduced a new low-BTU generator set series specifically designed to run on the dilute methane gas mixture produced by natural decay in landfills, sewage digesters or methane emitted from coal seams. The new GQ series generator sets produce a continuous 1570 kW (50 Hz) or 1750 kW (50 and 60 Hz) running on landfill or digester gas containing very low thermal energy, while producing low exhaust emissions. Multiple units can be paralleled for higher power production at larger landfill sites.
"Industry studies indicate that, globally, landfills represent an immense untapped energy resource," said Trevor Passmore, general manager for Energy Solutions, Cummins Power Generation. "In North America alone, candidate landfills can produce enough methane gas to support a total generating capacity of approximately 1500 MW. Currently, much of this potential energy is being flared off or vented into the atmosphere. This new generator set will provide landfill operators, utilities and independent power producers with a proven generating solution to make use of this energy resource. In addition, since methane gas released to the atmosphere has about 20 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide and hence global warming potential, burning methane in a generator set can reduce its environmental impact by a factor of about 20."
Minimum pretreatment is required for the landfill gas to remove particulate matter and excess water vapor. Any additional pretreatment is dependent on the quality of the gas at a particular site and project economics.
Powered by modified versions of the model QSV81G 16-cylinder and QSV91G 18-cylinder natural gas reciprocating engines, the new GQ series 1570 kW and 1750 kW low-BTU generator sets feature an enlarged fuel delivery system, double-safety gas shut-off valves, and special coatings and bearing materials to withstand the corrosive contaminants typical in landfill gas.
A Cummins low-BTU generator at a landfill site in Shrewsbury, England, has accumulated more than 5700 hours of operation. Future installations include a wastewater digester site in the Canary Islands and the Viridor Waste Management landfill near Edinburgh, Scotland. At Viridor, Cummins Power Generation is developing a complete turnkey 3.5 MW power plant using two low-BTU generator sets running on methane from the landfill. The electricity produced at the site will be used to run a nearby cement works. An additional pair of low-BTU generators will be installed during the next two years to take advantage of the site's estimated 20-year supply of methane. "Consistent with our goal of providing total energy solutions, Cummins Power Generation can deliver this new product in a number of ways," says Passmore. "For example, we can deliver a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) power plant, or provide application design, installation and project management for a turnkey power plant. Supply of only the generator set, open or containerized, is also available
* Refer to this month's "HVACR Designer Tips" for the emergency generator system with cogeneration system application design review and startup checklist
* Refer to the 2004 ASHRAE Handbook--HVAC Systems and Equipment, Chapter 1, for an analytical process for determining the optimum system selection. For the next three months, "Back to Basics" will cover a 200kW emergency generator hospital installation supplemented with a 200kW cogeneration unit (August 2004 "Back to Basics"). The emergency power system distribution includes life safety systems, critical systems (e.g., health care systems), and noncritical systems (e.g., heating system).
* Refer to the IEEE Recommended Practice for Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities (IEEE Std 602-1996) for a comprehensive overview of emergency generator planning and design.
* "Back to Basics" is focused on the HVAC system associated with an emergency generator application. For more specific questions regarding the electrical functional performance associated with these three months worth of tests, contact Tom Cooke, director of construction quality management for Richard D. Kimball Company, Inc. at tcooke@rdkengineers.com.
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Helpful Hints-Design Phase
* Design engineers need to consider both combustion air requirements to the generator engine and ventilation air requirement for limited space heat gain within a generator room.
* If the generator room is located with an exterior wall to accommodate air intake and exhaust louvers, consideration should be given to the short-circuiting of warm-to-hot room. Termination point for engine exhaust is also a short circuit concern when locating air intakes (e.g., operable widows, ventilation louvers, etc.).
* When specifying exterior louvers, consideration should be given to sound attenuator louvers to limit the ambient noise leaving the generator room. For cogeneration equipment, which operates continuously, this type of louver treatment will most likely be mandatory, due to local regulations regarding noise impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
* If the generator room is located within the building and away from any exterior wall, consideration should be given to the air static resistance when sizing the makeup air fan, and it should be determined if the generator manufacturer's standard propeller exhaust fan can overcome exhaust duct air resistance.
* An alternative to large makeup air and exhaust air ducts serving a generator room within a building is to furnish and install a remote radiator to reduce duct sizes.
* For fuel oil/diesel emergency generators, consideration should be given to locating the storage tank indoors to avoid underground storage tank failure later in the life of the tank. Locating the tank indoors can avoid potential hazardous waste material contamination associated with underground fossil fuel tanks.
* Design engineers must comply with codes that dictate the criteria for designing an indoor storage tank as it pertains to rated wall construction, ventilation, and containment/dike wall construction.
Helpful Hints-Commissioning
* The commissioning team for this month's application should include the commissioning engineer, the owner's project manager and facility engineer, facility technicians responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment, the general contractor or construction manager's commissioning coordinator, the electrical trade contractor and HVAC trade contractor, and emergency generator manufacturer's representative(s). It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to demonstrate the emergency generator system performance to the owner and the commissioning engineer.
1 ON-OFF CONTROL IN THE MANUAL 'OFF' POSITION CYCLE
ACTION: When emergency generator system is manually shut off to confirm fail-safe positions, the REACTION shall be:
* Generator EM-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* Cogenerator CG-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* Outdoor air damper D-1 is (open, closed, modulating) for minimum outdoor combustion air.
* Outdoor air damper D-4 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
* Engine air damper D-2 is (open, closed, modulating) for EM-1 exhaust from radiator.
* Engine air damper D-3 is (open, closed, modulating) for CG-1 exhaust from radiator.
* Exhaust air damper D-5 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
* Fuel oil pump P-1 is (off, on, modulating).
2 ON-OFF CONTROL IN THE 'ON-TEST' POSITION CYCLE (HEATING SEASON)
ACTION: When normal electrical power is shutoff to test the engine with no connected load on the engine, the REACTION shall be:
* EM-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* CG-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* D-1 is (open, closed, modulating) for minimum outdoor combustion air.
* D-4 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
* Refer to the 2004 ASHRAE Handbook--HVAC Systems and Equipment, Chapter 1, for an analytical process for determining the optimum system selection. For the next three months, "Back to Basics" will cover a 200kW emergency generator hospital installation supplemented with a 200kW cogeneration unit (August 2004 "Back to Basics"). The emergency power system distribution includes life safety systems, critical systems (e.g., health care systems), and noncritical systems (e.g., heating system).
* Refer to the IEEE Recommended Practice for Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities (IEEE Std 602-1996) for a comprehensive overview of emergency generator planning and design.
* "Back to Basics" is focused on the HVAC system associated with an emergency generator application. For more specific questions regarding the electrical functional performance associated with these three months worth of tests, contact Tom Cooke, director of construction quality management for Richard D. Kimball Company, Inc. at tcooke@rdkengineers.com.
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Helpful Hints-Design Phase
* Design engineers need to consider both combustion air requirements to the generator engine and ventilation air requirement for limited space heat gain within a generator room.
* If the generator room is located with an exterior wall to accommodate air intake and exhaust louvers, consideration should be given to the short-circuiting of warm-to-hot room. Termination point for engine exhaust is also a short circuit concern when locating air intakes (e.g., operable widows, ventilation louvers, etc.).
* When specifying exterior louvers, consideration should be given to sound attenuator louvers to limit the ambient noise leaving the generator room. For cogeneration equipment, which operates continuously, this type of louver treatment will most likely be mandatory, due to local regulations regarding noise impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
* If the generator room is located within the building and away from any exterior wall, consideration should be given to the air static resistance when sizing the makeup air fan, and it should be determined if the generator manufacturer's standard propeller exhaust fan can overcome exhaust duct air resistance.
* An alternative to large makeup air and exhaust air ducts serving a generator room within a building is to furnish and install a remote radiator to reduce duct sizes.
* For fuel oil/diesel emergency generators, consideration should be given to locating the storage tank indoors to avoid underground storage tank failure later in the life of the tank. Locating the tank indoors can avoid potential hazardous waste material contamination associated with underground fossil fuel tanks.
* Design engineers must comply with codes that dictate the criteria for designing an indoor storage tank as it pertains to rated wall construction, ventilation, and containment/dike wall construction.
Helpful Hints-Commissioning
* The commissioning team for this month's application should include the commissioning engineer, the owner's project manager and facility engineer, facility technicians responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment, the general contractor or construction manager's commissioning coordinator, the electrical trade contractor and HVAC trade contractor, and emergency generator manufacturer's representative(s). It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to demonstrate the emergency generator system performance to the owner and the commissioning engineer.
1 ON-OFF CONTROL IN THE MANUAL 'OFF' POSITION CYCLE
ACTION: When emergency generator system is manually shut off to confirm fail-safe positions, the REACTION shall be:
* Generator EM-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* Cogenerator CG-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* Outdoor air damper D-1 is (open, closed, modulating) for minimum outdoor combustion air.
* Outdoor air damper D-4 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
* Engine air damper D-2 is (open, closed, modulating) for EM-1 exhaust from radiator.
* Engine air damper D-3 is (open, closed, modulating) for CG-1 exhaust from radiator.
* Exhaust air damper D-5 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
* Fuel oil pump P-1 is (off, on, modulating).
2 ON-OFF CONTROL IN THE 'ON-TEST' POSITION CYCLE (HEATING SEASON)
ACTION: When normal electrical power is shutoff to test the engine with no connected load on the engine, the REACTION shall be:
* EM-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* CG-1 is (off, on, modulating).
* D-1 is (open, closed, modulating) for minimum outdoor combustion air.
* D-4 is (open, closed, modulating) for maximum outdoor ventilation air.
New Producer Price Index for the Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers Industry—NAICS 524114
In July 2004, in its ongoing effort to expand coverage of the service sector in the Producer Price Index (PPI), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) introduced a new price index for the direct health and medical insurance carriers industry. This index, NAICS 524114--Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, appears in table 5 of this publication and is available online via the BLS homepage: www.bls.gov. Data are available for December 2002 to present; prior to December 2003, the index is published as discontinued series SIC 6325.
The primary output of this industry is the contractual transfer of the risk for payment of medical costs and financial intermediation. The policy underwritten by the insurer represents a unique output. The policy lists the conditions for which restitution would be made to the policyholder to cover medical costs. The amount of risk being transferred to the insurer is clearly stated in terms of covered benefits (and benefits not covered), and it obligates the insurer to pay claims for all such occurrences. The indexes for this industry measure the change in the total premium (employee and employer contribution) paid to the insurer plus the return on the invested portion of the premium.
The services for which price indexes are available include:
5241141 Medical service plans
524114101 Group comprehensive medical service plans
52411410101 Group managed care medical service plans
52411410102 Group fee-for-service medical service plans
524114102 Other group and individual medical service plans
52411410201 Individual comprehensive medical service plans
52411410202 Dental service plans
52411410203 Supplemental Medicare service plans
52411410204 Other medical service plans
5241142 Accident and health insurance
To track price movement for the selected policy, insurance companies participating in the survey are presented with two options. With the first option, companies are asked to estimate a premium for a "frozen" policy. An actual policy is selected, and the price-determining characteristics are held constant when the policy is priced each year on its anniversary or renewal date. The companies estimate the premium using current charges applied to the characteristics of this policy.
With the second option, the insurance companies follow the selected policy over time. They are asked to provide the actual premium charged to the policyholder and to identify any modifications to the policy each year on the anniversary or renewal date. Any changes in benefits over time must be factored out so that index movements reflect only changes in price and not any additional benefits. To maintain constant quality, the companies must be able to provide the value of the risk change associated with any change to the policy characteristics.
The primary output of this industry is the contractual transfer of the risk for payment of medical costs and financial intermediation. The policy underwritten by the insurer represents a unique output. The policy lists the conditions for which restitution would be made to the policyholder to cover medical costs. The amount of risk being transferred to the insurer is clearly stated in terms of covered benefits (and benefits not covered), and it obligates the insurer to pay claims for all such occurrences. The indexes for this industry measure the change in the total premium (employee and employer contribution) paid to the insurer plus the return on the invested portion of the premium.
The services for which price indexes are available include:
5241141 Medical service plans
524114101 Group comprehensive medical service plans
52411410101 Group managed care medical service plans
52411410102 Group fee-for-service medical service plans
524114102 Other group and individual medical service plans
52411410201 Individual comprehensive medical service plans
52411410202 Dental service plans
52411410203 Supplemental Medicare service plans
52411410204 Other medical service plans
5241142 Accident and health insurance
To track price movement for the selected policy, insurance companies participating in the survey are presented with two options. With the first option, companies are asked to estimate a premium for a "frozen" policy. An actual policy is selected, and the price-determining characteristics are held constant when the policy is priced each year on its anniversary or renewal date. The companies estimate the premium using current charges applied to the characteristics of this policy.
With the second option, the insurance companies follow the selected policy over time. They are asked to provide the actual premium charged to the policyholder and to identify any modifications to the policy each year on the anniversary or renewal date. Any changes in benefits over time must be factored out so that index movements reflect only changes in price and not any additional benefits. To maintain constant quality, the companies must be able to provide the value of the risk change associated with any change to the policy characteristics.
Friday, April 13, 2007
New technology won't put freeze on fluids
Improving technology in vehicle manufacturing and in maintenance products to keep cars running better and longer is a double-edged sword for automotive chemical suppliers. Extended-life formulations in categories such as antifreeze, and the debut of lifetime-warranted transmissions in vehicles are shrinking the market for fluids and additives, presenting challenges for suppliers and retailers. On the plus side, these new products carry higher retail prices and margins.
As the market shifts toward longer-life products, suppliers are going along, promoting these less frequently purchased products while exploring new growth segments, such as diesel additives and products targeting the sport performance market.
"The general trend in fluids is to move closer and closer to a fill-for-life standard," said Larry Beaver, vp of technology at Radiator Specialty Company. "The day will come when there are fewer and fewer fluids to put in."
While this trend would seemingly panic a company such as RSC, which makes oil and fuel additives, brake, power steering and transmission fluids, and engine cleaners under the brands Solder SeaVGunk and Engine Brite, the company has responded proactively by focusing on products geared toward older vehicles. A new line of additives and fluids will debut this fall for older cars with 50,000 or more miles. Also in the works is a line of diesel additives related to a small but growing segment of diesel vehicles now coming to market, such as some Volkswagen models.
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The pattern of declining sales continued last year in functional fluid categories, according the to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Sales of transmission, brake and power steering fluids all declined at the top automotive aftermarket chains, according to AAIA, while fuel and oil additives fared slightly better, showing slight growth. Transmission and diesel additives were up by more than 30%.
As for the largest revenue generator in chemicals--antifreeze--sales in that category declined 5.5% at the top auto chains. Again, better-performing products are leading to less purchase frequency of antifreeze, while weather also was a factor.
Antifreeze formulations specific to certain makes of vehicles began emerging in the mid-1990s. While at least five different colors/formulations are now on the market, depending on the make of cal, the latest innovation in antifreeze is a universal formula that works with all the newer models. Old World Industries launched its Peak Global extended-life antifreeze and coolant last fall, and now Prestone has followed suit. These universal formulas are expected to eventually replace the make-specific products and reduce retailers' SKU counts. Both provide a five-year, 150,000-mile limited warranty with a flush and fill.
"Retail customers were becoming overwhelmed by the numerous varieties of antifreeze/coolant they were carrying to meet consumer needs, which led to higher inventory costs and lower returns on their investments," said John King, Prestone product manager.
With the confusing category driving many consumers to service providers to check and fill antifreeze, these new universal formulas may revive DIY coolant sales.
"We wanted to make it easy and simplify the situation," said Jeff Stauffer, vp of marketing at Old World Industries. "It also is a benefit to us in terms of focusing and marketing one brand that we can put a lot of emphasis behind."
These new offerings in Peak and Prestone brands are a step-up in price to the traditional green ethylene glycol-based antifreeze used for older models of vehicles. For that reason, most retailers will offer a good/better/best selection, including make-specific antifreeze products such as Dex-cool for General Motors cars. Stauffer expects universal antifreeze will one day replace make-specific products.
Demand for premixed antifreeze is another factor reshaping the category, considering 70% of antifreeze sold is used for topping off rather than a complete flush and fill. Most companies make both concentrate and premixed antifreeze, with the ready-to-use segment growing to about 30% of sales, according to Stauffer.
Another niche segment is low-toxicity antifreeze, such as Old World's Sierra and Prestone's LowTox brands. These propylene glycol-based products appeal to those concerned about poisoning of pets or children from regular antifreeze.
As the market shifts toward longer-life products, suppliers are going along, promoting these less frequently purchased products while exploring new growth segments, such as diesel additives and products targeting the sport performance market.
"The general trend in fluids is to move closer and closer to a fill-for-life standard," said Larry Beaver, vp of technology at Radiator Specialty Company. "The day will come when there are fewer and fewer fluids to put in."
While this trend would seemingly panic a company such as RSC, which makes oil and fuel additives, brake, power steering and transmission fluids, and engine cleaners under the brands Solder SeaVGunk and Engine Brite, the company has responded proactively by focusing on products geared toward older vehicles. A new line of additives and fluids will debut this fall for older cars with 50,000 or more miles. Also in the works is a line of diesel additives related to a small but growing segment of diesel vehicles now coming to market, such as some Volkswagen models.
Advertisement
The pattern of declining sales continued last year in functional fluid categories, according the to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Sales of transmission, brake and power steering fluids all declined at the top automotive aftermarket chains, according to AAIA, while fuel and oil additives fared slightly better, showing slight growth. Transmission and diesel additives were up by more than 30%.
As for the largest revenue generator in chemicals--antifreeze--sales in that category declined 5.5% at the top auto chains. Again, better-performing products are leading to less purchase frequency of antifreeze, while weather also was a factor.
Antifreeze formulations specific to certain makes of vehicles began emerging in the mid-1990s. While at least five different colors/formulations are now on the market, depending on the make of cal, the latest innovation in antifreeze is a universal formula that works with all the newer models. Old World Industries launched its Peak Global extended-life antifreeze and coolant last fall, and now Prestone has followed suit. These universal formulas are expected to eventually replace the make-specific products and reduce retailers' SKU counts. Both provide a five-year, 150,000-mile limited warranty with a flush and fill.
"Retail customers were becoming overwhelmed by the numerous varieties of antifreeze/coolant they were carrying to meet consumer needs, which led to higher inventory costs and lower returns on their investments," said John King, Prestone product manager.
With the confusing category driving many consumers to service providers to check and fill antifreeze, these new universal formulas may revive DIY coolant sales.
"We wanted to make it easy and simplify the situation," said Jeff Stauffer, vp of marketing at Old World Industries. "It also is a benefit to us in terms of focusing and marketing one brand that we can put a lot of emphasis behind."
These new offerings in Peak and Prestone brands are a step-up in price to the traditional green ethylene glycol-based antifreeze used for older models of vehicles. For that reason, most retailers will offer a good/better/best selection, including make-specific antifreeze products such as Dex-cool for General Motors cars. Stauffer expects universal antifreeze will one day replace make-specific products.
Demand for premixed antifreeze is another factor reshaping the category, considering 70% of antifreeze sold is used for topping off rather than a complete flush and fill. Most companies make both concentrate and premixed antifreeze, with the ready-to-use segment growing to about 30% of sales, according to Stauffer.
Another niche segment is low-toxicity antifreeze, such as Old World's Sierra and Prestone's LowTox brands. These propylene glycol-based products appeal to those concerned about poisoning of pets or children from regular antifreeze.
Plugged into Energy Use
Knowing how facilities use - and plan to use - energy can increase the EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGIES designed to help cut power costs
More than one facility executive has tried to reduce energy costs by shutting off hallway lights, adjusting HVAC set-points and turning off unused computers and copy machines.
While those tried-and-true methods work, they are only as effective as building occupants' tolerances for walking in the dark, breaking a sweat in their cubicles and waiting for a computer to reboot.
Reducing energy costs by merely cutting the amount of kilowatts facilities consume is a nice start. But really, it's that - a start. Making an effective dent in energy costs requires a deeper understanding of energy than just how much electricity facilities use.
Facility executives serious about reducing energy costs - not just energy consumption - should know how their facilities use electricity, what the electricity is used for and how they would get by without it.
Advertisement
"We know, and have learned the hard way, that it's not just enough to have enough widgets - energy-efficient windows, lights and other things," says Evan Mills, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "You have to make sure they're applied correctly."
Knowing which widgets can best be applied to reduce energy expenses starts with knowing how much energy use costs the organization, says Mills. To the surprise of some, that's usually more than just the product of the number of kilowatt-hours used and the electric rate.
BEYOND KWH
There are a number of charges that electric utilities bill to customers that have little to do with how much electricity is consumed in each billing cycle. Those charges include connection charges, fees based on the time of day that electricity is consumed and the quality of the power measured as it exits the facility. And for those facility executives who lease space, there could be additional charges that the building owner collects based on the presumption that each tenant is responsible for a certain amount of electricity, so-called common charges.
The key to reducing those charges is to understand how they are determined and how they can be controlled.
Organizations pay connection charges, also known as customer charges, for simply having the ability to draw electricity from the utility grid. To a certain extent, the charge is based on the amount of electricity the facility expects to use, not how much it actually uses. The fee is set based upon the facility's rate class. All commercial buildings of a size and type, for example, would likely pay the same connection charge.
What's important for facility executives to understand about those charges, says Lindsay Audin, president of the energy consulting firm EnergyWiz, is that connection charges comprise a larger percentage of the electric bill as energy use declines. That means a high connection charge will remain so even if energy usage drops.
An important part in controlling a facility's energy bill has to do with determining how much electricity is expected to be used monthly. When setting electric service requirements, facility executives undoubtedly want to allow for a facility's electricity use to grow as the organization expands.
Sometimes, however, that anticipated growth is never realized because the organization changes location rather than expanding within its existing facility. It might also not be realized because the equipment placed in service to accommodate expansion will be more energy efficient than originally thought. Replacement lamps, ballasts, cooling technologies and office equipment will be more efficient than the original equipment.
One of the most important reasons facility executives should get a handle on anticipated electricity load, Audin says, is because of the relationship between kilowatts and back-up power demands. And the more important power is to the organization, the more important it is to figure loads accurately.
A mission-critical facility that uses 4,000 kw, for example, would likely want 7,000 kw of back-up generation available. The extra capacity is necessary in case a generator is offline for maintenance or fails to start when needed.
"If you're only using 1,000 kw instead of the 4,000 kw you thought you were going to use, you've got a lot invested in equipment that's not ever going to be used," Audin says.
Cyrus Izzo, senior vice president of online environments for the Syska Hennessy Group, an engineering firm, suggests facility executives develop a five-year plan to determine how much energy their facilities will need. He cites one firm, a data center based in North Carolina, that looked at how much energy the company used at each of its various facilities located around the country. From there, it used historical data to determine the likelihood of expansion within five years and then determined how large the expansion would be.
What resulted, Izzo says, was a plan that will allow the company to expand with minimal disruption to its business, while in the meantime avoiding unnecessary cost
More than one facility executive has tried to reduce energy costs by shutting off hallway lights, adjusting HVAC set-points and turning off unused computers and copy machines.
While those tried-and-true methods work, they are only as effective as building occupants' tolerances for walking in the dark, breaking a sweat in their cubicles and waiting for a computer to reboot.
Reducing energy costs by merely cutting the amount of kilowatts facilities consume is a nice start. But really, it's that - a start. Making an effective dent in energy costs requires a deeper understanding of energy than just how much electricity facilities use.
Facility executives serious about reducing energy costs - not just energy consumption - should know how their facilities use electricity, what the electricity is used for and how they would get by without it.
Advertisement
"We know, and have learned the hard way, that it's not just enough to have enough widgets - energy-efficient windows, lights and other things," says Evan Mills, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "You have to make sure they're applied correctly."
Knowing which widgets can best be applied to reduce energy expenses starts with knowing how much energy use costs the organization, says Mills. To the surprise of some, that's usually more than just the product of the number of kilowatt-hours used and the electric rate.
BEYOND KWH
There are a number of charges that electric utilities bill to customers that have little to do with how much electricity is consumed in each billing cycle. Those charges include connection charges, fees based on the time of day that electricity is consumed and the quality of the power measured as it exits the facility. And for those facility executives who lease space, there could be additional charges that the building owner collects based on the presumption that each tenant is responsible for a certain amount of electricity, so-called common charges.
The key to reducing those charges is to understand how they are determined and how they can be controlled.
Organizations pay connection charges, also known as customer charges, for simply having the ability to draw electricity from the utility grid. To a certain extent, the charge is based on the amount of electricity the facility expects to use, not how much it actually uses. The fee is set based upon the facility's rate class. All commercial buildings of a size and type, for example, would likely pay the same connection charge.
What's important for facility executives to understand about those charges, says Lindsay Audin, president of the energy consulting firm EnergyWiz, is that connection charges comprise a larger percentage of the electric bill as energy use declines. That means a high connection charge will remain so even if energy usage drops.
An important part in controlling a facility's energy bill has to do with determining how much electricity is expected to be used monthly. When setting electric service requirements, facility executives undoubtedly want to allow for a facility's electricity use to grow as the organization expands.
Sometimes, however, that anticipated growth is never realized because the organization changes location rather than expanding within its existing facility. It might also not be realized because the equipment placed in service to accommodate expansion will be more energy efficient than originally thought. Replacement lamps, ballasts, cooling technologies and office equipment will be more efficient than the original equipment.
One of the most important reasons facility executives should get a handle on anticipated electricity load, Audin says, is because of the relationship between kilowatts and back-up power demands. And the more important power is to the organization, the more important it is to figure loads accurately.
A mission-critical facility that uses 4,000 kw, for example, would likely want 7,000 kw of back-up generation available. The extra capacity is necessary in case a generator is offline for maintenance or fails to start when needed.
"If you're only using 1,000 kw instead of the 4,000 kw you thought you were going to use, you've got a lot invested in equipment that's not ever going to be used," Audin says.
Cyrus Izzo, senior vice president of online environments for the Syska Hennessy Group, an engineering firm, suggests facility executives develop a five-year plan to determine how much energy their facilities will need. He cites one firm, a data center based in North Carolina, that looked at how much energy the company used at each of its various facilities located around the country. From there, it used historical data to determine the likelihood of expansion within five years and then determined how large the expansion would be.
What resulted, Izzo says, was a plan that will allow the company to expand with minimal disruption to its business, while in the meantime avoiding unnecessary cost
A royal reinvention: RB Royal positions itself as a manufacturer of custom fluid transfer components and systems
Just as in nature, businesses evolve or they perish. Some companies are unable to recognize or adapt to new market conditions and suffer a slow, withering demise. Others recognize the need to change, accommodate new business realities quickly, develop strategies to meet those new challenges and ultimately thrive and grow.
It's clear that the latter has been the case for RB Royal Industries.
For at least half of its 62 years in business, the Fond du Lac, Wis., company was essentially a job shop manufacturer of fluid handling components such as fluid lines, hoses, fittings and assemblies. The typical process involved the company producing exactly what the customer designed and drew without the opportunity of seeing the application.
"In that kind of business, it quickly boils down to price," said Jim Neumann, president of RB Royal. "Today, it's very difficult to compete on price alone because of global sourcing options. If we were to survive, we had to reinvent ourselves and how we did business. We had to add value or demonstrate the additional value we already provided."
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Today, RB Royal is positioning itself as specialists in fluid transfer applications. Its primary customers are OEMs that recognize the value of a supplier/ partner offering engineering-based custom solutions to their fluid handling challenges.
"We do not approach a potential customer and ask for prints to quote," Neumann said. "We ask for the opportunity to learn about their application and work side by side with their people to improve what they have. We are experts with a lot to offer in fluid handling applications. In that way, we can usually accomplish at least one of two things. Either we help enhance an end product for our customer, thus creating additional value in that product or we help them drive down their total cost of producing and getting their product to market.
"Reinventing ourselves included the development of a tool to quantify the positive results our customers can expect. We call it our value proposition. It's an important tool we use in the 'consultative' or 'value added' approach we take to winning and keeping customers."
Of course, reinvention is not a new concept to RB Royal. In fact, it played a key role in the early development of the company. Back in 1942, the company was founded in Chicago by John Neumann Sr.--Jim's father--after losing his job as a brass fitting salesman. The manufacturer he worked for could no longer use brass for producing much else but ordinance for the war effort so they had no need for a brass salesman.
The elder Neumann realized that he still had customers depending on him to provide fittings to keep the cars, trucks and small shops running on the home front. As a solution, he sorted brass fittings held by scrap dealers, selecting those that with minor refurbishing could still have some service life. He then offered the scrap dealers a few cents more than the scrap value, thus producing a win-win situation for him and his new source of supply. In that fashion, John Neumann St. was able to provide for himself, his young family and his customers throughout the war years.
Following the war, the business grew through more typical channels of supply and was moved to Fond du Lac in the late 1940s, where it operated primarily as a distributor and light manufacturer from John's home until 1952 when the first corporate building was built. The late 1950s saw the company invest in automatic manufacturing machinery and begin to service larger customers. Around this time, it also expanded its expertise from brass fittings and brake lines to custom work in hose assemblies and tubing assemblies.
By the end of the century, the company had expanded as far as it could at the original facility. RB Royal built a 90,000 sq.ft. facility that became its home in early 2002. The facility--designed by the same company that did the new Lambeau Field stadium in Green Bay, was designed as a model for establishing a lean enterprise environment, Neumann said. Employees were also invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas in the facility's design.
All facets of the facility, including the office, are designed with flexibility in mind. In RB Royal's lean environment, classic cam-style turning equipment is combined with some of the latest in CNC technology for metal cutting and bending. But Neumann noted that for RB Royal, lean is not so much about utilizing the most modern equipment as it is about the elimination of waste, including using equipment wisely.
"We've been very involved in lean enterprise for a number of years now," Neumann said. "In fact, in association with Wisconsin Manufacturers Extension Partnership, we have provided demonstrations or clinics at our facility for the benefit of other companies looking to learn more about lean."
It's clear that the latter has been the case for RB Royal Industries.
For at least half of its 62 years in business, the Fond du Lac, Wis., company was essentially a job shop manufacturer of fluid handling components such as fluid lines, hoses, fittings and assemblies. The typical process involved the company producing exactly what the customer designed and drew without the opportunity of seeing the application.
"In that kind of business, it quickly boils down to price," said Jim Neumann, president of RB Royal. "Today, it's very difficult to compete on price alone because of global sourcing options. If we were to survive, we had to reinvent ourselves and how we did business. We had to add value or demonstrate the additional value we already provided."
Advertisement
Today, RB Royal is positioning itself as specialists in fluid transfer applications. Its primary customers are OEMs that recognize the value of a supplier/ partner offering engineering-based custom solutions to their fluid handling challenges.
"We do not approach a potential customer and ask for prints to quote," Neumann said. "We ask for the opportunity to learn about their application and work side by side with their people to improve what they have. We are experts with a lot to offer in fluid handling applications. In that way, we can usually accomplish at least one of two things. Either we help enhance an end product for our customer, thus creating additional value in that product or we help them drive down their total cost of producing and getting their product to market.
"Reinventing ourselves included the development of a tool to quantify the positive results our customers can expect. We call it our value proposition. It's an important tool we use in the 'consultative' or 'value added' approach we take to winning and keeping customers."
Of course, reinvention is not a new concept to RB Royal. In fact, it played a key role in the early development of the company. Back in 1942, the company was founded in Chicago by John Neumann Sr.--Jim's father--after losing his job as a brass fitting salesman. The manufacturer he worked for could no longer use brass for producing much else but ordinance for the war effort so they had no need for a brass salesman.
The elder Neumann realized that he still had customers depending on him to provide fittings to keep the cars, trucks and small shops running on the home front. As a solution, he sorted brass fittings held by scrap dealers, selecting those that with minor refurbishing could still have some service life. He then offered the scrap dealers a few cents more than the scrap value, thus producing a win-win situation for him and his new source of supply. In that fashion, John Neumann St. was able to provide for himself, his young family and his customers throughout the war years.
Following the war, the business grew through more typical channels of supply and was moved to Fond du Lac in the late 1940s, where it operated primarily as a distributor and light manufacturer from John's home until 1952 when the first corporate building was built. The late 1950s saw the company invest in automatic manufacturing machinery and begin to service larger customers. Around this time, it also expanded its expertise from brass fittings and brake lines to custom work in hose assemblies and tubing assemblies.
By the end of the century, the company had expanded as far as it could at the original facility. RB Royal built a 90,000 sq.ft. facility that became its home in early 2002. The facility--designed by the same company that did the new Lambeau Field stadium in Green Bay, was designed as a model for establishing a lean enterprise environment, Neumann said. Employees were also invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas in the facility's design.
All facets of the facility, including the office, are designed with flexibility in mind. In RB Royal's lean environment, classic cam-style turning equipment is combined with some of the latest in CNC technology for metal cutting and bending. But Neumann noted that for RB Royal, lean is not so much about utilizing the most modern equipment as it is about the elimination of waste, including using equipment wisely.
"We've been very involved in lean enterprise for a number of years now," Neumann said. "In fact, in association with Wisconsin Manufacturers Extension Partnership, we have provided demonstrations or clinics at our facility for the benefit of other companies looking to learn more about lean."
Quieting a controversy? Prototype hybrid system for snowmobiles using new motor design could pave the way for guilt-free fun in winter
Over the last several years, snowmobiles have been a source of environmental controversy and have even been banned in some wilderness areas. But interestingly enough, a hybrid sled, using a new electric motor technology, may quiet that controversy.
Raser Technologies Inc., Provo, Utah, has demonstrated a prototype hybridelectric snowmobile that could potentially address many of the noise and emissions concerns of environmentalists while providing the speed and capability snowmobile enthusiasts crave. The Polaris prototype snowmobile features a low-cost, industrial electric motor enhanced with Raser's Symetron technology replacing the Polaris' normal two-stroke engine.
Thanks to the Symetron technology, the small, lightweight (80 lb.) motor delivers up to 80 hp--as much power as many popular two-stroke engine snowmobiles. In this series hybrid, the electric motor powers the snowmobile. A 6 hp Polaris gasoline engine drives a generator that recharges onboard batteries for range extension. The advanced lithium battery, supplied by Compact Power Inc., is normally charged from the electric grid in this "plug-in" hybrid.
Hybrid-electric snowmobiles like this prototype could help quell the controversy over the use of-snowmobiles in national parks such as Yellowstone as well as other popular snow-mobiling locations around the country. "We think the horsepower is finally equivalent to what you would expect in a combustion machine, but we can run quietly and cleanly," said David West, vice president, marketing for Raser Technologies. He cited measurements that indicated the hybrid electric snowmobile was over 600 times quieter than the combustion engine version.
Raser Technologies Inc., Provo, Utah, has demonstrated a prototype hybridelectric snowmobile that could potentially address many of the noise and emissions concerns of environmentalists while providing the speed and capability snowmobile enthusiasts crave. The Polaris prototype snowmobile features a low-cost, industrial electric motor enhanced with Raser's Symetron technology replacing the Polaris' normal two-stroke engine.
Thanks to the Symetron technology, the small, lightweight (80 lb.) motor delivers up to 80 hp--as much power as many popular two-stroke engine snowmobiles. In this series hybrid, the electric motor powers the snowmobile. A 6 hp Polaris gasoline engine drives a generator that recharges onboard batteries for range extension. The advanced lithium battery, supplied by Compact Power Inc., is normally charged from the electric grid in this "plug-in" hybrid.
Hybrid-electric snowmobiles like this prototype could help quell the controversy over the use of-snowmobiles in national parks such as Yellowstone as well as other popular snow-mobiling locations around the country. "We think the horsepower is finally equivalent to what you would expect in a combustion machine, but we can run quietly and cleanly," said David West, vice president, marketing for Raser Technologies. He cited measurements that indicated the hybrid electric snowmobile was over 600 times quieter than the combustion engine version.
Friday, April 06, 2007
The 40th Annual EGSA Spring Convention: Mission possible: 40 years of power reliability: March 20-22, 2005 Hilton San Diego Resort San Diego, Californ
Stephen A. Fairfax, President, MTechnology, Inc. Steve Fairfax frequently makes presentations to power industry organizations and has published numerous papers on issues of high availability, engineering, and practical applications.
It's All About Attitude
Sam Glenn, President, Sam Glenn Presentations Attitude affects every aspect of our lives: business, career, family, relationships, health--you name it. The right attitude will profit us always. The wrong, average, so-so attitude will work to defeat us and keep us from what we desire and deserve. This is not your normal "attitude pep talk." You will be amazed by the insight of how the right attitude can take you and every aspect of your life to a whole new level.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Advertisement
Distributed Generation From Both Sides of the Fence
A panel discussion consisting of end-users and equipment suppliers detailing the economics, design and operating theories of CHP systems.
Panelists:
* Vince J. Canino, Vice President Business Development, DG Energy, LLC
* Kevin Best, CEO, Real Energy LLC
* Gerrit Marks, Major Projects Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
The State of the Market
Ray Kacvinsky, V. P. Power Generation, Marathon Electric Mfg. Corp. This presentation will review EGSA generator statistics through the turbulent times of 1999 thru 2004. There are some very interesting observations by kilowatt range. A comparison will be made to some other industry information. He will then apply an economic early warning technique to these statistics to provide a near-future look at the On-Site Power market.
Understanding Home Standby Generators
Charlie Habic, Vice President of Manufacturing, Gillette Mfg., Inc. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the many variables in planning back-up power for homes. Each of the main points and recommendations on the appropriate path to take will be discussed.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Educational content tailored exclusively to the needs of On-Site Power Distributor/Dealers!
Rental Fleet Management
Steve Garceau, General Sales Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
A detailed presentation on the specifications, utilization, maintenance, advertising, retirement and overall economics of rental fleet operations.
MANUFACTURERS SHOWCASE
The exhibit hall is open for 2 hours during the Conference, thus allowing ample time for Exhibitors to interact with attendees. Manufacturers, Manufacturer's Reps, Consultants, or any company that offers a service to Distributor/Dealers are encouraged to exhibit in the Showcase. Here, they will interact with Manufacturers, Distributor/Dealers, Manufacturer's Reps, and Consultants who are interested in On-Site Power products and services. Call EGSA to reserve your tabletop today!
EGSA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Participate in EGSA's Golf Tournament and you may be the lucky golfer to win $10,000 cash at our hole-in-one contest. You also may compete for the "longest drive" and "closest to the pin." Each player will receive a Golf Sponsor "Goodie Bag" filled with valuable items. All golf contest winners will be announced during our Closing Reception on Tuesday night and golf raffle prizes also will be given away.
The designers and builders have created three lakes, five waterfalls, and provided for more than 40 acres of native wildflowers throughout the course. Dramatic, natural rock features and sweeping elevation changes combined with superb playing conditions and unsurpassed service make the Maderas Golf Club a truly unforgettable experience. Don't forget to register for the Golf Tournament when you register for the Annual Spring Convention!
It's All About Attitude
Sam Glenn, President, Sam Glenn Presentations Attitude affects every aspect of our lives: business, career, family, relationships, health--you name it. The right attitude will profit us always. The wrong, average, so-so attitude will work to defeat us and keep us from what we desire and deserve. This is not your normal "attitude pep talk." You will be amazed by the insight of how the right attitude can take you and every aspect of your life to a whole new level.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Advertisement
Distributed Generation From Both Sides of the Fence
A panel discussion consisting of end-users and equipment suppliers detailing the economics, design and operating theories of CHP systems.
Panelists:
* Vince J. Canino, Vice President Business Development, DG Energy, LLC
* Kevin Best, CEO, Real Energy LLC
* Gerrit Marks, Major Projects Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
The State of the Market
Ray Kacvinsky, V. P. Power Generation, Marathon Electric Mfg. Corp. This presentation will review EGSA generator statistics through the turbulent times of 1999 thru 2004. There are some very interesting observations by kilowatt range. A comparison will be made to some other industry information. He will then apply an economic early warning technique to these statistics to provide a near-future look at the On-Site Power market.
Understanding Home Standby Generators
Charlie Habic, Vice President of Manufacturing, Gillette Mfg., Inc. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the many variables in planning back-up power for homes. Each of the main points and recommendations on the appropriate path to take will be discussed.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Educational content tailored exclusively to the needs of On-Site Power Distributor/Dealers!
Rental Fleet Management
Steve Garceau, General Sales Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
A detailed presentation on the specifications, utilization, maintenance, advertising, retirement and overall economics of rental fleet operations.
MANUFACTURERS SHOWCASE
The exhibit hall is open for 2 hours during the Conference, thus allowing ample time for Exhibitors to interact with attendees. Manufacturers, Manufacturer's Reps, Consultants, or any company that offers a service to Distributor/Dealers are encouraged to exhibit in the Showcase. Here, they will interact with Manufacturers, Distributor/Dealers, Manufacturer's Reps, and Consultants who are interested in On-Site Power products and services. Call EGSA to reserve your tabletop today!
EGSA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Participate in EGSA's Golf Tournament and you may be the lucky golfer to win $10,000 cash at our hole-in-one contest. You also may compete for the "longest drive" and "closest to the pin." Each player will receive a Golf Sponsor "Goodie Bag" filled with valuable items. All golf contest winners will be announced during our Closing Reception on Tuesday night and golf raffle prizes also will be given away.
The designers and builders have created three lakes, five waterfalls, and provided for more than 40 acres of native wildflowers throughout the course. Dramatic, natural rock features and sweeping elevation changes combined with superb playing conditions and unsurpassed service make the Maderas Golf Club a truly unforgettable experience. Don't forget to register for the Golf Tournament when you register for the Annual Spring Convention!
EGSA Bylaws
1. They manufacture prime movers for power generation.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
Advertisement
b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
Advertisement
b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
EGSA Bylaws
1. They manufacture prime movers for power generation.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
Advertisement
b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
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b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
Impco launches Eclipse engine management system: heavy-duty, spark-ignition gas engine markets targeted; same technology for on-and off-highway; allia
Impco Technologies Inc. is introducing Eclipse, a new product line designed specifically for the heavy-duty spark-ignition gas engine market-place. "The Eclipse product line is an engine management solution for transportation and industrial markets, with OEM and aftermarket engine applications." said Mike LaPlante, director of sales for the Cerritos, Calif., manufacturer.
The Eclipse heavy-duty product line strategy is built around Impco's core products, with additional technology applied in a building Nock approach, technologically matched to increasing levels of global emissions requirements, LaPlante said.
The system can be used with both naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines and is offered in four series--Eclipse I, II, III, IV, which Impco said achieves progressively more stringent emission standards for global proliferation.
"We looked at what our customers will need over the next decade, where more stringent emission standards and improved fuel economy will be major market drivers" LaPlante said. "The Eclipse system is designed to provide unparalleled flexibility for upgrading to obtain emission targets and proven technology for longevity of the engine."
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LaPlante described Eclipse as a full-featured, integrated engine management system for natural gas (CNG, LNG) and LPG heavy-duty engines. The system includes an array of fuel metering technologies constructed in a building block approach based on Impco's existing air/gas mixer, and adding solenoid and electronic pressure regulation enhancements with port fuel and hybrid injection options.
Eclipse employs closed loop feedback and feed-forward fueling strategies, for the control of single point, multipoint and hybrid fuel injection techniques. The system can be configured for both stoichiometric and lean-burn air fuel ratios for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
"The nature of stoichiometric internal combustion requires the use of a three-way exhaust gas catalyst in the system to attain emissions that are compliant with government regulations," LaPlante said. A two-way oxidation catalyst for lean-burn fueling strategies is used to achieve compliance for more stringent emissions standards.
Eclipse has a 24 V CAN Link-enabled engine control unit that has advanced control algorithms capable of precise fuel and air metering management with diagnostics, feedback and feed-forward strategies.
Further, LaPlante said, Eclipse features 10,000-hour target durability, sensors to provide fault indication, and a fail-safe design for engine protection. Additional features include drive-by-wire, vehicle speed limiting, electronic governing, knock detection and abatement, and electronically optimized turbocharger boost via electronic wastegate control.
In bringing Eclipse to market, Impco is looking at a multitude of application possibilities. These include: fuel and spark control systems for gaseous fuel optimized engines; remanufacturing of a diesel engine to gaseous fuel operation using OEM available engine components; diesel-based engine development for gaseous fuel operation and engine management system application; and vehicle intergration.
LaPlante said the same Eclipse technologies can be used for both on-highway and off-highway applications. On-highway applications as transit buses, refuse and cargo vehicles are bring target, ed. Stationary applications would encompass engines with a limited range of speedload operating conditions, e.g., idle to wide open throttle, between 50 hp and 5000 hp. The most common uses are expected to be generator sets, gas compression, drilling and pumping applications.
The launch of the Eclipse system also includes a pair of strategic alliances with E-Controls and Lotus Engineering. The agreement with E-Controls involves the development of proprietary electronic control technology for Impco's commercial product lines. As a result, "the heavy-duty product line has adopted the same ECU technology Impco uses in its material handling applications."
The strategic alliance with Lotus involves, "leveraging each other's resources to provide alternative fuel solutions. This is not an exclusivity agreement, however it does allow Impco to engage with Lotus on a project-by-project basis," LaPlante said.
In cooperation with Lotus, Impco will develop the engine modifications, and then integrate the Eclipse engine management system to the engine. This would include base engine modifications for compatibility with gaseous fuels and calibration to enable power and emission specifications to be achieved.
The Eclipse heavy-duty product line strategy is built around Impco's core products, with additional technology applied in a building Nock approach, technologically matched to increasing levels of global emissions requirements, LaPlante said.
The system can be used with both naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines and is offered in four series--Eclipse I, II, III, IV, which Impco said achieves progressively more stringent emission standards for global proliferation.
"We looked at what our customers will need over the next decade, where more stringent emission standards and improved fuel economy will be major market drivers" LaPlante said. "The Eclipse system is designed to provide unparalleled flexibility for upgrading to obtain emission targets and proven technology for longevity of the engine."
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LaPlante described Eclipse as a full-featured, integrated engine management system for natural gas (CNG, LNG) and LPG heavy-duty engines. The system includes an array of fuel metering technologies constructed in a building block approach based on Impco's existing air/gas mixer, and adding solenoid and electronic pressure regulation enhancements with port fuel and hybrid injection options.
Eclipse employs closed loop feedback and feed-forward fueling strategies, for the control of single point, multipoint and hybrid fuel injection techniques. The system can be configured for both stoichiometric and lean-burn air fuel ratios for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
"The nature of stoichiometric internal combustion requires the use of a three-way exhaust gas catalyst in the system to attain emissions that are compliant with government regulations," LaPlante said. A two-way oxidation catalyst for lean-burn fueling strategies is used to achieve compliance for more stringent emissions standards.
Eclipse has a 24 V CAN Link-enabled engine control unit that has advanced control algorithms capable of precise fuel and air metering management with diagnostics, feedback and feed-forward strategies.
Further, LaPlante said, Eclipse features 10,000-hour target durability, sensors to provide fault indication, and a fail-safe design for engine protection. Additional features include drive-by-wire, vehicle speed limiting, electronic governing, knock detection and abatement, and electronically optimized turbocharger boost via electronic wastegate control.
In bringing Eclipse to market, Impco is looking at a multitude of application possibilities. These include: fuel and spark control systems for gaseous fuel optimized engines; remanufacturing of a diesel engine to gaseous fuel operation using OEM available engine components; diesel-based engine development for gaseous fuel operation and engine management system application; and vehicle intergration.
LaPlante said the same Eclipse technologies can be used for both on-highway and off-highway applications. On-highway applications as transit buses, refuse and cargo vehicles are bring target, ed. Stationary applications would encompass engines with a limited range of speedload operating conditions, e.g., idle to wide open throttle, between 50 hp and 5000 hp. The most common uses are expected to be generator sets, gas compression, drilling and pumping applications.
The launch of the Eclipse system also includes a pair of strategic alliances with E-Controls and Lotus Engineering. The agreement with E-Controls involves the development of proprietary electronic control technology for Impco's commercial product lines. As a result, "the heavy-duty product line has adopted the same ECU technology Impco uses in its material handling applications."
The strategic alliance with Lotus involves, "leveraging each other's resources to provide alternative fuel solutions. This is not an exclusivity agreement, however it does allow Impco to engage with Lotus on a project-by-project basis," LaPlante said.
In cooperation with Lotus, Impco will develop the engine modifications, and then integrate the Eclipse engine management system to the engine. This would include base engine modifications for compatibility with gaseous fuels and calibration to enable power and emission specifications to be achieved.
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