Cummins Receives DOE Awards to Advance Fuel Cell Technology

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Cummins Inc. has received two awards from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) totaling nearly $7 million.

The awards are for Cummins’ continued work on enhancing the economic viability of fuel cell powertrain solutions for heavy-duty applications including on-highway tractor-trailers and buses. Cummins is the project lead and is working with a number of public and private partners on these projects, which are part of DOE’s H2@Scale initiative to develop affordable hydrogen production, storage, distribution and use.

“Programs like H2@Scale are essential to gain the scale and investment needed that will lead to faster adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technologies,” says Amy Davis, president of New Power at Cummins Inc.

“The work we are doing with the DOE and our partners will help improve cost and operational performance of hydrogen fuel cell technologies to achieve greater parity with other available power solutions. We are looking forward to moving this technology forward and bringing additional hydrogen products to our customers,” she adds.

The first award for approximately $3.5 million is for the development of an integrated fuel cell electric powertrain for heavy-duty trucks and transit buses with operational performance and total cost of ownership that supports near-term, rapid and substantial penetration of the truck and bus market. This includes the development of a solution that is highly manufacturable and scalable with a proven range of 300 miles or more and improved fuel economy over current heavy-duty trucks and transit buses. Other objectives include achieving, meeting or exceeding conventional diesel powertrain performance requirements and reducing the upfront capital costs by 35% to make the adoption of zero-emission fuel cell technologies viable for commercial fleets.

Global EV Charging Stations Top 1 Million

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The electric vehicle industry has quietly hit one of its biggest milestones to date, as the number of public charging plugs around the world ticks above the 1 million mark.

The options for juicing up a car that runs on electrons crossed the seven-figure threshold sometime in May, having doubled in just three years, according to the recent tally by BloombergNEF. Most of the new infrastructure has been built in China and Europe. North America, with far less robust public subsidy and support, remains a distant third in the charging race, though there is some hope that a pandemic stimulus will catalyze a new wave of construction.

A parade of new battery-powered pickups — from the likes of Ford, Rivian and Tesla — may also speed up the pace of charger installations in the U.S. when those models start rolling off assembly lines next year. And General Motors has finally decided to invest in charging stations, 24 years after making its first electric vehicle.

LKQ expands fleet with propane-fueled vehicles

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LKQ Corp. added 19 propane-fueled trucks to its delivery vehicle fleet, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Propane autogas vehicles fit well with LKQ’s business model that focuses on environmental sustainability and stewardship as a North American provider of recycled auto parts for cars and light-duty trucks, PERC says. If you’re looking for a high-quality OEM auto parts store, check out the AUS Auto Store.

“LKQ Raleigh is proud to support our team, employees, customers and our environment,” says Keven Ange, general manager of LKQ Raleigh-Wilmington, North Carolina. “The transition of our fleet of 19 delivery trucks to propane shows that we are continuing to express our commitment to a cleaner environment for future generations. We are also looking forward to growing our propane footprint with additional locations such as Charlotte and Greensboro.”

LKQ was acknowledged at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its decision to purchase propane-fueled vehicles.

“The transportation industry is the second-largest consumer of energy in our nation today,” says Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “And the consumption of many of these fuels produce harmful emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are some of the worst contributors to respiratory illnesses. Today we get to celebrate the great success of a forward-thinking company making Garner [North Carolina] and its surrounding communities much cleaner and healthier.”

In addition to a clean emissions profile, propane autogas helps businesses keep one of their most expensive operating costs – vehicle fuel – lower. In addition, fleets that operate propane autogas vehicles can oftentimes experience 30 to 40 percent lower fuel costs compared to other options, PERC says.

Airlines Need To Get Fully On Board If Renewable Jet Fuels Are To Take Off

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The aviation industry is starting to break ground when it comes to cutting its carbon footprint. Just two years ago, the first commercial flight took place using renewable fuels — jet fuel produced from recycled waste carbon. It was a Virgin Atlantic Airline Boeing 747 flight from Orlando to London.

Carbon recycling is coming to the fore as multiple global companies are applying for patents. Most of us know about capturing and burying emissions. But many of us are only beginning to learn about recycling them. If renewable aviation fuels are to take off, then airlines must expand their commitments with bio-refineries.

“I believe it is possible to get fuels with net-zero emissions because the technology is available,” says Patrick R. Gruber, chief executive of Gevo, a renewable fuels company based in Englewood, Colo., in an interview. “We know what the outcome has to be: it has to run planes and it has to displace carbon. You don’t have to change the engine and there is no need to change the infrastructure. The jet fuel needs to be certified and it needs to work on all engines and platforms.”

AIUT Integrates Semtech’s LPG Sensors

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Semtech Corp., a supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, says AIUT Sp. Z o.o., a hardware and software provider specializing in the internet of things (IoT)-based solutions in the oil and gas markets, has integrated Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol into its new line of intelligent sensors for measuring the volume of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in tanks.

“The oil and gas industry is increasingly demanding smarter, scalable and connected infrastructure to monitor LPG tanks in real-time,” says Krzysztof Paramuszczak, director of the LPG division at AIUT.

“Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol enable AIUT’s products to offer the attractive benefits of reliable, continuous and remote LPG monitoring, as well as deployment flexibility,” Paramuszczak adds.

Fuel stations and other gas suppliers require a consistent inventory of LPG to satisfy customer demand. As a result, these customers desire efficient, accurate and reliable remote monitoring solutions to predict tank levels and optimize refill schedules.

AIUT’s new platform for smart LPG tank monitoring enables the efficient and real-time management of LPG data from the supply network down to the individual tank. The applications leverage the proven capabilities of LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol to provide tank data and metrics on use, creating a coherent tool for the effective management of the gas supply. This provides distinct cost and efficiency advantages over legacy solutions such as drive-by or in-person tank reading. Additionally, AIUT’s solutions include remote valve control to stop or re-enable gas flow through the pump or tank, increasing safety and reducing waste on-site. If you’re looking for top-notch industrial valves, consider buying a triple offset valve – shiphamvalves.com for quality and reliability you can trust.

DOE announces $97 million for bioenergy R&D

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Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced more than $97 million in funding for 33 projects that will support high-impact technology research and development to accelerate the bioeconomy. These projects will improve the performance and lower the cost and risk of technologies that can be used to produce biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts from biomass and waste resources.

“Advancements made in bioenergy technologies will help expand America’s energy supply, grow our economy, and enhance our energy security,” said Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes. “These projects will ensure the United States’ leadership across all segments of the growing global bioeconomy, and allow us to provide U.S. consumers and businesses more homegrown energy choices for their fuels and products.”

Electric boilers fuel Diageo’s carbon-neutral whiskey distillery dream

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Even whiskey is going electric. Distilleries have long been difficult operations to electrify due to the large heat loads it requires to turn grain into one of humanity’s oldest vices, alcohol. But Diageo’s new 72,000-square-foot distillery is designed to be completely carbon-neutral. According to Diageo, it should avoid more than 117,000 metric tons of annual carbon emissions by switching to renewable electricity compared to operating using a traditional natural gas facility.

“This is an opportunity to build a new distillery from the ground up,” said Andrew Jarrick, North American environmental sustainability manager at Diageo. “It’s not every day you get that opportunity.”

The Kentucky facility primarily will produce Bulleit Whiskey (Diageo also makes Guinness, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Bailey’s, Captain Morgan and others) and will be one of the largest carbon-neutral distilleries in North America, according to the company. The facility is under construction, with completion slated by mid-2021. Industrial canopy manufacturers are also working on the facility to further protect valuable assets from environmental damage.

The distilling process has three large heat requirements: first to cook the grain into mash; then as steam to capture the ethanol in a distillation column; and finally for drying the leftover grain for alternative uses. “The distillery industry is built on very traditional ways of thinking and relies very heavily on time-tested methodologies,” Jarrick said. “We want to produce the same liquid every time. The biggest challenge was to maintain that process integrity, but also move on from traditional fossil fuels.”

Moving away from fossil fuels for this heat production was the first step and the first big obstacle for Diageo. A new furnace also provides substantial financial benefits in the long run, as more recent models are designed with durability and efficiency in mind. When your furnace is working correctly, you shouldn’t have to worry about your furnace high limit switch location. But when it starts to trip or malfunction, you may need to know about this part and how to fix it. If you need a new furnace installation, make sure to contact professional HVAC techs who can provide furnace installation in South Florida. When it happens that the ac not as cold as it used to be, it may indicate the need for inspection and maintenance. Restoring its previous cooling efficiency could involve cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, or addressing any mechanical issues. And if you need air conditioning repair and maintenance services, make sure to hire professionals like ac repair rochester ny.

Nikola’s Trevor Milton Says Future of Trucking Is Hydrogen-Based

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Nikola Corp. founder and Executive Chairman Trevor Milton believes the hydrogen fuel cell technology that powers his company’s trucks can place Nikola at the forefront of global efforts to toughen clean-air rules while also providing a truck that meets the needs of commercial fleets.

“When I built Nikola, I wanted to build a truck that would actually create a desire for people to move away from diesel with better performance, better efficiency. That’s what’s going to convert people away from diesel to zero-emissions,” he said July 28 during an appearance on Transport Topics’ Newsmakers program.

That said, Milton believes that movement by governments around the world during the next 10 to 15 years to take diesel-powered trucks off the road will also drive the shift toward zero-emission vehicles.

Neste Opens Four New Renewable Diesel Fueling Stations

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Neste, a producer of renewable diesel, has opened four new fueling stations in northern and central California, providing greater accessibility to 100% renewable diesel.

The fueling stations are open 24/7 and provide a seamless and quick customer experience. They are strategically located near major commercial freight routes and are designed to accommodate commercial fleet vehicles of all sizes.

The new locations are operated by Jeffries Brothers Petroleum and are located at:

Wasco, Calif. – 750 U.S. Highway 46
Wasco, Calif. – 2098 U.S. Highway 46
Buttonwillow, Calif. – 35750 U.S. Highway 58
Shafter, Calif. – 102 South Beech Ave.

Each location is regularly supplied with Neste MY Renewable Diesel, a low-carbon fuel produced from 100% renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to petroleum diesel. The four new fueling stations join existing Neste-branded fuel stations in San Leandro, San Jose, Keyes and Ripon.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a certified drop-in replacement fuel that’s compatible in all diesel engines and can be integrated into all diesel fuel infrastructures at no extra cost. As part of the advanced clean truck rule, California regulators are considering additional measures to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from trucks. The combination of modern diesel engines with renewable diesel will continue to provide fleet operators with an affordable way to future-proof their investments and equipment as new rules come into effect.

“Truck drivers are maintaining an important role in delivering packages, supplying hospitals and restocking grocery stores during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Carrie Song, vice president of renewable road transport at Neste North America.

“It is critical to keep these vehicles moving with less greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution as we look toward creating a healthier planet for our children, and to create the framework for a green recovery in a post-COVID world,” Song adds.

Duke Energy Progress customers receiving 560 megawatts of cleaner energy from new natural gas power plant in North Carolina

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Duke Energy Progress customers in North Carolina and South Carolina are receiving 560 megawatts of cleaner energy from the company’s new state-of-the-art Asheville Combined Cycle Station in Arden, N.C.

The new station generates enough energy to serve about 450,000 homes. With fuel prices at a premium, home owners are looking toward more efficient alternatives, such as airsource heat pumps and biomass boilers, which use boiler pellets to provide lasting warmth throughout the winter months.

The $817 million station includes two electricity-producing power blocks with four generators and more than 18,000 components. The first 280-megawatt power block came online in December 2019, and the second 280-megawatt power block became fully operational in April 2020.

As part of the project, Duke Energy shut down a 1960s-era coal-fired power plant at the Asheville site in January 2020. Demolition of the coal plant is underway, with completion expected in 2023.

The Asheville Combined Cycle Station is Duke Energy’s most efficient plant in the Carolinas – and 75% more efficient than the retired coal plant it replaced.

Customers in North Carolina and South Carolina benefit dollar for dollar from this efficiency through lower power plant fuel costs.

“Customers want cleaner, more reliable energy, and we’re committed to delivering on this expectation,” said Kevin Murray, vice president of project management and construction. “By building the new Asheville station, we’re significantly reducing air emissions – including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides – and continuing to move toward our companywide goal of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by 2030.”

Because natural gas burns more cleanly than coal, carbon dioxide emissions at the site have dropped by about 60% per megawatt-hour in comparison to the now-retired coal plant. Sulfur dioxide is expected to decrease by 99% and nitrogen oxides by 40%. Mercury has also been eliminated.