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.

Odyne Celebrates 11 Years in of Electrification & Hybrid Tech

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Odyne Systems, LLC celebrates 11 years of as a part of the vehicle electrification and hybrid industry. Odyne’s plug-in hybrid system uses energy from an advanced battery system to improve efficiency and power during driving, according to the manufacturer. The system operates quietly in an all-electric mode at the work site, and is recharged using cleaner domestically produced electricity from the grid.

The Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system features proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control, and energy storage technology. The system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and can enable large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines.

Odyne continues to deliver the only plug-in hybrid systems on medium- and heavy-duty trucks that improve fuel efficiency both while driving and at the work site, the company noted. The trucks delivered with Odyne plug-in hybrid systems feature advanced grid capabilities to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time, reducing charging costs and excess demand on the utility grid.

More Fleets Are Going Green at Their Facilities

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A growing number of transportation and logistics providers are cutting costs and going green with energy-efficient truck terminals and warehouses.

Installing more efficient lighting and climate control systems and moving to reusable packaging materials are among the ways that fleets are reducing energy consumption and waste at their facilities.

These eco-friendly practices benefit the bottom line and also bring soft benefits, such as improving public and employee relations.

“As a company, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint, increase awareness and improve technology, while lowering our utility bills,” said Jim Maug, director of building maintenance and property management at Pitt Ohio. Consulting a real estate holding company could provide valuable insights into eco-friendly building practices and energy-efficient technologies, aligning with our sustainability goals while optimizing costs.

The regional less-than-truckload carrier has made significant investments in clean energy, installing renewable energy sources at multiple sites and constructing efficient buildings certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, or LEED.

DOE Allots $139 Million to Advance Vehicle Tech

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U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette says $139 million in federal funding for 55 projects across the country will support new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies. Six of these innovative projects will be led by teams in Michigan.

“Technological innovation is key to revitalizing the U.S.’ manufacturing competitiveness, especially in the transportation sector,” says Brouillette.

“I’m excited to announce that six of the 55 total projects will be led by teams here in Michigan, a state that has been the backbone of the U.S. automobile industry for years. The Trump Administration is committed to investing in technologies that expand access to affordable mobility and provide consumers with a wide range of transportation options to meet their needs,” he adds.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root Adds Charging Station to Product Portfolio

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Gilbarco Veeder-Root has added a smart Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station, named Amps2Go, to its EV charging product portfolio in North America.

The Amps2Go line of smart chargers, powered by SemaConnect, complements Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s existing e-Mobility solutions and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to making EV charging broadly accessible to all parts of the convenience and commercial and industrial (C&I) industries.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s Amps2Go charger enables Level 2 charging, a form of EV charging ideal for customers whose vehicles experience longer periods of downtime, such as in many C&I fleets. Amps2Go’s flexible configuration options and one-year full replacement warranty all make it suited to power EVs in fleets, as well as help convenience store retailers offer additional charging options to EV drivers, notes the company.