Auto Manufacturers use the Solar Path

Last year Toyota UK announced that they were seeking approval for a  ground-mounted solar array that will include 17,000 solar panels. Once approved and complete the solar installation will offset about 5% of the electricity demand of its plant in Burnaston and will prevent 45,000 tons of CO2 from going into the atmosphere in its lifetime.

Toyota Deputy Managing Director, Tony Walker, commented:

“Using solar power to supply electricity to the plant underlines our commitment to the UK’s low-carbon economy and our own ambitions to further reduce our carbon footprint.”

And now it looks as though Honda and BMW are following suit. Honda has been installing solar power generation systems at its operations in locations around Japan, reaching a total capacity of 3.3 megawatts. Not only that but Honda says it will install 2.6-megawatt Soltec system at its new Yorii Plant, which Honda says will be the largest solar power generation system installed at an auto-mobile facility in Japan.

BMW has also taken the solar path, having recently completed installing 400 solar modules, each with a 240 watt capacity, at BMW’s Manufacturing’s heritage museum and visitor’s center. The $500,000 solar power system provides all the electricity required to run the Museum and will also be powering three new electric vehicle charging stations throughout the main facility.

Lifesaver 9V Carbon Monoxide Alarm – Part No. LIFCO9

What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that is produced when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, LPG, charcoal and wood are not burnt efficiently. It can be produced from poorly maintained or badly fitted domestic heating appliances such as boilers, wall heaters, wood burners, blocked flues or exhaust vents.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, sickness, tiredness and muscle pain, all of which can be misdiagnosed as the flu. It is therefore important to protect your family and home with a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Description
The PSA Lifesaver LIFCO9 alarm protects against the dangers of deadly carbon monoxide levels in the home and provides continuous monitoring of CO levels.

This alarm can be installed on a wall, or as a tabletop unit for added convenience. The PSA Lifesaver LIFCO9 units are easy to install and provide reliable protection against the dangers of carbon monoxide.

These alarm units benefit from a small, sleek design that is suitable for all living areas. They have a 7-year sensor life, providing up to 40% longer protection than many other CO alarms currently available.

Specs:

  • Battery Operated: 3 x AA included
  • Dimensions (in mm): 126(w) x 72(h) x 35 (d)
  • 2 LEDs: Red – alarm condition
  • Green – DC power is present, normal operation
  • Test/reset button
  • Temperature: 4 to 38oC (-10 to 60oC for storage or transport)
  • Humidity: 10 to 95% (RH)
  • Lifespan: 7 years
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Low battery signal: alerts when the battery needs replacing

For more information contact your local branch TODAY!

(Source: http://www.psaproducts.com.au/)

ABB Acquires Darwin company Powercorp

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has agreed to acquire Powercorp, an Australian renewable power automation company. This acquisition strengthens ABB’s portfolio of control technologies used to manage the integration of renewable energy sources.

Darwin based Powercorp employs around 30 people and offers automation and intelligent control solutions to manage renewable energy generation in isolated grids, ensuring utility grade power quality and grid stability. This enables very high levels of wind and solar power penetration into isolated diesel powered grids, thus reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuel.

“Powercorp brings expertise for the integration of renewable energy generation into conventional micro and remote island grids,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “This bolt-on acquisition will add specialist know-how and solutions to our control systems offering and further strengthen our position in the renewable space.”

Powercorp has installed several systems to integrate renewable power into remote grids and keep generation in balance with consumption. The company also supplies systems that dynamically store and release energy in response to frequency and voltage deviations, to stabilize small or remote grids.

“Joining forces with ABB is a logical next step for the growth of our business,” said Alan Langworthy CEO of Powercorp. “It will expand our global reach and help create optimal solutions for higher and better use of renewable energy generation.”

The transaction is expected to close before year end. criticise

Loy Yang Power in Debt $565 Million and Still Trading

Loy Yang Power has been given the OK by the government to keep trading after declaring debt of approximately $565 million.  Australian Securities and Investments Commission was notified of the current situation that Loy Yang Power was in November and since has not issued a “no action” cease trade notification.

The government conducted a report that predicted that in the event that Loy Yang Power was to close, wholesale electricity prices would nearly double which would directly affect household power costs. The report found that the estimated power prices would increase by nearly 80 per cent in Victoria and 45 per cent in NSW.

Other energy industry sources told the Newcastle Herald that  Loy Yang Power was emerging as the first big test of the government’s policies aimed at ensuring the electricity market coped with the introduction of the $23-a-tonne carbon price in July without major disruption.

Loy Yang Power lobbied fiercely for amendments to the carbon tax laws that would have allowed deferred payments when producers bought forward-dated pollution permits under the scheme, a provision that was included under the Rudd government’s emissions trading scheme that would have reduced the sudden increase in their working capital requirements.

Loy Yang Power’s chief executive Mr Nethercote said it was ”more than likely” Loy Yang would have had to get a no action letter from ASIC even without a carbon price, which will cost it about $450 million a year.

(Source: http://www.theherald.com.au/ )   

Have You Considered a Ceiling Fan?

Now that summer is well in force, it might be time to consider cheaper options to keeping cool in the heat.

Ceiling fans can be the perfect energy saving option; depending on the type of fan being used they can consume about 15 to 30 watts on low speed, 30 to 50 watts on medium speed, and 50 to 80 watts on high speed. Ceiling fans should be an option to consider when looking for an energy solution for both the summer and winter months.

How will a ceiling fan keep you cool?
Ceiling fans make us feel cooler rather than lowering the temperature of a room. Moving air increases the amount of heat leaving our body which as a result makes us feel cooler up to 8 degrees cooler.

Can a ceiling fan really help keep you warmer in winter?
Not many people know this, but a ceiling fan can actually be switched over to reverse in winter. Usually underneath the fan or towards the back there will be a switch, once that’s turned on a different effect takes place. Once the blades are running in reverse the hot air in the room starts to rise and once hitting the fan its circulated throughout the room.

Remember there are many different fans out there to choose from depending on the size of your room. To find the best fan for your home, simply contact one of our friendly staff.

AEMC’s Report On The Future of Residential Energy Prices

A report conducted by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on residential prices within the next three years shows that the estimated growth by 2014 will be approximately 37 per cent in nominal terms for Australia as a whole.

The chart shows the different components that contribute to the percentage increase:

(Source: http://www.aemc.gov.au Australian Energy Market Commission)

 

Looking at it State by state, here are a few of the results:

Queensland residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 42 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

New South Wales residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 42 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

Australian Capital Territory  residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 42 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

To see a copy of the full report please click here.

A Guide to MEPS for Incandescent (including Halogen) Lamps

An important milestone in the phasing out of inefficient lamps will be introduced in April 2012. The ruling addresses the maximum wattage for ELV halogen lamps above 37 watts in accordance with Australian Standard AS4934.2-2011 Part 2: Mimimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which states “For ELV halogen reflector lamps, the average measured wattage shall be no more than 37W.

With the enforcement date being April 2012. The relevant section of AS4934.2-2011 will be legislated in each state and the expected outcome of the legislation is the 50 Watt MR16 halogen lamp will not be able to be imported after April 2012.

For more information please download the PDF

Osram High Pressure Sodium Lamps

The Osram’s HPS lamp is a high pressure sodium light that has the power to light up the darkest of rooms. The HPS light is perfect for home and industrial applications such as;

  • Security lighting
  • Warehouses
  • Street lighting
  • Indoor and outdoor lighting.

Long Life – Low Maintenance
55,000 hours! Its almost double the life compared to a standard lamp resulting in lower maintenance costs.

Powerful Fast Lighting
NAV-TT lamps are equipped with Osram’s twin arc tube mounting. If the NAV-TT lamps lamp is estinguished for as little as 1 second, it will restart immediately, reaching 50% of light output in just over a minute and full light power after just 3 minutes!

Easy Usage
Vialox Twin arc lamps can be retrofitted to any existing HPS system, on the basis that the lamps are of similar wattage and the ignitor complies with the requirement stated below*.

For more information visit your local Lear and Smith Branch TODAY!

Photometrical Data: Part # Luminous Flux (lm) Luminous efficacy Colour Temperature Life Time
Twin Arc Standard
OSRNAVT150TT		 14 000 93 lm/W 2000 K 55 000 hrs
OSRNAVT250TT 27 000 108 lm/W 2000 K 55 000 hrs

OSRNAVT400TT		 48 000 120 lm/W 2000 K 55 000 hrs
Electrical Data: Part # Lamp Current Volts Approx Circuit Power W PFC Capacitor at 50Hz µF*

OSRNAVT150TT		 1.8A 100V 170W 20

OSRNAVT250TT		 3.0A 100V 275W 32

ORSNAVT400TT		 4.5A 100V 440W 45
*At rated voltage and cos φ ≥ 0.9
Dimensions: Part # Diameter (mm) Length (max.) base

OSRNAVT150TT		 46 211 E40

OSRNAVT250TT		 46 257 E40

ORSNAVT400TT		 46 285 E40

Downlights can cause fires!

(Sourced from Fire and Emergency Services Authority- FESA)

Old or poorly installed ceiling downlights can set fire to roof installations or timbers which burn in the roof space above smoke alarms. These fires can go undetected until it is too late. Often, people only know their house is on fire when flaming material comes through air conditioning vents or the ceiling
collapses. It makes a safe escape more difficult and causes significant damage.

How can a fire start in the roof space?

A roof space fire starts above the ceiling material but beneath the roof tiles or tin. There are a number of things in a roof space that may cause a fire. These include water
pipes, heater flues, heat from the back of downlights and electrical circuits that have been damaged by poor workmanship, white ants or rodents.

NOTE: If downlights are installed correctly and a safe distance is kept from combustible material, there is no risk of fire.

What are the main causes of downlight fires?

A fire can start when the heat given off by downlights comes in contact with combustible material including insulation, leaf litter, wiring or roof timbers. FESA research shows downlights can heat up to more than 240 degrees.

What can I do to prevent downlight fires?

When installed correctly, downlights do not pose a fire risk.  It is important to:

  •  Inspect all downlights and transformers
  • Ensure a non-combustible or mechanical barrier is installed to prevent insulation or other combustible material covering downlights
  • Always use fittings and guards that meet Australian Standards
  • Following any work in the roof space, inspect all downlights and transformers to ensure they are clear of insulation or other combustible material
  • Consider replacing 240 volt incandescent globes with compact fluorescent globes that produce less heat
  •  Consider replacing 12 volt halogen (dichroic) globes with Light Emitting Diodes (LED) that produce considerably less heat

What has been done to reduce downlight fires?

Industry and Government have been working together and developed a standard on the safe use of 240 volt and extra low voltage (less than 50 volts) halogen (dichroic) downlights to reduce the risk of fire. Consumer and electrical contractors education is ongoing. Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000) – Wiring Rules 2007 specify:

  • Minimum side and top distances between downlights and roof timbers
  • Ability for heat producing devices to release heat
  • Physical barriers to prevent combustible materials being too close to exposed light assemblies

**WIN** A Framed Autographed V8 Supercar Shirt by Jason Bargwanna!

**WIN** a Framed Autographed V8 Shirt by Jason Bargwanna WIN a prize any rev head would love to get their hands on! For the chance to WIN a framed and autographed V8 supercar rock team shirt by Jason Bargwanna, simply spend a minimum of $300.00*+ GST on any Matchmaster product or training course!

To enter simply fill out the online form or download the form and fax it back to Matchmaster on (02) 9153 9099. * Purchases need to be made between 2nd August 2011 up to the 30th September 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

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