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Products to Cut Farm Energy Costs

Posted: July 19th, 2010 | By: bfuller


How are you saving energy today? That’s the question on the minds of business people around the world …and we have an answer: Condensers, Evaporators & Compressors.

Today’s newest models of this equipment are high in energy-efficiency and can save farmers money on their overhead costs. Condensers, evaporators, and compressors have a wide variety of uses in agriculture and farming. Even minor adjustments to certain systems can increase your energy savings greatly.

Condensers

Condensers are used in a variety of ways, one being in heat recovery systems for dairy farms. The heat from collected milk can be used to heat the water used for cleaning farm equipment. A condensing unit may be more expensive than some alternatives, but the energy savings will make up for the condenser’s initial cost.

Compressors

Compressed air units are used widely throughout farming. Compressor systems use a great deal of energy, but can often improve energy costs in the long term. A compressor consists of a supply side and a demand side. The supply side must be well-maintained to deliver clean air to the demand side. The demand side delivers air to the equipment.

Bringing our attention back to dairy farms, compressors are used to cool milk and to heat water sanitation. If the compressor is operating efficiently, it can cut the energy costs in half for dairy operation.

Food growers use compressed air systems to package their produce for consumers. Growers are able to save money in the long run through the automation capabilities of compressed air systems and the minor equipment changes to be made.

Evaporators

Evaporators are found in large coolers on farms.  These coolers can be used to reduce the temperatures for buildings on the farm. Evaporative coolers are more cost-effective than air conditioners and work better in regions with lower humidity.

Low Costs, High Reward

No matter how you use condensers, compressors, and evaporators on your farm, you will be pleased with the savings when you upgrade your equipment.


Filed under: Green Alternative Energy | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Using Hybrid Batteries in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Posted: July 9th, 2010 | By: bfuller


There are two major types of hybrid batteries in existance for use in hybrid electric vehicles – lithium ion (Li-ion) and nickel metal hybrid (NiMH).  Many battery subcategories can be found within each.

NiMH batteries were the primary battery source for hybrid vehicles until a few years ago. Today Li-ion batteries are being tested and developed at a quick pace for this usage. Prices for Li-ion batteries were once outrageously high, but are dropping today. Lower prices make the batteries more accessible and thus increase the market for hybrid electric vehicles in the future.

Pros and Cons

Hybrid batteries offer a lot of promise for the future of green alternative energy. Gradually consumers are becoming attracted to the benefits and efficeincies of this technology and away from fossil fuels that can harm the environment. Additionally, with the “unstable” situation in the middle east and oil prices equally unstable …Hybrid Batteries are a safe, stable and welcome alternative.

Hybrid batteries are long-lasting; customers can expect to travel 150,000 miles or more on one battery. Currently, the U. S. government offers tax credits for the purchase of hybrid electric vehicles, making them even more attractive.

Today, Hybrid batteries are a little more expensive than conventional batteries. However, as mentioned earlier, buyers can expect to get a long life from their hybrid battery. With hybrid battery technology improving every day, at some point the batteries will pay for themselves.

The biggest “pro” beyond being “green” is that the Hybrid Battery is allowing today’s vehicles equiped with Hybrid Motors to achieve phenominal gas mileage. Some “city” or “service” vehicles using this technology like buses, delivery trucks, garbage trucks and more, can in some cases see mileage increase between 3 and 10 times. Now that is a “pro”!

Safety Issues

Consumers may worry about the safety of hybrid batteries. Lead was once a major component in manufacturing, but currently technology is safer and lead-free.

The efficiency of hybrid batteries for hybrid electric vehicles must be balanced with the cost and safety. Look for a hybrid battery manufacturer that is involved in research and development. Make sure your hybrid battery has been tested for optimum performance and safety.

Automated Systems for Producing Hybrid Batteries

Your company may need an automated system to aid in manufacturing your own hybrid batteries. There are only a few Automation experts with experience that specialize in systems for alternative energy production. Be sure to choose an equipment builder who has “done it before” to supply you with any automation needs.

Testing equipment for your facility can also be designed just for you. Do some research as to who will provide the best design, installation and service for your business.


Filed under: Automative, Factory Automation, Green Alternative Energy, Hybrid Motors | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

The Pressing Process

Posted: July 9th, 2010 | By: bfuller


“Pressing” in an industrial or manufacturing setting refers to a machine that permanently joins two parts to form a new part. Today a custom-designed pressing machine can be engineered to fit your company’s needs.

In recent years, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibited one of America’s earliest, but still-functioning, pressing machines from the 1880’s. This machine was actually still in use until 1974. It was last used to press materials used in the Apollo space program!

Force Monitoring

Modern pressing equipment can be automated and can utilize precise controls and sensors for proper monitoring, data collection and quality assurance. Force monitoring refers to the force of the pressing machine being measured accurately; it should not receive interference from outside forces.

Sensors can be installed in different areas of the press tool (or the part being pressed) to measure different applications. Ultrasonic, laser, pressure and photoelectric sensors may be used.

Signature Analysis

Pressing machinery can be equipped with signature analysis. Signature analysis is a type of technology that monitors test equipment while it is operating. It can be used to locate problems with machinery, both electrical and mechanical. Signature analysis can also be used for preventative maintenance. The technology uses information collected typically through electronics to determine if the machine is operating effectively.

Assembly Monitoring

Your customized pressing machinery can also be equipped with assembly monitoring. A complete assembly monitoring system can include sensors and electronic monitoring. A computer then interprets the data collected regarding the efficiency of your pressing equipment.

Today’s press machinery “should be” self-monitoring while it is operating. A properly engineered system can make adjustments for different materials and conditions. Many manufacturers want some type of traceability for the pressing process. Once again, a customized press machine can provide simple or complex tracking.

By choosing a custom design and manufacturing firm like Eagle Technologies, you can work with a project manager who will make sure all your needs are met. Your pressing system can be designed with in-process control, monitoring, data collection and flexibility as necessary.


Filed under: Automative, Factory Automation | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Hybrid Motors 101

Posted: June 8th, 2010 | By: bfuller


Hybrid motors are all the rage these days with BP’s Oil Spill fiasco teaching many of us the perils of gasoline fuels.  There are many advantages to using a hybrid motor in your car, but even more when using using such a motor in your factory.

What is a Hybrid?

A hybrid motor uses two or more power sources to operate. Usually, hybrid motors feature a pairing of one (or more) electric motors and an internal combustion engine. In the electric motor, magnetic fields and electrical conductors use electricity to create mechanical energy. The electricity stored in the batteries is used to turn the motor or motors. The mechanical energy is then used to power the equipment or vehicle.

The internal combustion engine makes up the other part of the motor. This engine uses a traditional lead acid battery and an induction coil to create an electrical spark. The spark ignites the fuel and air combined in the combustion chamber, usually within the cylinder heads. This action creates energy, which is the purpose of an engine.

The History of Hybrid Motors

The hybrid motor that combines fuel and electricity dates back to 1900 when it was created by Ferdinand Porsche. High fuel prices and the desire for “greener” engines have propelled hybrid motor advances in the last ten years. As battery storage is currently being researched and improved, hybrid motors will continue to improve in performance.

Lower Fuels = Lower Costs

Hybrid motors save on fuel and have fewer emissions than regular internal combustion engines, thus, also saving our environment. A smaller internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle accounts for part of this gain in efficiency. Batteries in the electric motor can reuse energy that is usually released as heat, also offering energy savings.

Not Your Grandpa’s Motor

Hybrid motors are not just used in cars; they can be used to operate conveyor systems, lifts, agricultural machinery, and much more. Related parts in hybrid motor systems are small and lightweight, thus improving efficiency.

Engineered systems that use hybrid motors have a greater flexibility in design that is not possible with mechanical-only systems.  As a result, maintenance costs are reduced and even noise emissions are lower with this type of motor systems.

Hybrid motors offer improved efficiency and savings for engineered and automated systems. Whether the hybrid motor is used in your vehicle or industrial equipment, you’ll reap the rewards.


Filed under: Hybrid Motors | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

Welcome!

Posted: March 12th, 2010 | By: bfuller


Hello and welcome to the Eagle Technologies Blog!! We’re very happy you’ve found us and hope you subscribe to our RSS Feed so you know when we publish new content.

Granted, our site isn’t as exciting as TMZ.com, but we’re committed to providing you content that helps you understand our company and the industry of Factory Automation.  Topics will include:

With that said, let’s get to it! As the weeks go on, we’ll be adding content twice a week, so remember to check back often.


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