Articles
CSIRO helps smelters cut energy consumption
Large smelters in electricity-intensive, metal-winning industries can use as much power as a medium-sized city, so finding ways to reduce their energy requirement is a high priority. In a bid to help smelters cut their consumption and associated emissions, the Australian research agency CSIRO, in partnership with industry players, is assessing and testing new electrical connection systems. [ + ]
Despatchable solar energy
Much has been said about the limitations of photovoltaic (PV) solar as an alternative energy source, given its inherent intermittent nature. PV solar has even been blamed for grid instability as well as pushing up the price of electricity. So what about a solar system that allows the utility to decide how much power it requires and when? [ + ]
Reducing the risk for comms cablers
As the world adapts to technological advancements in readily deployable virtualisation, cloud computing, CoLo and enterprise networks, the migration towards 40 Gbps copper and 100 Gbps fibre cabling infrastructure will see the daily work practices of telecommunications installers undergo a drastic change. [ + ]
Aeration for a cleaner, greener MCG
As part of a multimillion-dollar project to build Victoria’s largest underground recycled water treatment plant at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Compressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) Australia was selected to supply aeration blowers for the facility. [ + ]
Access control trends for 2013
A number of developing technologies are ready to surface in the access control market throughout the course of 2013, all of which will bring new levels of security and efficiency to Australian companies. [ + ]
Cheaper and greener - enough reason to change?
In the last issue of ECD Solutions, we asked the question why bother changing from a CCTV surveillance installation to a more expensive IP solution? Now we take it a step further and take a look at a true decentralised system and a study of the costs involved in implementing all three solutions. [ + ]
Delivering power to the world’s highest airport
Power and automation technology group ABB has delivered six Resibloc dry-type transformers rated at 5860 kilovolt amperes (kVA) to facilitate the distribution of power to the Daocheng-Yading airport in the Sichuan Province of China. When the airport opens later this year, travellers will land and depart at an elevation of 4411 metres - 77 metres higher than the current record held by the Bamda airport in Tibet. [ + ]
Safety in the trenches
Any type of construction site is a dangerous place. Constantly moving heavy machinery and high-pressure equipment, along with toxic and hazardous chemicals, are an everyday part of the industry. With an increasing focus on having a safe and healthy workplace for workers and contractors, considering all of the options available can both save money and minimise the risk of injuries and fatalities on work sites. [ + ]
Avoid fire hazards with thermal imaging equipment
About a third of all industrial fires are created by electrical problems and electrical fires currently cost Australia $600 million per year. Many insurance companies are now requesting evidence of a Thermal Imaging Report when renewing policies as they see Preventative Maintenance as an extra step in reducing the instances of electrical fires. [ + ]
The trouble with IT networks
IT networks are troublesome; there are so many potential points of failure, so much monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting required. Ask anyone from any business, not just IT professionals, and they’ll tell you that any network downtime spells trouble. [ + ]
Cutting back power consumption
Data centres are power-hungry beasts; here are a few factors that influence overall consumption and show how effective design can help lessen energy usage. [ + ]
Clean and green
As we veer away from a reliance on fossil fuels in a quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is moving to the forefront. For all the benefits that renewable sources provide, the move to clean and green is not as easy as you would think. [ + ]
‘Energy efficient’ water heating
When a building design includes a large number of individual spaces such as apartments or offices, developers are always on the lookout for ways to reduce construction costs. There will always be a project expense for supplying hot water to a large number of units, but the installation and ongoing costs can be minimised with the appropriate choice of heating system. The main options for supplying hot water to apartments in medium- or high-density developments are a centralised gas-fired water heating system or instantaneous heating systems installed at, or very near, the point of use. [ + ]
The importance of ‘buying local’ and boosting your credibility during times of crisis
As a series of storms, floods and fires recently swept across the country, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on insurance companies to buy local when they are sourcing contractors for repair work. [ + ]
Major changes to cabling regulation
In 2012, the telecommunications regulator - the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - introduced major changes to the Cabling Provider Rules (CPR) that will affect most cablers across the country. [ + ]