The complexity of combined business IT systems has lead to a proliferation of hardware installations. When adding a major new software system, the safest option has often been to install it on its own dedicated server, rather than risk unforeseen problems from resource conflict or software compatibility with other software systems. Thus data centres evolved with ever increasing numbers of servers, many running at as little as 5 to 10% capacity, contributing to the fact that IT power consumption already has a larger carbon footprint than the airline industry. [ + ]

Within renewable energy there are many different technologies: wind energy, solar thermal energy and solar electric energy known as photovoltaics or PV. Although some electrical mechanics would be involved in the wind farm industry and possibly the solar thermal power industry, it is the PV industry which has seen the demand for electrical contractors in recent years. The growth in this market has been substantial. [ + ]

Master Electricians’ research indicates 80% of homeowners believe they are well protected by safety switches, when in fact only 60% are partially protected with the remaining 40% having no protection at all. This explains why it is important for electricians to continue to endorse safety switches and encourage all their customers to have them installed on all circuits for the greatest level of protection. [ + ]

Australia is currently examining the option to implement the New Zealand Energy Star program for LED and CFL lighting, said Melanie Slade, Director, Lighting and Equipment Energy Efficiency, Australian Government in her recent keynote address at SPARC Design 2012. [ + ]

The phasing out of the ubiquitous 50 W 12 V MR16 dichroic mirror reflector halogen lamp in Australia poses some significant challenges. Lighting Council Australia estimates there are some 300 million downlights in Australia using these MR16 lamps - hence there is a lot at stake in getting the right replacement for these products. [ + ]

In a carbon-constrained economy, green building is the way of the future. And for people in electrical trades, this means staying ahead of the game by learning about emerging technologies and installation processes required to gain Green Star certification. [ + ]

Cable company Nexans has developed the Lo-Sag conductor, which consists of a thermal-resistant aluminium conductor wrapped around a composite carbon core. It has been installed in Brazil to address the country’s increased power demand. [ + ]

The ApprenticeConnect service assists employers in the apprentice hire process on their behalf from recruitment to completion. This includes, among other services, providing advice and facilitating communication and ongoing monitoring of an apprentice’s training, facilitation of a training plan with the RTO as well as on-the-job training and mentoring. [ + ]

Australia-based solar companies that are not properly charging GST could soon run into troubled waters.  [ + ]

Ceramic Fuel Cells’ gas-to-electricity generator BlueGen uses patented fuel cell technology to provide electricity from widely available natural gas. A fuel cell is an electricity generator that converts gas into electricity and heat through an electrochemical reaction, without combustion or noise. [ + ]

Ongoing discussion on the effect of variable voltage, variable frequency (3VF) drives (VFDs in the US) on coal mining power systems has received some clarification with recently collected data. [ + ]

MPower’s Grid Stability System (GSS) is designed to minimise power fluctuations from solar generating plants into remote area diesel power stations by incorporating battery storage and control of battery energy to stabilise power production from photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants. [ + ]

FMSA, a Melbourne-based company offering comprehensive architectural, interior design and professional construction management services, has reduced its energy usage and costs through an environmental retrofit of its office building in North Melbourne, which included installation of three 85 kW Yanmar gas-powered, air-conditioning systems. [ + ]

The final countdown to the carbon tax has begun. This article details the key elements of the carbon price mechanism (CPM) and provides some last-minute prepation tips to help you get ready for 1 July 2012. [ + ]

The data cable termination tool from Australian company Tech Innovations helps alleviate many challenging manual handling and safety issues confronted by technicians. The product allows technicians to perform the task on a stable, height-adjustable working platform that is lightweight and easily transported. [ + ]