Concentric LLC acquires critical DC power provider Retech
Concentric, LLC announced the acquisition of Retech. An established market leader across the US, with headquarters on the west coast, Retech specializes in designing, integrating, and managing critical DC power systems and critical infrastructure construction with a particular focus on the telecom and cable industry. This acquisition expands Concentric’s service footprint in critical power to the west coast, while adding new construction capabilities for critical power from telecom to energy storage to utilities and data centers. A full-service EF&I specialist, Retech’s in-house team of experienced engineers and technicians will be joining Concentric, bringing a proven track record of supporting world-class companies as they navigate the dynamic and challenging telecommunications landscape. Their expertise ranges from network infrastructure support services to network audits, staging, rack and stack, installation, de-commissioning/de-installation, resale and recycling, and as a general contractor, full site builds, upgrades or decoms. Retech is led by Co-Founders, Julie and Dennis Pulos, veterans of the critical power industry who will remain in leadership positions after the acquisition. “Retech is a well-respected team across the west coast and we’re thrilled to incorporate their expertise at Concentric as we expand our capabilities for engineering, design and installation services across the US. The Retech team share our values and mission to deliver superior, engineered power systems and we look forward to supporting them in their future growth from coast to coast,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. “We are excited to join the Concentric team to accelerate our customers’ success by expanding our nationwide footprint. Joining forces with Concentric will enable us to add the resources we need to be able to quickly scale and meet our customers’ growing needs,” said Retech Co-Founder and President, Julie Pulos.
LEDtronics expands its LED Post Top Series for walkway and parking lot lighting
LEDtronics® Inc. announces the latest product in its line of Tunable LED Post Top Lamps with even, omnidirectional lighting that offers energy savings of up to 85 percent over MH and HPS counterparts. Known in the industry as corn bulbs for their shape, this latest high-lumen addition features multi-wattage and multi-color temperature versatility with the ability to choose from three different CCTs — 3000K Warm White, 4000K Natural White and 5000K Pure White, and variable wattage options of 45, 54 or 63 Watts. Customizable to fit any lighting need and with a switchable selection of wattages and CCTs, this lightweight LEDtronics post-top luminaire offers a wide range of features and benefits that make it ideal for a variety of applications, easily replacing E39 CFL bulbs in street post-top lighting, outdoor parking area lighting, driveway and walkway lighting, security lighting, parks, playgrounds, railroad stations, platforms, pendant and globe lighting, among others. The UL-listed LED26GCT series is safe to use in enclosed luminaires, and directly replaces HID lamps with a simple ballast bypass — at 45W it replaces 70W HPS; at 54W replaces 100W HPS, and at 63W replaces 150W MH — all at 5000K and 300W THQ. Reducing additional energy consumption by bypassing the ballast allows the lamp to operate in a voltage input range of 100 to 277 VAC. It comes in E39 mogul screw base, with a wide operating temperature range of -22°F to ~+140°F (~-30°C to ~+60°C). The new LED26GCT lamp directs a uniform, 360 degree beam, with lumens ranging from 6,610 to 9,280, and boasting luminous efficacy of 142 to 163, all depending on wattage and CCT selection. Maximum candela ranges from 663 to 914. It also features outstanding color fidelity with a CRI equal to or greater than 80 that enhances color nuances. The new state-of-the-art lamp maintains over 70 percent or greater of LED lumens for over 50,000 hours or 10 years of operation — a lifespan far longer than the equivalent halogen or HID bulb! The solid-state design renders it impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching and environmental extremes. In addition, LEDs do not emit large amounts of heat, and little to no ultraviolet or infrared light. Since LED lights are much more energy-efficient than old-technology lighting, this lamp is perfect for operating with an alternative or renewable energy resource such as solar or wind power in cold or warm environments. This versatile LED26GCT omnidirectional, UL-listed LED post-top bulb with tunable wattage and CCT comes with an unconditional 5-year LEDtronics factory warranty, and is available through LEDtronics distributors. Other selectable wattages are available for large quantities and qualified applications.
Dialight launches new and improved Area Light with Battery Backup
Dialight, the global provider in hazardous and industrial LED lighting innovation, has launched an all-new battery backup model of its compact and versatile Area Light product. This state-of-the-art fixture now offers even greater peace of mind for enhanced safety in harsh industrial environments, such as Refining, Mining, Pulp and Paper, Petrochemical, Metals and Steel, Water/Wastewater, General Manufacturing facilities, and more. With ‘poor visibility’ being a leading cause of accidents at industrial facilities, ensuring proper illumination is of paramount importance, especially in facilities where power outages can occur. Dialight’s new auxiliary battery backup solution features a sleek, lower profile enclosure and can provide illumination for a minimum of 90 minutes in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101® guidance on emergency lighting. Furthermore, it has been certified for use in a sealed enclosure to ensure maximum protection against harsh environmental conditions common in industrial settings and has been vibration tested to IEC 60068-2-6. It is compatible with all existing Dialight Area Light mounting options and at merely 20lbs is easy to install and to replace auxiliary batteries as needed. “Our Area Light has long been a favorite of customers across a wide variety of industrial sectors due to its versatility and extensive range of retrofit kits, making installation to existing infrastructure quick and easy” said Dialight CEO, Fariyal Khanbabi. “Now with our all-new battery backup system, customers can have even greater peace of mind that their operations will be safely illuminated in the event of power disruption.” This robust, self-testing fixture contains corrosion resistant stainless steel hardware and features Dialight’s industry-leading 10 year warranty (excluding batteries). It is available in both Vigilant (non-hazardous location) and SafeSite (hazardous location) models and is certified to UL1598/A, UL924 and UL844. Dialight’s all new Battery Backup Area Light is currently available for sale in North America. Please refer to datasheet for more information on available models and lumen output in battery backup mode.
Robroy Industries® named as One Of The “Best and Brightest” Companies to Work for in the nation
Robroy Industries® Enclosure Division, providers in the electrical products industry, has been designated as one of the “2023 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the nation. This significant honor, given by The National Association for Business Resources, recognizes the most influential, trend-setting companies across the country. This award is based on assessments in categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention, and recognizes the commitment of Robroy Industries to excellence in human resource practices and employee enrichment. Robroy Industries Enclosures Division, Stahlin® and AttaBox® brands of non-metallic enclosures based in Belding Michigan has been recognized by The National Association for Business Resources, for 20 consecutive years, as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in Western, Michigan. Says Craig Mitchell, President of Robroy Industries Enclosures Division: “We are honored by this continuing recognition as a great company to have a career with. As a fourth-generation family-owned company, Robroy offers stability and experience of nearly 120 years in business with a forward-looking vision and proven progress. All of that has enabled us to remain highly successful even during challenging times. We support our talented team with a balanced working environment, competitive compensation and benefits, open, honest, transparent communication, and the ability to learn and grow with rewarding career opportunities.”
Continental introduces NightViu LED Driving Lights engineered for construction and off-highway use
Continental, a global supplier of systems, components, and tires to automobile, truck, and agriculture/construction equipment manufacturers, and a trusted provider of OE-engineered aftermarket parts, has introduced 10 new, professional-quality driving lights as part of the company’s NightViu® Lighting Solutions line. These new lights have been designed to help improve operational safety by dramatically increasing nighttime visibility. Engineered for use in agriculture, construction, and mining, the new NightViu Driving Lights are also suitable for marine and powersports applications. They feature rugged aluminum die-cast housings with cataphoretic coating, and resilient shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Depending on the model, they are rated IP69K or IP67K for Ingress Protection (IP) from dust and water. Advanced optics NightViu Multi-function Driving Lights and Lightbars feature free-form reflectors that direct the light beam exactly where it’s needed. NightViu reversing lights feature Fresnel lenses to create a broad field of illumination directly behind the equipment. NightViu Driving Lights provide up to 5,500 lumens and a beam field length of up to 440 meters. Sophisticated electronics NightViu Driving Lights feature an integrated electronics driver and thermal management system to allow them to operate safely from -40°F to +190°F. The lights’ advanced LED technology delivers exceptional energy efficiency. They produce from 50-100 lumens per watt, depending on the model, and have been designed to ensure that they do not create electrical interference that could affect the vehicles existing electronics. Driving Lights for every application “Our new NightViu Driving Lights provide the illumination that operators need for maximum nighttime safety,” notes Edwin Betancourt Jr, Product Manager, Continental. “With three styles and a choice of configurations, they offer the right light for just about every application.” Continental is a leading aftermarket supplier of OE-engineered parts for HVAC and engine cooling, door systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, engine management, fuel systems, instrumentation, as well as automotive diagnostic systems, premium wiper blades, air, cabin, fuel, and oil filters, and brake system parts and fluid.
HELLA expands Black Magic LED auxiliary light series with 16 new lightbars
HELLA is expanding its Black Magic product range with 16 new lightbars. The company is thus continuing a success story in the Americas, and Europe, as the headlamp series has already been a top seller in the USA for many years. In addition to the first-generation lightbars already available for offroad applications, HELLA has expanded the series with 16 additional lightbars for off-road applications. The HELLA Black Magic Lightbars are auxiliary headlamps with powerful light output. Depending on the version, they offer up to 20,000 (for off-road applications) maximum effective lumens, making them ideal for situations in which the best possible illumination of the surroundings is essential. Both the single-row (“Slim”) and double-row lightbars (“Double Row”), with their distinctive look in an all-black design, offer a high recognition effect while being an eye-catcher on any off-road vehicle, SUV, or truck. The new, particularly robust second-generation lightbars are available in the “Slim” and “Double Row” designs in both straight and so-called “Curved” versions. “A convex curvature characterizes curved” versions and offers a wide light distribution. HELLA offers 20 to 52 inches long lightbars and a maximum light performance of 20,000 effective lumens. The Black Magic lightbars for off-road applications also have an integrated thermal sensor that adjusts them to the ambient temperature. This new feature prevents overheating or LED failure and increases light output when the ambient temperature is low. This gives the user the ideal amount of light under all conditions. With the expansion of the range, HELLA now offers lightbars individually or as a set, thus providing the right lightbar for every mounting location on the vehicle: whether roof, roof bar, radiator grille, or bumper, the auxiliary headlamps can be mounted either upright or suspended. Completely black with discreet HELLA branding, the lightbars of the Black Magic series are also a unique design highlight on any vehicle. Black additional brackets for the rear mounting are also available as accessories as part of the series. These provide extra stability for all lightbars from 40 inches in length utilizing 4-point mounting. Alternatively, these brackets can also be used instead of the side brackets to make optimum use of mounting surfaces on the vehicle.
New generation of Compact LED Flood Lights outshine its HID counterparts
LEDtronics® announces its latest series of compact and lightweight LED Flood Lights that put out a surprising amount of light for their compact size and low power consumption. The high efficacy, multiple-angle mounting options, and sleek design make these light fixtures an ideal and easy installation in various applications. The area and spot luminaires come with an adjustable U-bracket that offers a multitude of choices for angle of inclination for outdoor area lighting needs that require adjustable-angle uniform illumination, such as architectural wall washing and accents, walkways, pathways, garden or landscape lighting, amusement parks, recreation areas, illuminated signs, and emergency exit way lighting, among many others. The LEDtronics GDL002 series flood lights are offered in a choice of two input voltages: 24VDC with 12 watts and 5000K pure white emitted color, and a wide 100~277VAC range with either 8W/4000K natural white combination, or 10.8W with 3000K and 5000K color temperatures. Other voltages, beam angles and color LED CCTs—5700K true white or 6500K cool white—are also optionally available to qualified volume orders. They provide a full-cutoff beam ranging from 40°x45° for the 8W, and a wide 95°x105° illumination for the rest. Their optimal design enhances glare-free night vision while maximizing path illumination. The luminous intensities range from 689 for the 8W all the way up to 1339 lumens for the 12W, while the maximum candela values range from 447 to 1170 cd! All offer lighting of color rendering index exceeding 80. The rugged, industry-standard luminaires feature a black-colored, lightweight and corrosion-resistant ADC12 die-cast aluminum housing and a clear, tempered-glass lens. The series boasts a wide ambient operating temperature range of ~-22F to ~+113F (~-30C to ~+45C) and is IP65 rated: they are protected against water jets from any direction, making them suitable for outdoor locations. Additionally, the solid-state design of these LED spot and flood lights renders them impervious to high shock and vibration, frequent switching and environmental extremes. They emit only minimal amount of heat, and little to no ultraviolet or infrared light. The easily adjustable U-bracket offers multiple mounting options. With average lumen maintenance of more than 100,000 hours, and energy savings of up to 70 percent over their traditional metal-halide/HPS counterparts, this latest series of LEDtronics compact, low-wattage and high-lumen LED luminaires with an infinitely adjustable bracket operate reliably, year after year, and are virtually maintenance-free. They provide accent and flood lighting, indoors or outdoors, while reducing energy costs and improving landscape ambience and security. The LEDtronics GDL002 series comes with an unconditional 5-year U.S. factory warranty, and is available through LEDtronics distributors; quantity discounts are available.
Hubbell announces new Segment Leadership
Allan Connolly, current President of Hubbell Utility Solutions segment retiring Greg Gumbs appointed President of Hubbell Utility Solutions segment Mark Mikes appointed President of Hubbell Electrical Solutions segment Hubbell Incorporated (“Hubbell”) just announced that Allan Connolly, President of Hubbell Utility Solutions (“HUS”), will retire effective July 1, 2023. Greg Gumbs will serve as President of HUS upon Mr. Connolly’s retirement. The Company further announced today the appointment of Mark Mikes as President of the Hubbell Electrical Solutions (“HES”) segment. The retirement of Mr. Connolly and the appointments of Mr. Gumbs and Mr. Mikes are effective July 1, 2023. Allan Connolly joined Hubbell in 2018 as a result of the Aclara acquisition and has served as President of HUS since 2019. Gerben Bakker, Hubbell’s Chairman, President and CEO commented, “I would like to thank Allan for his contributions to Hubbell over the past five years. Under his leadership, Hubbell’s legacy power franchise and Aclara business merged together to create a leading platform of best-in-class utility solutions for our customers. His strategic vision for the business and passion for innovation helped drive a strong acceleration in the segment’s organic growth profile over the past several years. During Allan’s tenure, HUS delivered operating profit growth for our shareholders well in excess of double-digits on a compounded annual basis. I wish him all the best in his next chapter and thank him for his partnership.” Greg Gumbs succeeds Mr. Connolly as President of HUS with a proven track record of leadership and performance in the utility, electrical and automation industries. Mr. Gumbs has most recently been President and CEO – Bosch Rexroth North America since 2020, and prior to that held various senior leadership positions at Eaton Electrical and Rockwell Automation. “Greg is a strong leader who I am confident will build on a strong foundation and deliver continued outperformance for the business,” said Mr. Bakker. Mr. Bakker continued, “As grid modernization and electrification drive greater need for utility automation, Greg’s experience and skillset are uniquely suited to enable HUS to optimize our leading positions across components, communications and controls to deliver differentiated solutions for our customers. I look forward to him joining Hubbell’s leadership team.” Mark Mikes has been with Hubbell for over thirty years in various roles at Hubbell Power Systems (“HPS”), a division of HUS, which he has led for the last several years. Mr. Bakker commented, “Mark has a well-established track record of success at Hubbell. He played a major leadership role in our successful efforts to bring together a broad portfolio of acquired utility businesses under a unified, integrated business in HPS. Organized to compete collectively, HPS’s simplified operating structure has enabled us to consistently improve profitability and cash generation. Mark is the ideal leader to execute on a similar playbook at HES as we continue our multi-year strategy to improve the segment’s long-term growth and margin profile.” Mr. Bakker concluded, “Hubbell’s leading positions in front of and behind the meter strategically align our Utility Solutions and Electrical Solutions segments around attractive long-term trends in grid modernization and electrification. Our strategy is delivering strong results in the near-term, and we remain focused on delivering consistently differentiated performance for our shareholders and customers over the long-term. Hubbell is excited to announce today the appointments of our new segment leaders. Both Greg and Mark are committed to Hubbell’s core strategy, and both are well supported by experienced and talented teams that will help support their transitions to their new roles while ensuring Hubbell continues to drive value for all of our stakeholders.”
Emergent Vision Technologies officially launches 100GigE and 25GigE Cameras featuring 65MP Gpixel GMAX3265 CMOS Sensor
Emergent Vision Technologies, a pioneer in high-speed GigE Vision cameras and NO-DATA-LOSS vision technologies, announces that its 100GigE Zenith HZ-65000-G and 25GigE Bolt HB-65000-G GigE Vision cameras are officially shipping. Both models are offered in monochrome and color versions and are based on the Gpixel GMAX3265 CMOS image sensor, a 65MP sensor with 3.2×3.2µm pixel size and 9344 x 7000 resolution. Through a 100GigE QSFP28 interface, the HZ-65000-G reaches 71fps, while the HB-65000-G reaches 35fps through a 25GigE SFP28 interface. Both cameras offer low-cost accessories, low CPU overhead, low latency, low jitter, and accurate multi-camera synchronization using IEEE 1588. Both GigE Vision and GenICam compliant, the cameras accommodate cable lengths from 1 m up to 10 km without costly fiber converters/repeaters. “Imaging applications continue to evolve and expand, pushing the need for cameras that can keep pace with the resolution and speeds required in some of today’s most challenging tasks,” says John Ilett, president and CTO at Emergent Vision Technologies. “Whether a demanding machine vision application like electronics inspection or applications beyond the factory floor, such as virtual reality or volumetric capture and metaverse systems, systems integrators need reliable, high-performance cameras like the HZ-65000-G and HB-65000-G that offer the sensor size and frame rates for the job.” See Our 10GigE to 100GigE Technologies at Automate 2023Emergent showcases its 25GigE HB-65000-G and 100GigE HZ-65000-G at Automate from May 22 to May 25. The company also highlights additional 100GigE cameras, including area scan models like the HZ-2000-G (2.5MP, 3462fps) and the HZ-10000-G (10MP, 1000fps) and line scan models like the LZ-16KG5 (16Kx16, 400KHz). In addition, Emergent demonstrates its eCapture Pro comprehensive development software, along with a range of additional 10GigE and 25GigE cameras. For end users looking to maximize the effectiveness of their 100GigE and 25GigE cameras, Emergent Vision Technologies offers a line of network interface cards (NICs). Along with 10GigE options, the company offers 2- and 4-port 25GigE Hermes NICs and 1- and 2-port 100GigE Zeus NICs, which deliver optimal performance for any video stream with minimal system memory utilization, along with low latency and low jitter. These NICs also feature real-time, front-panel 5 V TTL trigger input for added flexibility, along with support for the GigE Vision Streaming Protocol (GVSP), Windows and Linux operating systems, GPUDirect, and camera multiplexing and multicasting with switches. Emergent also showcases its NICs at Automate 2023.
Marsh Bellofram earns safety recognition
ARPM recognizes group for Best Safety Practices U.S.-based manufacturer Marsh Bellofram is being recognized for its commitment to safety in the workplace. The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM) will honor the company at its 2023 Safety Awards by recognizing Marsh Bellofram in its Best Safety Practice category. The ARPM safety awards recognize companies in the manufacturing industry that have achieved excellent safety techniques that go beyond adherence to regulations. They are based on OSHA 300’s log of work-related injuries and illness statistics and safety best practices. Marsh Bellofram is a global manufacturer with 13 divisions focused on high-performance OEM, industrial, and process control instrumentation as well as elastomers, including diaphragms and specialty silicones. Marsh Bellofram’s environmental, health, and safety manager, Jonathon Monfredi, said the culture of health, wellness, and protection starts with Marsh Bellofram’s safety committee. The committee begins with a broad, overarching view of operations, seeks to engineer away hazards, and then drills down to daily practices that, when given adjustment or focus, can improve safety. “Each safety committee member is given a monthly assignment to conduct individual audits in their work area and help with monthly safety initiatives,” said Monfredi. “By conducting focus inspections in each department, we’re able to identify potential safety issues that we otherwise may not have. It has helped improve our overall safety culture.” With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that fatal workplace injuries rose nearly 9% between 2020 and 2021, the last year for which there are issued reports, workplace safety remains a concern for all businesses, particularly in manufacturing, where humans and machines often work in close contact. Recognition like this from ARPM is a reward for past accomplishments but also serves as a reminder to be ever vigilant. Marsh Bellofram will be recognized on May 25 during ceremonies that are part of ARPM’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Summit being held in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about the 2023 Safety Awards, visit www.arpminc.com/ehs.
LEDtronics launches new series of High-Lumen and High-Efficiency LED High Bay Fixtures
LEDtronics® introduces the latest additions to its highly popular and affordable series of dimmable, high-lumen and high-efficiency LED High Bay Fixtures! These low-profile and competitively-priced luminaires join the company’s other HBL series to offer a superior light output in a compact, lightweight body that delivers the longevity, premium performance, reliability, and energy efficiency of LED lighting technology. These Title 24 Compliant HBL007 luminaires are three-way dimmable and provide a 115° wide angle beam with a uniform light distribution pattern. Because they are so lightweight, weighing only 5.2 to 20.3 pounds (2.3 to 9.2 kg), as well as very shallow in depth, they offer much easier installation and maximum flexibility in every sort of application, both indoors and outdoors — factory production areas, industrial plants, workshop areas, warehouses, depots, conference halls, indoor tennis and basketball courts, hangars, gymnasiums, subway and rail platforms, toll booths and many more! The six ETL-listed luminaires in the new HBL007 series come in a choice of input power ranging from 60 to 500 watts, and replace old-technology metal halide and high-pressure sodium bay lights from 100 to up to 1500 watts — a 70% energy savings! They provide luminosity ranging from 8,756 lumens for the 60W unit to close to 63,455 lumens for the 500W unit, in 5000K Pure White lighting with a high CRI greater than 80. They are designed for eyebolt chain suspension installation, while the 500W unit may also be installed through bracket surface mount. Available attachments for these units include 60-degree-beam polycarbonate and 90-degree aluminum reflectors. Suitable for high-humidity sites, the IP65-rated and ETL-listed low-profile high bay lights have a durable, cold-forged aluminum heatsink with superior heat dissipation and anti-corrosion, together with a weather-resistant, tempered glass lens. They operate in a wide operating temperature range of ~-20°C to ~+65°C. Their solid-state construction renders them impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching, and environmental extremes. The HBL007 luminaires operate in a flexible input voltage range of 100 to 277VAC. Different wattages, color temperatures, and voltage options are available for qualified volume offers. The LEDtronics new ETL-listed high-efficiency LED High Bay Fixtures boast lumen maintenance of over 70 percent at more than 50,000 hours and come with an unconditional 5-year U.S. factory warranty. The series is available through LEDtronics distributors, and quantity discounts are available.
Episode 380: Scale Microgrids
Welcome to The New Warehouse podcast! Tim Victor is the Project Lead for Electric Vehicles at Scale Microgrid, a company dedicated to accelerating the adoption of distributed energy resources to create a cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable future. In this episode, Tim shares insights into the intersection of microgrids and electric vehicles in modern warehouses. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of microgrids and electric vehicles for warehouses. Additionally, Tim discusses how these technologies can help warehouses achieve energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability goals. If you’re interested in learning more about the future of energy and its relationship to modern warehousing, be sure to listen to this episode. What is a Microgrid? A microgrid can help ensure a reliable and consistent energy supply and provide added energy security for warehouses and other businesses. Tim describes a microgrid as “a self-sustained energy system that operates independently of the larger power grid.” It is essentially a smaller version of the traditional grid, with its own energy-generating assets and the ability to control voltage and frequency. Unlike traditional grids, a microgrid can disconnect from the larger grid in case of an outage or other disruption. Microgrids incorporate a variety of assets, such as rotating assets, solar panels, and battery storage systems, to function efficiently. They can operate in parallel with the utility, allowing optimal energy use or function independently by generating their own energy. Taking the Risk Out of Microgrid Adoption Scale Microgrid owns and operates its own projects and offers zero upfront cost. This allows them to show up to a site, build, design, implement, commission, operate, and maintain a project. Customers can spread costs over a longer term, making it easier for businesses without a large bank account to access these services. Scale Microgrid invests in high-quality and long-lasting technologies, which reduces the technology risk for its customers. This allows businesses unfamiliar with the technology to benefit without taking on the risk. Additionally, Scale can choose how to pursue sustainability and economics, providing the outcome their clients want without them having to understand how it works. The Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions of Electrifying Fleets in Warehouses As climate change continues to be a pressing issue on the global agenda, companies are looking to implement greener business practices to reduce their carbon footprint. One such practice is the electrification of fleets. Regulations on emissions are becoming increasingly stringent, and early electrification adoption may benefit companies. Benefits of Electrification Electrification of fleets can have many benefits for both the environment and the companies themselves. By reducing emissions, companies can positively impact the environment and contribute to the fight against climate change. Additionally, electric vehicles can have lower operating costs than traditional fossil fuel vehicles, reducing long-term expenses for companies. Infrastructure and Power Costs Infrastructure and power costs are concerns for companies looking to electrify their fleets. Companies must consider infrastructure needs and the associated power costs to prepare for this transition properly. Warehousing facilities are investing in their charging infrastructure. Still, there needs to be a system for fleets owned by third parties. Microgrids and distributed energy can help create more fuel predictability, reducing the risk of varying monthly costs. Challenges and Solutions Currently, the range benchmark for electric class eight vehicles is 300 miles, and companies must closely match their trips to those ranges. Outside depot charging is being considered an option, but complicated details such as cost and risk need to be discussed. Fleet electrification needs include OEMs, charging station providers, and consultants who can guide during the transition process. Regulations and incentives make the transition to electric delivery fleets attractive. Tim adds, “Clean truck rules where they’re essentially saying at some point in the next 10 to 15 years, it’s going to be a requirement.” The proposed rule changes by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would require organizations to disclose information about their climate-related risks and risk management processes, GHG emissions, and their impact on the company’s financial statements. This would make it easier for investors to assess a company’s exposure to transition risks and identify opportunities to improve climate risk management. The disclosure requirements would also help companies prepare to transition to a low-carbon economy and make informed decisions about their operations. Opportunities for Shared Electricity Use Utilizing microgrids in logistics parks could offer potential benefits in shared electricity use. By sharing electricity between companies, there are opportunities for cost savings and greater sustainability, as the amount of energy used can be optimized. In conclusion, the electrification of fleets is a crucial step towards sustainable practices and reducing one’s carbon footprint. While challenges remain, companies have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and potentially reduce long-term operating costs. Companies can ensure a smooth transition towards a greener future by considering factors such as infrastructure, power costs, and charging networks. Key Takeaways Utilizing microgrids in logistics parks could offer potential benefits in shared electricity use. Electrification of fleets is becoming increasingly prevalent to meet regulatory standards, and early adoption can be beneficial. Microgrids and distributed energy can help create more fuel predictability since producing power at the exact cost every time reduces the risk of varying costs each month. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 380: Scale Microgrids
Continental introduces NightViu® LED Working Lights
Robust and durable housings stand up to intense vibration, harsh conditions Uniform illumination improves visibility, reduces shadows The range includes ultra-wide, wide, flood, and spot beam patterns Low power consumption, high energy efficiency Continental, a global supplier of systems, components, and tires to automobile, truck, and agriculture/construction equipment manufacturers, and a trusted provider of OE-engineered aftermarket parts has introduced 16 new, premium working lights as part of the company’s NightViu® Lighting Solutions line. Engineered for use in construction, mining, and off-highway equipment applications, these new NightViu® Working Lights have been designed to help improve job site safety by dramatically increasing nighttime visibility. NightViu® LED Lights are built to withstand the harsh conditions found in construction, mining, and agriculture worksites. They feature rugged aluminum die-cast housings with cataphoretic coating, and resilient shatterproof polycarbonate lenses protect the advanced LED light sources. NightViu® Working Lights feature an integrated electronics driver and thermal management system to allow them to operate safely from -40°F to +190°F. They’re rated IP6K8 / IP6K9K for resistance to impacts, dust, and high-pressure water. The lights’ advanced LED technology delivers exceptional energy efficiency. They produce approximately 100 lumens per watt and have been designed to ensure that they do not create electrical interference that could affect the vehicle’s existing electronics. Working Lights for near and far With a choice of ultra-wide, wide, flood, and spot beam patterns, NightViu® Working Lights enable operators to spot obstacles and hazards around the entire job site. Each of the Working Lights beam patterns is offered in a choice of 1,500, 2,500, 3,500, and 4,500-lumen performance for a total of 16 lights in the NightViu® Working Lights range. “These new NightViu® Working Lights raise the standard for versatility and durability,” notes Edwin Betancourt Jr, Product Manager, Continental. “With three mounting options, integrated connectors, and 16 lighting variants, they can be easily integrated into any vehicle application.”
Dialight introduces DC Crane Vigilant High Bay fixture for overhead crane applications
Dialight announced the availability of its newest fixture, the DC Crane Vigilant High Bay, designed to specifically meet the needs of overhead crane applications. Overhead crane applications, common to heavy industrial settings such as metals and steel processing, are notorious for large voltage swells and dips, which occur during the operation and regeneration of the cranes. Even the most robust lighting fixtures face the risk of failure in these unforgiving conditions. Compromised power supplies and electronic components can plunge work areas into darkness or put the lights into a fault state, introducing an unnecessary safety risk. Dialight’s DC Crane Vigilant High Bay features a wide 250-480VDC input range with built-in 6kV surge protection and can handle short-term voltage swells of up to 778VDC for at least 60 seconds. In addition to Dialight’s integrated custom power supplies, these fixtures also carry additional features to withstand harsh industrial environments, including a copper-free aluminum housing with a dual powder coat finish, robust tempered glass lens, IK10 impact rating, and an ambient temperature range of up to 65°C on most models. With a broad lumen output range of 12,000 lumens up to 40,000 lumens, there are models to suit a wide variety of mounting heights and applications. “Dialight has long been the gold standard in LED lighting for hazardous and industrial applications”, said Fariyal Khanbabi, Dialight CEO. “We are proud to be able to expand our offering to those with specific performance needs to meet the challenges of overhead crane operation. Our DC Crane fixture offers customers Dialight’s hallmark reliability and industry-leading 10-year warranty with specific features to protect against voltage sags and swells.” Dialight has a proud heritage of robust engineering and comprehensive product testing. The DC Crane Vigilant High Bay has been vibration tested to Lloyd’s Register and IEC 60068-2-6 across a broad frequency range of 10-150Hz, and 750,000 cycles. It carries Dialight’s industry-leading 10-year warranty to ensure long-term reliable operation, even in the most difficult environments.
LEDtronics introduces new Tunable LED Linear High Bay Luminaires for versatile lighting solutions
LEDtronics®, a LED lighting solutions company, has announced its latest line of LED Linear High Bay Luminaires. These versatile lighting solutions offer a wide range of features and benefits that make them ideal for various applications. The new Linear High Bays are available in both 2-foot and 4-foot lengths and feature multi-wattage and multi-color temperature tunable units. With the ability to choose from three different CCTs – 3500K Medium White, 4000K Natural White, and 5000K Pure White, and wattage options ranging from 15 to 60 watts, these luminaires are customizable to fit any lighting need. Available with five mounting options and suitable for wet locations with a protection rating of IP66, they are a great solution for many applications, including production areas, canopies, stairwells, warehouse and workshop lighting, food processing facilities, equestrian parks, farmyards, parking areas and garages, tunnels, and bridges. They have a wide operating temperature range of -40°F to +104°F (-40°C to +40°C). The LED technology used in these luminaires provides high-quality lighting that improves visibility and enhances safety in any environment. They operate on a 120 to 277 AC voltage range, providing a wide 120-degree beam of uniform, diffused lighting, with a high color rendering index of 80 or more. Additionally, they are dimmable when wired to an external 0-10V dimmer, and are Title 24 certified in California. “We are thrilled to offer our customers a new line of LED Linear High Bay Luminaires that provide the versatility they need in their lighting solutions,” said Pervaiz Lodhie, CEO and founder of LEDtronics. “Our Linear High Bays are designed to be energy-efficient, durable, and easy to install, making them an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.” All the units feature a frosted polycarbonate white diffuser lens, which eliminates glare and is integrated with crystals that enhance even light distribution, and a lightweight, flexible, and durable white polycarbonate housing that resists vandalism, high impact, and shock, with a stainless steel heatsink. The rugged construction of these luminaires makes them perfect for use in harsh environments. Because LEDs have no filament, their solid-state design renders them impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching, and environmental extremes. These ETL-listed LED lights do not emit large amounts of heat, and little to no ultraviolet or infrared light, unlike traditional halogen, metal halide or high-pressure sodium bulbs. The latest LED Linear High Bay Luminaires have an extended lifespan of up to 50,000 hours and come with a five-year LEDtronics Warranty. They include mounting hardware for wall, ceiling or suspended mounting as well as silicon gasket and closure clips for secure, even sealing. Other installation options include tamperproof bracket mounting, surface or suspension mounting, junction box cover mounting, and 45° surface mounting. The latest LEDtronics LLL01- and LLL02-3550-101D series of Linear High Bay Luminaires with tunable color temperatures and wattages are available through LEDtronics distributors. Quantity discounts are available, as well as customized options such as an emergency battery with test button, junction-box cover, tamper-proof or 45°-angled luminaire surface mountings, clear polycarbonate lens, photo sensor, and an 8-ft linear luminaire.
Flight Systems celebrates 55th anniversary
Flight Systems Industrial Products (FSIP) established in 1968, celebrates its 55th anniversary. In the early years, FSIP designed and manufactured aviation electronics for aircraft and runways. Today, they are recognized for electronic manufacturing, remanufacturing, electrification design, as a distribution channel, and offering solutions for battery equipment. The products offered serve numerous markets including material handling, golf cars, ATVs/UTVs, mining, boating, cleaning, go-karting, ground support equipment, and more. FSIP is committed to providing its customers with products and services that are the best in the electric vehicle industry. They employ technical expertise, efficient manufacturing practices, and OEM relationships to provide cost-effective, reliable solutions across EV markets. Battery Management – Chargers, load banks/dischargers, modules, regeneration, & watering systems Parts/Components -Contactors, controllers, conversion kits, displays/gauges, joysticks, motors, and test equipment, etc. Services – Manufacturing, Remanufacturing, Distribution, Electric System Design, and Battery Solutions Company General Manager, Pamela Jones stated “We have achieved this landmark anniversary through the hard work and dedication of our organization. Our focus is on culture, outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and innovation. We aim to fully satisfy our customer’s requirements and expectations while always keeping an eye on the future and working to service the fast-changing products and markets that we serve”. For more information about Flight Systems Industrial Products visit shop.fsip.biz. For product inquiries, contact Sales Support at 1-800-333-1194 or email: sales@fsip.biz Our team members are available between 8:00 -5:30 ET.
Lincoln Electric completes acquisition of Fori Automation LLC
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc has announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Fori Automation, LLC (“Fori”) and closed on a $400 million senior secured term loan to partially fund the acquisition. “We are excited to welcome Fori into Lincoln Electric and expand our leading portfolio of automation solutions and engineering expertise to advance customers’ productivity needs,” stated Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The transaction brings together two innovative organizations who are guided by similar values and follow a ‘customer-first’ approach.” Mapes continued, “The acquisition increases our annualized automation portfolio revenue to over $850 million as we advance towards our Higher Standard 2025 Strategy $1 billion target and our added scale allows us to better serve customers’ growing automation demands across different end markets.” The acquisition’s operating results will be reported in Lincoln Electric’s first quarter 2023 financials, with approximately 75% of Fori’s revenue reported within the Americas Welding Segment and the balance in International Welding. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Company earnings, excluding transaction costs, at approximately $0.12 to $0.15 per diluted common share on an annual basis in 2023.
New Low Voltage LED Panel Indicator Bulbs are color-coded for convenience and energy savings
LEDtronics®, Inc., adds a new series of low-voltage lamps to its large and constantly expanding selection of LED Metal Panel Indicators, as direct replacements for inefficient and low-performing incandescent counterparts. These 12VDC panel indicators with a 0.10-inch wide spade terminal fit 14mm (0.551 inches) mounting holes inside control panels and status indicators located in power plants, assembly lines, industrial controls, automotive, and more applications. They fit panels with a thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 8mm. The PT14M-012V-T1 series LED lamps feature a shallow, color-tinted, diffused lens dome with a nickel-plated bezel and a 5mm LED; they are offered in a choice of aqua green, super red, and super yellow colors. The matching color of the polycarbonate body and base makes it a convenient indication of the color of the lamp. They are housed in copper alloy and come with a black Buna-N O-ring, an 18-8 stainless steel internal-tooth lock washer, and an H59 nickel-plated brass nut with a maximum torque of 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm). These 12VDC LED panel mount lamps only consume a minimal 0.1 watt of power and operate on an input current of 0.006 amperes, providing a luminous intensity range of 100 to 1325 millicandelas and a luminous flux between 0.1 and 1 lumens, depending on color. The angle of illumination varies between 40 and 75 degrees. They are IP67 rated – dust-tight and immersion in water up to 1 meter in depth. Solid-state design renders them impervious to electrical and mechanical shock, vibration, frequent on-and-off switching, and environmental fluctuation. Additionally, these ROHS-compliant LED lamps contain no harmful mercury or other toxic elements and, unlike their incandescent counterparts, generate only negligible heat and emit neither UV/IR. Their long life, energy savings of up to 90% over incandescent lamps, and reliability in a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C lower costs and reduce re-lamp frequency. Utility monitors, industrial designers, and maintenance departments will find these lights to be excellent solutions for maintenance-intensive and critical-process applications. The latest series of LEDtronics Low-Voltage LED Metal Panel Indicator Lights with spade terminals come with an unconditional 3-year U.S. factory warranty. They are available through LEDtronics distributors, and quantity discounts are available. Other voltages and color options for large quantities and qualified applications are also available.
Smart Vision Lights launches Lightgistics Machine Vision Lights for the Logistics Industry
Smart Vision Lights (SVL), a global provider in the design and manufacture of innovative LED illumination solutions, introduces the Lightgistics series, which aims to improve logistics and track-and-trace through machine vision lighting that offers greater than 10x brighter light pulses than its standard continuous mode. Highly reflective plastic wraps and shipping bags that present challenges in logistics applications such as barcode reading and optical character recognition (OCR), where speed and accuracy are key to success. Polarizers can overcome glare, but they reduce light output and therefore decrease clarity. The new Lightgistics series lights featuring Dual OverDrive — which combines SVL’s Deca OverDrive and standard OverDrive engines — are specifically designed to overcome this common challenge, allowing end users to attach polarizers while retaining exceptional light output that can handle any speed. “With Dual OverDrive, each light has two OverDrive engines, the first of which is Deca OverDrive, followed by Standard OverDrive,” says Steve Kinney, Director of Training, Compliance, and Technical Solutions at SVL. “When triggered, Deca OverDrive mode delivers a light pulse that is double standard OverDrive levels, resulting in a pulse up to 1 ms in duration that is more than 10 times brighter than most lights in standard continuous mode.” Available in the ring and linear formats, the new lights offer direct connection and control through a camera’s trigger output. The ring lights can be mounted directly to most common machine vision camera housings through optional mounting plates, while the linear lights come in 300 or 600-mm lengths and can be used to create tunnel systems capable of illuminating a package of any size. The result is perfect readability, no matter the shape or material. The JWL150-DO, JWL225-DO, RHI200-DO, and LHI200-DO Lightgistics lights also feature a new integrated cable that connects to the camera, light, and controller and reaches up to 15 m, while universal mounts mean the lights work with almost any camera on the market. The combination of the integrated control cable and the universal mount provides a compact, one-unit solution for plug-and-play functionality. Although the Lightgistics series targets logistics applications, the new lights can be reliably deployed into any high-speed inspection application involving fast-moving objects and quick repetition times.
IDEC announces new low-profile touchless switches
LED illumination and indoor/outdoor durability make these low-profile touchless switches ideal for clean and functional industrial and public applications IDEC Corporation has introduced a new line of CW low-profile touchless switches suitable for many hygienic industrial and public automation applications, addressing cleanliness concerns for protecting against COVID-19 and other contamination. Touchless switches are durable and reduce the total cost of equipment operation. Previously untouchable savings World events have introduced a new sense of urgency among people to find ways for minimizing unnecessary touching of objects in the environment. IDEC is contributing to the well-being of these users by introducing touchless switches, which reduce or remove the need for personnel to sanitize the switch faces, saving labor and the cost of chemicals, and eliminating the need for protective films. Because there is no contact involved, users do not need to dispose of gloves or wash them after using these switches. The lack of mechanical contact and cleaning also reduces switch deterioration, providing a long operational lifetime. Touchless technology The CW touchless switches are designed with a sleek and nearly flush (just 2mm rise) low-profile surface silhouette. They are built for an industry standard 22mm mounting hole and require only a shallow 35mm space behind the panel face, plus room for the wiring connector. The typical installation pitch is 30mm in width and 50mm in height. Operating temperatures range from -25 to +55DegC. A rubber washer and locking ring ensure IP65/67 and NEMA Type 4X ratings are maintained. The CW1H housing and bezel are black plastic resin, and the CW4H is silver aluminum alloy metal. Although the switches are rated for outdoor use, are made from weather-resistant materials, and are highly resistant to visible light, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from direct sunlight can cause material degradation and color fading, and even false signals. Additionally, as with almost any signaling device, dirt and water droplets can impact operation. Therefore, designers should check product performance before use, and consider degrees of physical protection. The switch front face contains a central emitter and receiver sensing lens, and an LED indicator ring. Infrared LED diffuse reflection technology is used to detect objects. The detection distance is adjustable, typically ranging from 70 to 270mm depending on the color, material, and surface condition of the object to be detected. For example, dark gloves can be detected, but at a shorter distance than a bare hand. When two switches are installed close together, their emitting frequencies are automatically adjusted for mutual interference prevention, ensuring the switches do not trigger each other. Switch output is a non-contact photoMOS relay, available without a timer or with a 0.5s on-delay and a 2.0s off-delay. Reverse connection protection is included, and the switch operates at a nominal 12 to 24V DC with 100mA max load current. The two-color LED ring, which can be externally controlled to illuminate in red or green, provides status feedback for users. Clean applications are everywhere While the recent pandemic has elevated awareness about cleanliness and hygiene worldwide, there have always been major industries—such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, and chemical—where sanitary operation is of the utmost importance. Even in common consumer applications like elevators, ATMs, vending machines, and soda fountains, users prefer touchless operation methods. Equipment owners can benefit from the economical incorporation of touchless switches because they eliminate ongoing and expensive sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization of surfaces.