 IdaTech is developing compact fuel-cell power-generation systems and components for applications ranging from powering recreational vehicles to heating homes. |
IdaTech, a subsidiary of IDACORP, and Atwood Mobile Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Dura Automotive Systems Inc., have developed an alliance to develop a portable fuel-cell system for the recreational vehicle (RV) industry. Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water using an electrochemical process.
"Atwood understands RVs, and we understand fuel-cell systems, which provide compact, quiet, and environmentally friendly sources of power well suited to the RV lifestyle," said Alan Guggenheim, President of IdaTech. "With Atwood, we intend to design a system, including related power control equipment, that is specifically tailored for the portable platform of a recreational vehicle. Our plan is to develop an onboard electrical power system that is quiet and produces little vibration or pollution. The jointly developed product will be a fully-integrated system that RV manufacturers worldwide can install in their vehicles."
"We see fuel cells as the future for clean, quiet sources of electrical power for many devices in RVs," said Atwood President Bob Pickering. Atwood designs and manufactures engineered component systems for recreation and specialty vehicles, boats, and the towed equipment markets. "Together with IdaTech, we will overcome the challenges of weight, space, and cost to deliver a truly convenient and valuable source of electricity."
Last month, IdaTech delivered a prototype 3-kW fuel-cell system to the Research and Development Division of ElectricitŽ de France (EDF). EDF supplies electricity to 31 million customers in France. "Fuel cells are a promising source of energy and electricity that can be a good complementary solution to traditional large-scale power generating plants in France, especially for isolated sites," said Alain Pinget, Group Manager-Field Testing for EDF.
"EDF will be field testing the prototype unit this spring," said Guggenheim, adding that the IdaTech-patented EDF fuel cell, "is targeted for a residential application in France, but is applicable to any location in the world where fuel is available."
IdaTech's fuel-cell system uses a chemical process to produce electricity from a mixture of methanol and water. The system delivered to EDF is similar to experimental units that IdaTech is currently testing with the Bonneville Power Administration in the Pacific Northwest and to the units the company demonstrated in Canada, Japan, and Denmark in the fall of last year. The system—packaged in a ribbed metal enclosure with plastic wraparound panels—is designed to supply enough electricity, as well as clean, useable heat, to power a typical single-family home. While the fuel for the first EDF unit is methanol, future models are being designed to generate electricity from natural gas, propane, kerosene, diesel, and other conventional fuels for both stationary and portable applications.
 Ausco Products has introduced a new articulated loader parking brake for operation in harsh environments that the company claims will last the life of the vehicle. |
Ausco Products, Inc. has introduced a new articulated loader parking brake that it claims requires minimal maintenance, reduces manufacturing costs, and lasts for the life of the vehicle. The brakes are also designed for use on feller bunchers, log skidders, dump trucks, and other vehicles.
The spring-applied, hydraulically released, wet multi-disc brake is designed to operate in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance. The sealed brake and disc assemblies are sump-cooled, resist corrosion, and eliminate the need for an external oil supply.
In addition to maintenance savings, Ausco claims the location and design of the brake eliminate costly drivetrain components. Installed at the articulated joint and mountable to the frame in the driveline, the brake combines the joint's bearing carrier with the brake itself, removing the need for the bearing carrier. It also eliminates costly caliper brake installation and associated hardware such as the pump, discs and mounting brackets.
Because the wet brake creates no wear on the friction discs, the brake will last for the life of the vehicle. The brake's tapered roller bearings can endure thrust and side loads, and the brake is designed to survive a minimum of five dynamic stops.
Ausco originally designed the brake for John Deere H Series articulated front-end loaders to replace caliper brakes, which often become contaminated and require frequent friction pad replacements in the harsh environments loaders operate.
