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Following more than three years’ construction, Disneyland Paris and Axpo have equipped 11,200 parking spaces at the renowned entertainment resort with solar panels, it has been announced. The solar parking canopy, currently the largest of its kind in Europe, will generate 36 GWh of green electricity a year. The project is of strategic significance for Axpo in its development of renewable energies. Europe’s largest solar parking canopy In 2020, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Disneyland Paris, in collaboration with Axpo subsidiary - Urbasolar, commissioned the construction of Europe’s largest solar parking canopy. The facility is now fully operational. The unique project involved the installation of 82,000 solar modules, with a combined capacity of 36.1 MWp The unique project involved the installation of 82,000 solar modules, with a combined capacity of 36.1 MWp, over more than 20 hectares of parking space. The facility will produce 36 gigawatt hours (GWh) of climate-friendly electricity annually, enough to cover approximately 17 per cent of the theme park's current electricity consumption and equivalent to the needs of a city of 17,400 residents. The modules not only generate sustainable electricity, but also protect up to 11,200 cars, camper vans, and tour buses from sunlight, rain and snow. Strategically important project for both partners The large-scale project is part of Disneyland Paris's broader environmental strategy, which aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize energy supply. The solar parking canopy will reduce CO2 emissions by 890 tons of CO2 a year in the Val d'Europe. Axpo Head of Solar, Antoine Millioud, said: “The commissioning of Europe's largest solar parking canopy is strategically important for Axpo because with this project we are making a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable renewable electricity supply. We have established a relationship of trust with Disneyland Paris, enabling us to collaborate on the decarbonization of leisure infrastructures and, more widely, contribute to the energy transition.” Combat climate change Disneyland Paris Director of Planning and Environment, Damien Audric, said: “With this facility, we aim to contribute to combating climate change. It is also a priority for us to continuously enhance the visitor experience. Thanks to the parking canopies, we not only produce locally generated renewable electricity, but also offer comfort to visitors by protecting them from heat, rain, and snow, whether they arrive by car, camper van, or bus.”
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has expanded its Siemens Xcelerator partner ecosystem to include the TESSA® APM suite of transformer and switchgear condition monitoring and management applications from Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen. This addition marks a significant advancement in providing comprehensive solutions for grid management, empowering utilities with unparalleled visibility and condition monitoring of their asset fleets. Siemens Xcelerator portfolio Transformer monitoring applications will be an integral part of Electrification X Asset Management Switchgear and transformer monitoring applications will be an integral part of Electrification X Asset Management, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, an open digital business platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster, and at scale. This latest addition comes at a pivotal time as utilities around the world grapple with the challenges of aging infrastructure, increasing loads, and the need for rapid digitalization to improve the resilience of their distributed networks against environmental and cybersecurity threats. APM suite from Machinenfabrik Reinhausen “The digitalization of energy distribution, automation systems, and networks brings many advantages. Not only does it lead to substantial savings in terms of time and money, it also significantly boosts efficiency and reliability,” says Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Stephan May adds, “By adding the TESSA® APM suite from Machinenfabrik Reinhausen to our open ecosystem, customers benefit from an expanded offering across their entire asset fleet with AI-enabled asset management. This latest move to integrate transformer and switchgear condition monitoring and management into Electrification X Asset Management demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainable innovation.” Power of SaaS and AI-enabled technologies By seamlessly integrating TESSA® APM with Electrification X Asset Management, customers gain a unified view of their entire substation, enabling proactive management and maintenance strategies. Leveraging the power of SaaS and AI-enabled technologies, Siemens’ solutions deliver actionable insights that help mitigate risk and optimize performance. Wilfried Breuer, CEO of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH, says: “The integration of TESSA® APM and Electrification X Asset Management allows customers to track the performance of the entire substation through a single glass cockpit, enabling early recognition of incipient faults and thus avoiding unplanned outages." Wilfried Breuer adds, "The Siemens Xcelerator partner ecosystem offers customers the benefits of integrated, tested, and certified modularity that combines the best-in-class TESSA® APM functionality of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen with Electrification X innovation from Siemens.”
Siemens and Mercedes-Benz have collaboratively developed a Digital Energy Twin to facilitate the future of sustainable factory planning in the automotive industry. Designed to support the ambition to run all fully owned production sites of the automaker worldwide on 100 percent renewable energies by 2039, the innovative Digital Energy Twin enhances, simplifies, and speeds the early phase factory energy planning process for both brownfield and greenfield sites, reducing planning time significantly. decarbonization and energy twin The collaboration combines the decarbonization and energy twin domain know-how of Siemens with the deep automotive knowledge of our renowned partner, to create a scalable tool for the automotive environment. Siemens will provide training and support, and maintain and continuously develop the Digital Energy Twin, as it is positioned for broad implementation across the Mercedes-Benz global production network. energy efficiency and cost savings Simulating a physical energy system verifies proposed planning scenarios for energy usage Based on behavioral models of buildings, technical equipment, and energy generation, the Digital Energy Twin which was designed and tested in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, at the ‘Factory 56’, connects inputs such as weather data, load profile simulation, building asset selection and dimensioning. Simulating a physical energy system, it verifies proposed planning scenarios for energy usage, providing recommendations on how to optimize desired outcomes including energy efficiency and associated cost savings, as well as emission reduction. Faster and transparent decision-making “By accurately modeling operational and energy usage scenarios, the Digital Energy Twin enables faster and more transparent decision-making in the early planning phases,” said Matthias Rebellius, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. Matthias Rebellius adds, “This demonstrates how at Siemens we are combining the real and digital worlds to drive scalable, sustainable progress in industries, and represents an exciting first step towards an integrated process for optimized planning, building operation, and production.” sustainable automotive production The co-created Digital Energy Twin demonstrates the potential of Siemens Xcelerator The co-created Digital Energy Twin demonstrates the potential of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform that accelerates digital transformation, enabling customers and partners to jointly develop tailored products and solutions for various industries. Siemens and Mercedes Benz established a strategic partnership in 2021 for sustainable automotive production, enabling cooperation on advancing the digitalization of sustainable production methods. Optimize energy-efficient building processes “The Digital Energy Twin is our answer to successfully visualize, analyze, and sustainably optimize energy-efficient building processes. Through this innovative approach, we benefit from a better understanding of existing factory buildings and transform them into living smart buildings,” said Arno van der Merwe, Vice President of Production Planning Mercedes Benz Cars. Arno van der Merwe adds, "Thanks to this transformative technology, we are maximizing their potential and setting forward-looking standards for energy-efficient and sustainable building use in Mercedes-Benz's global production network." Digital energy twins Digital energy twins are a key part of Siemens’ portfolio for supporting industrial customers in achieving their sustainability and decarbonization goals. Siemens recently announced that it was working with another strong international partner for its global Net Zero Production roadmap, using a digital energy twin to simulate energy use and identify where energy savings could be made at 15 breweries worldwide. Siemens estimates that energy savings of between 15-20 percent are achievable at each site, with an average CO2 reduction of 50 percent per site.
Sensata Technologies is excited to introduce a new addition to their PreView® Radar product line that will improve the safety of medium and heavy-duty vehicles worldwide. May 2024 marks the official launch of PreView® STA79, an advanced solution designed to enhance operator awareness and fleet safety, reducing accidents in a world where safety is paramount. Key Features of PreView® STA79 include: Three Adjustable Areas of Interest allow the sensor to be configured with a center zone matching the length of the vehicle, while the front and rear zones are independently set to align with the customers’ own unique requirements. 180-degree field of view eliminates blind spots along the entire side of the vehicle. Built in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to increase the alert level when turning into an object, even when a turn indicator is not used. Trailer mitigation to reduce false positive alerts on the trailer when turning. Side Turn Assist Operation: At speeds of 19 mph (30 km/h) or less, STA79 prioritizes alerting the driver of moving Vulnerable Road Users within the defined Area of Interest, while ignoring stationary objects, such as street signs and parked cars, to minimize ‘nuisance alerts’. An in-cab display provides a visual alert to the driver when not turning, and an audible/visual alert combination when the turn signal is active, or by utilizing the built in IMU capabilities to predict when the vehicle is turning. Lane Change Assist Operation: At speeds above 19 mph (30 km/h), STA79 is optimized for blind spot collision mitigation during lane changes and merging. The sensor, equipped with proprietary algorithms, prioritizes alerting on moving vehicles in the adjacent lane, ignoring stationary objects, such as guardrails and concrete barriers, to minimize ‘nuisance alerts’, and can have an Area of Interest unique from the slow speed operation. PreView® STA79 “With PreView® STA79, we have reimagined what a single radar sensor can do to improve the safe operation of commercial vehicles,” said Jamen McDermott, the Product Manager at Sensata Technologies. He adds, “Our mission is to empower drivers and operators with the tools and technologies they want and need to safely navigate our ever-growing, busy world. PreView® STA79 is not just a product; it incorporates more than 20 years of driver, safety manager and OEM feedback to create a catalyst for positive change in the way we approach safety.” PreView® STA79 Available for commercial deployment PreView® STA79 is now available for commercial deployment, with pilot programs underway in key industries and companies worldwide. Join them in ushering in a new era of on-road safety with PreView® STA79. Visit them in booth #2765 at Waste Expo, May 7-9, 2024, for an exclusive first look and hands-on experience.
Power Beat
Packaging materials help to protect fragile electronics and electrical components from breakage. Small electrical devices and electronics are often packaged in individual plastic coverings within a larger box. Manufacturers use a variety of plastics to produce anti-static bags, pouches, film, and bubble wrap for electronics. single-use plastics Excessive consumption of single-use plastics and other packaging materials is an emerging concern in the electrical market. The use of plastic and non-recyclable materials in equipment packaging is contributing to the electrical market’s environmental footprint. organic packaging More electrical manufacturers need to transition towards a more sustainable future and implement organic packaging. Companies can minimize the negative environmental impact and become more green-friendly. While the industry has previously had a negative environmental impact, many businesses are rectifying these issues. Using less paper, plastic, wood, metal packaging, and other auxiliary materials contributes to the goal of being lightweight, recyclable, and sustainable. polystyrene foam Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills Many electrical components are packaged with plastic shrink films. In addition, polystyrene foam can be used to cushion components, and plastic corner protectors may be used to strengthen boxes. Less than 10% of the plastic waste ever generated has been recycled. Plastics pollute the ocean and do not decompose in landfills. Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills, 14% is collected for recycling, and 14% makes its way to incineration facilities (which cause CO2 emissions). The negative impact of plastic The fact is, most plastics used for packaging are recyclable, although most wind up in landfills due to ineffective or non-existent packaging recovery schemes. In addition, plastics contribute to emissions of greenhouse gas at each stage of their lifecycles. Therefore, plastics, which contribute up to 13% of the total “carbon budget,” will negatively impact efforts to meet the Paris climate agreement. action against single-use plastics There is a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact Focusing on consumer behavior has spurred much of the campaign against plastics to date. For example, the federal government has taken steps to phase out single-use plastics in national parks and other public lands. Several states have taken action against single-use plastics. For example, New Jersey no longer allows grocery stores and retailers to distribute plastic bags. The Garden State has also banned polystyrene foam packaging from restaurants and food companies. However, there is also a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact. Maine and California are focusing on the issue and may be among the jurisdictions to target manufacturers’ role in single-use plastics. replacement alternatives There are replacement alternatives available, but they tend to add costs for manufacturers. For example, bioplastics are made with biodegradable sources that can break down faster than traditional plastics. However, bioplastics must be properly disposed of through composting to break down. Also, bioplastics are not recyclable and can even contaminate other recyclable materials. Disposal in a landfill, which is common, defeats the purpose of using more expensive materials. environmentally friendly alternatives Some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although it results in recyclables winding up in landfills Instead of polystyrene foam, packaging may consist of corrugated cardboard or plastic alternatives that are allegedly more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable wood or paper are other alternatives. However, disposal in landfills continues to be problematic with decomposition sometimes leading to the production of methane (a greenhouse gas). However, some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although recycling realities instead result in recyclables winding up in landfills, where they do not decompose. EPR schemes An added cost for electrical manufacturers might be a requirement to pay into extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. EPR is a strategy to add the estimated environmental costs associated with a product’s entire lifecycle to the cost of the product. In effect, the strategy assigns responsibility for the environmental impact of products to the manufacturer. Legislation Legislation to address packaging EPR has been implemented in Maryland, New York, Washington, and New Jersey (originally introduced in 2022 and still active). In 2016, the Product Stewardship Institute developed a model packaging EPR legislation, then updated it in 2019 with input from the industry and government. Maine and Oregon used the model to enact packaging EPR laws in 2021, Colorado followed suit in 2022 and, that same year, California also enacted legislation that the model informed.
The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.
Veterans make good job candidates. Military experience comes with a heightened work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Many veterans have experience working outdoors and with their hands. They are used to being team members. Coming out of the military, however, veterans may find themselves at a loss for a career path. “Veterans are used to getting up early, being on time, wearing a uniform, and they are dedicated and committed,” says Marvin Key, CEO and Co-Founder of ForgeNow, a training program for the electrical trades. “Veterans are a large percentage of our best graduates.” ForgeNow seeks to address the shortage of skilled workers in Dallas, Texas, community, and throughout the country. Key says the intensive eight-week course provides benefits comparable to two years of on-the-job training. At a community college or vocational school, such a course might take from 12 to 24 months. Bootcamp-style curriculum Currently, the courses cover residential electricians and residential HVAC. They will expand into industrial and commercial over time, and later add curricula for plumbing and maintenance technicians. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work Attendees train like military trains. The school is intensive, immersive, and full-time with a bootcamp-style curriculum. Trainees are equipped with a full uniform including work slacks, a t-shirt, a hoodie, and work boots, along with tools and a tool bag, all included in tuition. Training is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work. “We try to hold our graduates to a level they are not accustomed to,” says Key. ForgeNow opened for classes in January 2020, and soon faced challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. However, while other education alternatives transitioned to video and distance learning during the worst of the pandemic, the program continued to operate in person (and safely), providing hands-on education throughout the pandemic. Social distancing During the pandemic, ForgeNow followed all city of Dallas protocols, including sanitizing facilities and social distancing. They were approved to remain open during lockdown because they were training essential employees. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees “It’s been a challenging year and a half, but I am excited about the trends,” says Key. “Short-term immersive training in the way to go. The success speaks for itself.” In addition to serving former military students, ForgeNow also has several vets on the staff, including Co-Founder Rob Holmes, a combat veteran, and West Point grad, as well as an instructor who is a Marine. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees. GI Bill benefits Fully licensed and approved as an education facility in Texas, the program is eligible for federal training grants for the underemployed, Title IV federal financial aid funding, and veteran students can use their GI Bill benefits. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company A former Air Force recruiter, now retired, helps with enlisting students. Recruitment has accelerated recently; for a while, the pandemic prevented recruitment activities such as career fairs. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company. They work with Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas, the largest active U.S. military base, to attract candidates, and they promote the programs via social media. While welcoming to anybody, ForgeNow has identified three constituencies who are likely students. One is the U.S. veteran in transition, either from a non-commissioned or enlisted position, who is looking for new opportunities after their service. Recidivism Another constituency is the “second-chance community,” those who were formerly incarcerated and have been carefully screened as appropriate candidates. They work with reentry programs to clarify and understand the appropriate candidates, which are accepted on a case-by-case basis. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career In serving “second-chance” students, ForgeNow helps to address the problem of recidivism: nationally, roughly 70% of inmates who are released will end up back behind bars. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career. ForgeNow works with a handful of high-quality, faith-based reentry programs that recruit candidates from within the walls of prisons and help them develop life skills. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas has only a 7% recidivism rate. Inmates enrolled in such programs get new responsibilities and show initiative. ForgeNow participates in career nights sponsored by these organizations to recruit students. New citizen communities “We can provide training to give them an opportunity for skills and knowledge that will never leave them,” says Key. “So far, we have had more success stories than not. We are changing lives. We started this curriculum as a for-profit endeavor. I for one sorely underestimated the goodwill and societal contribution that training can make.” ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees The third constituency includes “new citizen communities,” including immigrants. For example, ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees who have a history with the U.S. military. There is a capacity of 100 students in the 20,000-square-foot facility, with one-third of the space dedicated to classrooms. There is also a 10,000-square-foot lab for in-person training on various equipment. Placing graduates Attracting students has been a challenge during the pandemic and its aftermath; in October, the program had 17 students. However, they have trained 150 students since the program began in January 2020. Placing graduates is among the company’s missions. “We are currently working to broaden the list of contractors/employers around the country who are welcoming to our graduates,” says Key. The network is a work-in-progress, but 100% of graduates in 2021 had job offers. As enrollment grows, it will take additional effort to maintain that level.
Case studies
As part of their strategy to address damp and mold, West Dunbartonshire Council will deploy Aico’s HomeLINK Environmental Sensors across all their properties. The Council is one of Scotland’s major social housing landlords, currently owning and managing over 10,400 homes, and are focusing on increasing energy efficiency, tackling existing issues, such as damp and mold, as well as improving tenant safety, health and well-being. Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025, Ei1020 Environmental Sensors The organization has taken the proactive approach to install the Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025 and Ei1020 Environmental Sensors in each of their homes, making this Scotland’s largest scaled Internet of Things (IoT) roll out to date. By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted into existing properties and can provide the council with a consistency on key air quality information, such as carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, as well as insights on fire and CO activations. This will then lead to insights such as indoor air quality (IAQ) risk, damp and mold, excess heat, cold homes, potential fuel poverty, and void risk. HomeLINK App for Residents The HomeLINK App for Residents empowers individuals to take control of their home’s indoor environment. Tenants will receive alarm testing reminders and tailored recommendations. Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mold and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve. Not only that, we will have data to track the problem and help us identify what the best approach to resolve it will be.” Biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal adds, “This is the biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland and I am proud that West Dunbartonshire’s approach to dealing with damp and mold is not only leading the way, but addressing the problem in an efficient and proactive manner.” As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies" Gregor Morrison, Regional Specification Manager for the West of Scotland said “As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies to help not only increase the level of home life safety, but to improve resident health and well-being. This progressive approach from West Dunbartonshire Council to provide all homes with the opportunity for this technology is admirable.” Incorporation of the Environmental Sensors Gregor Morrison adds, “The incorporation of the Environmental Sensors will be pivotal in generating essential home health insights, as well as providing data for the tenant through the resident app, leading to healthier and more energy-efficient homes within the community.” He continues, “Growing up in and around the social housing sector in Yoker & Clydebank, I’m really looking forward to continuing the close working relationship with WDC, and seeing first-hand the difference the technology can make within the community.”
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that it has delivered the first unit of an air-surveillance radar system to the Philippine Air Force last month. The system, which was designed, manufactured and tested in Japan, was ordered by the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines in August 2020. first unit of air-surveillance radar system delivered Mitsubishi Electric continues to work on the remaining units for future delivery This is the first time a Japanese company has transferred finished defense equipment to a foreign government since the Japanese government established the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology in April 2014. Mitsubishi Electric continues to work on the remaining units for future delivery. Mitsubishi Electric contributes to Japan’s security In accordance with the government’s aforementioned Three Principles, Mitsubishi Electric is contributing to Japan’s security by working to strengthen deterrence through cooperation with the Japanese government, in order to meet needs for joint development, equipment transfer and participation in supply chains involving various governments and companies in other countries.
Mota-Engil, a multi-national with activities focused on the construction and management of infrastructures, responsible for the construction of the Canoas wastewater lifting station, selected WEG as the provider of a large package of electrical solutions for an important initiative to decontaminate the waters of the Bogotá River, in Colombia. Sustainable development When the project is completed, the pumping station will receive the wastewater from approximately 70% of the city, corresponding to the Fucha, Tintal, and Tunjuelo river basins, and the wastewater from the Municipality of Soacha, to be later pumped to the future Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will be one of the largest in Latin America. This great milestone will make it possible to return quality water to the Bogotá River and guarantee the sustainable development of the country. Safe distribution of energy Seventeen medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers One of the great challenges of this project is to guarantee the safe distribution of energy to the electrical systems and motors. For this, WEG has supplied a complete 115 kV substation that includes two 30 MVA/115/13.2 kV transformers, adding more efficiency and reliability to the plant. 17 medium voltage switchgears were also supplied in addition to low voltage load centers. For this project, WEG will also be supplying six three-phase induction motors and six medium voltage variable frequency drives. Each 4,300 kW motor, vertically mounted, will be coupled to its respective pump and will be responsible for pumping 6.4 cubic meters of wastewater per second to 51.6 meters height from the well, one of the most critical processes in the plant. Improvement of the quality of life This demonstrates the company's ability to develop integrated solutions that meet the most diverse applications. With participation in other important projects in the water and wastewater segment, in various processes such as potable water treatment plants, wastewater treatment, and distribution systems, WEG reinforces its experience in this segment by being selected for this important project, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of the population and the environment.
WEG stands out once again by supplying a large custom-built induction motor for an Integrated Steel Plant in the Eastern part of India, in the state of Odisha. The induction motor of the MGW line, 26 MW/4 Poles/11 kV, is the largest ever manufactured in WEG's manufacturing site in India for the Indian market, it was selected to drive the main air compressor of the oxygen plant, essential for the operation of the entire Phase-1 of the steel production plant. challenges of interchangeability The project involved replacing an existing motor at the plant, a complex task that required technical expertise to overcome the challenges of interchangeability of the new motor with the existing structure. For this, it was essential to combine all the dimensions of the machine, ensuring that no modifications were necessary on-site or in the foundation. From the water inlet and outlet to the oil lines, cable entry points and shaft details, each element was carefully considered for an efficient transition. WEG supplies induction motor System criticality has been significantly minimized, eliminating the need for complex maintenance The choice of an induction motor not only met the technical demands, but also offered substantial advantages over synchronous motors, commonly used for this application because induction motors are rare in this size and power. System criticality has been significantly minimized, eliminating the need for complex maintenance associated with components such as the exciter and exciter panels, as well as delicate integration with motor and rotor telemetry systems. WEG's commitment The reliability of WEG's induction motor was a key element in keeping production running smoothly. Since the motor was installed, the steel plant has not experienced any unplanned downtime in the last one year of operation, contributing to a continuous and efficient production environment. With WEG's commitment to offer technological and reliable solutions to the market, this association not only increases the productivity of the plant, but also contributes to increasing the steel production capacity on Indian soil.