As we prepare for the beginning of Summer, 2007, we are reminded once again that our energy destiny is not in our own hands.  If you are preparing to drive your family to the lake, the beach or to see some of our national treasures, you'll be paying upwards of $3.00 per gallon for fuel. This fact serves as a constant reminder to us all, that energy conservation makes good economic sense. You take steps to be sure that your vehicle is in tiptop condition, to maximize its fuel efficiency.

You should be taking the same care with the state of readiness of your mechanical systems. It has never been more important to ensure the level of preventative and predictive maintenance of your systems. It has never been more important to invest in your technical education and that of your staff. Small investments in these areas will pay huge dividends in energy savings. The companies that pay attention to energy conservation and the utilization of sustainable resources are the companies who will be successful.

******
The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.
******

GREEN NEWS

Wal-Mart Begins Solar Power Pilot Project
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart announced that it has launched a solar power pilot project to determine solar power's viability for the company. It is purchasing solar power equipment from BP Solar, SunEdison and PowerLight to be installed in California and Hawaii in 22 locations, including Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club warehouse stores and a distribution center. Wal-Mart says the project is part of its goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy.

 Read more

Hertz Green Collection: Reserve and conserve
Now you can reserve fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars that are both easy on the wallet and suitable for families and small groups traveling together. Reservable by specific make and model with an EPA highway fuel-efficiency rating of 28 miles or more per gallon.www.hertz.com

******
Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.
******

OTHER NEWS

Don't use this referral when selling maintenance contracts!
AC Unit Still Operational After 46 Years Without Regular Maintenance

MOKENA, Ill. - The owner of a suburban Chicago heating and cooling company recently conducted a contest to locate the oldest functioning air-conditioning unit in the Chicago area. The winning entrant was a 46-year-old unit that still blows cool air. The owner of the unit says she never had the unit cleaned and inspected.

 Read more

ARI Lobbies for Shorter Commercial HVAC Depreciation Period

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) has called on the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to modify the tax code to reduce the depreciation period for commercial HVAC&R equipment to 20 years. The current depreciation period is 39 years, which, according to ARI, does not reflect the normal 15  to 20 year life span of HVAC&R equipment. ARI's position is that reducing the depreciation period for HVAC&R systems provides an incentive for building owners to upgrade to more efficient equipment by allowing them to expense more of the cost of the system each year.

******
The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting
something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
******

TECH TIPS

'Things to Remember' for Variable Frequency Drive Installations:
Here is a checklist of important actions when installing VFD's:

Pre-Power Up Check List: 

  • Inspect the internal condition of the drive for physical damage. Check heat sinks and cooling fan for debris and clean if necessary.
  • Check that the VFD is securely mounted on a solid, vibration-free surface away from dripping water. Ensure proper operational ambient temperature and relative humidity as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Verify proper spacing on all four sides for free flow of cooling air. Allow adequate space for servicing the cooling fan.
  • Check low voltage Inputs/Outputs for correct connections according to the application. Ensure no AC voltage is applied to any of the inputs or the Digital Output.
  • If a remote electrical disconnect exists between the outgoing terminals on the VFD and the motor load to be controlled, ensure control interlock wiring is installed in the run permissive circuit for safety shutdown when the remote disconnect is open. Use "late make/early break" contacts.
  •   Check for proper grounding of both the VFD and the motor. Both must be securely connected to any nearby frame material and to a good earth ground with large gauge cable (braided, multi-core bonding). Do not rely on conduit for grounding. Inadequate grounding can result in premature motor bearing failure and/or lethal voltages on the case due to RFI buildup.
  • Insure that the proper gauge motor, mains and ground cables are used (see manufacturer's specifications and instructions). Verify all terminal connections are tight (see tightening specifications). Do not over-tighten.
  • Do not install motor cables in long parallel runs with other cables. Motor cables should cross other cables at 90 degrees. Check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure proper distancing.
  • Mount the VFD as close as possible to the motor. Ensure the manufacturer's instructions for cable lengths are adhered to.
  • Make sure that the input and output cables have not been reversed. If this happens and power is applied, the VFD will likely be damaged. Disconnect the output (motor) cables from the VFD prior to power up.    

Post-Power Up Check List:

  • Replace all covers. Apply power to the VFD. Ensure that all three input phases are present and the display of the VFD is correct.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure correct application set up. Verify the correct operation of the display (if present). Make sure the "stop" command is present.
  • Ensure that all required parameters and identifications are programmed in to the unit, per manufacturer's instructions (no shortcuts!).
  • Set acceleration/deceleration parameters per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Properly save the program.
  • Power down the VFD and wait 5 minutes for the DC bus voltage to discharge to a safe level. Reconnect the output (motor) cables to the VFD. Replace the covers & restore power to the VFD.
  • Ensure that it is mechanically safe to operate the motor. In "keypad" control enter a speed reference of 10%. Press the start button and observe the direction of motor rotation. If the load rotates in the wrong direction, power down, wait 5 minutes, and reverse the connection of two of the output (motor) cables on the VFD.
  • If the VFD is to be commanded from external inputs, change toe control place from "keypad" to "I/O terminal." Initiate the forward run input and vary the speed reference input to confirm VFD operation.

******
99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
******

TRAINING NEWS

Whether you are seeking pneumatic training or Niagara-based systems training, our latest schedule is sure to have something of interest to you. Keep in mind that any of the courses you see on our schedule may be brought to your facility. Call Frank or Mark at 800-237-9800 for more information.  Click here to view the entire schedule.


******
A calorie is a measurement of how good food tastes.
******

PICTURE OF THE MONTH

You gotta make do with what you have, sometimes!


If you have a colleague who would benefit from this email,
enter their email address below and click "Mail to a friend"


Only click once. There will be no confirmation. Thanks Again.


 To be removed from our mailing list click here.

 To change your email address for our mailing list click here.