Equipment Showcase: Mobile Technologies
Mobile technologies have numerous applications in commercial power plants and for the power generation industry. Mobile devices help provide communications and data transfer within facilities, along with real-time and near-time data transfer to and from the field. Deployment of mobile technologies can improve the accuracy of positioning components inside and outside of a plant. Mobile tech also is more often being used for power generation, providing emergency and backup power to storm-affected areas, and bringing electricity to remote locations far from the grid. Some of the leading manufacturers and service companies for mobile technology serving the power generation industry are featured here.
Advantech-DLoG Launches AIM-65 Industrial TabletAdvantech-DLoG, an industrial computer provider, announced its AIM-65 industrial-grade tablet aimed at fleet management and field service applications is now available. The tablet's Intel Atom x5-Z8350 quad-core processor supports both Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Android 6.0.1 operating systems for flexible configuration. AIM-65's lightweight, rugged design ensures maximum portability and configuration flexibility for a wide range of usage scenarios. The device hardware includes an 8-inch WUXGA IPS full high-definition LCD display with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and multi-touch PCAP control. The tablet includes built-in Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communication), 3G/4G LTE, and Bluetooth 4.0 technology to facilitate high-speed data transmissions, such as over-the-air updates while enabling real-time communication with back-end control systems. The AIM-65 is durable, able to withstand operation in extreme in-vehicle/outdoor environments, with an operating temperature from -10C to ~50C. Advantech-DLoG, Milpitas, California
The E9000 emissions analyzer with heated sample line from E Instruments International is a complete portable system for Environmental Protection Agency compliance-level emissions monitoring and testing. The E9000 is ideal for regulatory and maintenance use in boiler, burner, engine, turbine, furnace, and other combustion applications. The E9000 includes up to nine total gas sensors; electrochemical sensors for oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide; and nondispersive infrared sensors for carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and high carbon monoxide. The analyzer also features a heated probe head and sample line; internal thermoelectric chiller with automatic condensate removal; and internal data storage memory. It has a built-in printer with non-fading paper, Android app to monitor and save data, and software with automatic data logging. It also is low-NOx and true NOx capable and has pre-calibrated gas sensors. E Instruments offers the E6000 hand-held industrial combustion gas and emissions analyzer. The E6000 can measure up to six gases simultaneously. It has a built-in printer and full color graphic display, with automatic data saving and expanded internal memory. E Instruments International, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Opto 22, a manufacturer of industrial automation tools tied to the industrial internet of things (IIoT), has launched its groov EPIC system, which combines input/output (I/O), control, data processing, and visualization into one secure, maintainable, edge-of-network industrial system. The system allows engineers and developers to focus on delivering value, not on triaging loosely connected components. The groov EPIC combines reimagined intelligent I/O with an embedded Linux real-time controller, gateway functions, and an integrated display in a field-proven industrial hardware design with a modern software ensemble. The groov EPIC connects legacy systems, controlling processes, and automating machines. It can acquire and publish data, and visualize that data where it is needed, allowing for mobile operation in a variety of industrial settings, including power plants. The groov EPIC simplifies commissioning and wiring and helps engineers develop rapidly and deploy quickly. Opto 22, Temecula, California
Mindgrub, a digital innovation agency, collaborated with teams at Exelon to develop native iOS and Android applications that provide fast, secure access to services and information for utility customers including those of BGE, PECO, and ComEd. The mobile applications include detailed energy usage information (including bill comparison over time, bill forecasting, and usage data and trends), alerts (including upcoming payment reminders, notifications when a bill is ready to be viewed, and outage status updates), and effortless bill pay. The new "slide to pay" option allows users to pay their energy bills in full with the simple swipe of a finger, right from their mobile device's home screen. The applications are available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Mindgrub, Baltimore, Maryland
APR Energy is a leading provider of fast-track mobile turbine power, featuring an advanced fleet of mobile turbines that are fuel-efficient, power dense, emissions-friendly, and flexible. The compact mobile turbines are designed for rapid shipment and take only days to install. The dual-fuel turbines are flexible enough to run on diesel, natural gas, LNG, LPG, and more. Once in operation, the TM2500 model can reach full power in less than 10 minutes. The modular turbine solutions can be scaled to meet capacity requirements ranging from 15 MW to 500 MW or more-enough to power entire cities in some cases. Mobile gas turbines offer significant grid stability advantages over reciprocating engines. The turnkey solution offers a complete balance of plant, as well as a full-service package. A modular plant using these compact, power-dense turbines is a perfect fit for locations with space constraints and emergent needs. For example, last year APR Energy supplied turbines in Mexico after a major earthquake damaged generating capacity at Pemex's largest refinery, in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, and in South Australia to defend against summer power outages, among others. APR Energy, Jacksonville, Florida
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