California Transport Refrigeration Unit Regulations in Development

Erika Thorson

Pending TRU California Regulation

Pending TRU regulations will require that diesel engines be phased out over the next six years in an effort to help improve the environmental impact of the trucking industry. Facility and fleet operators should consider options to reduce emissions at their facilities.

Truck Refrigeration Units, commonly referred to as TRUs, are refrigeration systems that are typically powered by internal combustion engines. TRUs control the environment of temperature-sensitive products that are transported in refrigerated trucks, trailers, railcars and shipping containers. TRUs are used to transport and store many products such as food, pharmaceuticals, plants, medicines, and chemicals.

Some companies use TRUs for extended cold storage. Distribution centers and grocery stores may run out of cold storage space in their buildings and then opt to store overflow goods in TRU-equipped trucks and trailers outside their buildings. Distribution centers, truck stops and other cold storage facilities also attract large volumes of TRUs that contribute to higher localized health risks. New regulations are developing concepts to reduce emissions from facilities with TRU activity by transitioning to zero-emission operation where practical.

According to SCE.com, Southern California Edison is aiding in these pending regulations by offering a program designed to help qualifying SCE commercial customers install the charging/powering infrastructure needed to electrify medium- and heavy-duty fleets. SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Program is providing a funding initiative for installation of infrastructure to SCE commercial customers. Through this program, SCE’s goal is to advance the vision for a clean energy future while providing medium- and heavy-duty fleet owners the opportunity to save money. The program is offering opportunities such as, no-cost installation of electric infrastructure or giving businesses the option to install, own, operate and maintain the infrastructure on site for a rebate at 80% of cost. SCE is also offering special incentives such as commercial rate options that make EV charging and TRU shore power more affordable during certain times of the day.

In addition to SCE’s infrastructure programs, CARBs Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) offers a streamlined voucher process for buyers to receive funding to offset the adoption costs of clean, commercial ready zero-emission equipment including transport refrigeration units, cargo-handling equipment, and more. CARB also offers eligibility opportunities to offset electricity costs through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program which is designed to encourage the use of cleaner low-carbon fuels in California, encourage the production of those fuels, and therefore, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Charge Ready Transport, LCFS and CORE are some of the many incentives available in California that provide opportunities to reduce your organization’s carbon footprint and improve the air quality of your community all while cutting operation and maintenance costs to your fleet.

Get ahead of the competition; learn more about SCE’s Charge Ready Transport and reducing greenhouse gas emissions here: https://www.sce.com/business/electric-cars/charge-ready-transport.

If you’re interested in learning how ESL can help provide safe utility power to electric or hybrid TRUs check out our eTRUconnect:  https://eslpwr.com/etruconnect/

ESL Power Systems, Inc. Partners with France Based Company PROCONECT

Erika Thorson

CORONA, California, July 2022 – ESL Power Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce an exclusive distribution agreement with PROCONECT, a French manufacturer specializing in industrial connectors. This partnership will allow ESL to utilize and distribute PROCONECT’s premier low and medium voltage push-pull receptacles and plugs; harnessing the expertise from both companies and providing advanced Shore Power Solutions for Cruise, Ferry, Ports and Container Terminals across all Americas.

Together, ESL and PROCONECT will offer safe, proven technology that is reliable, durable, and heavy duty for marine grade applications; in addition to offering compliance with local electrical regulations and codes.

This agreement grants ESL exclusive distribution in the Americas of PROCONECTs products for marine applications such as electrification of container handling equipment (ERTGs, RMGs, STS), and shore power for containers, ferries, cruise terminals and other types of vessels. ESL’s expertise and footprint in the market will offer PROCONECT customers local stock, support, and technical assistance.

PROCONECT CEO, Béatrice Barokhel states, “We are excited to be working with ESL and expanding PROCONECT’s reach for the port and maritime industry to the Americas. ESL’s custom solutions, excellence in customer service and dedication to innovation fall in line with PROCONECTS mission to serve our customers in a market that demands performance, timely delivery, and cost value.”

ESL President, Marcelo Gonzalez shares PROCONECT’s excitement. “We couldn’t be happier to work with a European company that supplies such a quality product to the port and shore power markets. We at ESL believe this partnership will provide our customers with the absolute best in quality connection for marine environments.”

For additional information or a project quote contact ESL’s Sales Team at: info@eslpwr.com

About ESL Power Systems, Inc.
A 100% employee-owned company located in Corona, CA, ESL Power Systems, Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design and manufacturing of cord-connected electrical equipment for industrial and commercial applications and is known as best-in-class builders of Ship-to-Shore Power Equipment. ESL works with customers globally to build custom engineered solutions for commercial and military applications such as: Cruise Lines, Ferry Terminals, Navy/NATO Ships & Bases, USCG Ships & Bases, and Container Ships & Ports Barges.

About PROCONECT
Created in 1981, PROCONECT is a French company located in Orvault, France that specializes in the conception of industrial connectors. Thanks to its high interest for Research and Innovation, PROCONECT is a very dynamic, creative and speed reactive company serving a market with high demand in performance, cost, and delivery time. ISO 9001 certified since 1998, PROCONECT is also registered as a NATO supplier.

ESL Launches eTRUconnect V2 with a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

ESL Launches eTRUconnect V2 with a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Erika Thorson

CORONA, California, November 2, 2021 – ESL is pleased to announce the release of the eTRUconnect® V2 PS series now with a smaller footprint, easier access and simplified operation.

ESL’s UL Listed eTRUconnect® V2 PS Series provides safe utility shore power to electric or hybrid refrigerated units on truck trailers. Connecting electric or hybrid refrigerated units to shore power eliminates the need of running onboard diesel generators/engines to keep the cargo within the optimal temperature range thus eliminating emissions while loading/unloading or idle. This system results in significant savings attributed to much lower electric energy cost. eTRUconnect’s, safe and simple connection and disconnection procedure allows truck operators to use the system while minimizing the risk of injury and the liability to the facility owner.

eTRUconnect V2

In an effort to continuously improve ESL’s eTRUconnect, the V2 has been redesigned to fit into tight spaces between dock doors. For staging yard installations, the eTRUconnect V2 can easily be mounted on a pole or rack with the optional mounting kit.

Powering on the eTRUconnect is now simplified with the new V2 “actuation” handle. Just like with the original eTRUconnect, ESL’s solution cannot be energized until the 4-pin female plug and the truck-trailer inlet are completely mated.

A new optional LED beacon light and the option to integrate with dock door signaling or wheel restraining systems have also been upgraded additions to the eTRUconnect V2.

Like the original eTRUconnect design, the V2 relies on a safety-circuit loop to ensure safe connection and energization. Our innovative design does not require 2 extra pilot pins at the connector. A connection detection device is embedded in the safety-interlocked IEC female plug installed at the end of the cable.

All original safety features are included in the V2 including unintended drive-off and electrical branch circuit protection. In the case of a drive-away, the eTRUconnect V2 PS Series has connections within the enclosure that easily pull apart, shutting power off within milliseconds, minimizing equipment damage and eliminating the risk of injury. For electrical protection, ESL’s eTRUconnect V2 contains a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (available at multiple AIC ratings) that protects against overloads and short circuits. In addition, the eTRUconnect V2 now offers ease of access through the front of the enclosure with a simplified turn key system.

Utilizing the eTRUconnect® V2 provides substantial improvement in efficiencies and meets all SmartWay™ requirements, helping to improve the environmental impact of the trucking industry. For additional information and downloadable specification sheets visit etruconnect.com.

For A Complete Line of UL 1008 Listed Emergency Power Solutions – Look No Further

For A Complete Line of UL 1008 Listed Emergency Power Solutions – Look No Further

Erika Thorson

Announcing DualConnect™, ESL’s New Dual Purpose
Docking Station

CORONA, California, October 22, 2021 – ESL Power Systems provides a number of solutions for the growing market to both load bank test, and provide temporary back up to a permanent generator.

For over 10 years, the ESL TripleSwitch® has provided the leading solution to perform both of these functions, and meets the required NEC codes for this application. ESL is now excited to announce the addition of yet another UL 1008 Listed Emergency Power Connection Solution, The DualConnect™ Dual Purpose Docking Station!

Available from 400 to 5,000 amps and rated up to 65kAIC@600VAC, ESL is now the only manufacturer that can provide a complete line of UL 1008 Listed Emergency Power Connection Solutions for all your design needs.

The TripleSwitch is the cost effective, most user-friendly solution for new construction design or adding a permanent generator to an existing facility. Utilizing the (3) circuit breakers necessary for this type of application, it provides the overcurrent protection and safety interlock between permanent and portable generator, without the need for key locks or breakers in separate locations.

The standard TripleSwitch is configured with an AUX Contact for the remote annunciator.  It is also provided with -a shunt trip on the load bank breaker, to dump the power to the load bank, in case utility power is lost during a load bank test. This meets the requirements of NEC Code 2017 700.3 (F).

However, there are applications where multiple generators or existing generators need the ability to be load bank tested and also have provision for a connection of a back-up temporary, portable generator. For these projects ESL’s DualConnect – Dual Purpose Docking Station is the right solution for the application.

Where multiple generators are utilized, the design will typically include the necessary switchgear and controls to selectively perform your load bank test or temporary back-up of the permanent generator. In addition, many existing permanent generators need back-up and the capability to do lower cost portable load bank connection. 

300A DualConnect™

Having a single unit to quickly connect a portable load bank or portable generator while using the existing switchgear overcurrent protection when possible minimizes the total project cost and redundant overcurrent devices.

The Dual Connect – Dual Purpose Docking Station provides the flexibility needed to meet your design criteria and is highly customizable with various optional features. Depending on the emergency back-up system design for multiple or existing generators, the DualConnect is available in three different versions.

No Breaker: Where all the controls and/or breakers are currently in the emergency power system. The interlock between the permanent generator and temporary back-up generator is accomplished by a key interlock between an appropriate designated breaker and the DualConnect portable generator cable access door.

One Breaker: Provides overcurrent protection to the unit and functions as the disconnect for both the load bank and portable generator cams. The interlock between the permanent generator and temporary back-up generator is accomplished by a key interlock between an appropriate designated breaker and the DualConnect portable generator cable access door.

Two Breakers: Provides overcurrent protection to the unit and functions as the disconnects for both the load bank and portable generator cams. The interlock between the permanent generator and temporary back-up generator is accomplished by a key interlock between an appropriate designated breaker and the portable generator breaker in the DualConnect. All of ESL’s DualConnect units with 2 breakers can be configured to meet NEC700.3(F) if required.

To learn more and get downloadable specifications for ESL’s DualConnect – Dual Purpose Docking Station visit: https://eslpwr.com/dual-purpose-docking-station-about/

About ESL Power Systems, Inc.

A 100% employee owned company, ESL Power Systems, Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design and manufacturing of cord-connected electrical equipment for industrial and commercial applications and is also the premier custom control panel builder in Southern California.

Media Contact:
Erika Thorson
ESL Power Systems, Inc.
2800 Palisades Dr.
Corona, CA 92878
+1 (951) 739-7000
ethorson@eslpwr.com
https://eslpwr.com

Sourcing Wayside HEP Power Systems for Rail Yards

Erika Thorson

thumb

Head End Power Unit Configurations for Passenger Trains

In the late 1990s, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), implemented practices for Head End Power sources throughout the passenger rail industry.

According to 3.1.3 in APTA RP-R-015-99, Head End Power (HEP) is defined as “A system by which 480 VAC 3-phase electrical power, to operate auxiliaries, is provided to railroad vehicles from a central source via a trainline system. The power source can be locomotive (hence “Head End”), power car, or wayside source.” Read more →