The Official Blog of ESL Power Systems, Inc.
Distribution is often referred to as the “Achilles heel” of the cold chain operation and has a major impact on society. According to a study (pdf) released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2011, approximately 1.3bn tonnes (or one-third of the world’sfood produced for human consumption) is lost or wasted globally due to inefficiencies in the cold chain. Inconsistent and improper refrigeration through the use of reefer containers is a large contributor to this waste
To customers, distributors, and retailers, a certification mark means that they are purchasing a product that has been evaluated by an accredited independent organization. This third-party certification for electrical and power products means that a qualified independent testing laboratory has reviewed the manufacturing process of the particular product and has concluded that the final product complies with specific safety standards.
Hurricane Andrea has kicked off the 2013 Hurricane Season, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this year should be a doozie. With warmer than average temperatures, wind patterns routing our way from Africa, and no sign of El Niño showing up to reduce hurricane activity, it has been predicted that the Atlantic is likely to experience a greater number of storms and stronger hurricanes. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center anticipates 13-20 named storms and 3-6 hurricanes. This forecast is above the seasonal average.
Traditionally, Rubber Tire Gantries (RTGs) have been operated by diesel fuel. However, with the rising cost of fuel there has been a shift toward running RTGs on electrical power. In addition to reduced emissions, utilizing Electrified Rubber Tire Gantries can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 95% according to a recent article published by World Cargo News. Many ports that have implemented ERTGs are seeing a decrease in maintenance expenditures around 30% less than those that are fuel operated. Additional savings have also been reported on operating costs and communication/monitoring data systems. A shift toward this proven and reliable electrical system has been seen more and more in new ports across the world.
One does not have to go back very far to discover the riveting devastation numerous natural disasters have left in their wake. From Katrina washing over the gulf coast to severe snow storms freezing power lines across the Midwest to the most recent visit from Sandy which left over 8 million people without power, the increasing severity and frequency of inclement weather is matched by our growing reliance on the power grid infrastructure.