Patrick Evans, Author at Power Post

Be Proactive: Help Prevent Container Drive-offs

July 15, 2016August 23, 2017Patrick Evans

PORT SAFETY
Many key factors play a role in getting cargo in & out of ports and on the road to their final destination. In the process of getting reefer containers from one destination to the next, it is important that precautionary measures are taken to mitigate the occurrence and impact of accidents and safety hazards.

WHAT IS A DRIVE-OFF?
Drive-offs in a port terminal happen when an operator moves refrigerated cargo containers while they are still connected to an electrical source such as a rack mount reefer outlet assembly (Fig. 1 & 2). When a drive-off occurs, the plug or receptacle are in danger of breaking away. This breakaway can result in damage to equipment and infrastructure. In addition, and more importantly, it could also create hazardous conditions.

MONETARY LOSS
Aside from being dangerous, damage to refrigerated cargo containers can also be costly. In addition to repair or replacement cost, disruption to operations due to the unavailability of the reefer container slot corresponding to the damaged reefer outlet should be considered. Drive-offs are especially disruptive in automated container terminals. For safety reasons the automated operation must be stopped in the all or part of the stacking row while repairs are performed. Units must be repaired quickly in order to allow operation to continue and reduce financial loss.

SOLUTIONS
In order to minimize drive-offs, ESL recommends plug sensing devices which can be added to Reefer Outlet assemblies. This solution contains a dry contact micro switch powered by a secondary source which can be used to help trigger a warning system (visual or integrated to TOS). This proactive option helps limit damage caused by human error which in turn, reduces operational costs and the need for replacement receptacles.

When it comes to breakaways, ESL offers receptacles made from polyamide, a non-metallic material designed to break easier under stress, preventing further damage to other components of the Reefer Outlet Assembly. This allows for easy replacement of broken receptacles and less operational time lost.

With increased education about the dangers of port drive-offs, and implementing precautions such as Safety-interlocked cord connected devices, injury and cost can be minimized. Learn more about ESL and how we can help keep your port safe by visiting our Intermodal page or contact us!

Importance of Emergency Power

June 13, 2016June 13, 2016Patrick Evans

Frequency of weather-related power outages across United States

The reliability of power over the past 15 years has been strained by increased demand by growing populations, aging infrastructure and more frequent occurrences of extreme weather. As seen in bar graph [a] on the right, the number of weather-related power outages has doubled every five years since 2000. Although the timing of when these outages happen fluctuates from day to day, season to season, and year to year, the data shows that weather-related power outages are steadily on the rise.

The estimated costs of weather-related power outages, by year, are provided in graph [b]. The variations in cost change considerably year to year. These cost estimates are dominated by the impact of large storms and the numerous costs associated with power outages. These costs include lost output and wages, spoiled inventory, inconvenience and the cost of restarting industrial operations. Although weather is a major factor in the cost of power, the costs associated with power outages are influenced by the amount of time that the power is out as well. The pie chart [c] shows the average length of reported power outages in the digital economy, continuous process manufacturing and fabrication/essential services sectors of the economy. Regardless of what industry your business is in, the longer the power is out the more money you are losing.

As the climate changes and infrastructure ages, the economic and social impacts of power outages may be unavoidable. However, the effects can be mitigated by being diligent and taking appropriate steps to minimize operational downtime. ESL’s emergency power connection equipment is very cost-effective, especially when compared to the cost of being without power for extended periods of time. In addition, our emergency power products provide users with safe and simple operation so that grid-tied facilities can quickly connect to portable power when it matters most.

For more information on how ESL can help you be prepared for the next major power outage, contact us.

Sources:
1-Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
2-Power Outages On The Rise Across The U.S.
3-Economic Benefits of Increasing Electric Grid Resilience to Weather Related Outages
4-The Cost of Power Disturbances to Industrial & Digital Economy Companies

Panel Design Considerations Part 2

March 29, 2016March 16, 2018Patrick Evans

In part one of our Design Panel Considerations we discussed how to streamline production and meet deadlines.
During the design stage of a panel it is also important to consider key factors to help minimize complications.

First, in order to take a project from design to final build, a panel shop first needs to be provided with a complete and accurate Bill of Materials to ensure the quote is as correct as possible. The quoting process begins with using your BOM to provide you with an accurate quote for your project.

Next, Read more →

Custom Panel Design Considerations Part 1

March 18, 2016Patrick Evans

When it comes to designing a control panel, there are many variables to consider in order to ensure the end product is built to expectations, completed on time, and within budget. Over ESL’s 25 years of experience as a custom control panel manufacturer we have learned that the design stage of a panel is critical to the success of a project.

During the design stage of a panel it is important to consider some key steps in order to help streamline production and meet deadlines:

First and foremost, scaling drawings properly ensures components will fit properly where desired and assist in the efficiency of production.

Secondly, a good rule of thumb for building a clean and functional panel is Read more →

ESL Power Systems, Inc. 2015 Trade Show Recap

January 20, 2016January 13, 2016Patrick Evans

In 2015 ESL Power Systems attended nearly a dozen trade shows across the United States and internationally. Our journeys included exhibiting at shows in many different regions geared towards multiple industries served including Intermodal Power, Entertainment Power and Emergency Power. ESL‘s expansive participation in industry leading conferences is illustrated on the map above.

USITT (Cincinnati, OH)	Critical Facilities Summit (Charlotte, NC)	TOC Americas (Panama City, Panama)
IAVM-Venue Connect (Baltimore, MD)	Power-Gen International (Las Vegas, NV)	Integrated Port Equipment Seminar (Seattle, WA) (New Orleans, LA)
Live Design International (Las Vegas, NV)	Port & Terminal Technology (Miami, FL)
American Society of Healthcare Engineers (Boston, MA)	AAPA Maintenance Seminar (San Diego, CA)

Notable highlights from these shows include: Read more →