Latest News & Analysis
HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Driving Toward Low-carbon, High-speed Vehicles
Over the next few months initial production is set to get under way as part of an unusual manufacturing venture in the UK that promises to benefit the automotive industry in its pursuit of low carbon-emission vehicles.
Flying Turbines Seek Their Own Wind
Before the average onshore wind turbine produces a single watt, more than 100 tons of structure, several million dollars in capital investment and a suitable site all have to come together perfectly.
Manufacturers Lauded for Energy Efficiency Gains
The U.S. Department of Energy recognized 11 companies that have met energy-efficiency goals through the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program. The Energy Department says that manufacturers nationwide spend more than $200 billion a year to power their plants.
Micro-robots Poised for Big Growth
A relatively new type of robot is making its way into the industrial automation and electronics manufacturing sectors. Often referred to as micro-robots, these devices are as small as 1 millimeter across and can build structures and form shapes by working together without human intervention.
Energy Department Proposes $12.6 billion for Advanced Nuclear Projects
The U.S. Department of Energy issued a draft solicitation September 30 that would provide up to $12.6 billion in loan guarantees for advanced nuclear energy projects. Once finalized, these loan guarantees are expected to provide financing to help commercialize advanced nuclear energy technologies.
NERC Says Grid Resiliency Was Shown During Polar Vortex
The bulk electric power system showed its resiliency during the Jan. 6-8, 2014 polar vortex weather event, according to a report by the North American Electric Reliability Corp.
FERC Approves Cove Point LNG Export Project
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP to build the $3.4 billion Cove Point Liquefaction Project in Calvert County, Maryland, and related facilities at an existing compressor station and at metering and regulating sites in Virginia.
Nuclear Power Plant to Contain New Stainless Steel Product
Korea-based steelmaker POSCO says it has developed an advanced corrosion-resistant stainless steel for use in nuclear reactors. The product, branded SR-50A, will be used to build a nuclear reactor in the United Arab Emirates by Hyundai Heavy Industries, POSCO was reported as saying on September 29.
PC-based Controls Take on the Reigning Champ
The programmable logic controller (PLC) and its direct descendant, the programmable automation controller (PAC), have ruled the roost for decades in industrial control applications.
Power Supply Options for Multiple Output Voltage Applications
A variety of power supply configurations and designs are available from industrial suppliers. The tried-and-true design of the linear power supply typically has better transient response to load changes, less electrical noise and less ripple than other power supply designs.
Technical Advances Help to Boost Robotics
Although industrial robots have been around since the 1970s, the machines were mainly stationary and used primarily for painting and welding in the automotive sector.
Ford Challenged as Aluminum Truck Heads to Market
Ford Motor Co. has announced a preview of its 2015 F-150, one of the first pickup trucks composed primarily of aluminum, as part of its Built Ford Tough Roundup marketing strategy.
Energy Department to Update Electric Motor Efficiency Standards
Beginning in mid-2016, an updated standard established in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for electric motors will increase the minimum efficiency of new motors. The updated electric motor standards apply the standards currently in place to a wider scope of electric motors.
Wireless Standard Wins Approval
The International Society of Automation (ISA) says that ANSI/ISA-100.11a-2011, "Wireless Systems for Industrial Automation: Process Control and Related Applications," has been unanimously approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as an international standard.
New Standards for Crude Oil Loading and Shipment via Rail
The American Petroleum Institute published a new set of recommended practices for testing and classifying crude oil for rail shipment and loading it into rail tank cars.
IHS and AMACOM Partner to Enrich Engineering Business Knowledge
IHS Inc. and AMACOM, a division of the American Management Association, announce a partnership that allows IHS to resell numerous AMACOM titles covering project management theory, process and best practices as well as AMA handbooks on a variety of related topics.
Supply Chain Growth Related to Unconventional Oil and Gas
A sizable and growing portion of the economic benefits from unconventional oil and gas development in the United States is being felt by a diverse group of industries that support oil and gas producers, according to a new study by IHS.
Welcome to Engineering360!
Most of you recognize the device on the front page as the Archimedes screw, which moved water from one level to another. Archimedes’ ingeniously simple machine was used by the ancients and continues to find applications today.
A New Face for Robotics
Instead of massive robots like those traditionally tethered to automotive welding and assembly lines, Rethink Robotics is creating a breed of smaller, more flexible and user-friendly models aimed at a wide range of light-duty applications.
Taller Wind Turbine Towers Receive DOE Funding
The Energy Department on Sept. 18 awarded $2 million for two organizations that will advance technologies to harness stronger winds available at higher heights, potentially increasing the amount of clean, renewable electricity the nation produces. Through construction processes that will