Vehicle exhaust can cause, not just trigger, kids’ asthma

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Dianne

Exhaust is in every breath you take.

Stick your head too close to an old car’s exhaust, and we’re willing to bet dollars to donuts that you’ll start coughing. It turns out that vehicle exhaust isn’t just bad for you until the air clears. All that nastiness has a serious long-term effect, and can even cause asthma in children.

That’s the finding of researchers in Europe, who studied children in 10 cities and recently published their findings in the European Respiratory Journal. In fact, as much as 14 percent of all asthma cases are being blamed on traffic exhaust. This makes car exhaust more harmful than previously thought, since previous research stated that traffic simply made already-existing asthma cases worse.

Last year, the World Health Organization found that diesel fumes causes cancer, but as best we can tell, there haven’t been any big new regulations issued because of that finding.

Vehicle exhaust is a real problem for every town, city and province.  As our global population grows and more vehicles are added to the road, so does our generations contribution to air pollution.  The air pollution we create today will be around for our children tomorrow and it’s effects are rapidly becoming the number one cause of death worldwide.

Those tasked with keeping us safe and away from harm; police, emergency medical services, public utilities are all habitual idlers.  The equipment on their vehicles require additional power and in the past there were no other solutions but to idle.  Ambulances idle whenever they aren’t plugged in at the station, even outside emergency rooms.  Police vehicles will idle for hours at the scene of an accident. Today, there are technologies that provide full equipment operation without polluting.  The Independence Package is a fully integrated mobile power idle reduction solution that preserves fuel, reduces exhaust and can prevent the users further contribution to air pollution, childhood asthma and death.

Ultimately, the sooner we eliminate idling and dirty vehicles from the environment, the healthier we’ll be.

Contributing source: Autobloggreen

 

Posted in Energy Xtreme | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stealth Power Does It Again

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Dianne

Military Specialist, Inventor and Guest Blogger, Lee Wheelbarger

Over the last few months, the latest version of the Stealth Power MEMS “Mobile Energy Management System” have been undergoing even more testing with U.S. Military units. These latest test are showing that the systems are performing well beyond expectations, or belief for that matter. During the most recent AEWE, the Stealth Power system was able to power all of the onboard electronics on a Stryker ICV plus a CROWS, and a CRS3 for over 16 hours of silent watch. This was accomplished without a recharge, APU or starting the engine. This was 100% pure silent watch with no fuel burn, and no acoustic or thermal signature.

Even more U.S. Military units are falling in love with this new technology, and the capabilities that it gives them on the battlefield. During an exercise this past week, units in the FTX were fielded with trucks that were equipped for the first time with Stealth Power systems. Under normal operations, the truck would run for the duration of the operation, and operate a generator to power a trailer. During this FTX, the Stealth Power system powered the truck and the trailer for the entire 12 hr mission each time they deployed, and never needed to start the truck.  According to the Major, “The system preformed perfectly and well beyond our expectation”.

What’s next for Stealth Power? How about a hybrid generator that uses 20% less fuel than any other generator on the market, and runs on JP8? Once this new generator completes its integration into the Stealth Power system, it will demonstrate how the Stealth Power system can cut generator fuel consumption by up to 80%, and eliminate wet stacking forever. In a battlefield environment, these systems will have a ROI in less than 30 days.
Stealth Power Mobile Energy Management Systems are growing by leaps and bounds. The latest Stealth Power design can provide 3 Phase 208 at 85 KW per leg, or 255 KW total output power, and can be hidden on a truck. I.E. way more than enough power for mobile Radars and Lasers. This system is integrated into the vehicle’s body and frame, and takes no space away from the troops. This is just one more reason why troops love the Stealth Power system.

Posted in Military, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Alternative Fuel Grants Available in Texas

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Dianne

Our partners at Lone Star Clean Fuel Alliance have shared with us that there are Texas grant dollars available. Now is the perfect time for your Texas organization to take the steps for a cleaner more sustainable fleet.

Grant Notice:

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has approximately $1,400,000.00 available as grant funding for eligible public entities to purchase new or convert existing vehicles to alternative fuels.  The deadline for applications is April 26, 2013 at 2 pm, and funds must be spent by August 31, 2013.

Eligibility:

  • Applicant must be a Texas political subdivision or a taxpayer-supported Texas Independent School district (ISDs).
  • Applicant must provide documented evidence of matching funds totaling at least 20% of the total project costs (not 20% of the maximum total grant per vehicle/applicant given below).
  • Grants may cover up to 80% of the incremental costs related to the purchase of electric/alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles and conversion of vehicles to alternative fuels.
  • Maximum grant per vehicle – $10,000 light to medium duty; http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/, go to tools
  • Maximum grant per vehicle – $50,000 heavy duty; http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/, go to tools
  • Maximum total grant per applicant – $200,000
  • Competitive grants; cost-reimbursement basis.

For the purpose of this funding opportunity, alternative fuels include: compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); liquefied natural gas (LNG); electric vehicles; and hybrid vehicles which operate on both conventional fuel and battery electrical power.

For more information and the application form, please go to:  http://seco.cpa.state.tx.us/funding/sep/sep_2-2_alt_fuel.php

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

IdleBase: A Comprehensive Database of Idling Laws

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Dianne

Our partners at Clean Cities, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), have launched IdleBase, a database of known laws related to the idling of all classes of on-road vehicles.

Prepared for Clean Cities by Argonne National Laboratory, one of the DOE’s largest national laboratories for scientific and engineering research, IdleBase is designed to serve as a reference tool for both those who need to know the laws as a practical matter (e.g., fleet managers and vehicle operators) and those who want to learn how other states, regions, counties, and municipalities seek to reduce idling-associated air-quality impacts and fuel use (e.g., public officials and policymakers).

IdleBase is organized by state and provides the following information:

  • Where the law (e.g., regulation, ordinance, or code) applies
  • Vehicle type(s) affected by the law
  • Description of the idling restriction
  • Exemptions to the idling restriction
  • Consequences of infractions (when known)
  • Name or title of the law, and
  • Hyperlink leading to the law or, in cases where a direct link is not possible, the website containing the law.

Click Copy of idlebox_idlebase_database to download IdleBase.

 

 

Posted in Clean Cities, Energy Xtreme | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Air Pollution is Detrimental to Heart Health

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Dianne

The CDC has categorized heart disease as the number-one cause of death in the U.S. While we have all heard the medical reports that diet and exercise may help reduce the risk of heart disease, we don’t often hear about the impact that breathing our air has on our hearts.

One source of major air pollution is fine particulate matter which enters deeply into our lungs causing irreparable, and often immediate, damage to our heart. The primary cause of this harmful and deadly polluted air comes from fossil fuels burned for transportation, and then emitted into the air through our tailpipes. The CDC found that people who live in areas with air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels are at a greater risk for heart disease. When we breathe in these toxic, cancer-causing chemicals and compounds from idling, it threatens our lifespan, harms our quality of life and determines the longevity of our life.

Worldwide air pollution damages public health, imposing significant financial, economic, and social costs on the global economy and people. In terms of increased health care costs, missed days of work, and reduced worker productivity, air pollution costs the global economy billions of dollars per year. The full social costs of air pollution, however, are even higher. The social costs of air pollution include not only health care costs and lost productivity, but also the loss in social welfare due to pain, suffering and death.

With the increase in the global population and the number of cars on the road, fossil fuel emissions are unavoidable.  However, we have the ability to limit and mitigate the damage by changing one small behavior, which will not only save money, but save lives –commit to stop idling!

February is American Hearth Month. You can make a difference in today’s air quality, preserve your heart health and leave the world better than you found it by simply turning your vehicle ignition to the off position instead of idling. For an individual, reducing idle time should be relatively simple.   Cars of today no longer need idle time to warm up. In fact, manufacturers discourage idling because of the wear-and-tear on the engine.  But for heavy idlers that require vehicle power to do their jobs, such as law enforcement, utilities, ambulances, military, and the oil & gas industry, auxiliary power units that produce mobile electric power for idle reduction are available now.  The availability of this anti-idling technology, which provides auxiliary power to the vehicles without having to engage the engine, offers  our States, Municipalities and Industries the ability to operate with a more robust power source than an OEM battery, decreases their fuel consumption,  and most importantly, safeguards human health.

 

Posted in Energy Xtreme, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Utah Emerges As U.S. Leader in Idle Reduction

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Dianne

When our partners at Utah Clean Cities invited us up to Salt Lake City to participate in their Idle Reduction Conference, we enthusiastically accepted. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for us to listen to the challenges organizations face when it comes to implementing an idle reduction program, but it’s inspiring to hear about the companies and organizations that are committed to making a difference, not only because there is a business case for idle reduction but because they feel passionately about the air they breathe. Moreover, it’s gratifying to educate those that share a common objective about how our clean tech systems can help preserve company margin and community air quality.

It was no surprise that the conference was well attended. Utah is emerging as a U.S. leader in idle reduction. Last year Governor Herbert signed an executive order prohibiting state vehicles to idle.  There are exemptions to that order for vehicles such as law enforcement, EMS or any other vehicle that supplies power to perform remote tasks.   This conference provided us the perfect opportunity to let local stakeholders know there is no longer a need for exemptions, as our auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems can provide hours of on-scene power without having to engage the engine. We say kudos to Utah and all they have done to reduce idling and preserve their air quality today and for the coming generations.

Clean Cities is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and has over 100 locations in the US.  Clean Cities’ primary goal is to reduce petroleum use in the United States by 2.5 billion gallons per year by 2020. Clean Cities efforts have helped deploy thousands of alternative fuel vehicles and the fueling stations needed to serve them, aided in the elimination of millions of hours of vehicle idling, and helped accelerate the entry of electric-drive vehicles into the marketplace.

Get involved with your local Clean Cities Coalition, they are exceptionally committed and it’s the ideal place to source grant opportunities.  Energy Xtreme’s Independence Package auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems are a grant eligible technology.   When utilizing a grant to fund idle reduction technology you not only save fuel, mitigate maintenance costs and reduce emission, but your ROI will be realized immediately.

Posted in Clean Cities, Energy Xtreme, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Year in Review for the Market Leader in Auxiliary Mobile Electric Power Idle Reduction Systems.

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Dianne

Although we are currently spending the bulk of our time booking installation appointments, well into 2013, we are monumentally grateful and proud of what we accomplished in 2012.

We added two new segments; installing our Independence Package® auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems on EMS vehicle(s) and providing a standalone application to the Oil & Gas industry.  Both industries are remarkably different, but they share one thing in common – they both require more power and need to supply it in the greenest way possible.  Our systems provide cleantech auxiliary mobile electric power, and can be retrofitted to any vehicle and all fleet sizes. Or, similar to our Oil & Gas application, the systems can be used independently and provide considerable more power than inverters or backup generators

In 2012, we also unveiled our military auxiliary mobile electric power system (MEPS), the Stealth Power 4 (SP4).  In 2011, we tested our SP4 with AEWE, and again in 2012, but this time our participation was by special request of the military. Our MEPS technology was integrated into the vehicles themselves, including Navistar MRAP, MATV and Strykers.  It has been well documented, and outlined in declassified military briefings, that the military is integrating MEPS technology into their “take to war” strategy.  Military testing results of our SP4 designated it as a “most promising solution” and recommended “take to war” technology.

As with any company, it’s our customers that make it all possible, and frankly, worthwhile; we were fortunate to add several new customers in 2012 including; the City of Raleigh NC, Ft. Hood, TX, Texas National Guard, Austin-Travis County EMS, West Hempstead NY – Public Safety, So Cal Edison, Omaha Public Power District, City of Plano TX, City of Carrolton TX, Superior Optimization, the Sovereign state of Aguascalientes and Fort Benning, GA.  Also, we installed additional auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems for some of our long term customers.  We estimate that our auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems have saved our customers thousands of gallons of fuel and avoided tons of hazardous emissions.

Lastly, we have been fortunate to be acknowledged by both the peers in our industry and business community.  Energy Xtreme was awarded Most Promising Company by Forbes, nominated by Platts for a Global Energy Award, received a Silver Edison and Gold Stevie award as well as our CEO, Devin Scott, being named one of 40 Sustainability All Stars by Green Fleet Magazine.

This week, we begin 2013.  We’ll start out the year attending a Clean Cities Idle Free event in Salt Lake City Utah, and as mentioned earlier in the post, our installation schedule is filling up.  As the need for more power and sustainment grows, so will the need for clean technology – such as auxiliary mobile electric power idle reduction systems, which provides more power options without idling, reducing fuel consumption and hazardous emissions production.

From all of us at Energy Xtreme, we wish you a happy, healthy and idle free New Year!

Posted in Ambulance/EMS, Energy Xtreme, Military | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Auxiliary Power Units Provide Power Solutions to Fleets Who Need More Power.

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Dianne

Energy Xtreme, non-combustible auxiliary mobile power unit.

An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a device on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion – used to run the vehicle’s electrical/auxiliary system. Historically, auxiliary power units were developed for use in aircrafts.  During World War I, the British were one of the first military fixed-wing aircraft to use an auxiliary power unit on a Supermarine Nighthawk, anti-Zeppelin fighter, to power a generator for an on-board searchlight.  Today, auxiliary power units are found in commercial vehicles, even the space shuttle.  There are a variety of auxiliary power units available, and although the overall purpose of the technology is similar, the source of power can be provided by gas, diesel, propane, natural gas or batteries.

The advantages and limitations of an auxiliary power unit device are derived from its energy generation source (gas, natural gas, batteries).  Advantages and/or limitations include power, size, weight, combustion versus non combustion, range, noise, emissions, etc. Until recently, gas, which is highly combustible, and diesel fuel, which has proven to produce cancer causing carcinogens have been the most commonly available.  Now, non-combustible battery and clean burning natural gas auxiliary power units are readily available and are viable alternatives to gas/diesel auxiliary power units.

Fleets that have large electrical loads or require ancillary power to operate equipment, tools, lights, buckets (hydraulic), radios, video cameras etc. will benefit from an auxiliary power unit.

This includes Police, EMS, Fire, Long Haul, Military, Construction, Oil and Gas, Transportation and Public Works, FEMA trucks, work truck centric companies and so on (the list could go on and on).  There will always be a need for auxiliary power units to provide mobile electric power and ancillary power needs, especially for law enforcement, public works and the military.

Fuel volatility, social responsibility and emissions legislation are all mounting concerns for organizations and their Fleet Managers.   Non-combustible cleantech battery auxiliary power units are solutions that reduce fuel costs, mitigate pollution damage, reduce the wear and tear of idling on our vehicles and contribute to good fiscal and environmental policy.

Posted in Ambulance/EMS, Energy Xtreme, Law Enforcement, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AEWE Identifies Energy Xtreme Stealth Power As A “Take to War” Technology

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Dianne

Energy Xtreme, the market leader in idle reduction for law enforcement, EMS and work trucks, has developed a mobile energy management system (MEMS), the Stealth Power 4 (SP4), for the military. The system was designed by inventor and military specialist Lee Wheelbarger, who has been featured on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels.

The SP4 MEMS received “most promising solution” status; the best out of three categories and received a “Take to War” designation at the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE), Spiral G, conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia last year.  AEWE results also found that the SP4 reduced generator fuel (on a 6.5 genset) consumption up to 69%, which translates into 1,000 gallons of fuel annually for a single generator. It also decreased up to 8-12 hours of tactical vehicle idle time and enabled silent watch capabilities increasing situational awareness. With fuel in theater estimated to cost between $50.00 and $500.00 per gallon, this is a savings of up to $50,000 to $500,000 per generator.  The SP4 MEMS effectively eliminates wet stacking in generators, a major maintenance issue with generators and reduces the sustainment burden while contributing to the Army’s priority of improving the efficiency of military energy.

More importantly, since 2003 there have been more than 3,000 uniformed US Soldiers and contractors killed while operating or protecting resupply convoys in Iraq.  Approximately 30% of this protected cargo was diesel fuel for tactical generators.  Based on Spiral G soldier feedback, the addition of intelligent energy storage to tactical vehicles is expected to increase survivability and will likely increase unit effectiveness.

Energy Xtreme’s SP4 is a complete and versatile Mobile Energy Management System (MEMS) with 4 kilowatt-hours of integrated energy storage.  The system is specifically designed for integration with U.S. military vehicles and generators.  Aptly named, it has low to no thermal or acoustic signature. The clean output power can be used to power communication and weapon systems in Humvees, M-ATVs, MRAPs, and Strykers as well as other tactical vehicles.  Additionally, the system is capable of hybridizing the operation of generators with auto start/stop functionality, such as the 5kW Tactical Quiet Generator (TQG).  The SP4 MEMS features rapid charging capability, generator assist, and accurate state of charge indicators.

The SP4 improves tactical capabilities, including silent watch, as it provides mobile power to operate communication, weapon systems and other military equipment with little thermal or acoustic signature.  It also expands mission capabilities by allowing extended operation of equipment without fuel.  Additionally, it provides an emergency jumpstart in the event of a disabled or damaged vehicle battery, increasing soldier safety.

AEWE, Spiral G, conducted by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, provides capability developers, the science & technology community, and industry with a repeatable, credible, rigorous and validated operational venue in a realistic live prototype, force-on-force experiment.  Focused on the soldier and small unit, AEWE Spiral G exams concepts and capabilities for the current and future force across Warfighting functions; the Spiral G Infantry Company Experimental Force consisted of live and simulated forces facing a hybrid threat in a Southwest Asia scenario across distributed battle space.

 

Posted in Energy Xtreme, Military | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lee Wheelbarger, Inventor and Military Electronics Specialist, Blog Update

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Dianne

Navistar MXT equipped with Stealth Power

Show here is the latest product development efforts, done jointly with Energy Xtreme and Navistar Defense; the vehicle is an MXT and it’s one of the newest in Navistar Defense’s family of military vehicles.  The British currently have 350 MXT’s commissioned in their military.  This MXT is the first to be integrated with Energy Xtreme’s Stealth Power system. Unlike other systems that place a box somewhere on the vehicle and take away from storage space; this system is integrated into the body of the vehicle, and takes up no space at all. This is the first of several vehicles fitted with Stealth Power that will operate in this year’s AEWE held at Ft Benning in Georgia.

Stealth Power improves the military’s tactical capabilities, including silent watch, as it provides mobile power to operate communication, weapon systems and other military equipment with little thermal or acoustic signature.  It also expands mission capabilities by allowing extended operation of equipment without fuel.

 

Posted in Energy Xtreme, Military, Technology | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment