Nothing New Under the Sun? Guess Again -- New Clean Air Technologies
The U.S. EPA announced the 10th annual Clean Air Excellence Awards for 2009 on May 26.
Here are some of the winners in the technology sector.
The E-Pod
Clean Air Systems
In 2008, CleanAIR Systems introduced a new emissions control technology, the E-POD, with the successful installation of seven units on diesel engines powering drill rigs operating in Wyoming's Pinedale Anticline Project Area. It offers more than a 90% reduction of NOx and 85% particulate reduction. It also reduces hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. It enables a Tier 4 final compliance for Tier 1 and Tier 2 diesel stationary engines, and some Tier 0 engines. It is the only integrated product of its kind currently available that enables this. The E-POD also allows New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) compliance for lean-burning natural gas engines. The E-PODs were installed on seven diesel generators between September 2008 and January 2009, and onsite emissions testing show NOx reductions of 95%. Its unique design allows the E-POD to be transported along with the generator, without the added expense or hassle that are typical of other selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.
Railpower Hybrid Rubber Tire Gantry Crane
RJ Corman RailPower
The Eco-crane product is the first hybrid Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) crane and the only battery assisted hybrid cranes that are installed in North America. RTGs are cranes used to lift and move shipping containers within a port facility. The system can be installed on new equipment or retrofitted on old systems. The installation of the Eco-Crane (hybrid- battery/diesel power plants) has been completed on three Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) cranes at Vanterm and Delta Port in the Port of Vancouver. The system demonstrated 70% fuel reduction measured in operation and an emission reduction between 65% and 80%, depending on the crane. They are now installing a new prototype Eco-Crane design for DC motor RTG applications in the Long Beach container terminal. Also, the company has signed a contract with an OEM of cranes used in rail yards. Now, they are in the process to be installed on the first hybrid crane that will be used in a rail yard.
The Road to Hydrogen
Sunline Transit Agency
SunLine Transit Agency was the first transit agency to own and operate a hydrogen generation and dispensing station. Located in Coachella Valley, California, the station is part of Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed California Hydrogen Highway. The transit agency operates five generations of hydrogen buses that utilize the fuel station, but also wanted to make the fuel available for commercial use. With the support of state and federal agencies, SunLine upgraded the hydrogen station to include both a dedicated hydrogen bus hose and a commercial third party card reader system, allowing the public and outside fleets to purchase hydrogen 24 hours a day. SunLine received its "first in the nation" Hydrogen Hybrid Internal Combustion New Flyer bus in December 2004 and received a hydrogen fuel cell bus the next year. Their new generation of Advanced Technogology Fuel Cell buses will be delivered to the agency in November 2009. The hydrogen buses in SunLine's fleet have logged over 174,000 miles to date.
Click here for more information about this year's EPA award winners