Generac’s Bi-fuel Generator Selected As 2005 “Product of the Year” By Consulting & Specifying Engineer Magazine
Consulting & Specifying Engineer magazine has announced that Generac Power Systems’ bi-fuel generator has been selected as its 2005 Product of the Year Grand Award winner and will be featured prominently in the publication’s November issue. By a vote of the magazine’s readers, this honor recognizes Generac’s diesel and natural gas genset as the most significant new product in the engineering field. The bi-fuel generator had been previously selected by a panel of judges as the best entry in the power generation category before earning the Grand Award over seven other finalists.
This is the second time this year that Generac’s bi-fuel generator has received a major magazine’s Product of the Year award. EC & M magazine, one of the top publications in the electrical contracting field, gave the product similar recognition in its power category.
“ This is a tremendous honor for our company and our engineering staff,” says Mike Carr, manager of marketing communications. “Consulting & Specifying Engineer is the premier publication in its field with a very knowledgeable readership. This award is a testimony to Generac’s technical innovation and excellence in engineering. Because of its unique features, the bi-fuel product is being very well received in the marketplace. This award reflects that acceptance by the engineering community.”
The Generac bi-fuel generator is an industry exclusive design. The basic platform is a six-cylinder diesel engine that can operate on a combination of diesel and natural gas with no loss of power or performance. The unit starts up on 100% diesel, then transitions to increasing amounts of natural gas within the combustion air stream, achieving an optimal ratio of 10% diesel / 90% natural gas for normal operation.
Throughout the process, the system controller monitors key engine and generator parameters, including intake air temperature, engine coolant temperature, intake manifold temperature and pressure, kilowatt load, engine speed, and engine vibration at each cylinder. Through extensive mapping of these variables and their effect upon combustion, the microprocessor instantaneously adjusts the diesel / natural gas ratio for optimum performance.
Individual bi-fuel gensets have outputs of 300 or 375 kilowatts and are also available in Generac’s Gemini® twin pack genset (another industry exclusive) with ratings of 600 or 750 kilowatts. All bi-fuel generators can be configured as part of Generac’s Modular Power System, where the output of multiple gensets can be paralleled and combined without expensive switchgear (another industry exclusive). The flexibility and scalability of the modular approach allows the creation of multiple-unit systems up to 6000 kilowatts, with the gensets backing up each other to provide the additional benefit of redundancy.
“The bi-fuel design provides significant benefits and costs only slightly more than a conventional diesel genset,” Carr says. “In addition to its redundant fuel supply, this generator provides the advantages of natural gas at the lower cost of a diesel unit. That means reduced emissions and a much longer run time per tank of diesel fuel. This benefit can be tremendously important during an extended outage where refueling may be problematic.”
A bi-fuel generator can operate much longer than its same-size diesel counterpart. For example, a 300 kilowatt diesel genset with a medium-sized (24”) 438 gallon diesel fuel tank consumes 20.5 gallons per hour at 80% load, giving it a theoretical run time of about 21 hours. The same bi-fuel genset uses about 2.4 gallons of diesel fuel per hour at 80% load, allowing it to operate more than 182 hours (more than 7 days). Clearly, when extended run time is an important criterion, the bi-fuel solution becomes the logical choice.
Comparison Of Diesel vs Bi-fuel Run Times At 80% Load
(300 kW Genset, 240 kW Output)
Diesel Tank Size |
300 kW Diesel (20.5 gallons / hour) |
300 kW Bi-fuel (2.4 gallons / hour) |
12” / 183 gallons |
8.9 hours run time |
76.2 hours run time |
24” / 438 gallons |
21.4 hours run time |
182.5 hours run time |
36” / 693 gallons |
33.8 hours run time |
288.8 hours run time |
Note: Fuel consumption rates and total run times are approximate, and assume a full tank at the time of the outage. Actual results may vary depending upon operating conditions and electrical load.
“The redundant fuel supply provides extra protection and peace of mind,” Carr says. “Not only is natural gas very reliably delivered underground, but during a power outage consumption drops dramatically, assuring plenty of gas and gas pressure to fuel the genset. If for some reason the gas supply is interrupted, the generator will still operate normally in full diesel mode.”
For more information on Generac’s bi-fuel gensets, view the white paper online at:
http://generac.com/industrial/whitepapers.asp
Thomas & Betts Corp.’s Athens, Tenn. Manufacturing Facility Named One of IndustryWeek’s Top 10 Plants for 2005
Annual Award Recognizes North America’s 10 Best Manufacturing Facilities
Thomas & Betts Corporation’s (NYSE:TNB) Athens, Tenn. facility has been selected by Penton Media's (OTCBB: PTON) IndustryWeek magazine, a leading publication among senior manufacturing executives, as one of this year’s 10 IndustryWeek Best Plants in North America. In its 16 th year, IndustryWeek's Best Plants Award Program recognizes outstanding manufacturing facilities that lead in efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and create stimulating and rewarding work environments.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by IndustryWeek with this prestigious award,” said Herb Bradshaw, Athens plant manager. “It is a testament to the hard work of our employees and their unwavering commitment to excellence and total customer satisfaction.”
Thomas & Betts Corp.’s Athens, Tenn., plant received a commemoration at ceremonies held on Friday, Sept. 23, 2005. Thomas & Betts’ plant was one of more than 220 facilities nominated between October 2004 and March 2005.
The complete list of winners and an in-depth profile of Thomas & Betts Corporation’s Athens, Tennessee Operations can be found at www.industryweek.com/iwbestplants.
Additional information is available at www.tnb.com.
All Three of Siemon's 10G ipT Copper Cabling Systems Pass Anixter's 10GBASE-T Testing
According to recent lab testing, all three of Siemon's 10G ipT copper cabling solutions have passed Anixter's rigorous 10GBASE-T requirements. Consisting of Siemon's 10G 6AT UTP, 10G 6A F/UTP and Category 7/Class F TERAR products, the 10G ip family complies to all Anixter 10GBASE-T performance parameters, including strict alien crosstalk limits.
With three fully compliant 10Gb/s capable copper cabling options, Siemon 10G ip is a comprehensive suite of solutions that gives enterprises the freedom to choose the cabling infrastructure that best supports their specific needs. Beyond 10Gb/s throughput alone, factors such as infrastructure security, pathway space, cable management, initial cost, life cycle cost, noise immunity and global market preferences must be considered by every organization. The ability to support these needs will grow in importance over the coming months and years.
The IEEE 802.3an standard outlining 10 Gigabit transmission over copper cabling is scheduled to publish in July 2006. It is anticipated that 10GBASE-T equipment will reach greater affordability and is expected to settle at about 1/3 the current cost of a 10G fiber port by 2008, further driving the projected adoption of 10Gb/s copper.
A preview of these 10Gb/s projections is already underway. There is a
growing list of enterprises, including many Global 500 companies that see the benefits of installing 10 Gigabit-ready cabling today. Although the immediate performance boost of a 10Gb/s cabling plant plays a role in their decisions, the primary driver is assuring longevity of the cabling plant while minimizing total cost of ownership. It is becoming more accepted and understood that the 10 Gb/s networking trend is real and must be incorporated in any long term network planning.
This trend is further supported by other industry specifications, such as the new TIA 942 Data Center Standard, recommending infrastructure designs capable of accommodating growth without the need to revisit cabling capability. As technology continues to advance and ratified standards drive greater adoption of 10Gb/s applications, enterprises will need to explore 10Gb/s copper options and understand the relative strengths of each available design. Augmented Category 6 UTP and F/UTP, as well as Category 7/Class F S/FTP are the recognized copper media capable of supporting 10GBASE-T. Which of these three options is the best choice will depend on customer specific requirements and total cost of ownership preference.
"No one type of 10GBASE-T copper cabling solution suits all customers in all markets." explains Rob Buchanan, Siemon's Global Business Development Manager, "From the start, Siemon was committed to developing a full suite of solutions so that all of our customers, in all markets around the world, get exactly what they need in a 10Gb/s copper cabling solution."
Dexter+Chaney Makes ‘Software 500’ Ranking of World’s Largest Software and Service Providers
Developer of Forefront ® Construction Management Software Named to List for Second Straight Year
Dexter + Chaney, Seattle-based developer of Forefront ® Construction Management Software, has been named for the second straight year to the “Software 500.” The listing of the world’s largest software and services providers is compiled by Software Magazine. Dexter + Chaney placed 398th on the list, with 2004 revenues of $12.5 million. IBM and Microsoft were first and second, respectively.
“We’re delighted to be included in this prestigious ranking, because it underscores Forefront’s acceptance in the construction marketplace,” said John Chaney, Dexter + Chaney co-founder and president. Chaney noted that many of the 840 new functions and features in the latest version of Forefront resulted from suggestions by the 1,000-plus construction companies throughout the United States that employ Forefront.
Forefront Version 12 offers a SQL database structure, an excellent tool for organizing and retrieving data that benefits construction companies of all sizes as they grow. It also features a Web Portal that gives a construction company’s employees and customers access to critical data and functions in Forefront—including payroll/timecard and customer service—from any computer with an Internet connection.
The Software 500, published as an online catalog on www.softwaremag.com, is a revenue-based ranking of the world’s largest software and services suppliers. The list includes both private and public companies; 28 percent of the 2004 Software 500 companies are private.
The ranking is based on total worldwide software and service revenue for 2004. This includes revenues from software licenses, maintenance and support, training and software-related services and consulting. Suppliers are not ranked on their total corporate revenue, since many have other lines of business, such as hardware. The financial information was gathered by a survey prepared by King Content Co. and posted at www.softwaremag.com, as well as from public documents.
For more information, visit www.dexterchaney.com.
Werner Electric Upgrades Lighting at Kaukauna Race Track Facility
Wisconsin-based firm uses its expertise to increase safety and reduce energy costs
When stock car drivers are zooming around the half-mile or quarter-mile oval tracks at Wisconsin International Raceway, the last thing they want to worry about is safe lighting.
A recent major upgrade of the facility¹s lighting system by Werner Electric Supply Co. has increased driver safety and improved viewing for fans, as well as reduced energy costs.
“The bottom line is the new lights make for better racing,” said Roger Van Daalwyk, who owns and operates the raceway. “The new lighting creates better visibility for the drivers and that makes for tighter racing and fewer crashes. There are literally no shadows. The drivers and fans really like the upgrade.”
The new lighting system includes 120 metal halide fixtures that deliver two to three times the illumination of the old quartz lighting system, which consisted of 90 fixtures that were installed when the track was built in 1966. The new metal halide lamps will last six times longer than the old quartz lamps, which had become expensive to replace. The new lights also use 25 percent less energy on a lamp-to-lamp basis.
“The new lighting provides a major increase in light levels coupled with longer lasting, more energy-efficient lamps,” said Dan Ebben, lighting manager for Werner. “We’re proud of what we were able to accomplish at WIR. This new system is a winning solution for everyone--the drivers, the fans and the raceway owner.”
The new light fixtures for the two tracks and pit area needed to be configured and positioned in a way that delivers maximum lighting for all areas without shadows and without shining light directly into the eyes of drivers or fans. Part of the solution involved the strategic placement of glare guards on 51 of the 120 new light fixtures.
A study of the track topography examined the height and distance angles of every light pole. From this, a computer program was used to develop a lighting map that laid out specific details on the type (flood or spot), number and angle of each light for each pole. In addition, each light has its own fuse, which ensures the integrity of the entire system.
“Lighting athletic fields, gymnasiums and other outdoor and indoor sports venues is a growing specialization for us,” Ebben said. “While each venue is different, our goal is always the same. And that’s to bring together the best combination of visibility and cost-effectiveness.”
Werner Electric Supply Co. is a wholesale distributor of electrical technologies and services including industrial automation, lighting, electrical equipment and data communication products. Founded in 1948, Werner has expanded from its original location in Neenah, Wis., to eight locations throughout Wisconsin and Michigan¹s Upper Peninsula.
ASPIRE™ Design System Nominated for the 2006 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany
Only products nominated by government officials or German Ministry of Economic Affairs eligible
The Cooper Wiring Devices’ ASPIRE ™ Design System has been nominated in the field of product design for the 2006 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. Awards will be presented next February at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt.
Organizations and companies are unable to self-nominate for this award. Nominations must come from state level economic ministries and senators with economic responsibilities, or by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs. In addition, nominated products must already have been awarded a national or international design prize. ASPIRE captured a 2004 Good Design award for product design from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, as well as the 2005 Platinum ADEX Award from Design Journal magazine.
“It’s our understanding that, based on its demanding nominating criterion, the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany is among the most respected and admired design competitions in the world,” said Jim Knapik, vice president, Marketing, Cooper Wiring Devices. “As such, we are thrilled to be nominated and to have the opportunity to compete for a top prize. The acceptance of our new ASPIRE Design System has truly been universal, among our channel and building partners, consumers and the design community.”
Of the 903 submissions for the 2005 award (which also includes communications design), only 21 submissions won Design Awards. Nominations are judged in four categories – design quality, usefulness, technical qualities and overall concept – by the 10-person jury.
ASPIRE products are designed to capitalize on the trend toward aesthetics, particularly for traditionally utilitarian products such as switches and receptacles.
The ASPIRE Design System includes switches, receptacles, slide and smart dimmers, screwless wallplates, tele/data communications and variable-speed fan controls, All ASPIRE products feature the line’s signature curve motif and contrasting matte and low-gloss finish. The series comes in three two-tone color combinations (Desert Sand, White Satin, and Silver Granite), and more than 45 products are available in the ASPIRE line.
BoschTools.com Honored In BtoB Magazine ’s Annual “10 Great Web Sites” Feature
BtoB Magazine ’s annual “10 Great Web Sites” issue recently included www.BoschTools.com , the North American Web site for the largest power tool manufacturer in the world, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. Bosch was bestowed this honor along side many of the world’s elite brands, such as Nextel®, IBM®, American Express® and Staples® for the sites approach toward making customer's lives easier, presenting detailed information in an easy-to-navigate format, and embodying the brand essence in an uncluttered design.
The complete “10 Great Web Sites” article published on newsstands September 12, 2005, included accolades from the industry’s top Web site usability and online marketing experts. Kate Everett Thorp, president, interactive advertising, AKQA Worldwide, was quoted in the article saying the following about BoschTools.com:
“‘A beautiful, clean and to-the-point site. It [boschtools.com] effectively communicates ‘see it,’ ‘get informed’ and ‘buy it.’ A refreshing approach compared to most b-to-b sites, I really enjoyed the minimal design, which positively reflects on Bosch’s brand attributes for the best-built products.’”
Avenue A/Razorfish, the Web development agency of record for Boschtools.com, worked closely with the tool and accessory manufacturer to re-launch the site in October 2004. Today, BoschTools.com offers hundreds of Web pages featuring more than 4,000 power tools and accessory SKUs and 50 online distribution partners. All the information resides on the Web for visitors to explore and purchase, in merely a few clicks of the mouse.
“‘It does a good job of balancing aesthetics with simplicity. The consistent navigational structure helps people visualize their current location and alternative options. The product pages are clear and contain relevant links, making it easy for customers to find what they need,’” commented Hoa Loranger, user experience specialist at Nielsen Norman Group, a usability consultancy co-founded by industry expert Jakob Nielsen, in the article.
“This honor directly speaks to the sites focus on the innovative Bosch product offering,” said Rich Holbach, e-commerce business segment manager, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories, commenting on the BtoB Magazine listing. “Together with our online distribution partners, we are able to educate site visitors on product features and benefits, purchasing opportunities and even the cost associated with shipping, all within two or three clicks of the mouse.”
For more information, visit www.boschtools.com.
New Appointments “Prime” Leviton to Meet Challenges
of Second Hundred Years
William Marshall Appointed Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Daryoush Larizadeh Named Senior Vice President 
Donald J. Hendler, newly-appointed as President of the Leviton Manufacturing Company, announced his selection of William Marshall as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Daryoush Larizadeh as Senior Vice President for the company. The two appointments come recently after the naming of Hendler as President, as appointed by Harold Leviton, the company’s CEO and Chairman of the Board.
The series of executive-level appointments are being orchestrated to ensure the company’s continued market leadership as it approaches its second century in business. Leviton is North America’s largest and most 
diversified manufacturer of electrical and electronic wiring devices. As a third-generation family business, the company has its roots at the dawn of the electrical era, starting out in 1906 as a producer of mantle tips for the gas lighting industry. Leviton has since grown to become a leader in connectivity products for the residential, commercial, industrial and OEM markets.
“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Bill and Daryoush to their new roles at Leviton,” Hendler said. “We are most fortunate to be able to dedicate this caliber of talent to lead key areas of our business as we set our sights on developing the programs, products and services that will lead us in the years ahead. I am confident I can count on Bill and Daryoush to ensure that we remain true to the core values of providing the market with industry-leading, products and services that add value through our supply chain.”
In his new role Marshall will lead Leviton’s enterprise-wide sales operations and corporate marketing initiatives. Larizadeh will lead the company’s strategic business units (SBUs). Both will have seats on the company’s Executive Committee.
Marshall joined Leviton in 1994 as Vice President of Distribution Marketing and was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2003. He is credited with expanding the company’s product offering in the industrial, commercial and residential marketplace. He has also served as a catalyst behind many key marketing and sales programs, including Leviton’s integrated marketing program and applications-directed selling approach. Active in the NAED and Supplier Advisory Council to Affiliated Distributors, he has worked in the electrical industry in a career spanning 32 years.
Larizadeh joined Leviton in 2001, helping to pilot the company’s operational efficiency programs. In addition to spearheading the creation of strategic business units for each of the diverse product areas, he played a significant role in restructuring Leviton’s product development process and strategic planning initiatives. Larizadeh oversees P&L responsibility for the company’s Lighting Management Systems, Voice & Data, Residential Structured Cabling and Home Controls, OEM and International Business Divisions. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Business Administration from MIT’s Sloan School. He has extensive experience in business management, having worked as a management consultant for 10 years.
For more information, visit www.leviton.com.
Emerson Names New President of Liebert North America
Veteran Emerson Executive Joins Liebert to Help Drive Continued Growth
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR) and the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity, recently announced that Earle Weaver has been named president of Liebert North America. Weaver, a 20-year Emerson veteran, will report to Bob Bauer, president of Liebert Worldwide and group vice president, Emerson. Bauer held the position of Liebert North America president before assuming global responsibilities.
“Business-Critical Continuity has emerged as a key issue for the increasing number of organizations whose business processes depend on IT,” said Bauer. “That is increasing demand for Liebert technologies and driving growth in the Emerson Network Power business. Earle has gained a wide breadth of experience through various leadership roles within Emerson and brings a proven record of success to his new role as head of Liebert North America.”
Weaver joins Liebert, the world leader in mission-critical power and cooling, from Emerson’s White-Rodgers division, where he served as president. He has also served as president of Emerson’s Specialty Motors division and in strategic planning and investor relations roles at Emerson.
“This is an exciting time to be joining the Liebert organization,” said Weaver. “Our customers are clearly realizing significant value from our adaptive power and cooling technologies as they deal with changes in computing capacity, network criticality and equipment densities. I look forward to using my experience to help drive continued growth in the business.”
For more information on Liebert mission-critical power and cooling technologies from Emerson Network Power, visit www.liebert.com.
