Aerovironment just announced that it has been awarded a patent for technology that manages charging, control and maintenance of batteries for battery packs, chargers and electric vehicles that can be connected to and controlled by a smart grid. The technology allows the rate of charge to be analyzed and optimized for the best possible performance. Although it was developed for Aerovironment’s commercial PosiNET™ system, it could eventually be used by private consumers as well.
BorgWarner and UQM just announced that they will combine their powers to develop electric powertrain products for HEVs and EVs. They intend to start out their partnership by working on a mashup of UQM Technologies’ PowerPhase® electric propulsion system and BorgWarner’s 31-03 eGearDrive™ transmission for the Coda electric car. The Coda is expected to be out in California next year.
This combo should provide the Coda with 2,000 Nm (1,500 ft-lbs) of torque with a … Read the rest
Yingli Green Energy just announced a cooperation and supply agreement with SiC Processing AG to recycle its silicon manufacturing waste. Under the agreement, SiC, which has a processing facility inside Yingli’s Baoding plant, will double its capacity to be able to handle Yingli’s exhausted siicon cutting slurries, from 15,000 tons to 30,000 tons. The expansion will be completed by next year, and SiC will supply the recycled silicon components exclusively to Yingli until 2020.
Solarfun just announced that it has been granted credit in the amount of RMB400 from the Bank of Shanghai. The credit was granted to Solarfun’s subsidiary Jiangsu Linyang Solarfun Co., Ltd, and RMB 300 million of it is a 3-year loan.
In a press release, Solarfun President Peter Xie commented on the news”
“The additional credit facility provided by Bank of Shanghai gives us greater flexibility as we continue to execute on our growth strategy … Read the rest
Energy Focus, Inc just announced that it has been given a SBIR extension grant by DARPA to develop and produce LED lights for the US Navy. The LEDs will be designed to replace 50 and 110 Watt water tight incandescent fixtures now being used on Navy ships.
In a press release, Roger Buelow, Energy Focus CTO, commented on the grant:
“The SSL lights developed under this grant will save a significant amount of energy … Read the rest
Raser just announced that the Department of Energy has denied the company a loan for its East Thermo project. Once complete, the East Thermo project would be located about 6 miles away from Raser’s existing Thermo No. 1 plant. In denying loan, the Department of Energy stated that “we believe that the East Thermo project possesses fundamental strength, but would benefit from continued development….”
Raser has other financing options available, such as prepaid power purchase … Read the rest
Southern Company, which manages and operates the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Carbon Capture Center, just announced that they will be partnering with NRG Energy on advanced carbon capture technologies to capture carbon dioxide produced by coal-burning plants.
The National Carbon Capture Center is expected to be operational in 2010, and to use its partnerships with energy companies to explore ways of capturing and storing carbon dioxide to keep it out of the atmosphere.
Clean Harbors just announced that it has earned VPP Star status from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program for its Kimball, Nebraska Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility.
This award is based on the plant’s safety record and is a step up from its previous “Merit” designation. In a press release, the Kimball facility’s general manager, Jared Hunsaker, commented on the award:
“VPP Star is another great accomplishment but we are … Read the rest
Together with its partner Jianwei Solar, Evergreen Solar held a groundbreaking ceremony today in Wuhan, China to mark the start of the construction of their 100 MW manufacturing plants. During the ceremony, leaders from both companies were joined by political leaders from Wuhan City and Hubei province. Construction on the plant began last month and is set to be completed by next spring.
Comverge just announced that its 4-year, 40 megawatt Virtual Peaking Capacity (VPC) contract with Southern California Edison has been approved by regulators. The approvalmeans that Comverge can begin work on a demand response system that will increase the reliability of Southern California Edison’s grid during times of heavy use.
In a press release, executives from both Comverge and Southern California Edison commented on the news:
“The rollout of our program with SCE will provide … Read the rest
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