A story published by Safe To Work has highlighted how improperly maintained mobile air conditioning systems (MACs) can pose significant health issues. Safe To Work, which documents safety matters in the Australian mining sector, reported that a mobile plant operator has been diagnosed with a lung disease after 35 years’ work in civil construction and … Continue reading Clogged air-con system contributes to illness
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has commended the work of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, following the release of a paper highlighting the achievements of the global environment-protecting Montreal Protocol. “While you won’t find refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices studying about repair jobs for oxygen molecules in the stratosphere,” said ARC in a press release, … Continue reading ARC praises refrigerant techs
Volvo Trucks Australia has announced that the first FL Electric truck, one of the company’s two all-electric models, has arrived in Australia. The two-axle truck, which will be outfitted with an eight-pallet body and a tailgate lift, will undergo a series of evaluation processes with logistics company Linfox – which, like many other transport businesses, … Continue reading Zero-emissions trucks land in Australia
Some merit in draft plan but lacks direct impact required to ramp up EV adoption In the previous edition of SightGlass News, the Australian Government’s new and seemingly positive $A74.5 million “Future Fuels” investment scheme for zero- and low-emissions vehicles was outlined. The plan, which was mooted to increase the commercial and community uptake of … Continue reading Australian federal EV plan doesn’t go far enough
One of the long-standing issues with mobile or stationary HVACR equipment, is what happens if and when its refrigerant escapes to atmosphere. It might be due to a leak, or due to improper disposal of the equipment at the end of its life, but the net outcome is the same – a release of substances … Continue reading Solid-state tech could cut refrigerant woes
Australian heavy vehicle, fleet and mobile equipment specialist GB Auto has signed a $250 million ($A322m) deal to supply electric conversion kits for 4x4s. The VASA member company, which is headquartered in Orange, New South Wales, will now be the exclusive Australia-wide distributor of products from Tembo – a Netherlands-based manufacturer of electric light vehicles, … Continue reading VASA member GB Auto signs $250M EV deal
Heavy equipment manufacturer Komatsu has announced that it is partnering with electric vehicle technology specialist Proterra to develop small- and mid-sized electric hydraulic excavators. Japanese multinational Komatsu will use the American company’s advanced battery systems to power its new line of upcoming zero-emissions excavators – prototypes of which are due in 2021, ahead of commercial … Continue reading Off-highway sector charges up
New sustainable tech to benefit refrigerated transport and shipping companies Sustainability is the focus of almost every industry these days – and, as regulations and public perception continue to shift, making things cleaner, more efficient and less harmful will be both required and expected. In transport refrigeration, manufacturers and logistics companies are increasingly exploring ways … Continue reading Zero-emissions tech for transport refrigeration
Incentives, manufacturing, models and deployment bolster global E-bus surge New York governor Andrew Cuomo has announced an additional $16.4 million ($A21.2 million) in funding to increase the size of the city’s electric bus fleet. The move, which is among the latest swathe of funds set to boost the scale and increasingly widespread nature of all-electric … Continue reading E-buses on the move
Increasing EV capabilities herald boom in advanced thermal management market Cars powered by internal combustion engines face all manner of thermal management challenges. Myriad fluids and cooling packs have to be kept at sensible temperatures, and performance issues and damage can ensue if things get out of line. Electric vehicles (EVs), however, are not exempt … Continue reading Major new market for automotive thermal management
