Wednesday, April 4, 2012

CWRU raises wind-energy labs over Cleveland area

CWRU raises wind-energy labs over Cleveland area [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 4-Apr-2012
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Contact: Susan Griffith
susan.griffith@case.edu
216-368-1004
Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University and its partners have erected their third and largest research wind turbine and begun the process of tying into the grid.

The 1-megawatt turbine, which will sit 230 feet above William Sopko & Sons Co., near the I-90-Rt. 2 split in Euclid, is a utility-scale power generator. The company is one of the university's industrial partners in wind research and made the property available.

The mid-sized research turbine erected on the same parcel and the smallest, on the Case Western Reserve campus, are already providing power.

After initial studies of their operation, all three will be used as working laboratories available to researchers at non-profit organizations and for-profit companies, eliminating the large expense of having to buy or build their own turbines.

The overall goal is to develop better products, from nuts and bolts on up to new technologies to manage the turbines and improve efficiency and longevity, and thereby establish a wind-energy supply chain in Northeast Ohio.

Researchers can gain access to the turbines through the Wind Energy Research and Commercialization (WERC) Center. The WERC Center is part of the Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) at CWRU.

"By having three different sized wind turbines, researchers and companies can 'right-size' their efforts, depending on what information the researchers are interested in and what market the companies are developing products for," said David Matthiesen, professor of materials science and engineering at Case Western Reserve and faculty director of the WERC Center.

The three wind turbines also have a variety of technologies in them, Matthiesen explained.

The 100-killowatt turbine has a direct drive system and no gearbox in its drive train. In addition to the swiveling nacelle, which houses the generator, the pitch of the blades can be changed on the 225-kilowatt turbine to control the angle to the wind. The 1-megawatt turbine has additional monitoring features to allow researchers to study how electricity generated by the turbine is integrated into the power grid.

The larger turbines are in Euclid, where they complement the surrounding industry.

The electricity from the 1-megawatt turbine will flow into the adjacent Stamco Industries plant. Inside the plant, mammoth presses generate up to 3,000 tons of pressure as they stamp truck wheel rings and other products out of heavy-gauge steel. Unused power will flow into the grid.

As part of its commissioning tests, the intermediate turbine is already providing power to William Sopko & Sons' light manufacturing business of making adapters, parts and accessories for precision grinders.

The smallest turbine, a community-rated power generator, provides electricity to The Veale Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. During its first full year of operation, the turbine generated 58,500 KWH or about 5 percent of the total used by the center.

###

The Ohio-WERC Center is funded with a $3 million Third Frontier Wright Project award from the Ohio Department of Development and $3 million in support from the inaugural industrial partners: Cleveland Electric Laboratories, The Lubrizol Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Azure Energy LLC, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Swiger Coil Systems LLC, and William Sopko & Sons Co.


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CWRU raises wind-energy labs over Cleveland area [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 4-Apr-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Susan Griffith
susan.griffith@case.edu
216-368-1004
Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University and its partners have erected their third and largest research wind turbine and begun the process of tying into the grid.

The 1-megawatt turbine, which will sit 230 feet above William Sopko & Sons Co., near the I-90-Rt. 2 split in Euclid, is a utility-scale power generator. The company is one of the university's industrial partners in wind research and made the property available.

The mid-sized research turbine erected on the same parcel and the smallest, on the Case Western Reserve campus, are already providing power.

After initial studies of their operation, all three will be used as working laboratories available to researchers at non-profit organizations and for-profit companies, eliminating the large expense of having to buy or build their own turbines.

The overall goal is to develop better products, from nuts and bolts on up to new technologies to manage the turbines and improve efficiency and longevity, and thereby establish a wind-energy supply chain in Northeast Ohio.

Researchers can gain access to the turbines through the Wind Energy Research and Commercialization (WERC) Center. The WERC Center is part of the Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) at CWRU.

"By having three different sized wind turbines, researchers and companies can 'right-size' their efforts, depending on what information the researchers are interested in and what market the companies are developing products for," said David Matthiesen, professor of materials science and engineering at Case Western Reserve and faculty director of the WERC Center.

The three wind turbines also have a variety of technologies in them, Matthiesen explained.

The 100-killowatt turbine has a direct drive system and no gearbox in its drive train. In addition to the swiveling nacelle, which houses the generator, the pitch of the blades can be changed on the 225-kilowatt turbine to control the angle to the wind. The 1-megawatt turbine has additional monitoring features to allow researchers to study how electricity generated by the turbine is integrated into the power grid.

The larger turbines are in Euclid, where they complement the surrounding industry.

The electricity from the 1-megawatt turbine will flow into the adjacent Stamco Industries plant. Inside the plant, mammoth presses generate up to 3,000 tons of pressure as they stamp truck wheel rings and other products out of heavy-gauge steel. Unused power will flow into the grid.

As part of its commissioning tests, the intermediate turbine is already providing power to William Sopko & Sons' light manufacturing business of making adapters, parts and accessories for precision grinders.

The smallest turbine, a community-rated power generator, provides electricity to The Veale Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. During its first full year of operation, the turbine generated 58,500 KWH or about 5 percent of the total used by the center.

###

The Ohio-WERC Center is funded with a $3 million Third Frontier Wright Project award from the Ohio Department of Development and $3 million in support from the inaugural industrial partners: Cleveland Electric Laboratories, The Lubrizol Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Azure Energy LLC, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Swiger Coil Systems LLC, and William Sopko & Sons Co.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


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Sonetics Granted New Patent for Vehicle Communication System ...

April 2, 2012, Portland, OR ?Sonetics Corporation announced today that it has been granted U.S. patent number 8,126,492 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent describes improved vehicle crew communication technology and systems employing multiple wireless headsets using DECT protocols. The patented technology allows the use of multiple headsets with a single wireless base station, extends wireless communication range, facilitates full-duplex communication over multiple encrypted links from a single base station, avoids interference between multiple headsets through automatic channel selection and optimizes noise-cancelling microphone performance for each headset?s digital channel connection.

Sonetics has created and deployed next-generation rugged and reliable wireless solutions using its patented technology for tens of thousands of users in extreme environments worldwide, including firefighters, emergency responders, military personnel and commercial aviation ground support crews. Most recently, the company launched Apex and Triton wireless team communication solutions for markets such as construction, crane operations, utilities and marine operations.

?Sonetics pioneered the development of completely wireless rugged headsets and systems for use in firefighting and rescue applications,? said Sonetics? Chief Operating Officer, Reed Stager. ?Now the second generation of that technology is being deployed in aviation, military, commercial, industrial, construction and other communication-challenged environments. The granting of this patent underscores Sonetics? mission to create innovative wireless systems, helping teams communicate more effectively to increase productivity and ensure the safety of all crew members.?

Sonetics? Firecom division customers have already benefited from the patented technology as it is used in new 50-Series wireless headsets and intercom systems. Firecom?s wireless systems deliver clear communication among crew members and support hands-free, full-duplex communication up to a 1,600-foot range while also monitoring up to two radio channels and providing push-to-talk radio transmission from users? headsets. The headsets provide 24dB of hearing protection and are completely wire-free, with no external antennas, belt packs, or wires to snag or entangle users. The headsets operate from -40o to +158oF, reject dust and water with an IP65 rating and can be combined into a single system supporting up to 60 headsets. Firecom and Sonetics support all wireless products with a two-year standard warranty and up to five years of ComCare? comprehensive customer service programs.

About Sonetics
Sonetics is the leader in innovative and proven team communication systems for high-noise environments. Sonetics delivers the means for clear communication, essential for the productivity, safety, and effectiveness of work teams in aviation, firefighting, public works, marine, construction, and industrial operations. Sonetics? systems, with headsets and radio interfaces, ensure all team members can hear and be heard, even in the most challenging environments. Sonetics pioneered the development of self-contained hands-free wireless headsets, allowing team members to stay in continuous contact without being tethered to an intercom or belt pack. All systems are backed with Sonetics? exclusive ComCare Service Program, which provides up to five years of extended protection and expedited customer care ? the longest in the industry.

Twice named by Inc. magazine as one of America?s 500 fastest-growing private companies, Sonetics helps more than 500,000 customers in 90 countries solve their toughest communication problems. Visit www.soneticscorp.com for more information.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @SoneticsCorp.

For more information, contact Courtney Hastings at Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications, PR firm for Sonetics Corporation at chastings@rhstrategic.com or 202-585-0210.

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McCain Eases Santo Out the Door (TIME)

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

U.S. Bank Launches Connect for Small Businesses | Enterprise ...

MINNEAPOLIS?(BUSINESS WIRE)?Small business owners are driven by a passion to succeed and grow, but from time to time they also seek fresh ideas, answers to unexpected challenges or a place to connect with other small business owners. U.S. Bank is addressing this need by launching a new site with helpful advice and useful ideas called, ?Connect? at usbankconnect.com.

?Our nation?s economic recovery depends on the success of American small businesses?

Connect provides business owners with the tools and resources they need to help start, run and grow their businesses. The site?s articles, blogs, workshops and videos demystify many of the financial issues business owners face ? such as writing a business plan, conducting market analysis, using social media effectively or preventing fraud ? and offer real, practical solutions relevant to businesses at any stage.

?Our nation?s economic recovery depends on the success of American small businesses,? said Rick Hartnack, vice chairman and head of consumer and small business banking at U.S. Bank. ?There tends to be an increase in self-employment and new business generation after a recession, as individuals who lost their jobs or wish to add to their income decide to start their own business. Our goal is to provide the advice and guidance entrepreneurs need to either get started or continue to grow.?

Connect is a resource for any small business owner whether they are starting a new business, planning for expansion or getting ready to retire. With content provided by sources such as the writers at Entrepreneur magazine, Connect offers clear information, useful ideas, helpful advice, videos, and a community of business owners to provide support and inspiration. Business owners can follow Connect on Twitter @usbankconnect and on Facebook facebook.com/usbankconnect.

U.S. Bank has provided financing, education and banking services to businesses of all types and sizes for generations. In addition to a comprehensive suite of small business products, including award-winning credit cards, U.S. Bank is also one of the nation?s top providers of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, with a record lending year in 2011 and continued growth in small business lending across the company. In 2011, U.S. Bank invited small business owners to tell their story on Facebook for a chance to win money in the ?Look Up with US? sweepstakes. Keeping a finger on the pulse of small businesses, U.S. Bank reports annually on the attitudes and opinions of business owners nationwide with its U.S. Bank Small Business Annual Survey.

About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $340 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2011, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,085 banking offices in 25 states and 5,053 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp and its employees are dedicated to improving the communities they serve, for which the company earned the 2011 Spirit of America Award, the highest honor bestowed on a company by United Way. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50225651&lang=en

More:
U.S. Bank Launches Connect for Small Businesses

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New Home and Garden Coupon Codes- Home Depot, Linen's ...

In our search for coupons to we have been coming across many coupon codes for the home! If you are looking to start a home project,? or just need to spruce up a room make sure to check our Home and Garden Coupon Codes!

Home Depot $10 Off $100 with code SPRINGBFends 4/5/12

Home Depot 15-60% Off Spring Black Friday Savings!
Shop Our Spring Black Friday Savings To Find Amazing Deals Including: 20% on Kitchen and Bath, 15% on Storage and D?cor, 20% on Flooring, 20% on Electrical, 20% on Plumbing, 15% on Outdoor Power, 20% on Gardening, 20% on Tools and Hardware, 60% on lighting and Fans, 20% on Kitchen and Bath. Expires 4/4/12

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Loeb's hedge fund launches site in war with Yahoo

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Perfect Residence Improvement Tips, Tricks, And Treats | Fuel Cell ...

Many people shy away from learning home improvement skills because they fear the topic is boring. However, there is little else as empowering as working with your own two hands. This topic is fascinating and useful. To prove this point, this article will outline a few simple tips to beef up your knowledge of home improvement. Find out more about upright vacuum cleaners now.

If you are a pet owner make sure that there are no lingering pet hairs or pet odors in the home when you are giving a showing. This is especially true for people that have carpets because the buyers will worry about whether these issues will cause them to have to replace them.

When it comes to home improvement, one of the first questions that you need to ask yourself is if you intend on selling the house soon. If the answer is yes, then everything you do should be solely to promote the worth of your house focus only on the critical maintenance items and the areas with highest visibility. If you are not selling soon, then you will have more leeway to design in a way that is more favorable to your own taste.

Upgrade your kitchen to improve home value quickly. Kitchen improvements can be as simple as refreshing paint or wallpaper or as complex as installing new cabinetry, appliances or flooring. You can do most kitchen improvements yourself or contract with a professional for more difficult items. Investing in your kitchen makes your home more enjoyable for yourself and your family, and it also increases the home value should you ever decide to sell your house.

To keep your toilets clean, pour bleach inside the bowl. Bleaching your toilets may smell bad for a while, but it will decrease your chance of getting sick and spreading germs as well as making your toilet nice and shiny. Scented bleach can also help keep the odor at bay.

A waterfall is a great commodity to have on ones real estate. Creating one through landscaping can never add up to actually having the real thing but it can still look very good and increase the value of a property. A waterfall is beneficial to real estate that one may own.

Fix up the entrance to your house by giving it a new coat of paint and a new welcome mat. Your entrance plays an important role in how you welcome your guests into your home. Extra touches like an attractive welcome mat and a pretty potted plant by your entrance will create a positive impression on your visitors.

Have a clear path and share it with everyone working on the home. Many issues that arise with home improvement, occur when people are not communicating their wishes with each other. Your partner may want a golden bathroom, but if you have not taken the time to discuss it, it could lead to problems down the road.

Give any room a new look easily by changing the window treatments. Curtains are inexpensive, and you can change the character of your room by choosing fabrics in the appropriate patterns. You can even customize the look by season by selecting fabrics in colors that reflect the seasons, such as light colors for spring and summer, and richer colors for autumn and winter.

If your plan is to remodel your kitchen, consider keeping your old appliances to save money. You can find stainless steel appliques for appliances which can make them look more high end, or appliance paint to cover up dings or scratches that have suddenly appeared over the years. Clean the handles and glass while you?re at it.

If you are the proud owner of an asphalt driveway you need to keep on the lookout for cracks and repair them as soon as possible to keep your driveway in good shape. Keeping your driveway clean and free of debris is the first step in good driveway maintenance.

Create a file of photos cut out of magazines or brochures, ideas you?ve written down or sketched, and any plans you?ve had created professionally. Take this with you when you meet with contractors you?re interviewing to do your home improvements and they?ll have an easier time envisioning what you want and then creating a quote.

To find some great deals on home improvement supplies, check out thrift stores in your area. Often, when people do some remodeling, they not only donate the items they may have replaced in their home, i.e., light fixtures, sinks and faucets, but also surplus items they bought and do not need. While you may not be able to count on a thrift store having everything you need for the job, you should be able to stock up on many of the basics.

If you do run into complications when trying to remodel a section of your house alone ask for help. There is no shame in asking for help when you come across an obstacle. A home that is properly remodeled looks better than a home that was remodeled poorly and not done properly.

Using the ideas presented here to make decisions about how, when and why you are going to make remodeling changes or updates to your home or investment property, will net you a greater return on your investment and give you some leeway in making greater gains in your home equity. Click here to know more about cordless drill reviews 2011 today.

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