Technology Briefs - March 15 - March 21
The Latest Headlines:
- Sensors Check Emissions at Arizona Border Crossing
- Union Pacific Begins Using Hybrid Locomotive
- President Names New FCC Chairman
- DaimlerChrysler Plans to Sell Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Cars by 2012
- Union Pacific Begins Using Hybrid Locomotive
Sensors Check Emissions at Arizona Border Crossing
Remote sensing devices, able to conduct instant emission readings of trucks driving by, have been installed at the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Ariz., for a three-week pilot project this month, the Associated Press reported.The devices read levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and smoke while cameras capture license plate number. The project would help determine whether a national truck inspection program was possible, AP said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and private company Environmental Systems Products are all involved in the program. Transport Topics
Union Pacific Begins Using Hybrid Locomotive
Union Pacific Corp. on Tuesday put into service one of the nation's first locomotives using hybrid technology at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Los Angeles Times reported.The locomotive cost about $800,000 and is a switch engine that moves cars at slow speeds to hook them up to trains pulled by larger, conventional locomotives. A hybrid engine capable of hauling freight cross-country might be in use within three years, Union Pacific officials said.
Data has shown the hybrid emits 80% to 90% less nitrous oxide, than conventional equipment, and uses 40% to 70% less diesel fuel, the Times reported.
The engine runs on electricity until its onboard battery bank, which occupies most of the locomotive, runs low. A 290-horsepower diesel engine then kicks in to recharge the batteries, the Times said. Transport Topics
President Names New FCC Chairman
President Bush Wednesday nominated Federal Communications Commission member Kevin Martin to chair the FCC, news reports said.The FCC regulates the nation's airwaves, including frequencies that are used in mobile communications on trucks.
Martin, 38, is a lawyer with close ties to the White House, the Associated Press reported. He replaces Michael Powell, the son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
By choosing a sitting commissioner, the president avoids a potentially lengthy Senate confirmation process, but must still fill the vacancy left by Powell’s departure, AP said. The FCC until then will have two Republicans and two Democrats. Transport Topics
DaimlerChrysler Plans to Sell Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Cars by 2012
DaimlerChrysler AG is planning to sell its first hydrogen-powered car using fuel-cell technology by 2012, Reuters reported.However, Herbert Kohler, vice president of the company’s body and powertrain research unit, told reporters at a technology exhibition there were still technical obstacles to overcome such as extending fuel cells’ reliability and durability, Reuters reported.
He said the challenges also include ensuring engines start at sub-freezing temperatures, reducing costs and storing enough hydrogen in a small enough space to be workable.
DaimlerChrysler is the parent company of U.S. truck maker Freightliner LLC. Transport Topics
