Phinergy and electrical contractor Rosendin Electric have published a second white paper examining how aluminium-air generators (AAGs) could support data centre power needs beyond conventional backup systems. The paper outlines three potential uses, including providing power for AI and cloud facilities, increasing available grid capacity and supporting renewable microgrids. Titled “From Backup Power to Grid Enabler: Use Cases for Aluminum-Air Generator (AAG) in AI-Era Data Centers,” the paper compares aluminium-air generators with diesel generators and lithium-ion battery systems. The report comes amid growing pressure on electricity infrastructure from data centre expansion. In Northern Virginia, more than 9,000 backup diesel generators serve data centres, according to Virginia Mercury....
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed an aluminium-based catalyst that could help make sodium–sulphur batteries last longer. The catalyst addresses a problem that has limited the technology: Sodium polysulphides can dissolve and move away from the cathode, reducing battery life. The research team, led by Professors Wang Hui and Zheng Fangcai at CAS's High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Hefei, changed the atomic structure of aluminium by replacing one oxygen atom with nitrogen. The team wrote in the press release, “This created an asymmetric structure with three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom around each Al atom.” It is an Al–O3N structure (three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom surrounding each aluminium atom). Explore AL Circle’s report ALuminium Wires &...
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The UK based leading distributor of commercial vehicle wheels- Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) is planning to establish a new company in Germany early next year to expand its aftermarket distribution network in Europe and then use it to establish strategic partnerships with truck trailer OEMs in the region, reported sources aware of the developments in the tyres and accessories sector. MSWD presently distributes Speedline's Xlite and Xbrite+ range of aluminium wheels, and aims at reaching out to the aluminium forged wheel markets in continental Europe. Motor Wheel Service has been active in the wheel industry for more than eight decades, and for the past 35 years has concentrated on the distribution of commercial vehicle wheels. Whilst the initial focus was on steel wheels, around...
Larson Electronics, a leader in the industrial and commercial lighting industry, has announced the release of an explosion proof LED aluminium string light set equipped with ten 15 watt LED lamps. The EPL-SL-10-FL1524-LED-C1D1-TXF explosion proof LED string light set from Larson Electronics is U.L. Class 1 Division 1 & 2 approved. The two foot, 15 watt LED tube lamps on this string light set produces higher quality light than incandescent lamps and provide more light output than previous fluorescent lamp models. This 10 lamp string light set comes complete with a 90 foot 12/3 SOOW backbone for long range and convenient operation. Each lamp on this hazardous location area stringer features a rugged, non-sparking aluminium casting and a unique rod cage. The lamps produce a cool, glare-free,...
The 'Make in India' drive has put India's slow-growing infrastructural development onto a fast-track. China’s largest high speed train maker recently announced that its first USD 63.4 million joint venture plant in India to repair and manufacture railway locomotive engines has started operations in Haryana. The JV named CRRC Pioneer (India) Electric Co. Ltd. is expected to encourage the growth of a large number of ancillary industries including aluminium locomotive parts manufacturing in the state. The state-run China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) is the first foreign company to set up assembly line of rail transportation equipment in India. The plant was set up with a total investment of $63.4 million and the Chinese side holds 51 per cent of the share, reported industry...
Each year the Alufoil Trophy competition offers the opportunity for companies to showcase the very best and latest aluminium foil and closure applications and ideas. EAFA, the European Aluminium Foil Association has announced that entries for the 2017 competition are now open and will be accepted until 18 November 2016. A particular benefit for 2017 winners is that their products will be presented on the Association’s stand at interpack, the world’s largest packaging exhibition, in Düsseldorf, Germany next May. The Alufoil Trophy is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the sector and offers packaging designers, brand owners, foil rollers, foil converters, foil container manufacturers, closure manufacturers, household foil manufacturers, retailers, industrial solution...
The UAE based Danube Group, manufacturer of the aluminium cladding range Alucopanel, has won the coveted deal of constructing the region's first A2-standard fire-resistant panel manufacturing factory beating another Indian company Mulk Holdings headquartered in the Middle East. Mulk Holdings claimed in a release that they have also gained certification for their new A2 panels. But Danube Group, which produces the Alucopanel aluminium cladding range under licence in the Middle East from its factory in Dubai Technopark, said they will be the first to begin commercial production, scheduled for an early start this month. Aluminium A2 Standard panels are being made compulsory under the UAE’s Fire & Life Safety Code following a series of fire hazards which shook the region early this year. The...
Buyers of Jaguar products are going to get special offers from Coscharis Motors of Lagos for the launch of the Jaguar’s first Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) – the F-PACE. The announcement was made by President, Dr Cosmas Maduka during the unveiling of– at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The firm is offering special prices, free insurance and a two-year service plan for Jaguar products for one month. The F-PACE is a performance SUV that represents the agility, responsiveness and refinement that Jaguar cars are known for, coupled with superb dynamics and versatility. It is developed using Jaguar’s Lightweight aluminium architecture for lightweighting and speed/fuel performance. The SUV combines purity of line, surface and proportion with F-TYPE-inspired features like...
Leeds-based HWLWindows group company Nordic Aluminium has announced the addition of Synseal’s innovative WarmCore aluminium folding sliding door system to its prolific product portfolio. With this expansion of product basket, the leading manufacturer of bespoke aluminium windows and doors has inched closer to its target consumers across the U.S. market. WarmCore being built from aluminium showcases enhanced durability and desirability and is designed to provide unmatched insulation. Each part of the bi-fold doors has an orange thermal core that ensures 25 per cent more insulation than the traditional aluminium windows and doors systems available in the market. It comes with built-in security, reinforced by the ERA Five Star security guarantee, plus a product guarantee of ten years from...
The iPhone users and a large number of Android users around the world face durability issues with their charger. Recently launched Mfi Charger which is designed with innovation promises to do away with durability issues. The Smart Mfi charge cable is designed with a technology that maximizes power consumption and reduces EMI interference. The charger can be used to charge and sync multiple devices. The advanced technology used in the making of the charger allows it to offer optimal charging efficiency for the iOS devices. Smart Mfi charger can also facilitate data transfer which is achieved through braided copper shielding. This is further enhanced with another layer of aluminium foil to help in eliminating interference. The core of the wire is made of 99.3% copper for minimum heat...
A prominent corporate honcho and MD of Kian Joo Can Factory Bhd and Box-Pax (M) Bhd Yeoh Jin Hoe has initiated the takeover of Aluminum Company of Malaysia Bhd (Alcom) after buying a 59.16% stake of the aluminium rolled products manufacturer. This is an attempt to expand his business interests in the aluminium packaging industry. The share sale and purchase agreement was executed between Yeoh’s investment vehicle Towerpack Sdn Bhd and Novelis Inc. which is the controlling shareholder in Alcom. Alcom said after the completion of the proposed acquisition, Towerpack's holdings of the voting shares of Alcom will increase from nil to 59.16%. Alcom disclosed that, Yeoh had also proposed to buy 79.23 million Alcom shares for RM47.72mil or 61 sen a share in an all-cash deal. Yeoh already owns...
New regulations that will boost the fuel economy of the nation's medium and heavy-duty truck vehicle fleet recognize the importance of mass reduction technologies such as aluminum to help reach these goals. On August 16, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) jointly finalized a new rule requiring that trucking efficiencies improve up to 25 percent by 2027 in an effort to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the nation's freight transportation activities. Across the spectrum of the new rule - from combination tractors and the trailers they pull to vocational vehicles such as delivery trucks and school buses to heavy duty pickups and vans – aluminum componentry including wheels, extrusions, and sheet is cited as...
Manchester based renowned architecture practice SimpsonHaugh and Partners has been reported to be gaining in momentum with its Leeds regeneration, after having won the approval for a hotel in in Bridge Street, London. The practice has unveiled plans for the second phase of development as well. SimpsonHaugh and Partners, according to the local media reports, will be giving a 12-storey 1960's office building a makeover in the first phase, and has received planning for the same. The building will be converted into a 182-bed hotel, which will feature among other things terracotta and aluminium cladding. The practice will also be refurbishing a podium on the site, which is presently clad in salt-glazed terracotta brushed with aluminium. Construction at the site will begin in 2017. SimpsonHaugh...
Owensboro Convention Center, at Kentucky received the 2016 Metal Architecture Design Award in the Smooth Metal Wall Panels category for its outstanding, smooth aesthetics. Lorin Industries Inc. supplied the BlackMatt LL Brushed and ClearMatt LL Brushed anodized aluminium that clads the beautiful building. Brad McWhirter, AIA, design director at New Orleans-based Trahan Architects, says his firm drew inspiration for the design from tobacco barns, a common building type that represents the vernacular architecture of the area. McWhirter says that the vertical brushed finishes on the anodized aluminium panels on the exterior of the building refer to wood grain on the tobacco barns. Approximately 50,000 square feet of 0.05- inch Alloy 5205 H34 aluminium vertical have been installed in the...
Defined Corp is all set to ship its Dome- holder-cum-charger for Apple Watch and iPhone to general public, soon. Originally priced at US$99, the Dome features a minimalist circular look and is made from anodized aluminium. The novel dock/stand requires a bit of assembly to facilitate proper fitting in of an Apple Watch charging cable and/or Lightning cable. It also supports Nightstand mode for Apple Watch and offers iPhone case compatibility. The anodized aluminium Dome comes in silver, black, gray, gold, and striking rose gold. The Dome’s base allows users to wrap both Apple Watch charging cable and iPhone cable around it in order to reduce cable length. Thanks to the product’s suave anodized aluminium built and its wireless feature, a price premium is being charged for it. However,...
William Hawley Bowlus who was born in America in 1898 invented recreational gliding, played a significant role in developing Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and designed the Senior Albatross, the iconic sailplane in America. He is the man behind creating the world’s first all-aluminium structured travel trailer, known as Road Chief. Wally Byam who used to work for Bowlus, borrowed the trailer, and founded a new company called Airstream in 1931. The original Road Chief was a vehicle that was much ahead of its time and this aero-dynamic, mirror-finish camper beauty predated Avion and Spartan with much élan. Vintage car collector John Long wrote a book on Bowlus’s design after tracking down an original model, dismantling it, and carrying out a complete restoration work on it....
Modular aluminium profile manufacturer Boldman has developed a mobile ballistic test cell to increase efficiency and reduce costs in oil and gas industry testing. The cell uses a lot of the innovations that are used in Boldman’s existing large fixed cells, but has the added benefit of being movable, which many clients demanded as their testing locations were not always permanent. The maximum size the of the high pressure test cell is 6 m by 6 m by 4 m high and it will be used to test small assemblies up to 30 000 psi. The ballistic glass test cells are manufactured from Boldman’s aluminium profile system and specially manufactured safety glass, giving 360° visibility when testing oil and gas equipment. This visibility means companies testing their equipment can invite their customers to...
BMW is gearing up for the launch of its second-generation i3 in 2022, reported sources close to the company. The timeline thought set at six years from now, a renowned automobile industry magazine reports, the premium car maker has already started R&D of the vehicle in a full-fledged manner. It is learnt from the above sources, that BMW is considering three different construction methods for the upcoming i3. The idea, of course, is to make the car affordable while not compromising on the efficiency part. The Bavarian company intends to position its new machine in the same space as the new Chevrolet Bolt, a close rival in the electric car category. BMW is said to be considering a number of material options for building the second-gen i3. Firstly, it is mulling using carbon fibre to build...
Honeywell Aerospace a Phoenix-based manufacturer of aerospace parts has commissioned a new aluminium 3D printer laboratory. This is an expansion of their existing Phoenix Additive Manufacturing Center near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Aluminium is a preferred metal for manufacturing aerospace parts because of its lightweight and anticorrosive qualities. Donald Godfrey, an engineer in charge of Phoenix lab believes that having an in-house facility to work with the metal will cut costs to the company. “This is the first aluminium lab in North America. Aerospace applications prefer aluminium and space is a huge part of our business. Doing this in-house is cheaper and faster. We’re paying for the machines just in our savings,” he said. The aluminium 3D printing lab is equipped...
Aluminium is way costlier than steel. The current official LME price of aluminium is US$1633 per tonne whereas steel billet price has been hovering around US$325 per tonne. The price difference between the two metals competing with each other in the beverage can making segment is a clear US$1305 per tonne. Since, we all know, everything boils down to money in business, then why do 75 per cent of global beverage can manufacturers prefer aluminium over tin-coated steel as the basic raw material for their end products? The reasons are: • Formability/workability of aluminium • Ductility of aluminium (in terms of the container not shattering/cracking in transit) • Inertness of the aluminium and little to no potential toxicity • Corrosion-resistant • Recyclability The "recyclability" factor is...
