Electrical Apparatus June 2023 - EASA EXHIBITORS!

Electric Avenue

22 Learning by doing

How Switch Lab is bringing together instructors and students to advance the craft of electric vehicle construction

By Carol Brzozowski, EA Contributing Writer

Conventions & Trade Shows

28 The latest in electrical apparatus service and repair

The newest and best the industry has to o er will be on display at the 2023 convention of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association

By the Electrical Apparatus sta

Service & Sales Companies

39 Energetic growth

How EMS Industrial of Madison, Wis., has expanded by necessity

By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor

Motors & Generators

45 A horsepower of a di erent color

When and how to up-rate a motor’s horsepower without replacing the machine

By Chase Fell, EA Contributing Writer

More Than Accounting

48 The new financial fraud

More sophisticated data networks have brought about more sophisticated methods of crime

By William H. Wiersema, CPA, EA Contributing Editor

Energy

50 The new Master’s UNC-Charlotte program of study o ers a combined degree in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Engineering

By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor

Pump It Up

60 Big bucks for Big Water

The UN Water Action Agenda is likely to spur heavy spending on water infrastructure

By Kevin Jones, EA Senior Editor

— Electrical Apparatus

photo by Kevin Jones

— Electrical Apparatus photo by Charlie Barks

Departments

04 The editor’s comment

There’s plenty to do as summer arrives

05 Let’s solve your problem

Answers to questions about motor maintenance and application

06 Business

A new facility for ABB, and GE Wolong enters an EV partnership

10 Associations

For some trade associations, June is a month for conventions

12 Know your industry

Enhancing the image of electrical apparatus dealers

16 EA reader profile

Up on the rear two wheels with Mark Zawadzki

18 Calendar

Upcoming events on safety, HVAC/R, and industrial maintenance

20 Speaking of . . .

Drought or no drought? The experts don’t agree.

26 Product showcase

What’s new from Siemens, IBM, HVR MAG, and Seco

38 Plant happenings

New plants coming to Georgia, West Virginia, and Alabama

51 Utilities

ComEd bribery case raises important questions about utilities

62 Names & faces

Personnel changes at Motion Industries and IPS

62 Deaths

James ‘Jim’ Clark, founder of Birclar Electric

63 Classified advertising

Your monthly marketplace for equipment, businesses, and more

63 Cy’s Super Service

The electrical service industry’s most prominent curmudgeon

65 EA puzzle

A word search puzzle about motor horsepower and re-rates

67 Moe, Genny & friends

The surreal world of an anthropomorphized motor and generator

68 Direct & current

Creating jobs in Pennsylvania; students compete in solar projects

68 Advertising index

Who’s who—and who’s where—in this issue of Electrical Apparatus

COVER PHOTO: By Charlie Barks, at EMS Industrial, Inc., Madison, Wis.

— ABB photo —

Maddox photo

Optomec photo

Plenty to do as summer arrives

Spring has sprung, and by the time our readers receive this issue, it will nearly be summertime. That means many things — good weather, vacations, and conventions among them. A milestone congratulations to Electrical Apparatus Service Association: The 2023 convention will mark the association’s 90th. Leaf through our exhibitors’ section ahead of the convention and expo (page 28) for valuable information about booths, new projects, products, and developments from many of the companies exhibiting. Thank you to all our advertisers, readers, and exhibitors who took the time out of their busy schedules to submit information for the exhibitors’ section. This is one of the ways we help relay crucial information from industry to audience.

Coming next month in

Electrical Apparatus: Our annual e-mobility issue

Financing an EV eet

An EV service shop

E-aviation

Generation Z in manufacturing

Read Electrical Apparatus online

The entire contents of the June EA are available online. Scan the QR code below:

The rest of this issue has plenty to o er, EASA-related and beyond. Our cover story this month (page 39) took us to the isthmus of Madison, Wis., and the steadily developing business of EMS Industrial located there. EMS provided a portrait of growth in today’s industry; originally a smaller, family-owned shop that is coincidentally also in its 90th year (!), it’s been built up over the decades into one of the standard-bearers for America’s Dairyland.

Through reliable operations, strategic additions, retaining valuable talent from within, and an eye for market openings, EMS now has its hand in compressor sales and service throughout the Badger State and beyond. This is in addition to its already existing and thriving businesses (motors and generators, pumps, panels, and more). Thank you to Kevin Femal, Bill Hinnendael, and the entire EMS sta that was present to host Electrical Apparatus for a visit to their facility.

We also look at new developments in the industry over the course of this issue. EA Senior Editor Kevin Jones takes us through the aforementioned convention season that always heats up as the temperature does this time of year, and how associations prepare for it (page 10). In “Utilities” (page 51), Kevin looks at the lessons to be learned from the recent Commonwealth Edison bribery scandal, and in “Pump It Up” (page 60), he consideres the UN’s Water Action Agenda. (It’s safe to say Kevin’s been wearing a lot of hats these days, as many of us are).

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Special Correspondents

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ElectroMechanical Bench Reference

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EA Contributing Writer Carol Brzozwski takes us through Switch Vehicles (page 22), an electric vehicle out t and training program that manufactures a “fun, sporty, and safe EV” created as a “build-it-yourself” kit for education. The company’s all-inclusive program is called The Switch Lab – which challenges students to build a full size, roadworthy electric vehicle as a classroom project. Used in high schools, colleges, and junior high schools across the U.S., the program delivers project-based learning with realworld experience and impact.

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Let’s Solve Your Problem

Why is there no shielding on motor leads?

We are supposed to use shielded 5 kV or 8 kV cable to feed a 4160 volt motor. The motor leads themselves aren’t shielded. Why not?

The purpose of the shielding is to limit the “touch potential” (surface overvoltage) along the external cables (as well as providing a lowresistance path for ground fault current). There’s no need for such shielding inside the motor itself. Furthermore, proper use of shielded cable dictates stress-grading terminations at the ends of the shield. Where the motor leads connect directly to the winding itself, this isn’t feasible.

Compressor causes lights to flicker

A new 100 hp reciprocating compressor was recently installed for air supply in part of our plant. Most of the time the compressor runs below capacity. We have noticed a lot of light icker, especially in new sodium xtures, when the compressor is at half load, but there’s no problem at full compressor load. Why would the electrical system be bothered less at full load than at half load, and what can be done about it?

A reciprocating compressor demands a pulsating torque from its drive motor, varying throughout each revolution of the crankshaft. This causes motor line current to pulsate also. Depending upon the number of compressor cylinders, and the total motor/compressor inertia, the pulsation in torque — and therefore in current, which causes the light icker — is often greater with the compressor lightly loaded than when it’s fully loaded.

The commonly recommended solution is to damp out the pulsations by increasing the rotating system inertia by adding more ywheel effect, which isn’t always practical as a retro t. You have to work with both motor and compressor manufacturers toward that remedy. A reactor on the electrical circuit may be feasible also but would probably have to be custom-designed for the application. Another solution would be to put the lights and compressor on separate circuits.

Single-phase motor on a three-phase supply

We have sold a few phase converters for customers having only single-phase electric service who want to use three-phase motors. Most of these have worked out all right, although we understand the converter output isn’t perfectly balanced. Now we have a customer who is asking about possible problems when connecting a single-phase motor to a three-phase supply. We’re not sure just how to answer that request and would appreciate your comments. Connecting any single-phase motor or other device across any pair of three-phase lines creates no problem at all for the device itself. What the user needs to be aware of is the possible e ect of the device on the system. Whenever the total load across any one phase di ers from that across either of the other two phases, the three phase voltages (and currents) become unbalanced. If that unbalance exceeds 1%, three-phase motor application standards warn against expecting proper motor operation. But the unbalance itself won’t a ect a single-phase load.

Consider switching to a three-phase motor when the single-phase needs replacement. A three-phase motor is more e cient and has fewer components that may fail.

High-slip motor for cyclic torque overloads

A 75 hp 840 RPM motor driving a crusher in our plant has failed several times. After the last burnout, we decided to replace it with a higher-e ciency design, for two reasons: because we could get

a utility rebate, and because the design was supposedly more rugged with extra copper and iron to carry heavy loads. But the new motor failed within a couple of months. The service shop tells us the trouble was severe thermal overload. We don’t understand why the replacement didn’t improve the situation. What should we be doing?

The 840 RPM speed indicates that the original motor was a highslip design (about 7% slip at full load). Such slip rates are suited to the frequent cyclic torque peaks associated with the operation of some crushers. Your high-e ciency replacement undoubtedly had a much lower slip, with a rated RPM of 875 or 880.

Such a machine isn’t suited to the cyclic torque overloads because it tries too hard to follow the associated speed changes itself rather than allowing the crusher ywheel to carry the peaks. What you probably need is a 100 hp high-slip motor.

Another thing to check is whether the motor has open bars in the rotor. This could also reduce the motor’s torque capability. Is the crusher trying to start unloaded or with the hopper full of rocks or frozen material? If so, it may require more torque to break things loose.

What types and makes of phase converters?

Please explain the di erent types of phase converters available for running three-phase motors using single-phase electrical service.

Only two types of phase converter exist: static and rotary. The former uses some combination of xed capacitance and inductance to “create” phase shift. The latter does the job through induction generator action within rotating machine windings. EA

Edited by the EA sta

A new ABB facility is coming to Wisconsin

Global industrial manufacturer ABB in April celebrated the “ oor pour” of its newest U.S. agship campus in New Berlin, Wis. The facility, expected to open in late 2024, will serve as the U.S. headquarters, manufacturing facility, and distribution center for ABB’s Drives and Motion Services business. ABB is investing nearly $100 million in the new campus.

The highly automated production facility will be complemented by a digital Customer Experience Center and a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab. The building’s design features, such as solar power, geothermal heat pump, and modern HVAC systems, along with advanced building controls, will help the company meet its 2030 sustainability goals, according to ABB.

The Drives and Motion Services business manufactures a-c variable-frequency drives and controls, which are said to reduce energy consumption in buildings and industrial applications. The business is currently divided between two smaller, separate campuses in New Berlin and Wauwatosa, Wis.

The new campus will include 220,000 square feet of manufacturing space and support o ces in addition to a connected 315,000-square-foot distribution center. ABB expects the consolidation of all operations on one campus to add additional e ciencies and reduce overall time to deliver.

The U.S. is a crucial market for ABB’s drives and the services that support them, according to Tuomo Hoysniemi, president of ABB’s US Motion Business Area and Global Drives Products Division. “Our new campus will help us better serve our local customers by increasing the availability of market-speci c solutions and decreasing the time it takes to serve our customers,” he said.

Please turn to page 8

Global electrical and electronics manufacturer ABB is investing nearly $100 million in a new campus in New Berlin, Wis., to increase U.S. production capacity of industrial electric drives. Shown here is an artist’s rendering of part of the campus. — ABB photo

Wolong Electric Group in EV partnership

Wolong Electric Group Ltd., the parent company of ATB Group, Brook Crompton, and GE Industrial Motors, has entered a partnership with Exro Technologies, Inc., of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a maker of power control electronics for electric motors and batteries, to serve the e-mobility market.

The partnership is intended to leverage Exro’s coil driver technology and Wolong’s motor design and manufacturing capabilities to develop nextgeneration electric vehicle powertrains from light- to heavy-duty applications in the Americas, “with the potential to expand globally,” according to Exro Technologies.

Exro’s CEO, Sue Ozdemir, has first-hand experience with GE motors and the electric motor market generally. Before becoming CEO of Exro, she was CEO and CCO for GE Small Industrial Motors at GE Power Conversion. She has also worked at WEG. “Having previously been a part of the Wolong family, I have first-hand perspective on the world-class motor manufacturing capabilities that allow Exro the opportunity to scale into multiple large customer platforms,” Ozdemir said.

Financial reports point to a strong quarter

Several major electrical manufacturers that supply global industrial sectors generally saw a strong first quarter of 2023, with some reporting double-digit revenue growth, although one — Nidec — stumbled out of the gate as the new year got underway.

Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation saw “another quarter of outstanding performance on both top line and bottom line, with sales up over 25% year over year,” in the words of chairman and CEO Blake Moret. Fiscal 2023 second quarter sales were $2.27 billion, up 25.8% over the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Cash flow generated by operating activities during the quarter was $187 million, compared to $90.8 million in the second quarter the year before.

Industrial distributor Grainger of Lake Forest, Ill., saw sales for its first quarter of fiscal 2023 rise 12.2% over the same period the year before, to $4.1 billion. Generated operating earnings of $680 million were up 27.4%, with operating margin of 16.6%. Meanwhile, for the second consecutive year, Grainger was recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Genuine Parts Co., of which industrial parts distributor Motion Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary, reported record sales of $5.8 billion for the quarter ended March 31, up 8.9% over the first quarter of 2022. Industrial sales were $2.3 billion, up 11.9% from the same period in 2022, while global automotive sales were $3.5 billion, up 7.0%. “We benefited from our business mix and the geographic diversity of our operations with continued strong performances in our international automotive businesses and in the industrial segment,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO.

SchneiderElectric, the French industrial manufacturer, saw revenues reach €8.5 billion for the first quarter of the year, an all-time high. Organic revenue growth of 16% represented a continuation of strong momentum seen over the past two years. In the energy management business, product sales grew at a double-digit rate, while industrial automation growth was high-single digit.

WEG, the global electric engineering, power, and automation company headquartered in Brazil, reported that net operating revenue for the first quarter increased 12.7% over the first quarter of 2022, to 1.68 billion reals. Domestically, “revenue growth was supported by good demand for industrial products in the main market segments where we operate,” the company’s management said, while internationally, the company saw strong revenue growth in the industrial electrical and electronic equipment business and in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Japanese electrical manufacturer Nidec reported its first quarterly operating loss in a decade, declining 36.6% from 66.92 billion yen in the first quarter of 2022 to 42.43 billion yen in the quarter ended this past March 31, Reuters reported. In its quarterly report, the company blamed “risk factors such as rising raw material prices and accelerating supply chain disruptions due to increased geopolitical risks, as well as possibility of lockdown being implemented due to the spread of Covid-19 in China.” — Kevin

Jones EA

For some trade associations, June is a month for conventions

June is a traditional time to hit the road and visit destinations that offer opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and education that are both informative and entertaining. For these reasons, several associations serving the electrical service and related industries hold conventions and meetings during the month at locales conducive to networking, learning, and fun.

Kicking off the month this year will be the annual meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, to be held June 3-6 at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta in St. Louis. Much of the official proceedings will have to do with the business of the nominating committee and will be closed to the general membership, but there will be several gatherings open to all.

A highlight of this conference is the Ralph Coats Roe Lecture, delivered each year by the winner of the Ralph Coats Roe Medal, which was established in 1972 to honor engineers “who make outstanding contributions toward public understanding of engineering and its contributions to society.”

This year’s recipient of the medal is Dr. Winston Oluwole Soboyejo, provost and senior vice president of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His lecture, to be delivered June 4, is titled “New Frontiers for Functional Materials for Health, Energy, and the Environment.”

Safety specialists will gather at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex., June 5-7 when the American Society of Safety Professionals meets for the Safety 23 Conference and Expo. The conference program was still a work in progress as we were preparing this issue of Electrical Apparatus, but several speakers at general sessions had already been identified.

The opening general session is to feature storyteller and songwriter Jimmy Yeary talking about building relationships. A plenary session the following day will show how safety professionals can lead workplace safety and health “in new ways.” And on the final day, U.S.

Army veteran and Paralympian Melissa Stockwell will present an inspiring message that conference promoters say will “redefine your perception of disability and inspire you to rethink your own limits.”

The expo side of Safety 23 will present more than 500 exhibitors representing safety and risk management, engineering, fire protection, industrial hygiene, construction, and training. On display will be the latest products and services available in the field of occupational safety and health.

One of the annual conference highlights in the HVAC/R industry is the January AHR Expo, but heating and air-conditioning specialists needn’t be left out in the cold in the summer. The ASHRAE Annual Conference, which brings together members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, will meet June 24-28 in Tampa — a city that probably wouldn’t be the popular destination it is today were it not for air-conditioning.

The week-long conference, to be held at the Marriott Tampa Water Street, is primarily about society business, and it will be dominated by meetings of various committees and subcommittees. Areas addressed by these groups will include such things as technical developments, cleaning equipment for air, standards, and research.

There will also be educational sessions on such fundamental topics as building operation and maintenance training, testing of air-cleaning devices, low-carbon buildings, and decarbonization of hydronic systems. This event has its social side too, as there will be a welcome party, a “fun run,”

The annual Safety Conference + Expo, held last year in Chicago, is coming to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex., June 5-7. Thousands of safety professionals are expected to descend on the city to network and to learn about the latest safety methods and technologies. — ASSP photo

a couple of special luncheons, a members’ night out, and a Women in ASHRAE happy hour.

At the same time the HVAC/R people are whooping it up in Tampa, the Electrical Apparatus Service Association will be holding its annual convention June 2427 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

We presented comprehensive previews in last month’s Electrical Apparatus of both the EASA convention and the venue where it’s taking place, and this month we highlight some of the companies exhibiting at the trade expo (page 28), so we won’t go into detail here. Su ce to say that the association continues to tweak the structure of its popular annual event, bringing back speakers and presentations that have proved popular in the past while improving elements of the convention at the request of members and expo exhibitors.

During that same nal week of June — the 25th through the 28th, to be exact — the seventh annual Connected Plant Conference will be held at the Marriott Canal Street in New Orleans. “Digital technology improvements and an ever-growing eld of applications are reshaping the power and chemical process industries,” say this conference’s promoters. Those interested are invited to “stay on top of key trends and possibilities at the Connected Plant Conference.”

This is a conference that mixes a generous dose of social activities with business meetings. There will be a New Orleans food walking tour, a local’s guide to the French Quarter tour, and an airboat swamp tour — and that’s only before the 1:00 p.m. start of the conference itself on the rst day.

Topics on the business and technical side of the event will tend toward the general in nature, with sessions on quantum computing, arti cial intelligence, digital twins, and remote monitoring, to name a few.

These sessions will be interspersed with even more social activities. In addition to the side trips the morning of the rst day, there will be a ghost tour, a networking breakfast, a “dunker and donuts social,” and a sampling of food on New Orleans’ Canal St. There will even be a Mardi Gras Masquerade Party. These plant people know how to live it up.

Thus will end a very busy conference month. You can nd more information about each of these conventions and conferences in this month’s “Calendar,” page 18.

— Kevin Jones EA

Know Your

Enhancing the image of electrical apparatus dealers

Professional Electric Apparatus Reconditioning League

Founded: 1997

Annual dues: $1,000-$3,700 (three tiers)

Headquarters: 111 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1412, Chicago, Ill. 60604

E-mail: pearl1.org@gmail.com

Website: https://pearl1.org

When we profiled the Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League in 2016, some in the industry scoffed and opined it was a glorified junk mover. It was, at the time, a nascent organization that had barely been around for 20 years, and it didn’t have many sponsors.

Now, the association has ABB as a sponsor and National Circuit Breaker, Saber Power Services, and switchgear restoration experts BVS Canada as newly minted members. PEARL just held its most attended and expansive conference ever in April. That alone signifies the association’s growth since its beginnings in 1997, but there’s much more.

fresher, like us — is defined as “the process of returning electrical equipment to a safe operating condition as recommended by the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions or industry standards and tested by recognized industrial testing standards.”

12 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS | JUNE 2023

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KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY continued from page 12

This standard has been developed based on manufacturer’s literature; industrial standards; NETA, NFPA, CSA, IEEE and NEMA; and PEARL member recommendations. It is focused on the most common types of industrial and commercial electrical equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, motor controls, and switchgear, among other equipment categories.

It also includes additional details regarding suggested technician quali cations and the importance of manufacturer specications for equipment performance, as well as expanded use of electrical industry terminology used by other electrical industry organizations, including IEEE and NETA.

As mentioned earlier, the 2023 PEARL Conference just took place, April 19-20 in Portland, Ore., at the Downtown Waterfront Marriott. It was, according to PEARL media representatives, the most successful conference in the association’s history.

Part of the event’s success had to do with the number and engagement of attendees, but it also spoke to the widening of the association’s scope.

Topics covered things far from just reconditioning; in fact, the keynote was centered around the ever-trendy topic of sustainability. One program focused on a topic familiar to many EA readers: multi-generational businesses.

In this presentation, business speaker Je Butler, author of The Authentic Workplace and The Key To The New You, discussed managing four di erent generations in the workplace. Butler shared insights about motivations, di erences, and communication styles of these four generations. Attendees learned how organizations across various industries can thrive with a multigenerational workforce.

Later in the conference’s rst day, a technical session focused on more familiar applications, as Andy Conklin of Southland Electrical proctored a group of “Level I Technicians,” which PEARL de ned as those who “can work safely in a shop environment and around de-energized electrical power equipment.”

These participants proved in the workshop their ability to recognize and have a basic understanding of PEARL reconditioning standards. They were able to identify various types of electrical apparatus, shop equipment, warehouse equipment, test and measurement equipment, and cleaning equipment used in the electrical equipment reconditioning process under the supervision of a higher-level technician.

A third session explored ways to leverage enforceable codes such as the National Electrical Code (NFPA70) and Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA99) along with ANSI Standards such as NFPA70E, NFPA 70B, NFPA 110, NFPA 111, ANSI NETA and ANSI PEARL Standards in a concise way to increase a business’s service o erings to existing customers as well as helping it expand into other business opportunities.

Part of what made PEARL’s 2023 banner conference unique was that its second day was entirely devoted to tours of nearby facilities. Oregon Breakers, Inc., located in Tualatin, Ore., showcased an electrical supply company specializing in new and used electrical circuit breakers, transformers, bus plugs, motor controls, and safety switches.

(412)462-6300 (EN) | (956) 554-3690 (ES) WWW.PEIPITTSBURGH.COM

Next, Monster Electrical of Portland provided a wide variety of new and reconditioned power distribution products and parts with a focus on electrical fuses and controls. Lastly, those who stuck it out got to visit Maddox, the transformer reconditioning specialist located in Battle Ground, Wash. Two states in a day? Not too shabby. — Charlie Barks EA

Up on the rear two wheels

Mark Zawadzki’s interest in motors and electrical objects started as a child when he would take things apart. Just for the sake of simply taking things apart, it would seem. Even at an early age, there was, however, a method to his apparent madness, and this would serve his career well. Mark has always been and still is driven to understand how things work.

Mark, who has a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and a master of business administration degree, rst attended a vocational technical high school for industrial electronics. In his junior year, he remembers trying out the local high school for a few days to strengthen, as people said, his education. It wasn’t at all to his liking. He missed the hands-on, let’s- x-things approach of the technical school. It was the result that always drove him on. He returned to the vocational school and quali ed as an electronics technician.

Although this was essentially considered a terminal education, Mark had always wanted to be an engineer. That’s why he enrolled in the University of Connecticut. Ungraciously asked to leave in his second year, he had in the meantime learned how to study. He gave university another try. This time he enrolled in Northeastern University, not at all deterred by the dire warning that technical school graduates typically struggle in the engineering program. He graduated. Not only did he now have an engineering degree, he also had lots of hands-on experience too — a combination that has driven his career forward.

After graduation, he got his rst job at the International Paper Ticonderoga Mill in New York State, where he worked for almost eight years. During that time, he decided to look into doing a graduate degree in engineering. The nearest school, The College of Saint Rose, located in Albany, did not o er any engineering courses, but it did o er an MBA degree. The warning of a superior that an MBA was not worth going for did not stop Mark from driving 50, sometimes 100 miles to attend classes.

Mark has been working for International Paper for almost 35 years. For the past 27 years he has been part of the corporate technology group. He is a highly respected subject matter expert for variable-frequency drives, drive installation, grounding, and motor reliability. As part of his work, he liaises with new motor vendors and electric motor repair shops. He wryly

comments that he is a polarizing gure. Unreliability is, however, as Mark says, expensive. That is why it is important to set equipment speci cations and expectations, regardless of whether people like you or not. The goal has to be to keep the equipment driving the machines operating, while minimizing costs.

In addition to his work, Mark is very active in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, where he has held various leadership posts. He is currently chairman of the IEEE Pulp and Paper Industry Committee. Mark’s advice to aspiring engineers: “Get involved in the industry organizations.” With a broad grin on his face, Mark adds that engineers are geeks, always driven to nd better solutions. It is important that they keep their nger on the pulse of technology. “Lots of what I learned about electrical safety and variable-frequency drives I learned through networking and participation in IEEE conferences,” he says. Furthermore, as a leading member of IEEE, Mark sees one of his important roles as a mentor: “I love to teach. If you are not teaching other people the ropes, you are only hurting yourself.”

In addition to an extremely busy, high-octane professional life, Mark still makes time during the week so that he can sometimes quit early on a Friday afternoon for another passion of his: drag-racing and car parts machining. He owns four old cars. He humorously comments that he has been together with his drag-racing car longer than with his wife of thirty-seven years. Bought in 1981, it has gone through its fourth con guration (now up to 1060 hp). The steering column was taken from “Matilda,” a 1967 Plymouth Belvedere that his wife’s grandmother bought new in Hinesville, Ga. Mark’s drag-racing motto is, “A car is not worth driving if you can’t drive it on the rear two wheels”; he adds, “You hope it’s going straight. You only know that when it lands on its front wheels.” Riding on the rear two wheels, taking a risk with the trajectory, always driven to know and learn more. Not bad advice at all for aspiring engineers. —

Colin Gregory-Moores

Motor Testing Equipment

EA

Mark Zawadzki

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Update your calendar with these upcoming trade shows, conferences, and other events.

• June 3-6, 2023 — ASME Annual Meeting, Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta, St. Louis, Mo. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, event.asme.org/Annual-Meeting.

• June 5-7, 2023— Safety 2023 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Tex. American Society of Safety Professionals, www.assp.org.

• June 24-28, 2023 — ASHRAE Annual Conference, Marriott Tampa Water Street, Tampa, Fla. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, www.ashrae.org/ conferences/2023-annual-conference-tampa.

• June 25-27, 2023 — EASA Convention 2023, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md. Electrical Apparatus Service Association, https://easa.com/convention.

• June 25-28, 2023 — Seventh Annual Connected Plant Conference, Marriott Canal Street, New Orleans, La. Access Intelligence LLC, www.connectedplantconference.com.

• July 10-12, 2023 — 17th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, the Madison D.C. Hotel, Washington, D.C. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, https://event.asme.org/ ES.

• September 7, 2023 — BPMA Golf Day, Wychwood Park, Crewe, Cheshire, U.K. British Pump Manufacturers’ Association, www.bpma.org.uk.

• September 11-14, 2023 — Fabtech 2023, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Fabtech Event Partners, www.fabtechexpo.com.

• September 12-14, 2023 — The Battery Show North America 2023, Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Mich. The Battery Show, www.thebatteryshow.com.

• September 27-29, 2023— IFMA World Workplace, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colo. International Facility Management Association, https://worldworkplace.ifma.org.

• September 29-October 2, 2023 — NECA 2023 Convention and Trade Show, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. National Electrical Contractors Association, www. necashow.org/NECA2023/public/enter.aspx.

• October 1-3, 2023— EGSA 2023 Fall Conference, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Tex. Electrical Generating Systems Association, https://egsa.org/Events/ConferenceHome.

• October 25-27, 2023 — AEE World Energy Conference & Expo, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Association of Energy Engineers, https://aeeworld.org.

• November 23, 2023 — AEMT Annual Conference, Doubletree by Hilton, Coventry, U.K. Association of Electrical & Mechanical Trades, www.aemtconference.com.

• January 22-24, 2024— AHR Expo, McCormick Place, Chicago. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, www. ahrexpo.com.

• February 25, 2024— Hydraulic Institute 2024 Annual Conference, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The Hydraulic Institute, www. pumps.org/conferences.

• June 23-26, 2024— EASA Convention 2024, Caesars Forum and Harrah’s Casino Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev. Electrical Apparatus Service Association, www.easa.com.

• September 9-14, 2024 — IMTS 2024, McCormick Place, Chicago. International Manufacturing Technology Show, www. imts.com. EA

Edited by Kevin Jones

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Drought or no drought?

Remember the panic about California’s drought just a year ago? We do — as evidenced by “It’s almost dry,” in the August 2022 Electrical Apparatus. Since then, the combination of atmospheric rivers, snowpacks, and other hitherto un-conversational words has moistened the Golden State and left everyone from residents to echo-chamber-debaters wondering what the heck is going on.

Many attribute it to climate change. That may be true, but let’s just recap the statistics for our purposes. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, around 40% of the state was still in “abnormally dry” conditions as recently as April 25, 2023. (It’s unavoidably ironic that the U.S. Drought Monitor, this crucial source, is based in Nebraska.)

Ultimately, most scientists contend that the rapid, compressed in ux of water California experienced in the past year and a half is not real recovery and that drought issues still loom larger than those of ooding. This is complicated by the statistics, which technically declare the drought “over” when abiding by the numbers. The aforementioned U.S. Drought Monitor, an initiative of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, deems California mostly drought free for the rst time since 2020, with only the most arid regions in “severe” or “moderate” drought.

The Monitor, which partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, can uctuate rapidly, too. As recently as January of this year, it showed more than half the state in “extreme” drought or the deep red of “exceptional” drought. The driest areas were largely concentrated in the state’s Central Valley agricultural lands.

One thing’s for sure: California received 147% of its average rainfall during the winter season, according to the state Dept. of Water Resources. EA

A flooded area near Santa Rosa, Calif., in photos shown roughly one year apart. — California.gov photo

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Learning by doing

How Switch Lab is bringing together instructors and students to advance the craft of electric vehicle construction

By Carol Brzozowski, EA Contributing Writer

Peter Oliver had been teaching how to convert gas cars to electric at a community college when he wanted to extend that education to a wider audience.

In 2013, Oliver – Switch Vehicles co-founder and CEO – created a program in which students learn to build an electric vehicle from scratch.

Switch Lab is designed as a high-impact, project-based learning system for STEM and CTE education at college, high school, and junior high levels.

Switch Vehicles’ stated mission is to “educate and inspire new generations of leaders, innovators, and citizens, while promoting the switch to clean, sustainable energy.”

Switch Vehicles has thus manufactured what it calls a “fun, sporty, and safe electric vehicle created as a ‘buildit-yourself’ kit for education.”

Leaning with a real-world impact

The Switch Lab is an all-inclusive program designed to challenge students to build a full-size, roadworthy electric vehicle as a classroom project. The program is designed to deliver high-quality projectbased learning with real-world experience and impact.

The EV Kits are hand-crafted in the company’s Sebastopol, Calif., shop. The Switch is designed to be built, tested, and driven, and then disassembled for the next class to use.

The complete road-ready EV Kit includes an unpainted glider, all required wiring, two seats, lights, seat belts, windscreen, one switch assembly manual, plus unlimited downloads and one relay lab pro kit.

Optional add-ons available for additional cost include glider powder coating and an additional seat – a third seat or bench.

Four options of the ‘build it yourself’ kit are available:

> Option 1: the SL - DC/72, a d-c drive system with a 72 V AGM lead acid battery.

> Option 2: the SL - PM/72, a PM drive system with a 72 V AGM lead acid battery.

> Option 3: the SL - AC/96, an a-c drive system with a 96 V lithium ion battery.

> Option 4: the SL - PM/96, a HyPer9 drive system with a 96 V lithium ion battery.

Switch Lab is adaptable as a 17-week semester course, an eight-week after-school course, and a two-week intensive summer course.

Switch Vehicles offers Switch Lab instructor training whereby participants learn to build the Switch EV as a team, including instruction on design and construction, component training, basic electricity, wiring, and mechanics.

Learning and teaching

Participants experience the Switch Lab in the same manner as their students: learning, building, testing, and then driving the finished Switch EV as a complete project-based learning process.

The training is appropriate for teachers from a variety of disciplines, including auto shop, engineering, physics, robotics, and Maker, among others. In the instructor training, teachers learn comprehensive elec-

The Switch EV kit is available with one of four different drive options: a-c, d-c, PM, and the “Hyper/9” drive system. All come with an unpainted glider, all required wiring, two seats, lights, seatbelts, windscreen, and Switch Assembly Manual. — Switch Vehicles photo

tric vehicle science and technology instruction and EV components. The course also teaches how to do a lecture in the morning and build a Switch EV in the afternoon.

Lectures constitute an actual curriculum designed for discussion. The teacher training also includes demonstrations, lab projects, a workshop manual, PowerPoint presentations, and additional sources of information.

All aspects of EVs are taught – including some of the challenging ones, such as concerns about battery-based res in land lls.

Oliver notes, “We provide a curriculum that ranges from protecting the environment, conserving resources, and battery chemistry to learning about the coe cient of drag and its impact on vehicle e ciency.”

That includes the message that “no batteries should be tossed into landlls.” Oliver says, “There are recycling programs available for all cell chemistry formulations.”

Oliver notes that through Switch Lab, teachers concentrate on soft skills as a way to succeed with the project in building a full-size electric vehicle they can actually drive. “It’s a mini life lesson on how to succeed in the workplace,” he adds.

Challenges to the program

Still, there are challenges – the biggest among them being funding and space, says Oliver. “We help schools nd grants and show them how to store the Switch when it is not in use,” he adds. “Most schools leave the Switch assembled when not used in a class to recruit students to their schools or show parents what students can accomplish given the right environment and tools.”

In addressing the bene ts students have gained from building an EV and how learning to do so has been a springboard for going into STEM careers, Oliver notes “while we teach EV concepts and enjoy tremendous student engage-

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ment, the real wins for me personally are seeing students gain con dence and raise their expectations.

“I know of several who have enrolled in engineering programs and others who have used the skills they develop – teamwork. communication, writing, and project management – to secure good jobs with bright futures,” he adds.

Oliver notes that what di erentiates his company’s program from others is that while a school can adopt a “logo” program like Tesla, Ford or GM and use their materials to teach students to work on their vehicles, “having a logo program is great but limiting at the same time. Components and wiring are typically hidden, hard to reach, and very high voltage. Logo programs also tend to feature their products exclusively.”

Secondly, a school can take the time for the instructors to learn the EV conversion business from the ground up with Switch Lab, Oliver says, adding “having teachers learn on their own is ne but time-consuming.”

Experience is important

Oliver says he also believes it’s important to purchase a curriculum and materials from an experienced educator who has a training program for instructors based on a mature curriculum and a proven product that can be used over and over for years.

“Schools can jump start their program by nding a respected partner to help them meet their goals,” says Oliver, adding that the Switch Lab is used in more than 200 schools in several countries.

One such school is Dover High School in Dover, New Hampshire, which has had the Switch Lab in place for the last two school years, notes Scott Duprat, Project Lead the Way instructor for the Dover Regional Career Technical Center.

In New Hampshire, four regional high schools are part of the nationally accredited program to immerse students in the type of STEM classes they’ll encounter in college, with the ability to apply credits to many of the nation’s two- and four-year colleges and universities.

Duprat says the students who worked on the initial build were in the third-year pre-engineering class.

“The Switch was utilized to complement the capstone course that we run for third year students,” he adds.

“The project-based nature of the Switch project was the most important aspect of the learning opportunity,” says Duprat. “While we typically complete smaller project-based activities, the Switch a orded students to apply concepts and skills on a full-sized, actual product. The adjacent technical skills, reading schematics, running wires, attaching mechanical components, and troubleshooting were also valuable.”

Duprat says the delicate nature of the components and accessing resources not generally available in his lab space were the largest challenges.

Duprat advises other educational institutions considering starting the program “that the project be a collaborative e ort amongst multiple programs in a career technical center.

“No one area can e ectively deliver the materials by itself,” he adds. “Instructors should also have opportunity to explore electric vehicles in greater depth to properly supplement the ‘curriculum’ that is provided with the Switch.”

Learning teamwork

Switch Lab has been in place at Clovis West High School in Clovis, California for about six years. Instructor Michael Miller says it has attracted a mix of auto shop and robotics students from freshmen to seniors.

“The kids who are good with Legos are actually really good at that project,” he notes.

Miller says in building the EV, students learn to work as a team.

“It really gets into the mechanical part of it,” he says. “I get other kids who are really good at building electrical circuits and plug in all the wiring. Usually a leader will emerge in the project and they’re really good at following instructions.”

Miller says the challenge has been having one car for 30 students, Ten students is the maximum he’d put on a car

and while he’d like more cars, space is an issue, he adds.

“We’re coming up with a curriculum through the college where they are going to get a few more cars into di erent schools,” Miller says. “It’s teaching them that they have the motor, a battery pack, a high voltage controller, a low voltage controller – we have them work together and build it in di erent modules in the classroom. They take the modules out and start bolting them into the car.”

Miller says Switch Lab has drawn a lot of interest and shows students there are careers in clean and alternative energy.

The assembled EV has been used as an ambassador car to take to the middle grade schools. Students recently drove it in a local parade with a trailer wrapped with the message: ‘Where STEM Goes To Work’.

Now students can have that handson experience in building an EV that will be a driving factor in having handson experience knowing EVs from the

ground up as they take a greater role on U.S. roadways and as many may make it their career to build or maintain them. EA

Oliver says it’s important to purchase a curriculum and materials from an experienced educator who has a training program for instructors based on a mature curriculum and a proven product that can be used over and over for years

Product Showcase

The newest and best in tools and machines for plant and shop

Threading and forming taps

A versatile line of thread-cutting and forming taps recently released by Seco can provide manufacturers with three types of performance levels to match their application. The company claims that T32, T34 (threading taps) and T33 (forming taps) generate precision threads by combining superior base materials, advanced coatings, and special edge preparations. They’re said to be suited for general-purpose taps while also o ering options for mix volume production with material-speci c thread cutting and forming taps for alternating parts or materials.

Service life cycle management solutions

Siemens and IBM recently announced a collaboration for product life cycle management and maintenance repair overhaul software and hardware. The new SysML v1 suite of integrated engineering software will support traceability and sustainable product development using a digital thread that links mechanical, electronics, electrical, and software design and implementation. The new products will connect IBM Engineering System Design Rhapsody from Siemens’s Xcelerator portfolio. The companies have provided a digital link between service engineering, asset management, and services execution by linking IBM Maximo Application Suite with Siemens’s Teamcenter software.

Electric motor for lightweight motor bikes

Swedish electric motorbike company Cake has introduced the new Jante motor, a radial- ux internal permanent-magnet motor made for lightweight electric motor bikes. It’s designed with a tool-free removable battery that has a battery management system and motor driver software for e ciency and userfriendly operation. Made with lightweight aluminum housing, air cooling system, high torque, plus low cogging for low-speed control and acceleration power over 62 mph.

Gas turbine engine repair with 3D printing

HC-205 laser cladding system printing from Optomec incorporates high-power laser functions and support for high-performance metals in a controlled environment with Inconel for critical applications. The software used with Optomec, AutoClad, and AutoShape automatically adapts tool paths and process parameters to handle blade-to-blade variations. Optomec DED can be used throughout product life cycle applications for gas turbine engine components and repair.

Compact milling machine for dental use

vhf has introduced the E4 milling machine, which enables same-day dentistry with any preferred intraoral scanner. The machine is operated with provided Dentalcam software and doesn’t use compressed air or harsh grinding additives. An optional dry tank can be used to expand milling abilities for materials such as zirconia, PMMA, and other composites. The machine provides standard abilities to wet-grind blocks made of glass ceramics or composites with ceramic content.

End-of-arm tooling round magnetic gripper

A new series of round electro-permanent-magnetic chuck grippers from HVR MAG is available for work-holding xtures. The DYCC series round magnetic grippers are designed for vertical lathes with three size options currently on the market. Electro-permanent grippers save energy by being constantly powered; they’re also said to be safer because the copper coils do not generate as much heat with prolonged use. Magnetic grippers are most applicable in industries that use steel extensively and remain an essential accessory for industrial robots.

— Chelsea Fisher EA

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The latest in electrical apparatus service and repair

The newest and best the industry has to offer will be on display at the 2023 convention of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association

By the Electrical Apparatus staff

A couple of thousand people involved in providing electromechanical service sales to the industrial sector will descend on National Harbor, Md., June 24-27, for networking, education, and fun. This year’s convention of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association appears set to bring together an industry that’s adjusting to change and proving resilient under economic conditions that are sometimes challenging.

The convention will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, about a 20-minute drive south of Washington, D.C., in an area with plenty of interesting restaurants and retail shops.

In last month’s Electrical Apparatus, we previewed the conference side of the convention, which this year will offer sessions on marketing, management, technical matters, and family business. There will also be numerous social and networking events. Our May issue also looked at this year’s venue, which, given the venue’s proximity to the nation’s capital, will offer no shortage of interesting side trips to local attractions.

This month, as Electrical Apparatus does each June, we look at a number of companies that have reserved space in the exposition hall and see what they’re planning to feature. The exhibitors you see on the following pages constitute a snapshot of the industry. These exhibitors will be promoting

the products and services that matter most to members of the association and the industry the association represents, from new motors and custom laminations to testing and maintaining systems in the field.

Electrical Apparatus invited all of this year’s exhibitors to let us know what they’re going to be featuring at their booths, but we didn’t hear back from all of them. What you see here is a sampling of what’s going to be displayed at the expo, and while this preview might prove most valuable to people planning to attend the event, it should also be of interest to anyone who wonders where the industry’s priorities lie these days.

Several of the staff members of Electrical Apparatus magazine will be at the convention too, at Booth 522, and we invite one and all to come by and introduce themselves.

We’re always interested in learning what our readers are up to, and who knows? We just might make you famous. — The Editors

Many of the people and exhibitors present at last year’s EASA Convention in St. Louis — a view of which is shown above — will be coming to this year’s convention in National Harbor, Md.

— Electrical Apparatus photo by Kevin Jones

Bearings for demanding motor applications

NTN Bearing Corp. of America will be highlighting its Megaohm series of bearings, which are engineered to handle the demands of electric motor applications. Sta will be on hand to educate visitors about the company’s EM bearing features and bene ts as well as best bearing practices. The company will also hold a ra e.

Insulating laminates and resins

Isovolta, Inc., plans to feature its laminate products, such as Nomex-Kapton-Nomex, NMN, and DMDs. The company will partner with AEV, Inc., now part of the Isovolta Group, and will feature AEV’s full line of resins and liquids. Isovolta tells us its sta is looking forward to building relationships with EASA members.

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At NTN Bearing’s booth at the 2022 EASA Convention (left to right): John Marshall, territory manager, Rick Rembis, new business development manager, and Scott Eiss, vice president of industrial aftermarket sales.

An example of Isovolta slot liners for motors.

Monitoring for power and utility companies

Cutsforth, Inc., plans to feature its “vast and growing array” of monitoring solutions for the power and utility industries. These include EMI monitoring, motor current signature analysis, vibration monitoring, thermal imaging, and more, all of which may be monitored through one platform, InsightCM. The staff at Cutsforth is excited to introduce the company’s new electric signature analysis solution to complement its motor current signature analysis system. Also, there will be a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card. Says the Cutsforth staff, “We look forward to seeing you there!”

Look for company representatives Steve Furedy and Steve McAlonan at the show.

High-quality a-c/d-c form-wound coils

Stimple & Ward Co./S&W Wire Co. tells us that they’re excited to be returning to the EASA 2023 convention after a three-year absence. The companies will bring their usual display of highquality a-c/d-c form-wound coil examples along with accompanying literature. S&W Wire will display examples of its magnet wire serving and distribution capabilities. Representatives from both companies will be present for the entire show.

New investments and more motor inventory

The folks at WEG Electric Corp. are inviting EASA partners to learn more about the company’s ability to supply a motor, gearbox, and drive as a single solution. “No need to work with various suppliers,” the company promises. During the convention, WEG representatives will be available to talk with visitors about the investments WEG is making to expand production capacity and increase its inventory of MV motors TEFC and WPII, as well as MV soft starts with NEMA 12 and NEMA 3R enclosures.

WEG Electric Corp. will highlight its broad capabilities in the manufacture of motors, gearboxes, and drives.

WEG representatives will be prepared to show EASA partners upgrades to the company’s Motion Fleet Management (WEG Digital Solutions) for online monitoring of industrial assets “and how together we can help our mutual customers increase their efficiency and reliability.”

“And of course,” WEG adds, “we would love for our partners to join us in our booth and have a beer from our famous ‘WEG keg’ and join us Monday night for our even more famous WEG hospitality event.”

Steve Furedy

Steve McAlonan

Condition monitoring instruments

The folks at Erbessd Instruments tell us they’re excited to showcase their full suite of condition monitors designed to reduce downtime and increase return on investment. Erbessd Instruments experts will be available to demonstrate the company’s portable vibration and balancing solutions, video deflection technology, and the Phantom family of sensors. Visitors are invited to stop by for hands-on demos, giveaways, and answers to questions about the company’s products and services.

The company will also be introducing its energy consumption monitoring module for electric motors as well as its IR camera for monitoring MCC buckets. Erbessd plans to give one DragonVision video deflection license — a $4,000 value — to one lucky person who stops by and registers for more information.

Electric motor repair and laser cladding

Alabama Laser will be featuring its laser cladding, a process used to deposit a layer of material to a surface to repair shafts and keyways on electric motors. In comparison to heat-inducing technologies (conventional plasma weld overlay, MIG, TIG, or sub arc welding), laser cladding employs low heat, which is said not to affect the concentricity or cause warpage of the shaft. After being clad, the repaired area may be post-machined back to print specification.

Unlike metalizing processes that produce a mechanical bond that can flake off, the durable clad produced with lasers is a metallurgical bond that won’t flake off during assembly or in process, according to Alabama Laser. Laser cladding also allows alloys to be added to strategic areas on the shaft to eliminate problems.

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Laser cladding by Alabama laser.

Members of the Erbessd Instruments U.S. team (left to right): Chris Keniston, Allyssa Daniels, Aurora Mangiacasale, Theresa Girard, Megh Howard, Miranda Olsen, and Dr. M. David Howard.

transformers, etc.

Various control

New vibration training courses

The Vibration Institute’s past president, Bob Sayer, will be presenting a half-day workshop on Saturday, June 24, titled “Vibration Diagnostic Methods and Corrective Strategies for Machine Reliability.” The company — which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — will also have an exhibitor booth.

The Institute offers programs such as education, training, certification, and opportunities for exchanging technical knowledge, information, procedures, and data that are offered through meetings, publications, formal training, and networking.

The company launched its CAT II training course “Basic Machinery Vibration” online at the end of 2022 and added a “Vibration Analysis Overview” course for those who would like to expand their knowledge in vibration without the complexity of a full course or certification. The Vibration Institute also has a number of promotions going on with training courses and membership all year in celebration of the 50th anniversary.

Strand brazing in motor production

The company eldec LLC wants to remind us that brazing flat copper wires for electric motors is complicated and that making a high-quality joint without damaging any insulation that has already been fitted “can be challenging.”

Using a medium-frequency power supply from the company fitted with a boom arm for support and balance and a brazing pistol to hold the workpiece-specific induction coil, flat wires can be brazed repeatedly and precisely without operator fatigue or damage to adjacent insulation, according to the company.

High speeds used in induction brazing reduce the amount of heat that would normally be transferred to the insulated area, and the boom arm reduces the amount of weight the operator holds. The reproducible process delivers consistent and high-quality brazed joints, according to the company.

The company’s support doesn’t end with recommending the power supply. It also designs and custom-manufactures all of its induction heating coils for each application and will work with customers to optimize their production processes.

HVI produces many higher kVA AC Test Sets for performing AC withstand testing on all types of electrical apparatus. These include corona free sets for performing partial discharge testing on switchgear, bushings, breakers, motors, linemans safety equipment/accessories, distribution transformers, etc. (Pd equipment not availabe from HVI.) Various control packages are available: simple manual controls, automated and computer interfaceable controls, and fully microprocessor based controls for complete test automation and data collection.

HPA-5010FC1 0-50kV @ 10kVA

HPA-1010 FC3 10kV @ 10kVA

HPA-055FC1 5kV @ 5kVA

HPA-20020FC3 0-200kV @ 20kVA

Ideal Model for Motor Rewind / Repair Facilities

100kV @ 10kVA

A class conducted by the Vibration Institute.

eldec strand brazing.

Part of the Spring Point team in the company’s booth at the 2022 EASA Convention in St. Louis, where Spring Point launched the Pricing Analyzer. Present were (from left to right): Sara Bouldin (training and support specialist), Mike Gomez (quality manager), Jamie Stultz (co-founder and CIO), Yue Chen (software engineer), John Dolson (software developer), Roy Richard (The Generalist), and Troy Locke (co-founder and CEO).

New ownership, the same reliability

WorldWide Electric Corp. informs us that “customer centricity and strong growth over recent years” attracted AEA Investors, a private equity firm, to purchase WorldWide in late 2022. The new owners “will continue to invest to drive future growth,” according to WorldWide. The coming months will see WorldWide Electric expanding its workforce to ensure a high level of customer service. The company also plans to expand its portfolio of products to meet market demand and invest in operations

On Sunday at 2:10 p.m. in the New Solutions Theater, Spring Point Solutions will be presenting its new Spring Point App for IOS and Android. This product is designed to give technicians the ability to access their jobs, view and take pictures, review technical documents, and perform tasks using Spring Point’s QM Wizard application. The company’s Mobile Time Clock app also allows technicians to interact with QM Wizard while tracking time for job costing.

“Our team loves catching up with our more than EASA customer base while demonstrating our products to anyone interested in improving their work flow processing and profitability,” Spring Point declares. “We will be demonstrating our suite of products, which include MotorBase, QM (quality management) Wizard, CRM, EM (equipment manager) and Storage, Customer Web Portal, and Spring Point Connect.” The latter includes Credit Card Connect, AP Connect, Storefront Connect, Sensor Connect, and Supplier Connect.

to ensure a reliable distribution network that provides equipment quickly to its customers.

The company expects business as usual at the EASA Convention but will be showcasing multiple new products, including a remote operating module. Visitors to WorldWide’s booth will be able to learn how to control their field equipment from their phones. A line of new parallel-shaft helical speed reducers, stainless-steel close-coupled pump motors, general-purpose world drive variable frequency drives (WDG2 series), and positive displacement pump cabinets and panels will be featured.

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New resistance temperature detectors

The Gund Co. (right) will be introducing new copper and nickel resistance temperature detectors at this year’s convention. The company also plans to feature its G-Flex meta aramid paper YT510. The RTDs are used to measure temperature continuously within the stator slot to detect hot spots and monitor other signs of machine health to prevent downtime. The RTDs are commonly installed in hydro and wind generators and large electric motors.

The company says its G-Flex Meta Aramid paper YT510 offers high inherent dielectric strength (more than 20 kV/mm), mechanical toughness, flexibility, and resilience. Manufactured from 100% aramid fibers, G-Flex is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories as a 210°C insulation, has full UL approval, and carries a VTM-0 flame rating.

On hand will be industry professionals discussing products and applications, showing and distributing various product samples, and discussing market trends. The Gund Co. will hold a raffle each day of the show.

New models of winding analyzers

Electrom Instruments will be introducing additional iTIG IV series winding analyzers. New and on display will be the 6 kV through 15 kV models, which feature a smaller form factor than previous generations of the product. The instrument is extensively vibration- and drop-tested to improve suitability for field testing applications, according to Electrom.

Motor maintenance and repair products

Martindale Electric Co., in Booth 302, plans to showcase its motor maintenance and repair products, which include commutator mica undercutters, commutator grinders, hand tools, rotary burs, and electrical test equipment. The company also offers Diamond D abrasives: commstones, brush seaters, rubber bond cleaning stones, and diamond spatulas.

Victoria Villa, Gund Company application engineer for rotational equipment, explained the company’s products to a visitor at a previous trade show.

Best defense for VFD control panel heat

North American Electric, Inc., will highlight its electric motors, shaftmount reducers, and electric motor control panels such as variable-frequency drives, soft starters, across-the-line starters, and part-wind starters.

The company recently unveiled a newly redesigned Vortex Cooling tunnel, which on the company’s NEMA 3R, 12, 4, and 4X variable-frequency drives can draw ambient air up the back of the enclosure in a separate chamber. According to the manufacturer, this allows for the drive and all the components to stay separated from the heat and other containments, thus remaining cooler and dust free.

In keeping with the Vortex Cooling tunnel introduction, North American Electric will have a drawing for a Dyson air purifier and fan. “With this technology working for you,” North American Electric proclaims, “it is the best defense for minimizing maintenance, downtime, and energy costs.”

Digital phase converters and more

Myung Youn Electronics Co. Ltd. tells us it’s “making a new start with a second leap forward.” Since its establishment in 1973, the company has designed and manufactured products focusing on the needs and satisfaction of customers. As a manufacturer specializing in phase converters, torque motors, and inverter motors, the company has grown into an export company expanding not only in Korea but also around the world.

Based on the digital phase converter that can be made three-phase from single-phases based on high efficiency, the company produces and distributes products such as torque motors based on unique technology that meet customers’ specifications.

A selection of Myung Youn Electronics’ digital phase shifters.

Custom control panel assembly at North American Electric.

Motor bearings and condition monitoring

Schaeffler Group USA plans to present live demonstrations of OPTIME, the company’s new condition monitoring system that’s designed to prevent unplanned machine downtime.

OPTIME monitors all plant assets across entire manufacturing facilities – “seamlessly, automatically, and costeffectively,” according to Schaeffler Group. OPTIME provides 15,000 measurements (based on six different vibration measurements plus temperature at preset intervals) per sensor per year.

The company plans to exhibit a number of other products as well:

X-life single-row angular contact ball bearings offer up to 30% higher dynamic load rating, as much as 50% longer rating life, and up to 10% less friction vs. conventional bearings, according to Schaeffler.

The Heater-Smart and Heater-Basic series of induction heaters offer installation professionals from the electric motor repair industry a broad range of applications well suited for specific requirements.

Vibration monitoring equipment

Hansford Sensors, the manufacturer of high-performance industrial accelerometers, will be showcasing its vibration monitoring products at EASA 2023. These products include 100 mV/g accelerometers and 4-20 mA transmitters, which can be used in a wide range of industries, including marine, paper, wind, and mining, playing a key role in the role of predictive maintenance.

The company will display its vibration monitoring equipment featuring industrial accelerometers and mounting hardware. The Hansford Sensors team will be available to explain to visitors how the company’s products can help with industrial applications. Representatives will be available to explain how the company delivers a combination of “product quality and reliability, prompt delivery, competitive prices, and outstanding customer and technical support.”

Expanding their sales of VFDs in America

Shenzhen INVT Electric Co. Ltd. is planning to showcase its high-performance, low-voltage variable-frequency drives, GD20-UL/GD20-EU/GD350-UL series.

All are designed for the North American market, including HVAC/R, textiles, plastics, food and packaging, printing, chemical, and machine tools. The company also produces its dedicated drive BPD/GD100PV/SPC series for solar pumping applications. These drives support a-c/d-c input and advanced MPPT technology, and they provide “excellent control performance,” according to the manufacturer.

The company is planning to set up an office and warehouse in California to enhance localized operation and offer better service. The company’s sales growth rate outside of China has been reaching around 44% per year. As the company scales up production, it’s building a large production base in Zhongshan City, Guangdong.

INVT claims to be the leading manufacturer in the industrial automation field in China, offering a product line that covers LV and MV drives, servos, HMIs, and PLCs.

Angular-contact ball bearings from Schaeffler.

Danielle Wethington, vice president of sales at Hansford Sensors, plans to be available to answer questions at the company’s booth.

Going strong in Iowa and Florida

BAE Wire comes to the EASA Convention having recently gotten its new location in Iowa up and running “at full speed.” The operation manager there is “hungry for new business and ready to process orders same day,” BAE Wire informs us. In Florida, the company is now doing in-house varnish and resin testing in its new lab. BAE continues to grow by o ering “great customer service and the best available products on the market.”

New critical cooling motor and starter

Toshiba International Corp. will introduce its newest product: the EQP Global Critical Cooling motor, which has the quality and reliability required by data centers, hospitals, and other critical cooling operations, according to the company. These motors are designed to operate in applications, such as fan arrays, where the motors are hard to access. They require minimal maintenance for the lifetime of the machine.

Toshiba’s new EQP Global Critical Cooling motor.

Toshiba will also showcase its outdoor medium-voltage drive, the MTX-2, which has a small footprint, stackable design, and low pro le. The NEMA 4 enclosure is watertight and protects the equipment from dust and dirt, according to the manufacturer.

In the New Solutions Theater on Monday, June 26, at 1:10 p.m., a Toshiba representative will give a presentation on the company’s latest product development, the arc-resistant JK Starter, a medium-voltage starter created with safety in mind.

Turn to page 52 for more EASA Convention exhibitor highlights

BAE Wire’s location in Iowa is now up and running.

Plant Happenings

An insulin plant is coming to West Virginia

UNDBIO, a South Korean pharmaceutical company that provides products for diabetic care, secured a lease in April with West Virginia University to build an insulin manufacturing plant in Morgantown. The company expects to create 200 jobs within the first three years and will invest $100 million in the project. During this first phase, the company will work toward securing FDA approval for the product and then, upon approval, plans to expand.

A fans-and-blowers plant for Oklahoma

Loren Cook Co. of Springfield, Mo., a manufacturer of fans and blowers, announced plans in April to open a new plant in McAlester, Okla., the McAlester News-Capital reported. Loren Cook has been manufacturing air-moving equipment since 1941 and today boasts a portfolio of about 250 products. A company spokesperson told the News-Capital that the company expects to hire about 30 to 40 people for the new location by the end of the year for such things as running lasers and shears, painting sheet metal, and welding.

Lights out for Connecticut bedding plant

A Serta Simmons Bedding factory in Windsor Locks, Conn., is set to close later this year. News of the closing of the 270,000-square-foot plant, reported April 11 by Greenwich Time, came just two months after Serta Simmons Bedding filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A Serta Simmons spokesperson told the news outlet that the closing is part of an effort to build a resilient supply chain by expanding operations in some areas and “consolidating or closing” operations in others.

A pharmaceutical plant for Georgia

Meissner Corp. of Camarillo, Calif., a manufacturer of microfiltration and therapeutic manufacturing products and systems, announced plans in April to invest nearly $250 million in a new facility in Athens-Clark County, Ga. The company’s products enable the development and manufacture of critical medicines in therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, and immunology. The new plant, to be located in the town of Winterville, will more than double the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S.

Solar firm finds sweet home in Alabama

Elba Power Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Pacific Holding Corp., has executed a contract to purchase property in Elba, Ala., for a solar manufacturing operation for the sum of $2.9 billion. The property will be a manufacturing site for 1.2 GW solar products as well as a clean-power generation plant. The State of Alabama has approved an “inducement resolution” for $50 million and 100% tax abatement on sales and use taxes.

Pennsylvania semiconductor plant expanding

A $300 million investment in a facility in Schuylkill, Pa., for the manufacture of semiconductor specialty gases will make it the world’s largest such operation, according to the office of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro. EMD Electronics said in April that its investment in its existing plant at the location is part of a plan to invest more than $3.5 billion in projects by 2025. The Pennsylvania expansion will allow the company to double the production of tungsten hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride. — Edited by Kevin Jones EA

Energetic growth

How EMS Industrial of Madison, Wis., has expanded by necessity

By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor

MADISON, WIS. — Remember when you were six years old and you used to measure your height in pencil on a door frame? That was the only definition of growth, unless your brother came in and erased it or altered it.

In business, however, more than one form of growth exists — technically, four: organic, strategic, partnership/M&A, and internal. “Organic growth,” which you’d get from eating your Wheaties or completing reliable maintenance jobs, is what defines your core.

Conversely, a supplemental form of growth would come from well-placed mergers, acquisitions, and/ or partnerships. This might be the equivalent of hitting the weight room; it bolsters the existing muscles, and the coaches will eventually notice you committing your time.

EMS Industrial, Inc. (Energetics & Badger Electric Motor) of Madison, Wis., is business growth in concert, one of America’s models of how third-generation success can balloon into much more.

A paradigm of ‘energetic’ growth

In EMS’ case, this is what growth looks like: The locations and expansions (Appleton, Milwaukee, Dubuque, Janesville) were for a reason. Specifically, the U.S. compressor market opened a door. Growth like this is unique from, say, IPS’ rampant acquisitions.

EMS president Kevin Femal has a business background, so it must be nice to watch his map bleed green these days. “In terms of air compressors, that had been Madison, Janesville, Dubuque since 2004,” Femal explained to EA, speaking from the company’s Madison headquarters. “From June of 2004 until last year, we only had air compressors in those three areas. As of August of 2022, we’ve now expanded air compressors into the Milwaukee market, up north as well, and so we do all of the State of Wisconsin, up into the Upper Peninsula, down into Northern Illinois and into Iowa.”

It’s right there in the EMS line card, where Energetics & Badger Electric Motor are the company subhead. The energetics term includes compressed air. The reason for that, Femal says, is because the air compressor world is historically strict with its territories. Usually, your business will have to be a distributor of a particular manufacturer —

The counter at EMS — a motor shop staple — might be one of the cleanest in the industry.

for EMS, it’s Gardner Denver — “and you really have to earn that additional territory,” Femal solidifies. “Through their belief in EMS and our growth strategy, and things that we’re doing, they granted us that additional territory, which basically puts us in competition with other distributors and invited us in to play the game, which is great for us. So now we cover the whole state up into the U.P., so now we’re in growth mode with that air compressor part of the business.”

One form of business growth magnetizing the other. Eat your Wheaties and work out enough, and the rest of the league starts to take notice.

As detailed, EMS ushered in significant outside growth because of its own hard-earned organic growth. The growing compressor market means the company now has more prospects it can work with.

Essentially, it breaks down to more geography and a wider sphere of influence for the company’s sales network. This developed because of the company’s foundational reliability in other areas.

“We’ve been in all these areas where customers trust us to do motor repair, gearboxes, pumps, engineering solutions, but we were not allowed to sell air compressors,” says Femal, noting that a lot of those systems incorporate air compressors, leading to an opening in dialogue and business. “In most air compressors — not all, but most — electric motors are in there,” connecting a core of EMS business to a new market. Here, Femal points to his predecessor’s keen eye for suitable M&A deals.

In discussing how to effectively grow a business, Femal continued by breaking down some underrated aspects of the hiring process. “How to recruit is important,” Femal stressed, as is “building the structure for a hiring protocol.” In terms of staffing, CEO Bill Hinnendael noted that retaining your current staff is another priority. “We work really hard to retain,” Hinnendael told EA.

Old adages tend to age well. Reliability was mentioned by Hinnendael as a crucial way of keeping clients and building the aforementioned business growth, and this philosophy has been a staple of service shops and the electromechanical aftermarket OEMs for decades — really more like a century. In an era where the internet reigns, and new trainees are just as likely to get their information from a screen as reading an “actual” book, retaining your reliable employees is crucial to combating the skills gap.

History, with a bonus discovery

One of Hinnendael’s decisions at the helm was the acquisition in 2004 that got EMS into air compressors. There’s a hand-in-glove component to this whole growth success story, he agrees.

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EMS’s panel department (photos above and below) can execute specs for standard or unique projects.

EMS INDUSTRIAL continued from previous page

EMS’s critical motor storage, shown here, has become a crucial part of the company’s business.

“All of our large customers, even some OEMs, use air compressors,” he says. “Either for their production, machinery, or just their tools.” The company’s parallel growth tracks are reflected in its size, services, and Hinnendael has presided over most of it.

What you get from EMS is reflective of the textbook EASA operation, and that’s how it began, as a 5-10 person shop in 1933. Hinnendael had built up the operation to roughly 60 employees upon Femal’s arrival five years ago. In all, EMS has almost 100 employees now, and its Madison facility alone checks in at around 50,000 square feet.

Around 20 of those team members were added via the 2020 acquisition. Icing on the cake for EMS history: Hinnendael recently discovered that the company began in ‘33, despite some of their literature previously reading 1935. Any time you add two years from the archives, and reach your 90th anniversary the same year as EASA, it’s got to be satisfying. Bill’s father-in-law was the second generation of the company. EMS began at E. Wilson St. in downtown Madison, established by Carl Sutherland Sr. and his wife Madga. They began the business by picking up electric motors from customers with their own cars and repairing

them. In 1979, they made their first move to a new location.

“In 2005, we moved to the current premises,” Hinnendael confirms. “Parking space was a big incentive.” If that’s not the oldest, simplest indicator of growth in the book, we’re not sure what is. In short, Hinnendael has guided the business through its crucial middle years through familiarity and hard work. He knows the EASA community inside and out — he fondly thinks of EA’s Richard Nailen as “the graph guy” — but also learnt when to reach outside of it.

Of the satellite facilities, Femal notes that “to a degree, they are replicas of this location.”

In summation: “Half of that headcount growth was via an acquisition that Bill and his family believed was a great move for our business, and it’s turning out that way in a really positive direction,” Femal says. “The other aspect of that growth is through growth of business. We’ve had a really good run, adding sales engineers, technicians, compressor technicians, inside sales folks, adding accountants — our accounting team has grown, they’re the hub of the business to keep it moving, so it’s transitioned in a really nice direction — both through growth in acquisitions and also organic growth, has been equal in that front as well.”

Camaraderie is difficult to quantify. At its ceiling, it’s an incredibly effective motivator. Respect and organization — two pillars of character that a mother might encourage — are the true agents of camaraderie. These are the intangibles that real people can read from one another.

The preventative maintenance team is highly valued, per Femal — not a braggadocious guy — who said, “I’d put them up against anyone in the country.” A two-way street of positivity, knowledge, and organization all allow connection with employees and seem to create camaraderie. Being at EMS Madison, the other teams are equally valued. These include a panel team, a machine shop, specialists for small motors and rewinds, and especially the uniquely developed critical motor storage area.

Joe Carey, a tall Ohio State grad with work experience at ABB, is VP of sales at EMS. Carey, based out of Milwaukee, spends a fair amount of his time on the road. “It’s easy to be a Buckeye fan,” he says. Carey did us the favor of breaking down EMS’ critical motor storage, explaining market-specific motors. “Different markets have different sized motors, based on the quantity and probability of application. Houston, they’ll have a bunch of 10,000 hp motors in critical asset storage. Most of these would be for chemical, oil and gas, pumping, refining.”

Femal is a member of one of EASA’s Roving Ambassador groups, based out of Chesapeake, Va. This is one of many ways he and his teams collaborate and find ways to help each other and their customers.

Products for sale and a cross-section of a motor in EMS Madison’s counter room.

The EMS counter room serves as an entry way to the rest of the facility and features some of the products worked on.

EMS INDUSTRIAL continued from page 40

— Electrical Apparatus photos by Charlie Barks

Another key element of EMS’s customer relations is flexibility. For example, like many shops, its maintenance team has the ability and willingness to take calls in the middle of the night and address them in the field or at the shop.

Likewise, the compartmentalization of the various teams has helped them thrive as parts of a whole. The panel team produces major, uniform jobs on a regular basis for companies like ABB, but it’s the odd jobs that set them apart. They will now readily create customized designs for specific applications. “It could be a design someone drew on a cocktail napkin,” says Brian Hooker, engineering manager at EMS, who is familiar with the panel department’s work.

Recently, the teams participated in a team-building exercise that emphasized something visible throughout EMS’s facility in Madison by way of the many signs reminding and enforcing it: safety. In a social media post from late April, EMS’s “Friday Spotlight of the Week: A Focus on SAFETY!!!!” was publicized. The company “is committed to safety both inside and outside the walls of our operations,” the post reiterated. “It’s imperative that each team member go home in the same condition that they came to work in. Part of that commitment is making sure our leadership team is first aid, CPR, and AED trained. A good safety track record doesn’t happen by accident as it’s a culmination of making the right safety focus decisions time and time again.”

In addition to Femal, Carey, and Hooker, employees Mike Vander Loop, Ken Hovind, Mark Fransen,

Kyle Runde, Ryan Oberhoffer, Mandee Carey, Joe Oberlander, Derek Weyenberg, Elliot Ruiz, David Henke, Patrick Troge, Carl Tummett, Chad Meske, and Mike McNicol were among the participants.

A rundown of services

Once you develop a thriving business model, here’s what it might look like. Let’s recap with a breakdown of EMS services: Energetics Compressed Air, a division of EMS Industrial, Inc., has been a distributor of Gardner Denver air compressors since 1975. Gardner Denver has increased Energetics Compressed Air’s territory and is now the preferred distributor of the company’s compressed air

Standard inventory and storage areas are separated from critical motor storage.

Camaraderie is tangible at EMS, as represented by employee pride.

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products throughout the entire state of Wisconsin, upper Michigan, and into Iowa and Illinois.

Vibration analysis is the backbone of most predictive maintenance programs. It provides the ability to establish performance trends that will enable one to better predict the onset of wear in bearings, gears ,and other internal parts and identify existing and future problems in equipment, reducing production losses due to unscheduled downtime, maintenance, and repair costs and increase equipment life. Customers are able to ask for a demonstration of early bearing and gear wear technology to identify existing and future problems in their equipment, reducing production loss due to unscheduled downtime, maintenance and repair costs, and increase equipment life.

Other vibration analysis services that EMS provides include:

> Resonance testing and correction

> Structural vibration testing and correction

> Equipment Start-ups

> Machine Certification

Predictive maintenance is beneficial because it can:

> Minimize or eliminate downtime

> Reduce or eliminate catastrophic machinery failures

> Reduce maintenance costs

> Reduce unscheduled maintenance

> Reduce spare parts inventory

Oil analysis: a powerful tool for identifying internal component wear and determining lubricant service-

ability. Some oil suppliers offer oil testing but don’t perform the type of analysis required to identify problems. Test packages are customized for the type of machine being analyzed. Recommended actions are written in plain language. An excellent complementary technology to a vibration analysis program.

Infrared thermography: an essential tool for identifying heat-related electrical problems that can cause a serious plant outage or worse. Loose or broken connections, overloads and system imbalances are detected and analyzed. EMS focuses on completing well-documented reports with color photographs and thermal images of problems found.

“Regardless of all the measurement and detection methods, our ultimate goal is to identify the underlying cause of a problem and determine the best way to prevent a recurrence,” Hooker explained. This is where having 70+ years of experience in the electrical and mechanical industry proves itself. “We carefully disassemble and inspect failed equipment, review recent PdM reports and go onsite to collect the information necessary to uncover the true reason for equipment failure. Our repair or engineering staff can then make recommendations or equipment modifications in order to prevent failure recurrence.”

Motor Circuit Evaluation: Uncover high resistance connections, insulation breakdown and electrical imbalances, in the motor’s power circuit, rotor and stator before they cause unexpected downtime. Determine the future reliability of your motors.

Current Signature Analysis: Rotor problems in a-c induction motors are often misdiagnosed. “We can determine whether a rotor problem is present and the exact severity of the problem without stopping the machine,” Femal says.

Special services also include root cause failure analysis and ultrasonic analysis. “A single quarter-inch-diameter air leak could be costing you $15,000 per year,” Carey says. “We can perform a leak detection survey identifying air, vacuum, steam, or gas leaks and provide you with an annual saving report.” Ultrasonic spectrum analysis assists EMS in detecting early bearing and gear wear and in listening for lubrication issues. “We can also detect electrical arcings, tracking and corona in electrical systems and locate leaks in sealed vessels and containers.” EA

Functional ABB products right next to the accounting department: a testament to operational fluidity.

EMS INDUSTRIAL continued from previous page

A horsepower of a different color

When and how to up-rate a motor’s horsepower without replacing the machine

By Chase Fell, EA Contributing Writer

The load capacity of an industrial a-c electric machine is usually rated by the nameplate horsepower or kilowatt or kilovolt amperes. Designers and engineers evaluate the expected load of a new application and specify the required power of a new machine to pull that load.

The power output choice should consider the ambient conditions, available voltage, environment, and room for growth. And, of course, cost and availability are always a major factor when specifications are drawn up. Technology and manufacturing capacity can limit these choices.

Designers and estimators often have some flexibility, and it usually makes sense to oversize when they specify the power rating of a new machine. If the load is planned for 100 hp, a new energy-efficient 125 hp motor is almost always a nice-to-have.

Why up-rate?

Planning and design mistakes are made, plant conditions change, demand becomes greater, and higher output is often needed to meet new expectations. So, using our example, perhaps our 125 hp motor no longer meets the output needs of plant managers and/or their customers.

One solution would be to purchase a new 150 hp motor. This starts to make sense when the new motor is available and is affordable. The lead time must also meet expectations. For the best result, the new motor should fit the application without changes to the mounting base, conduit, couplings, and feeder circuits.

But the up-rate situation often becomes complex. The new motor may not fit in the space where the old motor was installed. The existing motor may be in an obsolete frame, or the motor manufacturer may be out of business. The new motor may be available but it’s just too expensive or lead times are unacceptable.

Changing the power rating of the existing motor could be a logical choice. When the need for added load is scheduled with a planned outage, this solution is often fast, relatively inexpensive, and works well when properly designed and carried out. (See Figure 1.)

Electric motor OEMs are in a competitive global market. Materials investments and stock levels must be efficient. The same motor is often used to ship a

125 hp and 150 hp rating. Many industrial plants are now operating with electric motors that have been in service for 50 years or longer. Many of these machines are built in large heavy frames with conservative designs. Some of them can be up-rated without any changes. The current will be higher, and temperature rise will be higher, but the big old machines can often handle the changes.

Winding data changes

The output capacity of a motor is the product of the air gap magnetic flux density and the ampere turns in the stator. Changes to these can give greater output. A simple increase in voltage applied to the motor leads gives higher air gap densities and therefore greater horsepower. But as with any change, there must be consideration of electrical, thermal, and mechanical limitations.

For form coil windings, the slot section in the stator core contains rectangular copper, insulation, and fillers. The copper cross section in the stator coil is directly related to heat losses and efficiency, so increasing the copper in the winding gives lower losses and therefore higher output.

To achieve an increase in copper however, it may be necessary to gain slot space with a change in the thickness of the ground wall and/ or turn insulation of the coil. Thinner insulation may be an option if higher dielectric materials are used. Generally, one layer of mica tape is applied for each 1,000 volts of voltage rating. A 4000 V motor would have four half-lapped layers of mica tape, a 6600 V motor six or seven

Figure 1. The up-rate situation often becomes complex. The new motor may not fit in the space where the old motor was installed. The existing motor may be in an obsolete frame, or the motor manufacturer may be out of business. The new motor may be available but it’s just too expensive. — 123RF photo

HORSEPOWER CHANGE continued from previous page

layers, and for 13.2 kV, as many as 13 ground insulation layers.

IEEE 1068, Standard for the Repair and Rewinding of A-C Electric Motors in the Petroleum, Chemical, and Process Industries, gives a recommended thickness of the ground wall, but the standard does not state what type of materials to use. (See Figure 2.)

A higher insulation class would allow more current and more load. It may be possible to go to a higher insulation class, such as from Class B to Class F or Class F to Class H. Modern a-c machines are often built with Class F insulation (155°C) and Class B rise (130°C). In this case, an upgrade to Class H insulation (180°C) would be suitable for added current.

This solution gives an increase in output without any other changes to the winding. Thinner ground wall materials with higher mica density have proven successful with horsepower up-rates. As with any winding, the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric strength of coil insulation must be proven through testing.

A motor with a 1.15 service factor may sometimes be up-rated 15% with a new service factor of 1.0. If the machine is operated at the new full load of 115% of original, the current, slip, and efficiency will be affected, as will the expected service life of the winding.

It may be possible to move more air and lower the temperature rise. Greater airflow can be accomplished by modifying or adding integral shaft-mounted fans, but adding airflow this way usually adds to the loading of the motor. And the calculations for airflow can be quite complex. The temperature rise of these machines is normally rated for a maximum ambient of 40°C (104°F.) If the environment of the machine never reaches 40°C, there is room for a load increase.

When magnetic strength is constant, higher load in squirrel cage machines means greater slip. Slip is the difference between the speed of the stator rotating magnetic field and the loaded speed of the rotor. Slip is proportional to the copper losses in the rotor cage. With an increase of 15% load, the rotor will have to carry more current.

The slip varies as the square of the increase in rotor bar current; if the rotor current increases by 15%, the slip will increase by about 32%.

If a 1200 RPM motor runs fully loaded at 1170 RPM, the slip is 30 RPM. At the increased load of 15%, the motor slip would be 1.32 X 30, or about 40 RPM, and 1160 would be the new shaft speed.

A greater slip means lower efficiency since rotor bar current is higher with the higher slip. To gain greater horsepower and maintain the original slip, the motor will need to be magnetically stronger. This change can be possible by rewinding the stator for a higher airgap flux density.

Take your turn

Consider an existing seven-turn stator coil with a single circuit wye connection. By reducing the number of turns to six turns per coil, the magnetic flux density would be increased by about 15%. The horsepower increase varies as the square of the change in turns, so the new horsepower will be greater on the order of 30%.

This situation gets complicated since with this up-rate there is the risk of too much current for the copper cross section and a possibility for oversaturation of the magnetic core iron. The magnetic flux density is limited by the physical size of the core and the magnetic and loss properties of the electrical steel. Too much magnetic flux can cause excess inrush, electrical noise, and increased core temperature. This can degrade the coil insulation and lead to premature failure.

Double the number of turns and double the number of parallel circuits, and the flux density says the same. That is, seven turns one circuit gives the same magnetic strength as 14 turns two circuits. For the up-rate, design a new 13-turn coil with two circuits. The flux density for this solution will be approximately 7.5% greater than original, and the horsepower will be about 15% greater.

This change might meet the need without a lot of other changes to the system. Turn insulation must be evaluated with any winding design. The 13-turn solution will likely require additional vertical slot space for turn insulation.

Another way to increase magnetic strength is to change the span of the stator coil. Coil span

distance

is the peripheral

between two sides of

Figure 2. IEEE 1068, Standard for the Repair and Rewinding of A-C Electric Motors in the Petroleum, Chemical, and Process Industries, gives a recommended thickness of the ground wall, but the standard does not state what type of materials to use. — IEEE 1068-2015

Figure 3. Another way to increase flux is to change the span of the stator coil. Coil span is the peripheral distance between two sides of a stator coil, measured in number of slots. Decreasing the span of the coil gives a magnetic result of decreasing turns by a fraction. Depending on the number of slots and poles of the motor, this is often a good solution for up-rating a machine. — KP Studios

a stator coil, measured in number of slots. Decreasing the span of the coil gives a magnetic result of decreasing turns by a fraction.

Depending on the number of slots and poles of the motor, this is often a good solution for up-rating a machine. Harmonics and physical space are important considerations when choosing the span. (See Figure 3.)

The mechanical components of the machine should be evaluated when considering an up-rate. Mechanical designs almost always have a built-in safety factor, so shaft journals, bearings, and other integral parts are usually sufficient for a 20% horsepower up-rate. The torque and horsepower of an a-c machine increases with the length of the rotor bars, so adding core iron to the rotor and stator will give greater horsepower while keeping winding data the same. This is an expensive alternative.

As loading is increased in a squirrel cage induction machine, the power factor and efficiency are affected. Power factor increases and efficiency usually decreases. These values can offset each other, and a 15% increase in horsepower often results in a similar increase in current. (See Figure 4.)

Some hydroelectric generators and other large electric machines have been in service for 75 years or longer. Modern insulation and conservative origi-

Figure 4. As loading is increased in a squirrel cage induction machine, the power factor and efficiency are affected. Power factor increases and efficiency usually decreases. These values can offset each other, and a 15% increase in horsepower often results in a similar increase in current.

nal designs can make these motors and generators suitable for an uprate of 50% or more.

Supply chain bottlenecks and global manufacturing dynamics have made field modifications to electric motors more and more important. Changes to physical dimensions and the mounting footprint of electric machines can cause problems, especially during an outage. Manufacturing plants need to squeeze more production out of existing equipment, and up-rates of up to 20% are common in modern machines.

The Electric Power Research Institute has published a comprehensive study on up-rates. The Guide for Increasing the Capacity of Induction Motors EPRI 1009699 gives examples of successful up-rates for electric machines in utility applications.

The marginal cost of up-rating an a-c motor or generator is often insignificant when the machine is being rewound. The extra cost of labor, copper, insulation, and cooling components has a short payback when considering the new load capacity. It may take time, but motor and generator OEM’s sometimes help develop the data for an up-rate to one of their machines.

EA

The new financial fraud

More sophisticated data networks have brought about more sophisticated methods of crime

By William H. Wiersema, CPA, EA Contributing Editor

Although fraud is endemic to business, technology exposes companies more than ever. These days, clicking a link can initiate a ransomware attack that cripples your computer system. Or by breaching protections, hackers obtain confidential stored data, potentially causing significant harm.

Cybercrimes in the U.S. cost hundreds of billions annually. Single incident losses at larger companies frequently exceed $10 million, as reported at Accenture.com. But damage from cybercrime extends beyond money, to a loss of trust and credibility. Suitable controls are critical. Even companies insured against crimes may face exclusions for failing to exercise due care.

Because they are often dealt with privately, less publicized are thefts within companies by their employees. In those cases, fraud arises from opportunity and rationalization. People who have access to assets and feel little chance of being caught are tempted to steal. This article is intended to summarize these internal risks and means of addressing them.

Balance the power

Control systems traditionally rely on segregating functions, co-supervision, and outsourcing. For example, managers assign teams of two to open the mail, balance cash drawers, and test count inventory records. Activities that need to be segregated among different employees include authorizing transactions, keeping records, and safeguarding assets. If a single employee performs more than one of these functions, the result can be errors or fraud.

However, even with segregation, controls can fail. Every day, businesses receive phishing e-mails bearing forged authorization to extract electronic payments. Requiring that two employees be involved in transferring cash through specific password access reduces the risk of loss. Ideally, a non-accounting approver would be separate from the initiator. However, the review is ineffective if not performed in earnest.

Moreover, collusion is possible. When between employees and third parties, it is the hardest to control. For example, the manager who maintains the relationship with an outside provider may have

power clearly in conflict with company duties. Managers and suppliers may collude for mutual benefit, such as obtaining payment for goods or services not delivered. Prices may be elevated in return for kickbacks.

When collusion involves an outside information technology firm, even accounting is at risk. Modified reports make things look better than they are. For example, an accounts receivable manager might receive a bonus based on the aging of accounts. However, a simple programming change could transform an unfavorable report into a winner. Additionally, sensitive information, such as executive payroll or board minutes, may be accessed by those not intended to see it. Managers in charge need to beware of these dangers.

Accountants who have authority over accounting records can cover theft. Journal entries are the accounting wild cards that can make everything seem okay. In one case, an office manager with wire transfer authority sent funds to personal accounts and hid the theft by parking it on the balance sheet so that the company’s income did not show a problem. In another case, embezzlement at a private school was covered by reclassifying with journal entries stolen funds against the food budget.

Because 100% dual approvals are unfeasible, management often provides dollar limits, beneath which sole authority is enough. However, in individually small amounts, embezzlers can fly below the radar. Remi-

niscent of the programmer in Superman III played by Richard Pryor, who diverted fractional pennies on rounding errors to fund a bonus to himself, an individual attempted to accumulate a small fortune by opening E-Trade and Schwab.com with pennies transferred to confirm his new accounts, named after cartoon characters (Wired.com, 2008).

Applying their authority, perpetrators often divert funds over long periods. A medical school finance director stole $40 million from the university over ten years through computer equipment purchases individually within her $10,000 authorization limit (Hannah Qu, “Former School of Medicine Administrator Pleads Guilty,” 2022). Likewise, those having write-off authority can open and expunge small accounts daily.

Even fraudulent financial reporting can involve a similar strategy. Nearly 20 years ago, the Securities Exchange Commission found WorldCom to have overstated assets in the billions by improperly capitalizing operating expenses that should have reduced its net income. New York Times reporter Kurt Eichenwald described the fraud as follows: “No single account received the bulk of the expenses; rather, they were spread out in what appeared to be an effort to keep them from being more easily detected.”

The absence of controls is even worse. In one extreme case, an operations manager used his employer’s funds and facility to procure, manufacture, and sell product on the side. Over many years, he had developed relationships with certain customers to provide products “at a discount” if the customer came and picked them up. He resisted operations reporting systems, so had no record of the items leaving the plant. Excess purchases incurred to use in the production process were excused as “scrap loss.” In another case, purchasing and receiving personnel colluded with a supplier to sign off for products never delivered.

Recognize the technology threat

Fraud today extends well beyond accountants and operations managers. The staff most at risk are those in the information technology function, seldom watched in the past. However, IT staff have a role today that’s integral to the business. They don’t handle money but control the systems around it. While not check signers, they have access to funds indirectly and can take advantage of that. As Marshall Romney and Paul Steinbart point out in Accounting Information Systems, ”[A]ny person who has unrestricted access to the computer, its programs, and live data could perpetuate and conceal fraud.”

System administrators oversee computer systems. Dana Stern writes in Preventing PC Fraud that the system administrator “is usually responsible for security, operations, performance, and documentation . . . [and] in a position of trust. An entire business’s performance may hinge on the performance of its computer environment, and it is the system administrator who controls that environment.” While most crimes never make the headlines, following are examples of system administrator fraud:

> A disgruntled system administrator destroyed backup files, cut off remote user access, and diverted e-mails after resigning. (US Attorney’s Office press release, 2016).

> Following his resignation, a systems administrator employed for less than three weeks created a new account in the company name through which he fraudulently purchased computer equipment and wreaked havoc on the company’s system protections, patient data, emails, etc. (Marianne McGee, Healthinfosec, 2017).

> A systems administrator set up a fictitious customer to take delivery of millions of dollars in company goods over time and proceeded

to write off the resulting accounts receivable (Radio Jamaica News, “Systems Administrator Accused of Fraud,” 2010).

Tommie Singleton, in “What Every IT Auditor Should Know About Proper Segregation of Incompatible IT Activities,” recommends that specific functions be kept independent, including database administration, programming, software maintenance, and security. He describes database administrators as “super users” with “keys to the kingdom – the inherent ability to access anything, change anything, and delete anything in the relevant database.” Likewise, those with access to source code should be someone other than those in charge of or accounting for the data. Otherwise, that person has a straightforward and hard-to-trace manner of committing fraud.

In smaller companies, master administrator credentials should be with the owner. Second to the master, any IT administrative role conveys much power. As Andra Andrioaie and Miriam Cihodariu define them in a Heimdal Security Blog, “Admin rights are the highest permission levels that . . . access to all network and system areas to which he/ she has been granted admin rights. To give some examples, a user with admin rights can delete system or network files, install various software or even hardware drivers, perform system settings changes or they can carry on system updates deployment.”

Access rights must be only the minimum necessary to fulfill a task and terminate the moment the task is complete. Remote administrator privileges should be disallowed. Digitized access logs, indicating where, when, and who, replace the old paper audit trail. Accountability for activity comes from immutable, unalterable, and reviewed records. Specialized exception reports make independent electronic monitoring feasible. When exceptions occur, the notification may range from a user error message up to alerting security, depending on the magnitude of the problem involved. Products such as Pathlock can provide tracking.

Outside audits of IT are recommended. Certified Information Systems Auditors are a growing group of specialists trained to identify deficiencies. While audits entail ongoing costs, their security benefits more than compensate. EA

Requiring that two employees be involved in transferring cash through specific password access reduces the risk of loss

The new Master’s

UNC-Charlotte program of study offers a combined degree in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Engineering

By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor

Colleges across the U.S. are opening programs of study related to energy, and some of them dovetail with electromechanical engineering. For a recent example, we asked UNC-Charlotte’s Aidan Browne, Ph.D. and program director of the school’s M.S. in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Engineering (AEEE) for some insight.

Offered by UNC Charlotte’s Dept. of Engineering Technology and Construction Management, the 30-hour course “explores the areas of energy conversion, transfer, and conservation as well as optimal utilization of resources,” Brown said. “Think about managing fuel resources, learning solar energy principles, and discovering the different types of fuel cells — that’s what the AEEE is about.”

The university also believes that “what sets this graduate engineering program apart is the customizable modules and numerous opportunities to explore various STEM disciplines.”

The UNC-Charlotte degree provides an opportunity for discipline-specific and multidisciplinary graduate-level education. Advanced coursework and research are used to enhance professional development, improve technical competency, and initiate a potential career.

Lots of programs to choose from

Plenty of other schools offer similar master’s programs. The umbrella of energy is denoted by a lot of new-age terminology. Programs of study at Penn State, Northwestern, and Loyola all use the term “environmental sustainability.” Purdue University uses “energy engineering technology” for a program that aims to place students in the workforces of everything from renewable energy to industry-scale HVAC systems.

Ontario College (Canada) has a program entitled “Applied Energy Management” with an increased emphasis on the business side of these burgeoning industries. That program says its grads will leave “prepared for technical careers in areas such as energy management, sustainability, improvement, renewable solutions, and project management.”

The Ontario program calls itself unique in exploring current trends and practices in areas such as energy assessment, microgrids, existing and emerging energy production and management solutions, project management, and health and safety.

“You will build confidence and industry-relevant skills through handson exercises in well-equipped training facilities, including photovoltaic technology in our renewable energy lab,” the school says. In short, universities are well aware of the popularity and blanket appeal of the word energy in today’s workforce.

Collaboration and practicality

How are all of these academic programs bearing fruit professionally? The Annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report 2022 shows the energy sector experienced positive job growth, increasing 4.0% from 2020 to 2021, outpacing overall U.S. employment, which climbed 2.8% in the same period.

In one of the aforementioned programs, the new interest has also led to international collaboration. UNC Charlotte and the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Science in Germany are currently collaborating to expand opportunities for Charlotte students and faculty in the William States Lee College of Engineering to study and research in Germany.

The agreement was signed by UNC-Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber and Hochschule Niederrhein President Thomas Grünewald at a ceremony on Charlotte’s campus in October of 2022.

“This partnership will not only enrich the students’ academic and personal lives; it will also strengthen our ties with our regional German industrial partners,” said Rob Keynton, dean of the W.S. Lee College of Engineering.

Hochschule Niederrhein, which has about 14,000 students and campuses in Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, is one of the largest and most well- regarded universities of applied science in Germany.

While on campus, the German visitors met with faculty from the Dept. of Languages and Culture Studies and toured several labs, including the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center’s HighBay Laboratory and Duke Energy Smart Grid and Flexible Energy labs, the Center for Precision Metrology, and the Alan D. Kulwicki Motorsports Laboratory.

Lastly, and perhaps most encouraging for the common student, community colleges are getting in on the action and riding the wave of interest in energy programs. Lane Community College of Eugene, Ore. — which shares a college town with the University of Oregon — is nearing approval on implementing a master’s certificate in energy. The college recently said there has been a growing demand for professionals in the fast-growing field of energy management.

A new program offered by Lane Community College will allow students to be better prepared for a career in high-tech building management. Roger Ebbage is the director of the community college’s water and energy programs. He said that for 30 years, the college has had programs in commercial building energy efficiency.

“We’ve added building control systems to the academic content, and that’s the difference,” he said. “That’s what makes it more progressive, more up to date.” EA

ComEd bribery case raises important questions about utilities

In Illinois, bribery scandals are never simple. Nor, sadly, are they uncommon. But they may hold lessons for other states.

According to a report co-authored last year by a Chicago alderman and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Windy City ranked as the U.S.’s most corrupt city and Illinois the third-most corrupt state for the third year in a row.

So it came as no surprise to jaded Illinoisans when, in early May, four defendants either employed by or lobbying on behalf of Illinois electric utility Commonwealth Edison were convicted on nine counts of conspiracy, bribery, and falsi cation of records.

According to a guilty plea entered by one defendant, former Commonwealth Edison executive Fidel Marquez, the conspirators illegally solicited jobs, contracts, and monetary payments for the bene t of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who had the power to halt legislation that he (or his benefactors) didn’t like.

But the signi cance of the trial of “the ComEd Four” goes beyond the borders of the Prairie State, as it raises thorny questions about the electric utility industry generally. Are relations between public utilities and government regulators too cozy and insu ciently transparent? Does too much regulation have a negative impact on services and rates? Is corruption more the fault of government than the utility companies?

According to David Walter, president of Level 3 Solar, the cause of this type of corruption is that many utilities operate as monopolies, with no competition to keep them honest.

“This lack of competition allows these companies to charge exorbitant prices and use their power to in uence lawmakers and regulators,” Walter recently wrote in Energy Central. “The result is that the interests of the company and its shareholders often take precedence over the interests of the customers and the public.”

Another problem is that there’s often a close relationship between public utilities and state governments, with various players moving back and forth through the revolving door that separates the two.

In the ComEd case, for example, one of the defendants, Michael McClain, had worked as a lobbyist and consultant for ComEd after serving in the Illinois House of Representatives in the 1970s and early 1980s. Another, John Hooker, served as ComEd’s executive vice president of legislative and external a airs from 2009 to 2012, after which he worked as an external lobbyist for ComEd.

Utility regulations tend to be arcane, and it takes someone with experience in the eld to guide clients through the regulatory thicket. Personal relationships are built in state capitals, where regulatory agencies have their o ces, and deals are often sealed with a wink and a handshake. In such an environment, con icts of interest are bound to emerge.

The best way to prevent this sort of corruption may be to introduce even tighter regulations. With more regulations come greater expense, though, and this expense is passed along to customers. Who’s more to blame for the corruption, utilities or public agencies? As long as human nature is the guiding force in both institutions, the blame is probably shared equally.

There may be no perfect solution to the problem. It might be said, though, that in this case the system worked, with the prosecutors who brought the criminal charges acting as the ultimate regulators. — Kevin

Jones EA

Diagnostic testing instruments

Motor Diagnostic Systems will showcase its testing and instrumentation products for electric motors, solenoids, armatures, and coils. New at EASA this year, the company will have a redesign of its MTC2 and plans to present the MTC2 R7 for 2023. “The MTC2 R7 has redefined speed and unmatched performance,” Motor Diagnostic Systems declares. “Come check it out in our booth, #1140!”

Motor Diagnostic Systems is the exclusive North American representative and service center for Schleich GmbH. The company says its instruments measure more data points, providing better information. “By better,” they say, “we mean more reliable and accurate to help you troubleshoot, design, and compare your motors to decrease downtime, save money, and get back to running your business.”

New edition of industry price guide

Our friends at Vaughen’s Price Publishing Co., Inc., are looking forward to seeing everyone in Washington. The company’s 2023 Price Guide Book, along with its website Vaughens.com, will be on display at the booth, and visitors are invited to stop by to see the new Digital Price Guide the company will be releasing soon.

Don Lammers, owner and publisher, and Jason Lammers, Vaughen’s project manager, will be available to take orders and answer questions about any of Vaughen’s products. Vaughen’s has been dedicated to the electric motor and pump repair industry for more than 90 years and looks forward to many more. “We hope to see you in Washington,” Vaughen’s says, “and remember to use Vaughen’s to ‘Put More Profit in Your Price!’”

Motors and motor accessories

Diversitech plans to showcase motors (48-frame all the way to C-frame), capacitors, contactors, belts, pulleys, motor brackets, EC motors, blower wheels, draft inducers, disconnects, whips, indoor air quality, “and much more!” Highlighted will be motors and all the accessories one needs to support customers purchasing motors, such as capacitors, contactors, brackets, belts, and pulleys. The company is introducing free shipping on orders of $1,000 or more, and there will be various giveaways at the booth.

Analyzers for online and offline testing

Megger Baker Instruments will be highlighting its innovative analyzers for motor testing. The company’s comprehensive instruments compile information via online and offline testing. The online test equipment searches for power, torque, overcurrent, load, efficiency, and other problems within a running motor. The offline equipment tests for faults within the windings, coils, or leads. These testers simulate the spikes associated with startup - finding problems that are above operating voltage - allowing time to repair or replace equipment on the user’s schedule rather than that of the machinery, according to the company.

Don (left) and Jason Lammers will be bringing their product display to the 2023 EASA Convention.

Motor Diagnostic Systems’ redesigned MTC2.

Megger’s ADX, the automated diagnostic static motor tester.

Returning this year to staff the Diversitech booth will be (from left to right) Joey Laminack, Neal Reeves, and Carmen Garcia.

Laser cutting and design service

Superior Services LLC will be displaying its laser cutting and design service at this year’s EASA Convention. Representatives of the company will be on hand to explain how the company utilizes its state-of-the-art equipment, and a variety of sample laminations will be on display.

Superior Services’ principal products and services include laser-cut electric motor and generator laminations and cores. The company stocks a wide range of electrical steel, mild steel, and aluminum. Principal products include stators, rotors, armatures, pole pieces, and transformer laminations.

The company employs a staff with over 25 years of combined experience in laser technology, lamination production, and design. Utilizing advanced equipment and technology, the company’s experienced staff guarantees the highest quality possible, rapid turn-around time, and competitive pricing.

New addition to a core loss tester line

Jenkins Electric plans to feature a variety of new equipment and distribution items this year. The new Jenkins Gen3 Series core loss tester will be in the booth and available for demo. With integration into the Jenkins Gen3 Series motor test system, the new core loss tester is the latest addition to the Gen3 family. Additionally, the company will feature new items from its online store, including Axalta resin, Seymour paints, cleaners and lubricants, standoff insulators, and more.

The company continues to expand its offerings to the motor repair industry by providing servo repair, winding as a service, transformer winding, and new distributed items to aid shops in their repairs. Jenkins Electric offers same-day shipping and no minimums.

IE5 and permanent-magnet motors

The team at Lafert N.A. tells us they’re enthusiastic about participating in “another exciting EASA event.” The staff is looking forward to engaging with customers and industry peers as well as meeting new people. This year the company is inviting visitors to try their luck at a trivia game for the chance to “climb to the top of the leaderboard.” Prizes will be awarded to the top scorers each day of the expo.

The need for a “cleaner and more sustainable future” is the driving force behind the increased demand for Lafert permanent-magnet motors, according to the company. Sales director Doug Backman will be presenting HPI 2.0 at the New Product Theater on Monday, June 26, at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to join in to learn more about the technology behind IE5 ultra-premium efficient products and how users can take advantage of size and weight reductions of 50% or more “while significantly reducing energy consumption.”

New staff members and new mica paper

Nippon Rika, Inc., will have a multinational staff at its booth, including team members from North America, Europe, and Japan. Displaying its new booth for the first time, the company will be introducing its new sales representative and account manager for North America, Kevin Kaufhold. Nippon Rika North America also has a new vice president, Konstantin Kandlbauer, and a new general manager and director of operations, Jon Lipaj.

The company will also be introducing its new KMG mica paper made with glass chops. The paper is backed with poly film with mica and glass chops added. The paper shows high impregnability and has considerably shorter impregnation times without impact on insulation performance, according to the company. This allows the user to optimize the impregnation process and consider resins with increased viscosity.

Mike and Gerry of Lafert are hard at work assembling the company’s products.

A Jenkins Electric core loss tester.

High Voltage’s VLF-34E very low-frequency a-c hipot tester is suitable for testing up to 34 kVac at 0.10 Hz.

High-voltage electrical test equipment

High Voltage, Inc., will display its high-voltage test equipment for testing motor and generator coils, windings, OEM fabricated parts, terminations, and cables. Both high-voltage a-c and d-c voltage output instruments will be shown, including VLF 0.10 Hz a-c hipots.

The company will also be introducing its Select Your Hipot Help Desk to the Knowledge Center section of its website. Customers are invited to find all the info they need to learn how to test rotating machinery with a-c voltage using VLF 0.10 Hz hipots, parallel resonant systems, or conventional 50/60 Hz test sets.

Representatives will be available to explain the IEEE 433-2022 standard and a-c testing of rotating machinery. Revised from the 1974 original, this standard defines using VLF 0.10 Hz a-c technology for overvoltage a-c withstand, tan delta, and partial discharge testing. Visitors will learn the standard, the tests defined, the equipment needed, and the methods used.

Motors and generators in many sizes

TECO-Westinghouse Motor Co. plans to showcase its extensive line of electric motors and generators. The company offers a full line of induction, synchronous, and d-c machines ranging from ¼ hp to 100,000 hp (0.2 to 74, 571 kW).

The company’s products are used to drive pumps, fans, compressors, rolling mills, grinders, crushers, and a variety of other rugged applications in the petroleum, chemical, pulp and paper, mining, marine propulsion, steel, electric utility, and other industries around the world.

TECO also supplies low-voltage motor controls, such as inverters, starters, and contactors. The company has a serviceand-repair team that provides engineering and testing services, renewal parts for Westinghouse and TECO-Westinghouse machines, and large-motor repairs.

Motor shaft grounding rings

Electro Static Technology, an ITW company, plans to showcase its AEGIS shaft grounding ring, which according to the manufacturer is used in millions of motors around the world to protect motor bearings from electrical discharge. The company’s dedication to providing an “effective and lasting solution” that prevents bearing damage, motor failure, and expensive downtime has led Electro Static Technology to be adopted by electric motor users in manufacturing, HVAC/R, transportation, energy, water treatment, electric vehicles, and other commercial and industrial applications.

A mica supplier that’s expanding operations

The Asheville Mica team says it’s “truly excited” to be exhibiting at EASA for the first time in almost 10 years. “We’ve been super busy and growing our team in the past 18 months, with three new technical sales engineers joining,” the supplier of mica and ceramic high-temperature electrical insulation parts tells us. Asheville Mica’s senior expert on all things mica and vice president of key accounts Larry Padrick just celebrated his 40th anniversary with the company. He, along with the company’s inside sales director, Susie Land, is guiding the new sales team.

Asheville Mica is expanding its capability for in-house part production, adding multiple steel-roller dies, a new 125-ton punch press, and a water jet machine to its current workshop.

Experts on testing, consulting, and training

Advanced Energy will be represented by its motors and drives team, which offers expert testing, consulting, and training for motor-driven systems from its internationally accredited test lab. The company is a third-party auditor for the EASA Accreditation Program and offers its own Proven Efficiency Verification program. These programs evaluate service centers to ensure they’re employing practices to maintain motor efficiency and reliability during repairs. To learn more, convention attendees are invited to visit Advanced Energy at Booth 431.

The AEGIS shaft grounding ring will be highlighted by Electro Static Technology.

‘Efficient, sustainable’ motors and controls

ABB will showcase what it calls “efficient, sustainable solutions” at Booth 400. Featured will be products using the latest motor technologies. With increasing usage of controlling motors with variable-frequency drives, Baldor-Reliance’s threephase motors are designed for inverter-duty operation.

Recently ABB has expanded its portfolio of NEMA motors, previously manufactured by Siemens. The new line adds to an existing line of general-purpose, severe-duty, and explosion-proof motors from 1 to 800 hp and extends the company’s NEMA 5013 Frame.

ABB is welcoming Elaine Duraes as the new vice president of marketing and communications for the NEMA motors division. She brings more than 20 years of experience from the HVAC/R, automotive, and IT industries.

Visitors are invited to learn how industrial electric motors make energy more productive. “ABB motors are smart, with ABB Ability smart sensors that analyze the health of the motor for preventive maintenance to extend the life of the equipment,” the company tells us.

Distributor with a comprehensive inventory

ESR Motor Systems, Inc., a distributor of new motors and drives serving commercial and industrial customers across the U.S. and around the world, plans to showcase its various products.

The company takes pride in maintaining a comprehensive inventory of top-tier brands, along with the necessary tools to facilitate basic modifications, across all of its warehouses.

Over the past year, ESR Motor Systems has made strides in expanding and developing its operations at each of its six locations. These changes have included the appointment of a third operations manager, the introduction of innovative motor storage solutions, and the acquisition of tools required for basic motor modifications.

ESR Motor Systems’ president, national sales manager, and one of its operations managers will be available at the booth to talk with attendees about “the unparalleled service, innovative solutions, and exceptional support that ESR Motor Systems can provide,” the company tells us. ESR Motor Systems plans a custom JBL speaker giveaway during the convention.

Motor Test Station!

Manufacturer Support List Continues

Grow

more ..

The Rock Hill, S.C., headquarters of ESR Motor Systems, Inc.

to

... Allen Bradley. B+R. Baumuller. Berger Lahr. Bosch/Rexroth/lndramat. Elau. Fanuc, Heidenhain, Kawasaki, Matsushita, MFE, Mitsubishi, Nachi, Sanyo Denki, Sick Stegmann, Siemens, Sumtak, Tamagawa, Yaskawa, and many

ABB plans to exhibit a number of industrial electric motors of various sizes and horsepower ratings.

Commutator and slip ring specialists

Akard Commutator of Tennessee will display ACTually Compliant sample commutators and slip rings as well as mini-model assemblies to better explain specific advantages of the company’s “Backed by Science!” slogan. Its message is based on ACT’s expertise working with all types and sizes of these products.

The company has added additional CNC equipment focused on rapidly growing demand for competitively priced, top-quality redesign to split-ring, split-hub slip ring units, which Akard says save customers both time and money.

Akard’s one-of-a-kind new custom Mazak CNC mill, which debuted at last year’s EASA Convention, “is truly proving to be a game changer for expedited machining as well as holding extremely tight tolerances,” the company tells us.

Mike, Donna, Camron, Hudson, Pearce, Kevin, Tim, and Melissa are planning to attend the convention this year. Attendees are invited to “come visit with the experts.” There will be drawings for Bristol NASCAR cup race and ACT swag, and this will be the anniversary of Akard’s “proof pudding.”

Insulation, giveaways, and a ‘special guest’

EIS, a long-time sponsor of EASA, will be displaying its full portfolio of products for the motor repair industry. The company’s exhibit, at Booth 601, will showcase EIS, EIS Fabrication Solutions, Midpoint Bearing, and Schoen Insulation Services. There will be products on display, free fabrication samples, and informational and interactive videos. HeatTek, Champlain Cable, and Better Engineering will be joining EIS in the EIS booth. EIS will have giveaways as well as raffles and prizes. The company will host a happy hour during the last hour of the show on Sunday and Monday. Visitors are invited to drop by and have their picture taken with a costumed “special guest.”

Godfrey & Wing offers VPI builds in numerous sizes.

VPI equipment, accessories, and service

Godfrey & Wing, a provider of vacuum impregnation equipment, sealant, and service, is inviting convention attendees to come by Booth 1112 to learn about the company’s VPI technology and state-of-the-art build capability at its Aurora, Ohio, facility. With more than 15 VPI builds currently under construction ranging from 24 to 96 in diameter, the company says it’s “confident we can provide you with your VPI needs.”

Epoxy impregnating resin for motors

In booth 516, Elantas PDG, Inc., plans to showcase its Epoxylite E 477 Thixo epoxy impregnating resin series for motor repair. The company’s history of innovation has led Elantas to design this material with an increased film build of 4 mil to offer enhanced chemical protection in corrosive environments. Epoxylite E 477 Thixo, according to Elantas, offers lower viscosity and “superb mechanical strength,” significantly contributing to the “safety, reliability, and long life of small or large electric motors.”

EIS will have a variety of demonstrations and product samples.

An Elantas processed stator.

Attendees are invited to visit the Akard booth and meet some of the company’s staff.

The wind-power industry is one of several segments in which Jasper Electric Motors is expanding as a new generation moves into the company.

Motor servicer celebrating a half century

Jasper Electric Motors, Inc., will be celebrating 50 years of gratitude to its customers and vendors for all their support over the decades. The company says it’s looking forward “to the next 50-plus.” The Jasper team is constantly expanding and improving its knowledge and facilities while challenging themselves for better end products.

Recently the company has been doing more hydro and wind for its customers as well as industry e ciency improvements. Jasper Electric has been doing more in green energy and processes and equipment improvement as a younger, third generation comes into business as planned.

At its booth at this year’s convention, Jasper will be providing small gifts with its 50-year logo and holding drawings for gifts such as a couple of Ross reels in honor of Bob and Norma Ross, who started the company.

Automatic random winding machines

In Booth 1043, Samatic will be featuring one of its latest models of automatic random winding machines that it currently o ers repair shops, starting with the popular Model Samatic 2780 and all the way to Model Samatic 5780.

Each Samatic model can handle all of a shop’s a-c and d-c winding needs, accord-

Repair of internal motor components

At this year’s EASA Convention, Advanced Rotors plans to showcase its specialty: repairing the internal components of electric motors, which consists of repairing and manufacturing rotors, stators, armatures, wound rotors, pole pieces, shafts, and bar kits. The company has a facility more than 20,000 square feet in area with 70-ton crane capacity and 54inch swing lathe capacity.

Advanced Rotors’ laser team o ers on-site stacking at the customer’s facil-

Reference guide for bearing buyers

Last year, Bartlett Bearing Co. debuted its rst brochure in nearly a decade. This year the company will introduce its rst Reference Guide, a pocket handbook for industry professionals to use when they need a quick reference. Looking for mounting ts? Check in the Reference Guide, Bartlett Bearing suggests. ABMA Interchanges? They’re in the Reference Guide too. A decimal equivalent chart? Reference Guide.

The company will have physical copies of the guide available at the show and will share a digital version the week before the show. Product-wise, Bartlett Bearing will be displaying a bearing heater as well as popular products from such manufacturers as NTN, SKF, Timken, and Schaefer.

The entire Philly-based team will be at the Bartlett booth this year, including Mike Pulley, Sarah Musser, Vic McDevitt Jr., John Conway, Pat Ullman, Mike Schubert, Nick McDevitt, and Stephanie Ford. There will also be a ra e. To take a shot at winning, visitors are invited to leave their business cards with one of the team members and cross their ngers.

Please turn to next page

ing to the company. “The time saved and the highest-quality winding with our patented tooling are major money savings for the shops,” Samatic says, adding that more than 3,500 shops use Samatic machines “daily and awlessly.” The company o ers ve di erent sizes because service operations nowadays are seeing bigger motors and bigger generators, requiring them to move up their capability in size and torque.

ity. Quality control includes a coordinate measuring machine, hysteresis testing, Franklin testing, and core loss testing, as well as calibration of all instrumentation. Engineering services for redesign are also available.

The company’s sta is “very excited about our recently added 10,000 square feet of stacking department space as well as our one 40-ton crane.”

Also, while the company has always o ered custom delivery services, Advanced Rotors is now able to provide custom pick-up and delivery with a hauling capacity of 48,000 lbs.

New and expanded motor product lines

There are “many exciting things happening with Wolong in North America,” the company tells us. Wolong is introducing new products and expanding ratings for some of its existing lines. The company plans to showcase a new line of stocked general-purpose motors along with the latest super-efficient permanent-magnet and electronically commutated designs up to 10 hp. The company will also be bringing its a-c and d-c displays and conducting some motor training right in the booth.

GE Wolong’s booth layout this year will be open, in a large island space, so it will be easy to see all displays from three sides. One long wall will showcase the company’s global footprint and business capabilities, while a hanging banner will advertise the Wolong family of brands.

“We at Wolong prioritize customer hospitality,” the company informs us, “so visitors to our booth will enjoy freshly brewed coffee, phone charging ports, bottled water, and snacks as we discuss their business challenges.”

Motor brushes, springs, and holders

In Booth 929, Morgan Advanced Materials will feature its highly engineered and maximized performance brushes, springs, and holders for all types of motors and generators. The company offers a robust Profiler (MS PRO14) for measuring TIR on slip rings and commutators. Also, grounding holders and brushes for containing currents to protect bearings, and several variations which can easily and economically be obtained. Morgan offers engineering consultation as well as products designed for difficult applications. The company does complete manufacturing, from raw materials to finished product, with a grade portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite to metals (copper and silver).

According to Megger, the company has been “reducing failures and improving the life of valued motors and generators for industry for over 125 years around the world.”

IoT-enabled predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance specialist relayr has been working to bring new developments to Skyler – the company’s “end-to-end, IoT-enabled predictive maintenance solution.” The company says the product empowers users to energize service businesses by offering new service packages with unique warranties. Its success, according to the manufacturer, is based on three principles: Skyler makes it easy to get up to speed fast; the product is designed and supported by experts; and it’s “the most complete end-to-end solution for rotating equipment.” According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, average return on investment is up to 10 times higher in predictive versus preventive maintenance, while downtime is shown to be reduced by up to 35%. “That’s why we recommend exploring innovative ways of approaching the predictive maintenance topic,” the company says.

Innovations in carbon brushes

Helwig Carbon Products, Inc., will be showcasing its latest innovations within its carbon brush, brush holder, and shaft grounding product lines. New demos, displays, and product samples will be available for all attendees.

The company has developed a specific shaft grounding kit for main shaft bearings in wind turbines that is now OEM-approved. Helwig also has new universal, single-bolt mounting brackets for its BPK product line.

Product experts will be available at Helwig’s booth to give demonstrations of the BPK-Probe shaft voltage detection device, as well as the company’s MultiFit bracket mounting system, toeto-toe brush holders, and premier carbon brush grades.

Helwig Carbon Brushes will offer demonstrations of its shaft voltage detection device.

Just a couple of the many products offered by GE Wolong.

This end-to-end predictive maintenance system from relayr can help reduce downtime and improve return on investment, according to the company.

Expanded lines of electrical insulation

Three years ago, Pittsburgh Electrical Insulation significantly expanded operations with the acquisition of Fibertek’s Electrical Products division. The company has since continued its expansion by adding a new storage warehouse in Pittsburgh and expanding its warehouse in Brownsville, Tex. PEI is exhibiting at EASA this year in Booth 934.

PEI has also added new equipment to its in-house manufacturing and converting divisions, including two new braiders to increase B-stage surge rope production and a new slitter capable of slitting master logs more than 72 inches in width.

The company plans to have all of its product experts on-site at the EASA Convention to showcase its expanded lines of banding tapes, banding films, edging tapes, armor tapes, b-stage surge rope, felts, NMN/DMD/NKN laminates, and solvent-free DMD laminates and wedges. There will also be a variety of insulating and pre-peg papers, mica tapes, and felts (aramid, polyester, polyimide, and dacron).

Innovative pump replacement parts

Once again, HT Pumps plans to have its innovative and valueengineered replacement parts on display. This will be the company’s eleventh year in business since its first EASA Convention in Nashville back in 2012. Since then, HT Pumps has sold thousands of its parts to EASA service dealers and distributors nationwide. The company has also increased its product offering from its complete line of maintenance-free bearing assemblies. Additional offerings include mechanical seal kits, shafts, cartridge assemblies, rebuild kits, impellers, and most recently, seal plates and motor brackets. At the convention, HT Pumps staff hopes to familiarize new and existing customers with cross referencing from OEM parts to our line of parts. But “Most importantly,” the company says, “thanking our customers for making our business such an overwhelming success.”

Serving as the voice of the industry

Last but not least, several members of the staff of Electrical Apparatus magazine will be at the EASA Convention, in Booth 522, to answer questions about advertising, editorial, and subscription matters.

For 40 years, ICC has been providing commutators and slip rings for large industrial motors.

Forty years of commutators and slip rings

2023 marks the 40th year ICC International has been manufacturing “compression-seasoned” commutators and slip rings for large industrial applications, including those in the mining, metals, and paper industries. Compression seasoning refers to a process by which copper and mica segments are compressed to their minimum diameter. The segments are mechanically and thermally locked in place so nothing can move in either direction. Individual pieces effectively become a solid piece of metal.

ICC specializes in emergency turnaround and technical consultation. The company is also a distributor of GE motors and parts. Visitors to the company’s booth are invited to ask ICC representatives about compression seasoning and pre-undercutting.

Electrical Apparatus magazine is known as the voice of the electromechanical service and sales industry, reaching more than 18,000 readers per month to deliver the news and in-depth information readers need to run their businesses successfully.

But that’s only a segment of the magazine’s readership. EA also reaches thousands of readers among manufacturers, contractors, electric utilities, engineering and consulting firms, and educators.

At the convention, subscribers will be invited to stop by the booth to confirm that their subscription information is up to date. They’ll also be invited to tell the EA editors what’s new at their companies, because Electrical Apparatus is constantly looking for news to report and interesting companies to write about.

Marketers are invited to come by as well, to learn how Electrical Apparatus magazine can deliver their messages to the readers who are in a position to buy. Electrical Apparatus offers a number of advertising programs, with reduced pricing, value-added benefits, and rate protection for advertisers with frequency contracts. EA

A few samples of HT Pumps’ product offerings.

Big bucks for Big Water

The UN Water Action Agenda is likely to spur heavy spending on water infrastructure

cal system, developing new food systems to reduce the “unsustainable” use of water in food production and agriculture, and putting in place a global water information system.

A simple compound expands in importance

Water as a human right? The idea can be traced back to a United Nations resolution issued in July 2010. What was put forward then was further formalized in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched during a UN summit in New York in September 2015 with the objective of bringing about “a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality, and non-discrimination.”

The objectives of the 2030 Agenda are equally ambitious. “We resolve, between now and 2030, to end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies; to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources,” the Agenda states.

It’s this nal bit — protecting the planet and its natural resources — in which water plays a major role, and it’s the idea of providing safe, clean water for everyone in the world that the UN Water Action Agenda is intended to expand upon.

‘Encouraged’ to participate

By Kevin Jones, EA Senior Editor

A gathering held in New York last March appears likely to result in billions of dollars being directed towards water treatment and distribution between now and 2030. Whether one believes in or agrees with the high-minded objectives behind the planned spending, the dollars being talked about are real, and providers to the water industry, from treatment to tap, will be in a position to bene t.

The UN Water Conference 2023, held at the United Nations in New York March 24, was cast as “a breakthrough response to the global water crisis,” with some 10,000 participants assembled, some physically, some virtually. Together they committed billions of dollars towards what the United Nations calls its “water agenda” — an ambitious plan to guarantee access to safe, clean water to everyone in the world.

Proceedings at the Water Conference culminated in a statement issued March 24 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who built on the momentum of the conference by suggesting that nothing less than the future of humanity and the fate of the earth hang in the balance.

Guterres spoke of reinforcing water’s place “as a fundamental human right.” He also talked about reducing pressure on the earth’s hydrologi-

The Water Action Agenda is described as “the collection of all water-related voluntary commitments to accelerate progress in the second half of the Water Action Decade 2018-2028 and second half of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” UN member states are “encouraged” to make “voluntary commitments to address the global water challenges.”

In other words, there’s nothing obligatory for UN member states about participating in the Water Action Agenda, and although the U.S. is a signatory by treaty, whether or not the U.S. goes along with the plan largely depends on who happens to be occupying the Oval O ce at any given time.

For now, the U.S. federal government is guided by an administration that’s inclined to go along with the agenda.

This past March 22, the United States Mission to the United Nations announced that the administration had committed “more than $49 billion in domestic and global action to ensure that equitable

access and climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure remain a priority at home and around the world.” This money is expected to be spent on “water conservation and resilience planning, water storage and conveyance, watershed health and management, and drought resilience.”

The U.S. isn’t alone among nations in having promised to lay out some big bucks for the water agenda, although the U.S. is shaping up to be the biggest spender by a wide margin. Japan will contribute about 500 billion yen, or $3.65 billion, over the next five years. The Niger Basin Authority and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection have together committed $21.2 million. Mozambique has said it will pony up $9.5 billion. And the African Union Commission has committed to “mobilizing” at least $30 billion per year by 2030.

Private-sector spending

But that’s just governmental spending. The UN has obtained commitments from 17 “innovators” in the private sector to contribute as well. These innovators, both for-profit and non-profit organizations, include some names that are familiar to users and specifiers of water treatment and distribution systems and some that may not be. Together they’ve pledged to spend $11 billion on water innovation over the next five years.

Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank has said it will spend $11 billion on the water sector in the Asia-Pacific Region and $100 billion on the water sector globally by 2030. In addition, Starbucks, Ecolab, Gap, Inc., Reckitt, and DuPont have joined forces with the U.S. Government to deposit nearly $140 million in a Water Access Fund.

Among the private-sector “innovators” are two major pump and water-management providers: Xylem and Grundfos.

“For those who can simply turn on a tap, water may not seem like a problem,” Patrick Decker, CEO of Xylem, said at the conclusion of the UN Water Conference. Many of the technologies needed to resolve the world’s water challenges already exist, he said, “but as climate change progresses, we need more innovative solutions and accelerated implementation to increase the resilience and water-security of communities everywhere.”

Grundfos is not only committed to investing financially but has also promised to provide brain power and youthful enthusiasm to the project. The Danish water-management company sent 14 “bright and promising international young water professionals” to the March Water Conference. These young delegates, chosen from among hundreds of applicants, represented countries from around the world, from Mexico and Brazil to Pakistan and Australia.

The beginning, not the end

The proclamations that were issued at the March conference may have been the culmination of an event several years in the making, but it was just the beginning, not the end, of the meetings and summits planned to mobilize institutions to “solve the global water crisis” over the next several years.

Since 2012, there has been a United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development that now has the responsibility to follow up on and review the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “at the global level.” The United Nations’ General Assembly declared ten years ago that this Forum would meet for eight days each year; the attention of this annual assembly now turns to carrying out the promises made in the Water Action Agenda presented in March.

This year’s High-Level Political Forum (or “HLPF 2023,” as those in the know like to call it) will be held July 10-14 in New York. The “highlevel” segment of the council will be held July 17-20, with the notvery-concise theme of “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.”

To some, this may all appear to be a lot of posturing by people set apart by their conviction of their own importance. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that even if only half of the global water “stakeholders” follow through on their financial promises, a lot of money appears likely to be spent, and savvy market players will be prepared to step up and claim a piece of the action. EA

The UN Water Action Agenda’s ambitious goals are laid out in this cheerful graphic. — UN Water Conference graphic

Names & Faces

Motion Industries, Inc., the Birmingham, Ala., distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a provider of industrial technology solutions, announced the promotion of Patrick Cummings to senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately, the company told Electrical Apparatus.

“Patrick will become a vital part of the Motion executive team, leading Motion to achieve our financial goals in the coming years,” said Randy Breaux, Motion’s president. “His promotion is well deserved. It makes me extremely proud and happy that after a nationwide search, the Motion candidates proved to be the ‘best in class,’ which says a lot about Motion, our succession planning/process, and our teammates.” Cummings will report directly to Breaux and will work closely with Bert Nappier, executive vice president and chief financial officer of GPC, and the CFOs of the other GPC business units worldwide.

Integrated Power Services, the growing behemoth of singlesource solutions for industrial and commercial power and mechanical processes, has named Shannon Moses as senior vice president and regional general manager for the IPS Power Management Division, a new business for IPS, the company announced April 18. Moses assumes this new position after leading the IPS Gulf and Mountain regions for five years. Shannon has been in a leadership role for more than 30 years, success-

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fully growing businesses in the industrial market.

IPS simultaneously announced the hiring of Al Barlow as vice president, regional general manager for the west region and nuclear business. Barlow returns to Integrated Power Services after working for the company for seven years, from 2015 to 2022, as area general manager of the Cleveland and Evansville service centers. Most recently, Barlow was general manager – remanufacturing for Road Machinery LLC.

Lastly, IPS named Jim Mugford executive vice president of clean power and the Gulf, Mountain, and West Regions. He has enjoyed a 30-plus-year career in the electromechanical and rotating equipment Industry. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mugford spent his early career leading his family business, Kadon Electro Mechanical Services Ltd. Following the acquisition of Kadon by Siemens, he became president of TurboCare Canada and vice president in Siemens Canada’s Energy Sector. Mugford was most recently with Sulzer’s Service Division as president and global leader of ElectroMechanical Services. His role includes the newly formed Clean Power business unit for IPS. This newly named business will include IPS’s businesses in the wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal markets. The regional responsibility included in Mugford’s role represents some of the largest clean power generation sources. — Charlie Barks EA

Deaths

James ‘Jim’ Clark, founder of Birclar Electric

James L. Clark, 80, of Ann Arbor, Mich., died Feb. 26, 2023. He was the retired founder of Birclar Electric & Electronics of Romulus, Mich., which is now a Kiemle Hawkins company. Mr. Clark built Birclar into a highly regarded and nationally known service company providing maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical apparatus.

Mr. Clark was the husband for almost 60 years to his wife, Sandra, and the father of Christopher (William Hamilton) Clark, Candace (Steven) Liske, and Tobin (Kate) Clark.

After Mr. Clark’s retirement, he and Sandra enjoyed boating, traveling, wintering in Florida, and doting over their grandchildren, Dimitri and Cassandra. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations together. Mr. Clark was also an active member of the Detroit Yacht Club and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Many of his friends and family remember his love for sailing.

James Clark was the brother of Robert (the late Rita) Clark, the late Judith (the late Wilmer) Kleckner, and Nancy (the late Donald) Ward. He leaves his brother-in-law John Kenyon along with many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to commemorate Mr. Clark were being asked to consider a donation in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105-9959 or the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Tex. 752840692. EA

Shannon Moses

Patrick Cummings

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Equipment for Sale

RETIRED, SELLING SHOP EQUIPMENT

ACE Burn o oven, mod 230-SHELL

Speedaire paint booth with variable speed DC fan motor - Original Doerr single speed 115/230 EXP motor included

SIGN ON BONUS!

R/S Motors, a St Joseph, MO based company, has an immediate opening for a mechanic/ machinist/winder. Both AC & DC motors. Experience preferred but can support on the job training. O ering competitive wages, 100% company paid health, 401K, PTO-2 weeks vacation the first year. Relocation allowance. Friendly hours. Family owned company with a great environment and people. Please submit any inquiries or resumes to info@rselectricmotors.com.

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3 phase 0-575volts 112amps Powerstat test panel

Large 20 step concentric winding head for high hp motors

For details contact:

themotorman.ca@gmail.com

Equipment for Sale

MOTOR TEST PANELS

Professionally built to your needs, using your parts or good used components. 502,000 hp, 120-4160v AC/DC, w/wo computer e ciency reports, 30 years experience. Info/ examples on Motorteststand.com

Help Wanted

MIDWEST SERVICE CENTER — HOBART, IN

Our Electrical division is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:

• Motor Mechanic

• Electrical Motor Winder

We o er: Competitive Wages, Comprehensive Benefits Package, Relocation Assistance, as well as 10 Paid Holidays per year. Send resume to: hrdepartment@msc-hobart.com

Learn more at: https://www.midwestservicecenter.com/ about/working-at-msc/

Cy’s Super Service

COMPETITIVE PAY, BENEFITS & OT!!

Prime Electric in Gorham, ME is looking for an experienced Electric Motor Technician. Relocation compensation, training program & advancement opportunities. Safe, friendly environment. Call 207-591-7800 or email resumes to dan@PrimeElectricMotor.com. Visit us at PrimeElectricMotor.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

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INDUSTRIAL SALES POSITION

ICC is looking to add an experienced Industrial Sales position to the team who has prior experience with electric motors and motor repair. Based out of ICC’s Maryville, TN o ce, this position will increase sales by building deeper relationships with existing customers and acquire new business by prospecting within our well-established industry.

Join the ICC team and you will: Conduct solution-based presentations for customers at the management level and product knowledge presentations at the shop level.

Travel to current and prospective customers (domestic & international).

Support the inside sales team (including quoting and customer service of sales orders).

Help identify new streams of business.

Prior Experience:

8+ years outside sale experience, or similar

5+ years electric motor/ motor repair shop experience

Aptitude for mechanical and electrical design concepts

Energetic with an entrepreneurial mindset and highly self-motivated

Proactive problem solver

Strong communication skills, a must

Resumes should be emailed to Jtrimarchi@iccinternational.com, Subject Line - Industrial Sales Resume Submission

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Longo Electrical-Mechanical, Inc., founded over 75 years ago, is the largest independent electrical-mechanical sales & service company in the tri-state NJ/NY area. We sell and service a complete line of motors, pumps, fans, compressors and drives . . . from Line to Load.

We are looking for skilled ASSOCIATES TO JOIN OUR TEAM:

• Vibration/PdM Technician

• Electric Motor Winders

• Instrumentation/PLC (SCADA) Technician

• Field Service Techs - Mechanical, Electrical & Electronic

• Mechanic/Field Service Technician

We o er excellent wages and benefits with advancement opportunities. Relocation available.

Contact LONGO 973-537-0400 ext. 1718 or e-mail resume, in confidence, to LSPAK@elongo.com.

EOE/AA

Help Wanted

Elektrim Motors, an AC NEMA and metric IEC stock and custom motor manufacturer since 1919, is looking for confident, results-driven individuals to join our team.

INSIDE SALES SPECIALIST

Ideal candidate works cooperatively with members of the sales team to increase sales by uncovering lead opportunities, establishing new accounts and proactively cultivating existing accounts. Must be comfortable making dozens of calls per day, generating interest, qualifying prospects and closing sales.

ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE TECHNICIAN & SCHAUMBURG, IL SHOP MANAGER.

Ideal candidate will be experienced in troubleshooting, repair, rebuild of all types of AC motors. Strong communication skills required.

OUTSIDE SALES / NEW BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER. Ideal candidates will be solutions-based OEM sales experts with a working knowledge of electric motors and their applications. Travel is required more than 50% of time.

Elektrim Motors o ers competitive pay and benefits including 401k. Send inquiries to careers@elektrimmotors.com.

GlobalTech, a Houston, TX based company, has an immediate need for a Production Manager. The ideal candidate will have a strong management/supervisory background in the motor repair industry. This is a key management position within the company. Strong technical skills are a must and an engineering degree is desired. We o er a highly competitive compensation package including health, dental, vision, and 401k. If you have the skills we are looking for and are considering relocation to Houston, please send your resume and salary requirements to frank@globaltechmotors.com.

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GENERAL SERVO & SPINDLE MOTORS

A modern repair facility in South Elgin Illinois looking for an experienced servo motor technician.

Applicants must have at least 3 years’ experience in repairing AC & DC servo and spindle motors.

Competitive pay with benefits.

Send resume to fidel@generalservo.com

Visit our website www.generalservo.com

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LARGE REPAIR CENTER

in beautiful Arizona needs to add to our talented sta .

We are in need of AC/DC Motor Mechanics, Winders, Manual/CNC Machinists, Welders and Millwrights.

Relocation assistance may be provided for the right candidates.

We are an EOE and are able to o er competitive benefit packages along with attractive PTO.

If interested please email your current resumes to: rob.rayl@kellerelectrical.com adam.geron@kellerelectrical.com brad.blackwell@kellerelectrical.com

• Winder

• Shop manager

• Electric motor/ pump mechanic

Two locations in Northeast PA, o ering 3% company matching retirement account, Highmark health care, dental/vision, and paid vacations and holidays.

Call 570-899-7578 or 570-342-6740, email cale.hendricks@northendelectric.com.

EMBR

Books and back issues: barksbooks.com

Large, diversified service manufacturing and supply company has an opportunity for a few highly qualified people to join our team.

• Director of Sales Chattanooga, TN

10 years management experience required along with extensive knowledge of motors, drives and controls.

• Winders Knoxville, TN and Cartersville, GA

10 years of experience and ability to wind up to 10,000 HP AC and DC motors

• Mechanics Knoxville, TN and Cartersville, GA

10 years of experience

Come join a dynamic company which o ers excellent benefits, a great future along with top pay in the industry.

Send resume to Jamey Ste ner (Owner) jste ner@tekwellservices.com

O ce: 423-777-4825 Cell: 423-593-8356

Puzzle solutions are online at http://barks.com/puzzles

The EA word search

Inverted relationships

In the grid at left, nd and circle the words listed below. The remaining letters, arranged in order, express a fundamental principle of motor operation. This month’s puzzle is based on the article “A horsepower of a different color,” in this issue.

The solution may be found online at http://barks.com/puzzles, or call (312) 321-9440. Happy hunting!

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EXPANDING OUR STAFF

AKARD COMMUTATOR OF TENNESSEE is looking for hourly paid conventional machinists on all shifts & persons with CAD experience for a salaried management position.

ACT, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is currently accepting applications to hire someone with basic 2D CAD expertise (AutoCAD preferably, but SolidWorks 3D is acceptable) to work info a salaried Management position designing commutators & slip rings in our engineering department and join the ACT FAMILY oriented atmosphere in a climate-controlled machine shop type facility.

Salary commensurate w/experience.

ACT operates around-the-clock, 365 daysa-year.

ACT o ers outstanding benefits including Health/Dental/Vision/Rx & 401k pkg w/ discretionary employer matching options up to 6% of salary.

ACT is “Drug Free Tennessee” workplace. If you want a professional growth opportunity with competitive wages & benefits package... contact ACT now!

HR@act-Inc.com

ACT

629 Universal St Alcoa, TN 37701 USA

865-982-6369

Fax 865-982-6267

Fish, enjoy the beach and live near the coast working at Ireland Electric Company in Virginia Beach, VA. We are seeking candidates with strong skills for the following positions:

• Manual Machinist

• Motor/Pump Mechanic

We are looking for candidates that have experience in repairing a variety of pumps (submersibles, mixers, and more) and motors (horizontal and vertical). We are a family- owned company that has been in business since 1984. We o er a competitive wage and benefits package including health and dental insurance, vision, 401K with a company match, personal and vacation leave time. Normal work hours are 7:30-4:00 M-F.

If you have good experience in either of these areas please forward your résumé (in confidence) to HR@ireland-electric.com Please note in the subject the position of interest.

Help Wanted

EASA SEEKS MOTOR ENGINEER

Join EASA’s world-renowned technical support team and impact the electromechanical service industry! EASA seeks a degreed engineer with at least 5 years of experience in repair, service, maintenance and/or redesign of ac and dc motors. Hands-on experience a plus. Must understand motor theory as well as application and be able to communicate e ectively in a fast-paced consulting role. Some travel required. Knowledge of drive applications and IEC design motors a plus. Experience with CRM systems a plus. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits; team environment. Remote work option considered for the right candidate. Send resumé with cover letter and salary expectation to Linda Raynes; lraynes@easa. com.

Help Wanted Digital copies!

https://bit.ly/AUG23BBBW

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ELECTRIC MOTOR WINDER

Please

One of the Northeast’s largest independently owned electro-mechanical repair, sales, and field service facilities is looking to hire an electric motor winder. The qualified electric motor winder applicant should have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in rewinding DC and AC electric motors. This individual needs to be self motivated and willing to work independently, as well as a team. We o er competitive wages, health, dental, vision insurances, paid holidays, sick time, earned time o , paid life insurance, short term disability insurance, and a 401K with company match. Relocation assistance is available. Please send resumes to dave@ applied-dynamics.com

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SHOP FOREMAN

Westside Electric Inc

Located in Jacksonville Florida

Experience in all areas of electric motors, AC & DC, generators, pumps. These repairs are found in a typical EASA repair facility. Must have good management and coordinating skills to advise and assist technicians in completing the jobs in a timely and accurate manner that will satisfy the customer and be profitable. The Foreman is responsible for scheduling shop work and field service and insuring that the customer’s needs are met. Safety procedures, customer relations and the knowledge of test equipment are required. Send resume to bruce@westside-electric. com or call (904)757-1126.

Electric Motor Shop in Wake Forest, NC, is looking for candidates for:

• Field Service Techs

• Manual Machinists

• Motor Mechanics

• Outside Sales Reps

• Field Service Manager

• Pump Mechanics

• Switchgear Specialist

• Winders

Electric Motor Shop o ers competitive pay and benefits, including 401k. For employment consideration, please contact Kristine Larsen at 919-556-3229 or by email at Kristine.Larsen@emsnc.com

Help Wanted

$3000

TOP PAY, RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

MOTOR WINDER or WINDING FOREMAN for Maine’s largest motor repair facility located in Bangor, ME. Experienced in Random, Form, DC and Hydro winding. Maine has excellent hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing. Company o ers uniforms, vacation, 401K, health insurance, dental insurance, paid holidays and vacation. Please email resumé to bmichaud@acelec. com or mail to AC Electric Corp, 40 Target Industrial Circle, Bangor, ME 04401.

Moe, Genny & Friends

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Direct & Current

RE:BUILD RESURRECTION. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro joined leadership from Re:Build Manufacturing (Re:Build), the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), and Pennsylvania leaders May 3 to announce an $81 million investment to create a major, innovation-focused manufacturing operation in the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park that will create 300 high-quality jobs in Westmoreland County. The site includes one of Alcoa’s main aluminum production facilities.

SOLAR SYSTEMS. The U.S. Dept. of Energy announced the winners of the 21st Annual Solar Decathlon, the DoE’s longest-running student competition in May. The annual collegiate contest challenges students to design and construct buildings powered by renewable energy. Ball State University, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art won the top honors at this year’s competition.

NEW BUILDING STANDARDS. The National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Information Management (BIM) Council, partners, industry experts, and members are working to complete the core modules of the next version of the National BIM Standard-United States (NBIMS-US), the former said in a May 3 press release. This fall, NBIMS-US V4 will be unveiled at Building Innovation 2023 in Washington, D.C. The BIM Council recently held its all-members spring meeting. There, the council presented a number of modules nearing draft ballot status to be released to the NBIMS-US Project Committee (PC). The NBIMS PC ballot comment period and public review opens June 8 and is scheduled to run through July 6.

SCREEN TIME. The Repair Association announced it is once again partnering with and will be making an appearance at the All Wireless & Prepaid Expo 2023 in Las Vegas. Taking place Aug. 15–16 in Las Vegas, the All Wireless & Prepaid Expo is a major gathering for the prepaid wireless industry. This year’s event is expected to draw a higher attendance than ever before, with a wide range of exhibitors, speakers, and networking opportunities.

OTTOMATION. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global provider of factory automation solutions, has announced a strategic investment in OTTO Motors, the industrial division of Clearpath Robotics Inc. OTTO Motors provides autonomous mobile robots for material handling inside manufacturing facilities and warehouses; its client base includes GE, Toyota, and many other Fortune 500 companies. — Charlie

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U.S. Deputy secretary of Energy David Turk (left) speaks with a Ball State student at the Solar Decathlon. — DOE photo

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