AMPS Power Magazine - Summer 2024

04: FOREWORD

From AMPS Director General, David Oates

05: AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY

08: POWERGEN STATISTICS Latest trends in generator sales

09: AMPS CONFERENCE SPECIAL Exclusive articles from conference speakers

14: THE CESAR REGISTRATION SCHEME

Interview with Kevin Howells on the plant registration and marking programme

19: KGP POWERTRAIN INTELLIGENCE

Alex Woodrow introduces KGP

20: THE AMPS “VOX BOX”

What our members value most about AMPS

22: THE LONDON EXPERIENCE IN REDUCING EMISSIONS

The second in a series of articles from Andrew Gordon

24: SPOTLIGHT ON UNITED RENTALS

The company highlight their customer commitment

25: MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL

The new issue of AMPS’ Jargon Buster

26: THE ESO’S “BEYOND 2030” REPORT

Insights from Jack Green-Morgan of Dods Political Intelligence

29: EUROPGEN & AMPS

Data centre sustainability, MCPD etc.

30: ENGINEERING MADE THE WORLD

The evolution of the wheel, from Bernard Gospel

32: CEMBRE – MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS AMPS member profile of Cembre

34: CARBON REDUCTION CONCEPT FOR RAIL Report on Crestchic Loadbanks’ project

36: WB POWER SERVICES GROUP ACQUISITION

Bringing Hodgson Acoustics into the Wilmott Group

37: INTRODUCING DAWSONGROUP ENERGY SOLUTIONS

AMPS member profile on Dawsongroup

38: AMPS COUNCIL MEMBERS

39: EVENTS DIARY

AMPS Awards Dinner confirmed 14th November

AMPS – BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

The popularity of this year’s AMPS conference underlines the success of the trade association in providing networking events that bring people together

Thanks to everyone that provided their positive feedback on the last issue of AMPS Power. This time around we continue with the mix of technical, environmental and commercial articles – looking at some of the key influences on business performance in our sector.

The 2024 AMPS AGM, Conference and Lunch proved to be a sell-out success. Speakers at the event identified some of the coming challenges in the energy and power world. In our coverage we also feature AMPS’ new partnership with the expert researchers at Frost & Sullivan. Another AMPS’ membership benefit.

Finally, don’t forget to include me on your list for your press releases (ampsmagazine@amps.org.uk).

MBE

Editor – AMPS Power Magazine

Unit 19, Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, DL6 2NJ, UK

Director General: David Oates – david.oates@amps.org.uk

Chairman: Paul Aitken: amps@amps.org.uk

AMPS enquiries: amps@amps.org.uk

AMPS Power (editorial & advertising): ampsmagazine@amps.org.uk

FOREWORD FROM DAVID OATES

Director General of AMPS

I promised that this year would be a busy one for AMPS as we tackle new challenges and launch new initiatives. So it has proved to be – and from my point of view hugely enjoyable. I take great pleasure in the privilege of being able to visit and meet up with AMPS member companies and find out how best we can represent their interests.

Trade shows are a good way of testing the temperature of the marketplace, establishing new contacts and promoting the work of AMPS. My visit to the Executive Hire Show (held alongside the Coventry City football pitch) earlier this year was a case in point. A growing number of our members were exhibiting, with off-grid power solutions and related technology featuring strongly at the event. Our exhibition presence at Data Centre World and the Distributed Energy Show also drew a good degree of interest. I know that our new Marketing Committee Chairman, Riccardo Sardelli, plans to further enhance our presence at trade exhibitions – building on the good work of the retiring Chairman, Chris Caldwell, who has done so much to promote AMPS.

Presenting and explaining our sector in a positive way to government and the user community is an essential part of our work. At time of writing, an update of the AMPS Jargon Buster publication is in the final stages of preparation. In recent weeks we have submitted responses to government on

their plans on decarbonisation and the interim transition period. It is important that our voice is heard both on our sector specific concerns and wider engineering interests. On the latter, our link up this year with the Industry Forum of likeminded trade associations which speaks directly to relevant ministries is a proven success. The Forum was particularly effective in encouraging the Department for Business & Trade to get a grip of the issue of the much-delayed requirement for UKCA certification which resulted in the continued acceptance of the CE mark on machines.

Our sold-out conference this year shone a light on some of the key debates within our industry. The event addressed the role of hydrogen and electrification in the power sector – and demand forecasts in the distributed energy landscape. Some invaluable information and perspectives for AMPS members as they navigate their routes forward to new horizons.

One of our communication tools is this AMPS Power Magazine. As well as it being a source of information and an interesting read, it is also a key mechanism for Members to highlight stories about their accomplishments and to assist in their brand marketing.

Your news and views for AMPS Power are always welcome!

AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS

RICCARDO SARDELLI SETS OUT PRIORITIES FOR THE AMPS MARKETING COMMITTEE

Riccardo Sardelli, the Director of Industrial Sales UK and ROI for Volvo Penta, has been elected as the new chair of the AMPS Marketing Committee. He follows on from a successful term as committee lead from Crestchic’s Chris Caldwell. Here he provides some pointers for Committee activities – and stresses the importance of input from AMPS members.

I would like to thank Chris Caldwell for his work and commitment on getting the Marketing Committee to where it is today. Thanks too to AMPS for giving me the opportunity to succeed him as Chairman of the Committee.

To continue Chris’ good work going forward I see there are three priorities:

ʝ To get feedback from our AMPS members on what they would like to see more of - to help us deliver on our members’ expectations. My call to action to all AMPS members is to complete our upcoming survey. Please spend a few minutes on completing and returning the survey - we really need your feedback!

ʝ Develop and grow AMPS’ image at trade fairs to support our visiting members.

ʝ Focus on developing our digital footprint highlighting our capabilities as an Association representing our members.

I look forward to the opportunities to build our organisation and deliver on our members’ priorities.

MIDDLE EAST ENERGY IN DUBAI DELUGE

AMPS members intending to exhibit at or visit the 49th edition of the Middle East Energy trade show in Dubai, in April, experienced a damp disappointment. A freak storm dumped 255 mm (10 inches) of rain on the UAE’s biggest city, more than the average for a whole year. The flash flooding caused the cancellation of the show and travel chaos, with over 400 cancelled flights.

Katie Richardson, an Events Specialist with Perkins, reported from on site at the time, “It wasn’t great. Our exhibition was cancelled. We have had staff stuck out there as their flights were cancelled and no further flights available. But everyone is now on the way home that was stuck and all safe so that’s the main thing”.

The show organisers will try again next year from 7th to 9th April at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

KOHLER CO TEAM UP WITH PLATINUM EQUITY

Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity have closed a deal to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent, business.

Platinum Equity is now the majority owner of the energy business and Kohler Co. remains an investment partner. Kohler Energy provides solutions across Home Energy, Industrial Energy Systems and Powertrain Technologies. Their portfolio of brands includes Power Systems, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Heila Technologies and Curtis Instruments.

Brian Melka, CEO of Kohler Energy, stated: “We are excited for this next phase of Kohler Energy with Platinum Equity as a partner. The demand for resilient energy is growing, and the world needs much more of what we do. Kohler has been an excellent steward of our business for more than 100 years, and this decision positions Kohler Energy to better deliver on that demand.”

For more details - visit www.kohlerenergy.com

AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS

THE 2024 AGM ELECTED TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL OF AMPS – FURTHER STRENGTHENING ITS IMPRESSIVE LIST OF INDUSTRY LEADERS AND EXPERTS.

DALE POWER’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, GAVIN HEPBURN, SETS NET ZERO PRIORITY

Dale Power Solutions, a leader in the provision of reliable power solutions, is keenly focused on supporting the industry through promoting innovation and sustainability. Hepburn’s election to the Council of AMPS underscores the company’s commitment to helping achieve the ambitious goal of net zero emissions.

“We are thrilled to see Gavin Hepburn join the AMPS Council” said a spokesperson for Dale Power Solutions. “His election is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the power generation sector. Dale Power Solutions is passionate about driving innovation to support the industry’s transition to sustainable energy solutions. Under Gavin’s leadership, we are committed to developing cutting-edge technologies and practices that will pave the way toward a net zero future.”

BROADCROWN’S LISA WILSHAW JOINS THE AMPS COUNCIL

Operations Manager at Broadcrown Power Engineering, Lisa plans to bring the benefits of her long experience in the sector to the Council table.

Lisa says, “I have worked in the Power Generation sector for over 30 years managing the Service and Operations teams. I am also the Key Account Manager for some of our high-profile clients where I have built long-standing relationships over the years. This has provided me with extensive industry knowledge and a vast number of active connections.

I feel that the industry has rewarded my hard work over the years and I now feel it’s time to give something back. I hope to bring new ideas to the Council and also influence new members to join AMPS.”

AMPS PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS

CRESTCHIC EXPANDS RENTAL CAPABILITY ACROSS EUROPE

Crestchic, the global load bank manufacturer, has reinforced its commitment to the European rental market with the recent appointment of Paul Long as Business Development Manager in Ireland, and Victor Guth as Rental Sales Engineer in France. Paul and Victor are part of the company’s growing European Rental Sales team.

Crestchic has recently invested in both people and infrastructure, expanding its manufacturing output by 100%, and investing £7 million into its rental fleet. The expansion of the rental team enables the company to meet increased customer demand in key regions.

Speaking about the appointments, Paul Cotton, European Rental Sales Director, commented: “We’re seeing an increased demand for load bank hire in industries all over the globe. Ireland has a growing data centre market, characterised by a mix of data centres targeting enterprise demand and massive investment by hyperscale operators. Demand in France is also increasing, with mature

markets in established industries, data centres and infrastructure, and an emphasis on energy resilience and sustainability. Paul and Victor both bring with them a wealth of experience and a passion for building strong client relationships. Their appointment will undoubtedly contribute to our team's continued success and provide vital expertise in regions where demand is strong.”

For more information on how load bank technology can help to ensure business continuity, visit www.loadbanks.com.

Victor Guth (L) with Paul Cotton (R)

THE DATA CENTER SEGMENT TO DRIVE THE EUROPEAN DIESEL GENERATOR MARKET

Markets expert Romain Mocaër reports on PowerGen Statistics trends…

The EU market for diesel generators grew by 19% in 2023 thanks in particular to a sharp increase in the 4th quarter of 2023 and especially to Data Center projects which boosted the market even further.

The decline observed in the smaller power nodes continues, as this market segment is still faced with a declining construction sector and relatively high inventory levels, even if the situation is improving.

The trend for the coming months is relatively stable, but strong growth from generators above 2,000 kVA is still expected, thanks to AI which is making the DC market grow even stronger.

UK: historic level reached in 2023

The British market outperformed previous

values at all levels: the domestic market, imports and exports.

This performance is especially notable for generators over 750 kVA. In fact, the market remained relatively stable for the other power segments.

The reason? Still the Data Centers segment, of which the UK is the largest market in Europe, which has seen the number of projects grow ever more strongly. This trend should continue in the coming years, even if projects also multiply in most European countries.

The British market for generators of more than 2000 kVA thus grew by almost 60% in 2023 (to reach more than £165M), imports of these products increased by 87% (to reach £125M), and exports rose 60% (to over £260m).

Romain Mocaër Competitive intelligence expert

FULL HOUSE FOR AMPS 2024 CONFERENCE

This Spring’s AMPS AGM and Conference was a sell out at One Great George Street, Westminster.

175 members and guests enjoyed informative presentations from guest speakers – with an excellent lunch topped by post lunch entertainment from Simon Evans. Simon is possibly the only radio and TV personality who can make fun out of the subject of economics! As is something of a tradition for AMPS, he and many conference attendees decamped to the local Westminster Arms after official business was concluded.

SPEAKERS

Jonathan Robinson has kindly followed up on his conference presentation on behalf of Frost & Sullivan with an exclusive article in this issue of AMPS Power – as has Michael Smeeth, the CEO of Transition Hydrogen Solutions. Our third guest speaker was Jonathan Maxwell, the CEO of Sustainable Development Capital, who addressed the topic of the energy challenge. In his fascinating presentation he drew from material covered in his latest book – entitled “The Edge”. The publication is subtitled “How competition for resources is pushing the world, and its climate, to the brink – and what we can do about it”.

SPONSORS

The event also owes its success to the generosity of our sponsors. In this issue we include an interview with Kevin Howells, the MD of Datatag ID, the operators of the CESAR plant security and registration scheme – the headline sponsors of the conference. Alex Woodrow of KGP Powertrain Intelligence also supplies a profile of his company. Crestchic have also provided an insightful case study of their work in the rail sector. Thanks too to our other sponsoring companies, Mecc Alte, Cabel, Aksa, Jeremias and Perkins.

PRIMARY ENGINEER

AMPS members are always on the lookout to support a good cause. At this year’s conference, attendees rallied round to make donations towards the work of the Primary Engineer organisation. This helps the work of Primary Engineer to ensure all children and pupils achieve their full potential through engagement with engineering. See www.primaryengineer.com for further information.

AMPS CONFERENCE 2024

At

the AMPS Conference we welcomed Jonathan Robinson – the Global Power & Energy Research Director of Frost & Sullivan.

If you missed it! This was the framework for his presentation…

Jonathan started with a short summary of the key issues impacting the European power market before deep diving into the UK. He looked at the latest trends and developments and the most likely demand/supply forecasts out to 2035. He also focused on the distributed energy landscape, highlighting the competing and sometimes complimentary technologies for gensets such as UPS, batteries and fuel cells. Finally, the presentation provided Frost & Sullivan's view on the UK genset market, with revenue forecasts by application, power-band, and end use, and a view on the conditions in the rental market.

The full Frost & Sullivan report is exclusive to AMPS members – but we share a slice of Jonathan’s research in the following article….

KEY TRENDS & GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE EUROPEAN AND UK POWER & ENERGY INDUSTRY

The Russo-Ukrainian war dealt a massive energy shock to Europe, galvanizing policymakers into action and the ramifications of the invasion are still being felt. Gas availability in the continent has dramatically improved, largely thanks to LNG from the US, improving overall energy security – the EU has no need to continue with supply agreements from Russia when the contracts expire. For the energy transition, 2023 saw a raft of legislation being finalized, leading to the creation of an updated legal framework to drive investment in low carbon energy solutions. For EU member states, the implementation of those regulations, particularly related to streamlining the planning process will be pivotal. Power purchase agreements will be an increasingly important financing tool for European projects, dominated by solar PV and wind. The Net Zero Industry Act set an ambitious target of 40% of the EU’s clean technology solutions to be manufactured in Europe by 2030, which is an extremely ambitious goal, and will increase competition between the EU and other major economies.

From a UK perspective, ensuring the continued development of the offshore wind industry is paramount to reaching net zero goals. A very challenging 2023 is now behind the industry and increased payments for the 2024 incentive round should see projects moving forward. New investors from the Middle East are also taking stakes in projects. The other major source of power generation investment in the UK is nuclear power, where costs continue to escalate, but EDF remains committed to constructing Sizewell C.

The expansion and modernisation of the UK electricity grid remains a significant challenge. Reforms to the planning and permitting process are currently being debated and this is urgently needed. An estimated 800GW of capacity is forecast to be queuing for a grid connection by the end of 2024, nearly 8 times the UK’s current installed capacity. Eliminating unviable projects is a priority. Even when projects are approved, lead times for securing core components such as transformers and switchgear are approximately 2 years. Pressure on the grid and high levels of decentralised energy investment are key factors driving the growth of the battery energy storage market, which is forecast to increase from £900 million in 2023 to £1.5 billion by 2030.

Electricity demand growth is currently being driven by datacentres, with £11 billion invested in new projects in 2023. This is leading to strong demand for 3MW+ diesel gensets to provide back-up power and gas turbines to provide power until grid connections can be secured. Demand for gensets is forecast to be resilient, with a slight decline in the diesel genset market and slight growth for gas. An increased supply of biomethane and hydrogen could well trigger renewed growth in the gensets and turbines market in the longer-term.

For more about leading consultants Frost & Sullivan go to www.frost.com.

The full report is available exclusively to AMPS members

TRANSITION HYDROGEN SOLUTIONS:

REVOLUTIONIZING THE MARINE, TRANSPORTATION AND POWER GENERATION INDUSTRIES

Michael Smeeth is Chief Executive Officer of Transition Hydrogen Solutions. He presented to the AMPS conference on the subject of “Clean Technology in the UK Power Sector”. In this article he explains the development and applications for I-Phi technology.

Transition technologies are badly needed in the transportation, marine and power generation worlds where there is currently no easy immediate replacement for diesel engines. There is a clear need for deployable, affordable, transition technologies that are able to deliver results now.

The global push for cleaner energy is intensifying and innovative solutions are emerging to meet the demand for sustainable and efficient energy sources. A key breakthrough is I-Phi technology from Transition Hydrogen Solutions (THS). I-Phi stands for “Innovative Partial Hydrogen Injection” and represents a cutting-edge approach to enhancing the efficiency and environmental performance of combustion engines. This article explores the myriad benefits of I-Phi technology, focusing on its transformative impact on the marine, transportation and power generation industries.

What is I-Phi Technology?

I-Phi technology involves the partial injection of hydrogen and oxygen into traditional combustion engines, whether they burn diesel, natural gas or other fuels. By integrating small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen into the combustion process, I-Phi improves the efficiency and emissions profile of these engines without the need to replace them. The technology is designed to be versatile and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including marine vessels, power plants and trucks.

Benefits of I-Phi in Power Generation

The power generation sector is a key area where I-Phi technology can make a substantial impact. As the demand for cleaner and more efficient energy sources grows, power plants are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining reliability and performance. I-Phi technology provides several advantages in this context:

1. Increased Efficiency: Diesel engines and other combustion-based power generation systems benefit from the high reactivity and fast

combustion characteristics of hydrogen. Partial hydrogen injection through I-Phi technology enhances the thermal efficiency of these systems, leading to more power output for the same amount of fuel input.

2. Lower Emissions: I-Phi technology helps power plants reduce their emissions of CO2 and more importantly NOx. This reduction is particularly critical for meeting current and upcoming environmental regulations and for the broader goal of mitigating climate change.

3. Fuel Flexibility: One of the main advantages of I-Phi technology is its ability to work with existing infrastructure. Power plants can continue to operate with their current equipment whilst still benefiting from significantly lower emissions and increased efficiency. This flexibility allows for a smooth transition towards any future energy system without the need for immediate and costly replacement.

4. Economic Benefits: By improving efficiency and reducing emissions, I-Phi technology leads to significant cost savings. Reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions-related penalties contribute to a more economically sustainable operation for power generation facilities.

Benefits in the Marine Industry

1. Reduced Emissions: The maritime industry is one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly three times the emissions of the aviation industry, primarily due to its heavy reliance on diesel engines. Partial hydrogen injection helps reduce the carbon footprint of marine vessels by lowering CO2 and NOx emissions. This reduction, particularly for NOx, is crucial as the industry faces increasing regulatory pressure to adopt cleaner technologies.

2. Enhanced Engine Performance: In addition to the reduced emissions our technology can noticeably enhance engine

performance by promoting more efficient combustion. Marine engines with partial hydrogen injection can achieve not just better fuel economy but also increased power output. This improvement is particularly beneficial for long-haul shipping, where efficiency gains translate into substantial fuel savings, range extension and operational cost reductions.

3. Compliance with Regulations: As international maritime regulations become stricter regarding emissions, partial hydrogen injection offers a viable solution for ship operators to comply with these standards. By retrofitting existing vessels with hydrogen injection systems, the maritime industry can achieve significant NOx reductions without the need for entirely new engine designs.

Benefits in the Transportation Industry

1. Reduced Emissions: The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions globally. Partial hydrogen injection in internal combustion engines of vehicles reduces both CO2 and NOx emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

2. Extended Engine Life: Hydrogen-enriched combustion leads to reduced wear and tear on engine components, potentially extending the lifespan of vehicles and lowering maintenance costs.

3. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Hydrogen's high energy content and faster combustion properties can enhance the overall fuel efficiency of vehicles. By optimizing the fuel mixture with hydrogen, vehicles can achieve better mileage and reduce fuel consumption, making it an attractive option for fleet operators and individual consumers alike.

4. Adaptability: as with the power generation and marine sectors, the transportation industry can immediately deploy this technology without the need to adapt or change their current fleet and enjoy the significant benefits.

Technological Adaptability and Future Prospects

The adaptability of I-Phi technology from THS is one of its most appealing features. It can be integrated into a wide range of existing combustion systems, from large-scale power plants to individual marine vessels. This versatility makes it a practical and scalable solution for various industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact today whilst not requiring a change to the existing diesel technology.

Real World Results

The key question most people rightly ask is “what does it actually deliver?” below is an example of what has been achieved in transportation with long distance trucking, with the figures for highway driving being representative of what can be achieved also in marine and power generation under steady state operation.

Why This Matters

Currently only 32% of energy input into the US economy reached the point of use.

As Transition Hydrogen Solutions we aim to change this, we believe the cheapest energy you will ever have is the energy you have already paid for but wasted, we make sure that you gain maximum benefit from the resources that you have already paid for whist allowing you time to consider how best to deliver the transition to net zero.

Contact Michael at michael.smeeth@transitionhydrogen.com

Only 32% of energy input into the US economy reached the point of use

Source: Test Report prepared by Clean Air Technologies International Inc. (CATI)

A Q&A SESSIONTHE CESAR SCHEME EXPLAINED

The official CESAR Scheme started as a plant theft initiative – but now includes a successful solution for site managers to check on any machine’s emissions status.

AMPS Power’s Rob Oliver interviewed Kevin Howells, MD of Datatag ID Ltd, on the eve of this year’s AMPS conference. Datatag are the technology and delivery partner of the CEA owned CESAR Scheme and have managed the growth of the database of over 650,000 machines. Kevin explains the history of the programme and its relevance to AMPS members.

RO> Welcome Kevin. In fact, we've known each other for quite a few years, haven't we? Perhaps you'd like to share with AMPS Power readers how we first came to work together.

KH> Yes, we’ve known each other for nearly 20 years now, from when you were CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). It was back in July 2005 when, the day after

the announcement that London had won the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, we had a horrific terrorist attack that really caused a lot of concern from the point of view of security and policing of the Olympic Games, particularly during the construction phase. At the same time, it was reported that something like £1 million worth of plant machinery was being stolen each and every week in the UK. And that wasn’t including the cost of rehiring equipment and any downtime penalties that might kick in. So we and many other security companies were invited into the offices of the Stolen Vehicle Unit of the Metropolitan Police and challenged by them to come up with some innovative ideas as to how we could address the issue of plant theft and run a national plant registration

scheme. Following an extensive and honestly exhausting tender process Datatag succeeded in being awarded the contract. I shouldn't say this, but they (the police) just did not know really what they were looking at. For example, if it was big and yellow, they probably thought it was a very famous brand of machinery made in Staffordshire!

RO> So the specialist police units could be experts in identifying different sorts of cars which may be stolen or suspicious, but construction equipment was a total mystery to most of them.

KH> Exactly, unless you were a specialist, most of them just didn't know and many machines were just identified as “diggers” or equivalent on police records. They were looking for a solution to help in checks of machines going on and off site – something like a DVLA system for construction equipment. Some types of equipment are registered with the DVLA, but things like generators and compressors, smaller dumper trucks and mini diggers etc. are not. But, even with plates on, it was quite easy for machines to be cloned and their identities hidden.

RO> So what were your solutions then Kevin, which enabled you to win the contract for what became the CESAR Scheme that was also to gain Home Office support?

KH> Well to start we spent many hours travelling up and down the UK, speaking with insurers, police officers, manufacturers and other security professionals. We even interviewed criminals to find out what would deter them from stealing a piece of machinery. A standard-style number plate just on its own, we felt, wasn't going to work. Instead of it being a plastic or metal plate, our solution was designed from a tamper evident material that’s almost impossible to remove. If you do try, it breaks up and fragments into thousands of little pieces and leaves clear evidence it was there. The idea was so that it could not be removed or placed on to another machine for cloning purposes. The plates which were easily readable from 100 metres away using a “Mark 1 Eyeball” also had embedded microchips. The whole point of this was being able to look across a fence into a yard or elsewhere and make a quick identification.

To back this up, all relevant information

about suspect machines had to be easily accessible. This was possible through the 24-hour international contact centre that we already operated for Datatag customers. With further secure transponders injected into areas such as the dashboard, seats and elsewhere, machines without plates could be scanned as you would scan a microchipped cat or dog. Added to that there are hundreds of microdots painted on to parts of registered machines with a UV trace adhesive for further identification. As if that were not enough Datatag’s ultimate weapon in the battle against theft is its totally unique forensic DNA. This is individual to each and every system fitted and is held in the adhesive for the Datadots. Even if a criminal could remove all other traces of identity, we only have to find the smallest sample of adhesive and we can still identify the machines true provenance.

This particular technology is of significance due to the upcoming Parliamentary Bill; The Equipment Theft (prevention) Bill, which is stipulating forensic security marking for all construction and agri machines and has forensic DNA in its current list of requirements. The CESAR Scheme is ideally

Datatag train police officers to identify stolen machines

placed to meet the required specification and is the de facto scheme for the industry.

RO> In other words, it wasn't just an ID sticker acting as a possible theft deterrent - but also some hidden markings to assist with the identification and recovery of stolen machines. I remember that through my involvement with the CEA at the time we were able to take formal ownership of the CESAR scheme on behalf of the wider industry.

KH> Yes, it was important that the CEA took the lead on CESAR which was then also supported by the Construction Plant-hire Association, Hire Association Europe and others. We had also gained Secured by Design status for the product, which was important in that police officers could help promote it.

Today there are some 650,000 machines on our database and we estimate that the significant majority of all construction machines supplied to the UK market have CESAR fitted as standard, mainly on their production lines. In fact the CESAR system is fitted on production lines in the USA, Germany, France, Italy, India and China as well as the UK!

We also have the welcome support of the Agricultural Engineers Association, the AEA, and their members so that the Scheme now covers a large percentage of equipment used on farms too.

RO> What effect has the CESAR scheme had on the incidence of stolen machines?

KH> It’s hard to put an accurate figure on this but NCATT, the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, have in the first quarter of this year alone recovered around a million pounds worth of CESAR marked assets, made 32 arrests and supported police forces across Europe as they tackle the issue. Without CESAR and the Datatag identification technologies many of the assets would not have been identifiable and thereby criminals would ‘get away with it’. Now CESAR is not a tracking system, rather it works in conjunction with tracking. Many of the recoveries were instigated through tracker activation but without CESAR identification often assets can still not be seized. Equally, we see criminals now using jamming technology, so forensic marking is still needed as part of a holistic security solution.

We've trained thousands of police officers now, over the years, giving them all they need to know without having to become a specialist. They just know that every JCB, John Deere and many others that come off the production line has those iconic triangular CESAR ID plates. We work with NCATT and they're reporting that they have a 100% identification rate using CESAR, which is a world apart from where we were back in 2005/6.

RO> If you fast forward a few years in the development of CESAR, another opportunity came up, didn't it?

Construction sites and other areas were getting more conscious about engine emissions and regulatory compliance as Low Emission Zones came to the fore. I know that at the CEA we were getting feedback from manufacturers that they were being increasingly asked for files of technical information on machines needed by operators to satisfy construction site managers and local government inspectors.

KH> Yes, there was more interest and concern about what might be coming out of tailpipes and there was research being undertaken with some well-known London universities which prompted the GLA to look at what was being operated in their city. If you lived next to a construction site that's been going for two or three years, you've got equipment working there every day. The health impact could be significant.

Our database for CESAR already included information about the machines engine and its outputs and as a result we attracted the attention of the biggest project of all, the HS2 rail project. They wanted to encourage the use of machines with the “cleanest” credentials and so, the CESAR ECV programme was launched – ECV standing for Emissions Compliance Verification.

Datatag’s Kevin Howells and Rachel Hamilton - Datatag/CESAR were the main AMPS conference sponsors

RO> I guess this is something very familiar to AMPS members, with the Stage III to V engine designations.

KH> Absolutely yes, and we can now add to that electric power sources too. We can show the emissions compliance level at time of manufacture as part of the CESAR ECV machine labelling. This provides a quick and simple visual check of conformity which previously required paperwork to be requested at the site gate.

We partnered with the HS2 team to develop the CESAR ECV System, so that they could have confidence that if they wanted X number of machines on site compliant with Stage V or whatever then they could easily check that they met their requirements. This feature could apply to lots of situations, including the supply of backup power solutions.

RO> As you say, you have worked with many different trade associations to make CESAR a success. How do you see the relationship with AMPS developing? We know that there was a spike in generator theft as a side effect of the war in Ukraine, but our members are also keenly interested in their products’ perceived environmental impact.

KH> Well, I see the link up with AMPS as a very positive event for us. When I was provided with the opportunity to get involved with your

annual conference, it thought it would give me a great chance to get to know your sector better and to see how CESAR applications could help your member companies and benefit AMPS as well.

Theft isn't a problem unique to the UK, nor is compliance with emissions regulations. You may be interested to know that CESAR and CESAR ECV is being expanded overseas into countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands,

France with significant discussions being had other parts of the world too.

I look forward to developing our discussions with David Oates.

RO> Many thanks for your time talking CESAR and its applications. It looks like an exciting time for the Scheme – and thank you so much for your headline sponsorship of the AMPS conference.

Part of CESAR’s forensic marking

One of the sponsors of this year’s AMPS conference, KGP’s Managing Director, Alex Woodrow , explains how his services can be relevant to AMPS members and the wider powertrain market.

KGP Powertrain Intelligence is a leading UK-based company that specializes in providing cutting-edge powertrain and environmental technology solutions for commercial and industrial applications. With a global network of experts and partnerships with industry leaders such as GlobalData and Off-Highway Research, KGP is able to deliver unparalleled market, technology, emissions, and legislative intelligence to its diverse customer base.

In addition to its core services, KGP has also expanded into the PowerGen sector, leveraging its expertise in engine and emissions supply chain management to offer comprehensive solutions to clients in this rapidly evolving industry. As the energy sector continues to face new challenges and opportunities, KGP is well-positioned to help its clients navigate this complex landscape, providing forecasting intelligence on a wide range of alternative fuels and technologies.

KGP Powertrain Intelligence has expanded its operations into the PowerGen sector, recognizing the overlap between this sector and the Commercial Vehicle and NRMM segments. To provide the highest level of service to its clients, KGP has partnered with Powergen Statistics, a leading market research and consultancy firm. KGP's focus is on the engine and emissions supply chain within the sector, which complements the core expertise of PGS.

Despite challenges in the energy sector, issues related to legislation, raw materials, and supply chains are relevant across the engine business. PowerGen markets will grow alongside electrification in various sectors, requiring both engine and battery-driven solutions. KGP's services cover alternative fuels, including renewable diesel, bio-methane, hydrogen, and ethanol, as part of their forecasting intelligence.

KGP is also an active member of several industry associations, including the UK’s Construction Equipment Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in the USA, Calstart in California, and Zemo in the UK. These memberships further demonstrate KGP's commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and providing the highest level of service to its clients. For more information: www.kgpauto.com

microphone-stand

THE VOX BOX

We asked a selection of industry leaders what they most value about their company’s membership of AMPS. This is what they said…

“There is strength in numbers and vigour in an organization that offers a vital forum for sharing ideas, continued learning, and encouraging business growth. One of the most important benefits of AMPS membership is networking with other people within the industry.”

Andrew Bell, Managing Director, CABEL UK Ltd.

“Our company continues to be an active member of the AMPS Council and Technical Committee, which shows how much we value our membership of AMPS. This helps us to better understand the power generation industry and our role as part of it.”

Richard A. Collman, Managing Director, Acoustical Control Engineers.

“There are many reasons why Atlas Copco are a member of AMPS. (These include) promoting your company and products on the AMPS website, magazine and social media platforms and networking with other members and industry leaders….”

Paul Webster, Business Line Manager UK & Ireland – Power & Flow, Atlas Copco.

“Perhaps of most value, is the knowledge and expertise we have access to through the work of the Technical Committee which at last count was made up of over 20 experts, contributing from across all areas of Power Generation.”

Louise Hazel, Group Managing Director, IPU Group.

“The annual AMPS Awards night is a brilliant opportunity to showcase your business, products, and people to the greater power generation community. Whether large or small, you have an equal chance of winning a prestigious award.”

Chris Caldwell, Managing Director, Crestchic.

“The Association continues to grow from strength to strength as new strategies are implemented. Our Technical Committee attracts the industry’s leading experts allowing AMPS to respond to technical issues with credibility when engaging with government and the wider power community.”

Paul Aitken, Managing Director, GMI Power Solutions Ltd.

“The networking events that are organised by AMPS have helped our business reach clients that we may not have reached previously and the knowledge we have gained from industry peers has been priceless.”

Paul Campbell, Managing Director, Industrial Power Systems.

“By joining AMPS, individuals and organizations gain a competitive edge, staying at the forefront of innovation and contributing to the collective growth and success of the power systems community.”

Köken Gunes, Head of Marketing & Business Development, Aksa Power Generation Europe.

“With AMPS, if you put in the effort, my experience is that you receive a whole lot more back…. Try it! I have and 25 years plus of signing off membership fees is me putting my money (as the responsible person) where my mouth is!”

Alan Beech, Sales Director, Clarke Energy.

“AMPS gives us one voice to engage with UK and European legislative and government entities where AMPS is a trusted advisor”.

Wendi Goodman, OEM Account Manager, Volvo Penta.

To find out more information or to join AMPS, go

THE PROSPECT OF THE LONDON EXPERIENCE IN REDUCING EMISSIONS INFLUENCING ACTION FURTHER

AFIELD

The second in a series of articles for AMPS Power from Andrew Gordon, Project Manager (Pan-London NRMM), Cleaner Construction for London. In the last issue we covered a bit of the background of the London Construction Low Emission Zone. We set out some of the requirements being made of generator deployments specifically. What however, about developments taking place further afield? It’s a question frequently asked, are there any plans proposed for similar initiatives within metropolitan centres on a more national scale?

Andrew Gordon

Project Manager

[Pan-London NRMM]

Cleaner Construction for London

It’s great that London can now boast the cleanest construction fleet in the UK, and probably in the world, but where are the older machines ending up? It’s hardly an equitable situation, but one which may be defended as a means of leading by example, demonstrating what is possible, and even quantifying through emissions modelling, the objective reductions in pollutants being achieved. The scheme is also accelerating the uptake of innovative technologies and is reassuring investors that a ready market shall be waiting for their developed products. The London Zone has an escalating set of requirements upcoming, culminating in 2040 with the objective of a zero-emissions construction fleet. A planning horizon of 16 years may seem distant, but the task at hand is considerable to say the least.

Last August, Defra published their policy paper: Air quality strategy - framework for local authority delivery. Within this document the department sets out the national expectations made of local authorities in many areas including that of Non-Road Mobile Machinery.

“Local authorities are encouraged to promote the use of cleaner non-road mobile machinery as part of construction and environment management plans for development they grant planning permission for and consider incentivising cleaner construction equipment through tendering processes where there is clear evidence of air quality issues”.

With typical urban centres still exceeding the UK levels and measuring grossly higher than the World Health Organisation maximum both for Nitrogen Oxides and Particulates, that’s a lot of towns and cities which are going to be looking hard at non-road engines. Through invoking the planning framework, there’s a case for many locations that are subject to an Air Quality Management Area, adopting the London model.

The boroughs in London are required to embed the NRMM requirements into the planning documentation of all sites on their ground, ensuring that the conditions stipulate the construction activity standards. It’s our team that does the actual visits for them, checking the engines for compliance and offering guidance where there are identified shortfalls.

If a site fails to act on the advice given, and therefore fail to discharge their applied

conditions, a Breach of Conditions Notice can be issued. Of the many thousands of sites audited, only a handful actually required escalation of this kind. This demonstrates the commitment from the supply chain and industry, to play their part in cleaning up the air.

On only one instance did it need to come to court. There was a fine of course, and the reputational damage was extensive. That contractor is no longer trading.

Although local planning authorities outside London may already be setting expectations in their planning documentation, comprehensive on-the-ground audits of the kind taking place in London are not yet happening, so the true profile of the national fleet remains unknown at present. It is still the case in London, even after 8 years of activities, that more than half of site compliance is achieved reactively after an audit of deployed machines. So it’s a fair guess, that this will be the case elsewhere, but without the remedial actions taking place. It’s certainly very likely that the old Stage II and Stage III machines are ending up outside London. For generators specifically, we can of course again expect the older sets to be found in the non-London fleet, almost as if there are in fact, 2 sets of fleets.

The problem for local authorities of course, is that even with the best will in the world, there remains a question of resources. Since 2018, the number of Section 114 Notices, effectively declarations of bankruptcy, has risen to 12 in England alone, a simply unprecedented level. The true scale of things is even worse, with the Local Government Association finding almost half of the 317 councils in England expecting not to be able to balance the books for 2024/25.

Which explains why things have not already spread more widely outside the capital, a belief that a zone with NRMM requirements is going to be a ‘nice-to-have’ and simply not deliverable at a time when core-services are under threat. And yet this is a public health emergency of the first order. Poor air quality is identified by the World Health Organisation as the principal environmental cause of premature death and disease.

Many cities have already, are in the process of implementing, or are considering, road-based emissions zones. The issue is unfortunately highly polarised, often being perceived by detractors as being overly

coercive onto residents and traders. It’s therefore somewhat unpalatable politically as a public health measure, however compelling the air quality benefits, and however self-funding the chosen model becomes. By contrast, London’s NRMM zone has been almost universally welcomed by the full breadth of stakeholders. In terms of Value-for-Money, it is unmatched in the air quality field for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) as well as particulate savings.

Emissions modelling demonstrates a removal of over 1100 tonnes of NOx from neighbourhood air since 2016, as well as over 40 tonnes of particulates, of which most shall be PM2.5 and nanoparticulates, those very most injurious to health. Where there are very high densities of operating plant, such as to be found in regeneration areas, derived health benefits for nearby residents and site workers are very significant.

Cities emulating London would derive proportional savings very quickly and cheaply, with no reason to expect a critical backlash. In London 60% of construction is undertaken by SMEs. These do not typically have dedicated in-house environmental teams. Implemented zones can therefore help to build-in and develop better environmental governance within the sector wherever it is found to be lacking, as well as stimulate technology and innovation as regeneration occurs. Schemes must be collaborative and educate as much as they regulate.

We are of course being approached by many city councils about our work, and we share our findings and expertise as widely as we can. There are a large number of authorities outside London with exemplary policies in regard to emissions, and the chances of something with an NRMM focus getting implemented in 2024/25 are high. It’s going to be a case of tipping point and then runaway, just as it was in London when our small original project operating over a small cluster of South London authorities quickly grew to become city-wide.

Next issue we move away from planning and policy matters and shall cover some of the interesting case studies we come across in the course of our site visits. Some of the Stage V solutions and Battery Energy Storage Systems are in real world deployments, and we hope to share some of the practices seen.

Andrew Gordon

LONDON EMISSIONS BRIEFING

UNITED RENTALS APPLICATIONS TRANSFORMED BY ENHANCED POWER PORTFOLIO

AMPS Power turns the spotlight on member company United Rentals. Here they explain their service offering and their customer commitment with their established programme of open days.

United Rentals’ service offering in the Europe extends far beyond its established roots in Fluid solutions and Tank storage. The addition of a significant Power Solutions portfolio, comprising high performance Diesel Generators, Battery Packs and ancillary products has transformed the composition of its range and ultimately the industries and sectors which it can support.

Fluid and Power Solutions

Today, the company provides integrated Fluid and Power solutions, supporting the projects, processes and operations across a broad range of Industry and Commerce. From a single-product storage project to setting up an integrated multi-product solution, a dedicated team provides the extensive industry and application experience required for the most demanding and challenging circumstances.

UK Open Days

In order to present the capabilities of our range, the company invites its customers and supporting businesses to view our equipment, operating under controlled conditions and simulating real-world working applications. This is demonstrated throughout a series of annual open days in the UK and Europe, following a reimagined design and format. Consequently, wherever you may be located we are never too far to visit for an informative and insightful chat with a member of our team.

For more information: www.unitedrentals.com

The AMPS technical experts have been working hard on the 5th issue of the Association’s popular Jargon Buster. Published via the AMPS’ website, this has proved to an invaluable guide to the terminology (and more) used in the world of power generation.

The new version includes revised tables and technical details drawn from suggestions from users and AMPS members. Order your digital copy via amps@amps.org.uk or visit amps.org.uk

ESO’S “BEYOND 2030” REPORT –AN INVESTMENT PLAN

FOR A FUTURE ENERGY SYSTEM

Earlier this year, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) published its "Beyond 2030" Report, which proposes a £58 billion investment in the electricity grid to contribute towards decarbonising the electricity system in Great Britain by 2035. We are grateful to Jack Green-Morgan , Political Consultant for Energy, Climate Change and Utilities at Dods Political Intelligence for providing this insight into the Report.

Context

Over the last 70 years, the electricity grid has required only small upgrades, until now. Britain’s electricity needs are set to rise substantially (by up to nearly 65 per cent) by 2035. Investment in renewable energy generation has exceeded investment in transmission capacity over the past decade, resulting in bottlenecks on the electricity network. Currently, energy is being wasted as the grid cannot transport it to where it can be used.

Coupled with this, the UK Government have set an ambition to have a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035. This means producing more electricity and transporting it in a smarter, cheaper, and greener way. A key part of this is efficiently connecting the offshore wind being built around Great Britain in a coordinated way.

Key Messages

The report maps the way to a clean, secure and affordable energy future whilst delivering on the Sixth Carbon Budget and the Scotwind leasing round.

1. This plan facilitates the connection of an additional 21 GW of offshore wind, laying the foundations for a decarbonised electricity system in Great Britain, with a potential for 86GW of offshore wind generation to connect by 2035.

2. By enabling the integration of more home grown and low carbon technologies, this plan delivers cheaper electricity for consumers than fossil fuel alternatives, by reducing our reliance on imported gas which has recently been subject to high price volatility.

3. The ESO recommend an additional £58 billion of direct investment in electricity networks. Cumulatively, this will create and sustain over 20,000 jobs annually, with 90 per cent of these benefits being felt outside of London and the South East of England.

4. Delivering these benefits requires a once in a generation expansion of Great Britain’s electricity grid. By 2035, three times as much undersea cabling will be laid than onshore infrastructure across Great Britain with significant additional power flow capability required onshore and offshore from north to south in the future.

5. With little over a decade to 2035, progress must be swift and coordinated if the UK is to meet the Sixth Carbon Budget target. Further design optimisation will be required to ensure impacts on communities are minimised and wider benefits are seized upon.

New and Upgraded Network

ʝ In 2022 the ESO recommended a new electricity network design called the Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (the HND). The HND would connect 23 GW of offshore wind power and help deliver the UK Government target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The HND is currently being refined before it goes through the consenting process.

ʝ In 2023 the government asked the ESO to go further by building on the HND and designing for more offshore wind to connect to the onshore electricity network. If the transmission assets can be delivered under the timeframes set out in the UK Government’s Transmission Acceleration Action Plan (TAAP), this network plan, combined with the timely delivery of additional generation and developer-led offshore transmission assets will enable the UK

to meet its Sixth Carbon Budget. This design will facilitate the connection of 21GW of offshore wind and the connection of a wide range of other low-carbon electricity generation, including Sizewell C and Hinkley Point nuclear power plants.

ʝ To achieve this, a countrywide effort over the next decade is needed to upgrade the network in a coordinated manner to minimise impact on communities.

Decarbonised Electricity System

ʝ The ESO have undertaken a network assessment that lays the foundations for a decarbonised electricity network. This involved assessing around 200 network options to recommend an optimised high-level network design.

ʝ Combined with the HND, this design will see over three times as much undersea cabling laid compared with new onshore routes. There is also a need for reinforcement North-South and East-West, and this increased coast-to-coast connectivity will balance power flows across the country, improving security and ensuring that renewable power can always be accessed regardless of where it is generated.

ʝ The ESO believes this proposed network design, although high level, balances these needs while also enabling the UK Government’s energy targets.

ʝ The ESO also welcomes the government proposals for a substantial financial incentive scheme for directly impacted communities.

ʝ Cumulatively, the proposed infrastructure projects within this plan could add up to £15 billion to the UK economy and support over 20,000 jobs each year.

Strategic Demand and Flexible Energy Systems

ʝ The paper identifies regions of strategic importance where largescale demand users, such as hydrogen electrolysers or data centres, could be located as an alternative to building additional network infrastructure.

ʝ Looking out to the late 2030s, there will be more solutions that could cater for Great Britain’s rising energy needs. These vary across potentially faster network delivery enabled by competition, the creation of a spatial energy plan directing the optimal locations of generation and demand assets, as well as potential reforms to the wholesale electricity market.

ʝ This recommended electricity network design facilitates the connection of ScotWind and enables the Government to meet its decarbonisation target. But to realise these benefits, network infrastructure build must be sped up in line with the actions set out within the Government’s Transmission Accelerated Action Plan. Communities must also be incentivised to host this infrastructure and crucially will be consulted by industry when these recommendations become more refined. For recommendations with low maturity, the ESO expect industry to present an array of alternative options to communities through the consenting process.

Dods Political Intelligence provides political and policy information to subscribers, which include a range of stakeholders from corporations to business groups and NGOs. AMPS are pleased to work with them to ensure we receive up to date policy briefings on behalf of our members.

AMPS is a leading member of EUROPGEN, the voice of the European generating set industry - with AMPS’ Bernard Gospel chairing EUROPGEN’s Technical Committee.

AMPS members receive regular detailed technical briefings via exclusive CURRENT THINKING e-casts.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION INITIATIVE ON DATA CENTRE SUSTAINABILITY

Earlier this year the Commission adopted a new delegated regulation on the first phase for establishing an EU-wide scheme to rate the sustainability of EU data centres.

As foreseen under the recast Energy Efficiency Directive this secondary legislation requires data centre operators to report their initial key performance indicators to the European database by 15 September this year - and then by 15 May in 2025 and subsequent years. It follows extensive consultation with EU countries and stakeholders and a period for public feedback at the end of 2023 and a scrutiny period for the Council and European Parliament.

With data centres estimated to account for close to 3% of EU electricity demand and likely to significantly increase in the coming years, the scheme is intended to increase transparency and potentially to promote new designs and efficiency developments in data centres that can not only reduce energy and water consumption, but also promote the use of renewable energy, increased grid efficiency, or the reuse of waste heat in nearby facilities and heat networks.

APPLICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE MEDIUM

COMBUSTION PLANT DIRECTIVE (MCPD)

AMPS has published information on the compliance requirements of the MCPD for member companies. The regulations apply to plant on site with a thermal input above 1,000 kWth. They apply to the site not the supplier or installer and are retrospective. Eventually all plant in scope will require a permit as a minimum.

TECHNICAL AND REGULATORY OUTREACH

AMPS continues to build value for its members by developing working relationships with other representative organisations.

In addition to regular contacts with government departments, AMPS is committed to working with other organisations that can help inform its activities. It is now an active member of the UK Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum (UKEMIF) – the Industry Forum for short. With around 20 trade association members it identifies regulatory areas of common interest for study and action.

AMPS’ relationship with the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is a good way of keeping in touch with the user community – with their membership of c.1,900 plant hire companies. AMPS also looks forward to developing a strong collaboration with The Institution of Power Engineers (IPowerE), to work on areas of mutual benefit. Future issues of AMPS Power will feature some of these valued relationships in more detail.

Bernard Gospel

Technical Committee Secretary TechSec@AMPS.org.uk

ENGINEERING MADE THE WORLD - THE WHEEL

This is a series of articles on the topic of the history of engineering from AMPS Technical Secretary Bernard Gospel , loosely based on the BBC radio programmes and podcasts ‘A History Of The World In 100 objects’ and ‘50 Things That Made The Modern Economy’.

As the world and its budding engineers developed, the problems of transportation arose. For short distances items could be carried by hand, but as the desire to travel further came for many reasons, then pressures of time and resource came to bear. You may live by the sea or a lake and catch fish. This is a valuable source of protein and the people a short distance inland would welcome this addition to their diet and could be willing to exchange fish for animal flesh. The problem is carrying fish far enough and fast enough before the fish becomes inedible.

A sledge is an easy development, but the engineer knew that the effort to drag a sledge would be too great over a long distance, unless he could capture and train an animal to pull the sledge.

What came first and how we do know? The engineer knew that rollers could be used to ease dragging items, understanding friction was yet to come, but it must have been realised that a lower friction solution would enable the same force to move heavier objects. Larger rollers were needed, but fabricating what we would now call a cylinder

up to a metre in diameter would be difficult, fabricating several to make a bed of rollers would require technology beyond our protoengineers.

Where did the idea come from that you only need the ends of the cylinders, a slice, a disc?

Perhaps the impetus came from pottery of all things. Clay bowls and pots were invented circa 20,000 BCE and possibly earlier. This was the realisation that clay could be formed, dried, and then baked in a fire. It then kept its shape and did not revert to clay when wetted. Someone realised that it was easier to form a bowl, especially a large one, if the bowl was turned as it was made, rather than the potter moving around the bowl. The logical process to place the bowl on a movable surface then to a spinning disc former led to the potter’s wheel, much as we know it today.

Did our engineer pondering over his transportation problem, look at a potter’s wheel and thought of putting it on its side and using it in a primitive device we would now call a wheelbarrow? Did he convert a sled? We will never know.

The advantages of wheels would soon become obvious, even though our engineer would not have been able to quantify them. It is likely that two wheeled vehicles were developed first, perhaps before single wheel devices. It is likely that the first vehicles had a solid axle directly coupled to wheels at each end of the axle.

The first wheels were solid, perhaps cut from a log, then trimmed to size. The next step was to assemble wheels from pieces fastened edge to edge.

Perhaps it was our engineer’s experience with small diameter rollers which made him realise that a wheel can offer advantages in traversing irregular surfaces if the wheel radius is sufficiently large compared to the irregularities. Try riding a bicycle over a cobbled surface!

Perhaps the availability of smooth roman roads prompted the Italians to develop the

Lambretta small-wheeled motor scooter (other manufacturers are available)?

The first vehicles probably had fixed wheels with a rotating axle, what we would call bearings would hold the axle and wheels in place.

The first bearings were probably not as we would conceive them, a rotating axle was held in place by pegs of wood inserted into holes in the vehicle frame. This gives a clue as to why the wheel was developed so late. First tools to cut holes and so on had to be developed and that required bronze and the start of metallurgy.

Perhaps the development of the cylindrical ‘sleeve’ bearing came later? Heritage railway waggons have what looks like a sleeve bearing with only a top half, as that is the part that carries the weight. The lower part of the bearing housing was often just filled with grease.

Remember that rollers essentially act as lubrication, reducing the resistance to motion. Having a bearing means that the vehicle will transport the lubrication.

A wheeled vehicle requires much less work to move than simply dragging the same weight (mass). The lower resistance to motion is explained by the fact that the frictional work done is no longer at the surface that the vehicle is traversing, but in the bearings. In the simplest case the bearing is just a round hole through which the axle passes (a "plain bearing"). Even with a plain bearing, the frictional work is greatly reduced because:

ʝ The normal force at the sliding interface is same as with simple dragging.

ʝ The sliding distance is reduced for a given distance of travel.

ʝ The coefficient of friction at the interface is usually lower.

As vehicles developed, it must have been quickly realised that the fully solid axlewheel combination has a disadvantage: when turning, the wheels follow different radii and thus cannot turn together without

Mathematics (sorry)...

If an object with mass 100 kg is dragged for 10 m along a surface with the coefficient of friction μ = 0.5, the normal force downwards is 981 N (gravity does not work in round numbers) and the work done (required energy) is:

Work = force x distance

981 × 0.5 × 10 = 4905 joules.

Now give the object 4 wheels. The normal force between the 4 wheels and axles is the same (in total) 981 N. Assume, for wood, μ = 0.25, and say the wheel diameter is 1000 mm and axle diameter is 50 mm.

So while the object still moves 10 m the sliding frictional surfaces (wheel – axle) only slide over each other a distance of 0.5 m. The work done is:

981 × 0.25 × 0.5 = 123 joules; The work done has reduced to 4905/123 = 1/40 of that of dragging.

Even if, being practical, the mass attributable to the cart is an additional 50 kg, the total energy required only increases to 185 joules.

slipping. Thus came the solid fixed axle with independently spinning wheels.

Later still came the realisation that reducing the vehicle’s total mass would make it easier to pull or carry more load. Did they first cut holes in their solid wheels to reduce weight? Then that led them to develop the spoked wheel as we see even today?

There was no looking back, not only did the wheel enable trade to develop and encourage the development of paved roads it also enabled farmers to move crops locally. The first non-road mobile machinery!

CEMBRE – MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS

In the latest of our series of AMPS Member profiles, we asked Cembre to take us through their extensive product offering.

For over 50 years Cembre has become a leading European manufacturer of electrical compression connectors, associated tooling, distribution blocks, cable glands and marking systems. Extensive know-how, strong R&D activity and continuous innovation in manufacturing technologies and product specification meet with sharp focus on customer needs to guarantee high-quality, good value, products that are reliable, durable, and safe.

Cembre Ltd, for almost 40 years our local sales, service, and distribution centre near Birmingham, actively supports a sales force, distributors and users throughout the UK and Ireland. Also boasting a growing design and production capability for specialised or customised termination products and cable assemblies, Cembre is well equipped to ‘find the best not the first solution’.

Cembre is one of the few manufacturers of a truly matched crimping system by design. Connectors prove their provenance by carrying the Cembre logo and, where applicable, are marked by the die sets to provide permanent visible evidence that the correct size die was used. Matched crimping systems are defined in BS7609 and BS7727 - the codes of practice for installation and inspection of compression connectors and pre-insulated terminals.

Installers and Contractors can further reassure their clients with Cembre’s latest 18V cordless crimping tools for 10-400sqmm lugs. Equipped with Smartool software the tool displays, instantaneously, the successful or otherwise completion of each crimping cycle

and the data for up to 200,000 cycles is also easily downloaded, printed and provided as verification that the resulting crimped joints are in accordance with the standards.

Meanwhile Cembre MARKINGenius® has become the market-leading system for printing the markers, legends and tags required by OEMs, Panel Builders and Installers for identifying and labelling all their cables, components and compartments. Cembre doesn’t supply typical panel components, e.g. terminal blocks, contactors and push buttons, so is free to offer the widest range of marking media to suit all types of equipment. Coupled with the benchmark GENIUSPRO software, System Lifetime Support, free machine trials and loans, and expert technical assistance, MARKINGenius® reinforces the confidence and convenience that customers have come to expect from Cembre.

Contact CEMBRE for further information: sales@cembre.co.uk / www.cembre.com

www.cembre.com

EXTENDED ENTRY CABLE GLANDS

CEMBRE's MAXIblock and MAXIbrass cable gland range is expanding with a series of new products, becoming increasingly flexible and practical.

Thanks to careful product design, the 1940.M and 2940.M series are characterised by the extended cable entry compared to the standard range.

With the same threading as the standard range, the 1940.M and 2940.M fit large-diameter cables, saving space and time in installations Thanks to the extended cable entry it is now possible to install largediameter cables.

Additionally, a longer thread also makes installation on thick plates easier.

Making the right connections

Ideal for EV chargers and wind turbines

Single hole on electrical panel for multiple uses

Stop using adaptors

CRESTCHIC TESTS CARBON REDUCTION CONCEPT FOR RAIL

The UK passenger and freight rail industries consumed 2,282 kilotonnes of CO2 between April 2021 and March 2022 – showing a rise of 2% in the total estimated CO2 emissions compared to the year before. As demand for freight and public transport increases, carbon reduction in emissions in this critical sector is high on the agenda.

Tackling the issue head-on, technology innovator, G-volution Ltd, in conjunction with COLAS Rail UK, used Crestchic load banks to test the use of a new carbon reduction solution. The technology in question uses a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to power auxiliary electric power requirements in rail applications, which account for around 10-15% of the total power demand on freight trains. The project is funded by the Department for Transport through the First of a Kind 2022 competition, delivered by Innovate UK.

Paul Howard, Engineering Director at G-volution, comments on the challenges faced by the UK rail industry and the significance of this project: “Statistically speaking, 25% of all UK

passenger trains and 90% of freight trains are diesel-powered. Through the ‘Transport Decarbonisation Plan’, the government committed to delivering a net zero rail network by 2050. And, while there is a move to remove diesel trains as part of the longer-term plan, it is vital that the industry makes incremental and sustained carbon reductions along the way. As well as providing a greener power source to fulfil auxiliary electric power requirements, the technology will remove the need for diesel powertrains to remain powered up or idling during dwell times, which can cause up to 20% of freight locomotive fuel consumption and emissions.”

Cleaner, greener, and cheaper to operate

G-volution’s concept is based on using a SOFC to supply the auxiliary load required on a Class 37 locomotive. Whilst the engine itself remains diesel powered, auxiliary power is used for various essential onboard systems, including the locomotive’s lighting systems, including headlights, marker lights, and cab lights; the control systems; heating and ventilation; auxiliary equipment such as fans, pumps, compressors, and motors; and the onboard communication systems.

By powering these systems using a greener source of energy, the overall emissions of the locomotive can be reduced significantly. It also means that engines can be switched off when locomotives are in the station, reducing emissions while still having access to auxiliary power for all other on-board requirements. Importantly, the fuel cells can be combined with dual fuel operation of the diesel engine to provide additional carbon-saving benefits for vehicle operators, offering futureproof options for additional deployment going forwards.

By performing the tests, engineers were able to directly measure emissions, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and particulate emissions. With Solid Oxide Fuel Cells known to be virtually free of NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions, G-volution was able to use the load bank to gather the data required to prove the concept. The load banks were equipped with Crestchic’s Corona/Fusion software to allow constant voltage/current function and data capture plus a handheld Terminal controller for ease of use.

Bringing co-consumption to the rail market

Paul continues: “Like other Freight Operating Companies, Colas Rail has a dependency on heritage locomotive fleets such as the Class 37s. In Colas Rail’s case, this is to support their customer, Network Rail, with data collection, a nationwide operation across the whole of the GB Network. Class 37s are the only locomotive that can do this job due to their low axle weight and RA5 gauge acceptance. The integration of SOFC technology is an exciting prospect for Colas Rail, allowing one of the oldest locomotives on the network to use what could be one of the most efficient power transfer systems available utilising a lower carbon non-fossil fuel.”

Crestchic load banks used to gather critical emissions data

As a proof of concept, G-volution used three 350/700V DC 667kW Crestchic load banks, connected in parallel, to simulate the load generated by the Class 37 diesel locomotive when fueled by conventional diesel.

No stranger to carbon reduction projects in the rail industry, G-volution previously developed the Optimiser™ System, a dual-fuel technology that enables diesel engines to combust diesel and Natural Gas (or other greener and cheaper fuels, BioLPG, Bio-methane, or Hydrogen) simultaneously, which saves approximately 20%+ on fuel costs and reduces some emissions by up to 90%.

Paul Brickman, Commercial Director, for Crestchic Loadbanks concludes:

“G-volution’s technology paves the way for decarbonisation of a historic industry in the UK. Using our load banks to simulate the power load of a locomotive to test the efficacy of alternative fuels is the latest exciting project Crestchic has supported for the renewables sector. This is important work for the decarbonisation of major industries, and we are proud to play our part in that transition.”

WB POWER SERVICES REPORT ON THEIR ACQUISITION OF HODGSON ACOUSTICS

AMPS members WBPS explain how the purchase of a long-established specialist container and acoustics business fits the expansion plans of the Wilmott Group.

Hodgson Acoustics Co Ltd trace their origins back to 1890 – and were acquired by the Wilmott Group last autumn and now operate under the banner of Wiltech Acoustics Ltd. With WBPS’s confirmed acquisition of the manufacturing company, the critical power service continues to solidify their commitment to innovation and customerfocused growth, whilst also placing WBPS and its related companies as leaders in the power marketplace.

The newly appointed Wiltech Acoustics Ltd, empowers WBPS and its other companies within the Wilmott Group with complete control of the manufacturing process of its top-quality and bespoke acoustic enclosures. This strategic move also aligns with WBPS's mission to offer comprehensive and innovative power packages and solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of its clients.

Specialists in the industrial and power sectors of the business, Wiltech Acoustics Ltd has committed to keeping the core premise of the company business the same, ensuring the design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities at the very forefront. The acquisition also welcomed in three significant production facilities to the group,

in addition to the POD facility at Loughborough and renewable production facility at Ilkeston.

CEO of the Wilmott group and Managing Director of WB and Wiltech, Andrew Wilmott stated: “We are extremely proud of our continued growth inside the manufacturing and power industries, and now with Wiltech Acoustics Ltd part of our business model, we are committed to expanding our presence in all areas of the business further.”

“With WBPS continuing to provide critical power services to some of the UK’s most important businesses and organisations, we are also focused in bringing the very best container and acoustic solutions to the forefront of our operations too. In retaining the existing workforce, we are empowered with the continuity of expertise and skills, allowing us full control of the supply chain moving forward. It’s a very exciting time!”

For further information, please email Robb Shingles at r.shingles@wbpsltd.co.uk or Danielle Tumilty at d.tumilty@wbpsltd.co.uk

INTRODUCING DAWSONGROUP ENERGY SOLUTIONS

For the last 50 years, new AMPS members, Dawsongroup has provided customers with new ways of thinking about assets. This is their profile of what they do today and how they do it.

The revolutionary Smarter Asset Strategy enables businesses to enhance their resources without the risks associated with ownership. With the need for alternative, sustainable energy generation becoming increasingly clear, Dawsongroup energy solutions was launched in 2022. The company provides reliable power production and storage solutions with the aim of making a cleaner future. The team is committed to diversifying into alternative sources of energy, making the switch to greener energy accessible to every customer.

What Does Dawsongroup energy solutions offer?

The Dawsongroup asset catalogue includes some of the latest energy production and storage technology. Able to be integrated into your existing systems or used as a standalone solution, these assets can maximise your efficiency and increase energy savings.

Our Stage V generator features advanced energy technology with the lowest emissions, significantly reducing the output of CO2 and other harmful compounds. For off-grid energy, our portable batteries are compact, with low-level noise production and high energy density, ideal for flexible workflows wherever you are. And for even greater sustainability, solar hybrid generators integrate Stage V generators, battery packs, and solar panels, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 50-60%.

Our sustainable and cost-effective energy systems are produced with the most advanced technology. Portable or fixed ground and roof-mounted solar panels, paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS), maximise efficiency. BESS stores excess solar

energy for nighttime use and harnesses lower-rate night energy for daytime consumption.

Additionally, we offer portable EV chargers, catering to every type of electric vehicle. Convenient, fast, and reliable, they provide a secure charging experience on the go.

Why choose Dawsongroup?

The switch to sustainable energy can be daunting, but Dawsongroup energy solutions’ consultative approach makes it simple. Our team of experts will listen to your specific needs and provide you with a tailored solution, ensuring that your new assets maximise your efficiency and minimise risk. Additionally, our fixed monthly costs remove the requirement for upfront capital outlay, protecting your cash flow and enabling you to plan for the future.

Our Smarter Asset Strategy offers businesses the potential to harness the latest, innovative energy production assets without the burden of initial cost and long-term maintenance. This partnership keeps you agile in the face of evolving customer and legislative demands.

An AMPS business

Our membership in AMPS places Dawsongroup energy solutions amongst an esteemed community of quality manufacturers and suppliers at the forefront of the power-generating industry. We are pleased to be part of this collaboration, shaping the future of energy solutions alongside other powerhouses in the industry.

Find out more at www.dawsongroupenergysolutions.com

COUNCIL MEMBERS

CHAIRMAN PAUL AITKEN GMI POWER SOLUTIONS LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER ALAN BEECH CLARKE ENERGY

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW BELL MECC ALTE UK

COUNCIL MEMBER CHRIS CALDWELL CRESTCHIC

COUNCIL MEMBER PAUL CAMPBELL INDUSTRIAL POWER SYSTEMS LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER

RICHARD A COLLMAN ACOUSTICAL CONTROL ENGINEERS

COUNCIL MEMBER KÖKEN GUNES AKSA POWER GENERATION

COUNCIL MEMBER GEOFF HALLIDAY WBPS LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER GAVIN HEPBURN DALE POWER SOLUTIONS

VICE CHAIR LOUISE HAZEL IPU GROUP

COUNCIL MEMBER

RICHARD RUSSETT KOHLER POWER SOLUTIONS EMEA

COUNCIL MEMBER RICCARDO SARDELLI VOLVO GROUP

COUNCIL MEMBER NEIL SMITH

CATERPILLAR RETAIL ELECTRIC POWER SOLUTIONS

COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS VICENTE EMINOX LTD

COUNCIL MEMBER PAUL WEBSTER ATLAS COPCO

COUNCIL MEMBER LISA WILSHAW GREENSHIELDS JCB

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: CHRIS MARSLAND (CHAIRMAN) BERNARD GOSPEL (SECRETARY)

MARKETING COMMITTEE: RICCARDO SARDELLI (CHAIRMAN)

FINANCE COMMITTEE: RICHARD A COLLMAN (CHAIRMAN)

KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS

2024

World BioGas Expo – 10-11 July: NEC, Birmingham

UK Green Gas Day

– 5 September: National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham

SOLAR & STORAGE LIVE – 24-26 September: NEC Birmingham

AMPS REGIONAL DAY – 3 October: Perkins, Peterborough

IHEEM/ Healthcare Estates – 8-9 October: Manchester

EUROPGEN/ Generazione Distribuita Conferences

– 12 October: Naples

2025

Powergen International – 11-13 February: Dallas, USA

Executive Hire Show – 12-13 February: Coventry

Electricity Storage Summit

– 17-19 February: InterContinental London – the O2

International Energy Week – 25-27 February: QEII, London

Highways UK – 16-17 October: NEC Birmingham

Showman’s Show – 23-34 October: Newbury

Power Conference East Midlands (IPowerE) – 28-30 October: Hilton East Midlands

Construction Plant-hire Association Conference – 7 November: Heart of England, Fillongley

AMPS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE DINNER

– 14 November: De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. London

EMEX – 20-21 November: ExCeL, London

The Energy Transition Expo – 5-7 March: Rimini, Italy

DATA CENTRE WORLD – 12-13 March: ExCeL London

DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SHOW – 12-13 March: NEC Birmingham

Middle East Energy – 7-9 April: Dubai

Bauma – 7-13 April: Munich, Germany

AMPS CONFERENCE & LUNCH

– 30 April: One Great George Street, London

PlantWorx – 23-25 September: Newark

Revolutionise Your World with ZenergiZe

Atlas Copco has been at the forefront of innovative energy storage solutions, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. With our extensive experience and expertise in the field, we can provide reliable and efficient energy storage systems that meet the unique needs of the rental industry.

Our portable Battery Energy Storage Systems, offer a multitude of benefits, including low carbon footprint, reduced maintenance and servicing and improved sustainability. Whether you’re looking to enhance grid stability, manage peak loads, reduce operational costs or integrate renewable energy sources into your operations, we have the solutions to support your goals.

Reduced Maintenance and Servicing

Low Carbon Footprint, Improved Sustainability and Integrate Renewable Energy Sources

Reduced Operational Costs