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GE Durathon batteries successfully power underground mining scoop

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In trials, GE’s sodium metal halide Durathon batteries ( earlier post ) have successfully powered GE Mining’s Scoop, an underground vehicle that transports mining materials, at Coal River Energy, LLC in Alum Creek, West Virginia. Sodium-metal halide cell basic chemistry. Sodium-metal halide cell basic chemistry.

Lead Acid 199
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Pike Research forecasts hybrid electric locomotive sales could reach nearly 500 units from 2011 to 2020; to utilize 514 MWh of battery capacity by 2020

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Almost all locomotives used today are powered by electricity, either generated onboard through a diesel engine or provided through a connection to the electric grid (third rails or overhead lines). Other benefits include reduced noise levels and lower maintenance costs.

2020 218
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DOE awarding >$24M to 77 projects through Technology Commercialization Fund

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Industry-Informed Physics-Based Monitoring for Asset Management and Maintenance Optimization, $500,000 Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, Calif. “DUSST”: NREL’s Low Maintenance Soiling Station, $50,000 Atonometrics Inc., Madison, Wis. Amesbury, Mass. TerraPower LLC, Bellevue, Wash. Montgomery Center, Vt.

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Researchers call for integration of materials sustainability into battery research; the need for in situ monitoring

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They include the desire to increase the driving range of more modestly priced electric cars from 150 to well over 500 km, and the need to lower the cost and provide maintenance-free technologies for grid applications. When the electrodes are externally connected, redox reactions proceed in tandem at both electrodes to deliver energy.

Li-ion 150
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Mercedes-AMG brings cylinder deactivation to 5.5L V8; 30% reduction in fuel consumption

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Each connecting rod journal on the crankshaft carries two forged, cracked connecting rods. The exhaust valves, which are subject to high thermal loads, are hollow and sodium-cooled. Four overhead camshafts operate the 32 valves via low-maintenance, low-friction cam followers.

Mercedes 225
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Strong Global Sales for Chevrolet Cruze Prior to US Introduction; More Details on Its New Small-Displacement Engines

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Connecting rods and pistons. Like the crankshaft, the connecting rods and pistons are designed to support the greater load of the turbo system. Sodium-filled exhaust valves are designed for the higher combustion temperatures of the turbo system. The camshafts are driven by durable, maintenance-free chains. The Ecotec 1.4L

Chevrolet 249
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Jervois to acquire SMP nickel & cobalt refinery in Brazil; concentrate from Idaho for refining, cobalt metal back to US

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SMP Refinery has annual refined production capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes of nickel and 2,000 metric tonnes of cobalt and is currently on care and maintenance. Jervois currently is a cobalt company with nickel and copper exposure, with mining assets in Idaho, Uganda, and Australia.

Idaho 259