#railway technology companies | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

imperialchem · 8 months

Text

Powering the Future of Railways: A Comprehensive Guide to Connectors for Railway Traction

In the context of global advancements towards sustainable and efficient transportation alternatives, there is a notable resurgence in the prominence of railways. The utilisation of railways as a primary means of transportation for both passengers and freight is on the rise, mostly due to the advantageous environmental attributes and cost-efficiency associated with this method of transport. The complex technology that drives modern railway systems is crucial for their performance, with a key element being the connectors employed for railway propulsion. Reliability you can depend upon. Elevate your railway systems with premium railway traction connectors manufactured and supplied by Radiant Enterprises - one of the distinguished Railway Traction Connectors manufacturers in India!

This thorough guide aims to provide an in-depth analysis of railway traction connectors, examining their importance, various types, advantages, and potential prospects in the future. A comprehensive grasp of these connectors is imperative for individuals engaged in the railway sector, as they assume a crucial function in propelling the advancement of trains and cultivating an environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure.

The Importance of Railway Traction Connectors:

Types of Railway Traction Connectors:

· Pantographs:

Pantographs represent the prevailing form of connectors employed in electric trains. The pantographs, located on the train's roof, establish a connection with the overhead wires, facilitating the transfer of electrical power to the train. Contemporary pantographs are outfitted with advanced sensors and control systems, enabling them to adjust to fluctuating voltage levels and maintain a consistent power provision.

· Third Rail Collectors:

The utilisation of a third rail as a power source is observed in certain railway systems, where trains derive electrical energy from an additional rail positioned adjacent to the tracks. Third-rail collectors are dynamic connectors that establish an electrical connection by sliding and making contact with the third rail. This approach is commonly observed in specific urban transport networks owing to its straightforwardness and economical nature.

Benefits of Advanced Railway Traction Connectors:

· Enhanced Efficiency:

Contemporary connections utilised in railway traction systems are engineered with the objective of minimising power losses during gearbox, hence leading to enhanced energy efficiency. The achievement of efficient power transmission results in a decrease in energy consumption and a reduction in operating expenses for railway operators.

· Reliability and Safety:

The utilisation of premium materials and cutting-edge engineering in the production of connectors guarantees a dependable and secure electrical linkage, hence enhancing reliability and safety. This improves the dependability and security of railway operations, hence mitigating the likelihood of power disruptions and incidents.

· Reduced Maintenance:

Connector designs that are more advanced sometimes possess self-cleaning capabilities, hence aiding in the prevention of the accumulation of dirt, debris, and ice on the contact surfaces. The implementation of this self-cleaning technology results in a reduction in maintenance demands and a decrease in downtime, hence enhancing operational availability.

· Sustainability:

The utilisation of electric trains, which are fueled by renewable energy sources, plays a substantial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the issue of climate change. The utilisation of high-quality traction connectors is of paramount importance in expediting the acceptance and implementation of sustainable transportation systems.

The Future of Railway Traction Connectors:

The ongoing progress of technology will inevitably lead to the further development of railway traction connectors. Transform railway electrification with the advanced Railway Traction Connectors supplied by Radiant Enterprises. Request a sample today!

· Smart Connectivity:

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 has led to the expectation that railway traction connectors will contain intelligent functionalities. The utilisation of real-time data monitoring and analytics has the potential to facilitate predictive maintenance, hence enhancing the efficiency and durability of the connectors.

· Lightweight and Durable Materials:

The field of material science has the potential to facilitate the creation of connector materials that possess both lightweight properties and exceptional durability. This may potentially result in a reduction in the overall weight of trains, hence enhancing their energy efficiency.

· High-Speed Rail:

The global demand for high-speed rail networks is experiencing a notable increase. In order to facilitate the operation of faster trains while ensuring safety and efficiency, future traction connectors will be required to accommodate elevated levels of voltage and current.

· Wireless Charging:

Wireless charging technology is now being investigated by researchers as a potential solution for trains. Potential future connectors have the potential to integrate wireless charging capabilities, hence obviating the necessity for direct physical contact between the train and the power source.

Final Thoughts:

The railway industry is positioned to assume a crucial role in influencing the trajectory of sustainable transport in the future. In order to realise this vision, the utilisation of modern technology, such as railway traction connectors, will play a pivotal role. As we progress, allocating resources towards research and development in order to create inventive and dependable connector solutions will not only propel the future of railway systems but also make a significant contribution towards a more environmentally friendly and efficient global landscape. The ongoing advancement of connector technology holds promise for the development of a more environmentally sustainable and interconnected railway system that will benefit future generations. Explore the optimal solution for your railway projects. Explore a diverse range of railway traction connectors offered by Radiant Enterprises - one of the trusted Railway Traction Connectors manufacturers in India!

#Railway Traction Connectors Manufacturers in India #Railway traction connectors #electrical #business #electrical company #electrical industry #smart grid sensor #rail insulator #railway #railway technology companies #train operating companies #locomotive #tramways #third rail #cable connector

10 notes · View notes

technologyplanet · 2 years

Text

#technology #construction #building #rooftop #engineering #economy #modern technology #railway #installation #business #company

1 note · View note

queenie435 · 3 months

Text

THE WORLD'S FIRST ELECTRIC ROLLER COASTER

Granville T. Woods (April 23, 1856 – January 30, 1910) introduced the “Figure Eight,” the world's first electric roller coaster, in 1892 at Coney Island Amusement Park in New York. Woods patented the invention in 1893, and in 1901, he sold it to General Electric.

Woods was an American inventor who held more than 50 patents in the United States. He was the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer after the Civil War. Self-taught, he concentrated most of his work on trains and streetcars.

In 1884, Woods received his first patent, for a steam boiler furnace, and in 1885, Woods patented an apparatus that was a combination of a telephone and a telegraph. The device, which he called "telegraphony", would allow a telegraph station to send voice and telegraph messages through Morse code over a single wire. He sold the rights to this device to the American Bell Telephone Company.

In 1887, he patented the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, which allowed communications between train stations from moving trains by creating a magnetic field around a coiled wire under the train. Woods caught smallpox prior to patenting the technology, and Lucius Phelps patented it in 1884. In 1887, Woods used notes, sketches, and a working model of the invention to secure the patent. The invention was so successful that Woods began the Woods Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, to market and sell his patents. However, the company quickly became devoted to invention creation until it was dissolved in 1893.

Woods often had difficulties in enjoying his success as other inventors made claims to his devices. Thomas Edison later filed a claim to the ownership of this patent, stating that he had first created a similar telegraph and that he was entitled to the patent for the device. Woods was twice successful in defending himself, proving that there were no other devices upon which he could have depended or relied upon to make his device. After Thomas Edison's second defeat, he decided to offer Granville Woods a position with the Edison Company, but Woods declined.

In 1888, Woods manufactured a system of overhead electric conducting lines for railroads modeled after the system pioneered by Charles van Depoele, a famed inventor who had by then installed his electric railway system in thirteen United States cities.

Following the Great Blizzard of 1888, New York City Mayor Hugh J. Grant declared that all wires, many of which powered the above-ground rail system, had to be removed and buried, emphasizing the need for an underground system. Woods's patent built upon previous third rail systems, which were used for light rails, and increased the power for use on underground trains. His system relied on wire brushes to make connections with metallic terminal heads without exposing wires by installing electrical contactor rails. Once the train car had passed over, the wires were no longer live, reducing the risk of injury. It was successfully tested in February 1892 in Coney Island on the Figure Eight Roller Coaster.

In 1896, Woods created a system for controlling electrical lights in theaters, known as the "safety dimmer", which was economical, safe, and efficient, saving 40% of electricity use.

Woods is also sometimes credited with the invention of the air brake for trains in 1904; however, George Westinghouse patented the air brake almost 40 years prior, making Woods's contribution an improvement to the invention.

Woods died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Harlem Hospital in New York City on January 30, 1910, having sold a number of his devices to such companies as Westinghouse, General Electric, and American Engineering. Until 1975, his resting place was an unmarked grave, but historian M.A. Harris helped raise funds, persuading several of the corporations that used Woods's inventions to donate money to purchase a headstone. It was erected at St. Michael's Cemetery in Elmhurst, Queens.

LEGACY

▪Baltimore City Community College established the Granville T. Woods scholarship in memory of the inventor.

▪In 2004, the New York City Transit Authority organized an exhibition on Woods that utilized bus and train depots and an issue of four million MetroCards commemorating the inventor's achievements in pioneering the third rail.

▪In 2006, Woods was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

▪In April 2008, the corner of Stillwell and Mermaid Avenues in Coney Island was named Granville T. Woods Way.

#black history #black history month #roller coaster #granville #Granville T Woods #1910s #circa 1885 #1884

473 notes · View notes

starqueen87 · 3 months

Text

THE WORLD'S FIRST ELECTRIC ROLLER COASTER

In 1896, Woods created a system for controlling electrical lights in theaters, known as the "safety dimmer", which was economical, safe, and efficient, saving 40% of electricity use.

LEGACY

▪Baltimore City Community College established the Granville T. Woods scholarship in memory of the inventor.

▪In 2006, Woods was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

▪In April 2008, the corner of Stillwell and Mermaid Avenues in Coney Island was named Granville T. Woods Way.

#granville t woods #black inventor #invented #world's first #electric roller coaster #1893 #read about him #read about his invention #reading is fundamental #knowledge is power #black history

123 notes · View notes

fatehbaz · 1 month

Text

Scientific knowledge and technology played a significant role in the expansion of colonial rule in India and the consequent incorporation of the Indian sub-continent into the [commercialized, imperial] world-system [...]. The colonization of nature, territory and people in British India led to a mutually constitutive interplay [...].

By the time the East India Company managed to establish a foothold in Bengal in 1757, [...] [a]fter the acquisition of the formal rights to collect revenues in the states of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, the issue of obtaining accurate information about the extent of the produce, the population and other social statistics assumed significance. The detailed scientific surveys [...] were possible due to the large number of amateur scientists employed by the Company. Over time, these surveys played a major role in the transformation of a trading company into a colonial state [...] and the incorporation of India into the modern world-system. [...]

---

Considered the founder of British geography, James Rennell arrived in India in 1760 barely three years after the decisive battle of Plassey. Rennell’s cartographic skills caught the attention of the governor of Bengal presidency, who was ‘anxious to inaugurate some system for correcting and revising the geography of Bengal’ [...]. Rennell’s mapping out in great detail the area under the Company was indispensable for the rationalization of the extraction of surplus, administrative strategies and techniques of control. [...] In 1777 he left for England, and two years later he published the Bengal Atlas that led to his election to the Royal Society. [...] With reference to the ‘science wars’, [...] Rennell’s work was also incorporated in the key text[s] of the time, C. Lyell’s Principles of Geology (1830) [...] [and] the work of [...] Humboldt and Carl Ritter. Rennell’s surveys contributed to the organized [...] surveys [across wider regions of India] that followed after the defeat of Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1799. [...] [Mysore's] sustained resistance to British power had a major impact on the general consciousness in Britain. [...]

Thomas de Quincey extolled the virtues of the ‘British bulldog’ against [...] the tyrannical ‘Bengal tiger’ [...]. The scientific knowledge that emerged as a consequence of the surveys of Mysore contributed [...] to the consolidation of administrative power [...]. The key figures associated with the surveys [included] Colin Mackenzie [...]. Mackenzie’s ethnographic notes contributed to imperial perceptions of the [...] [people of South Asia] and the grid of anthropological knowledge through which administrative power was deployed. [...]

---

Nature, culture and colonial power were inextricably implicated in the production of scientific knowledge and of colonial society. [...] The establishment the Public Works Department in 1854 provided fresh impetus for the deployment of science and technology in grappling with problems precipitated by colonial rule. Declining revenues for the Company focused attention on gigantic irrigation and other public works projects. [...]

The irrigation projects were expanded to include the railways (1849), the telegraph (1852), and the postal system (1850). Together, they represented the largest state-sponsored enterprise undertaken anywhere at that time. Lord Dalhousie, under whose tenure these projects were inaugurated, declared the railways, the telegraph and the postal system as the ‘three great engines of social improvement’.

His predecessor William Bentinck had already termed the railways ‘the great engine of moral improvement’ in a country ‘cursed from one end to the other by the vice, the ignorance, [...] the barbarous and cruel customs that have been the growth of ages under every description of Asian misrule’ [...]. Later observers were to wax ever more eloquent on the role of the railways in the modernization of India. For W. A. Rogers of the Indian Civil Service, railways ‘are opening the eyes of the people … they teach them that speed attained is time, and therefore money, saved or made’ (Adas1989: 226). The importance of a network of railways, connecting the cotton plantations of the Deccan region to the ports became significant especially during the 'cotton famine' of 1846 [...].

---

Almost immediately after Dalhousie left India, secure in the belief that the double engines of moral improvement and legitimacy were at work, the rebellion of 1857 put an end to such expectations. The rebellion was partly triggered in response to the wide-ranging transformations [...] triggered off by the introduction of [these] new [colonial infrastructures] [...].

In the end, the rebellion was violently suppressed by the very technologies that had precipitated it in the first place. [...]

---

All text above by: Zaheer Baber. "Colonizing nature: scientific knowledge, colonial power and the incorporation of India into the modern world-system". British Journal of Sociology 52(1), pages 37-58. April 2001. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

34 notes · View notes

allthecanadianpolitics · 10 months

Text

The first hydrogen-powered train in North America is taking riders on a two-and-a-half hour trip through central Quebec this summer.

It's a demonstration that launched earlier this month to show how electricity stored as hydrogen can replace diesel fuel on railways where installing electrified rails or overhead wires would be challenging.

Advocates for the use of hydrogen in heavy transportation say it could raise awareness and boost confidence in the emerging technology in North America.

The tourist train made by French company Alstom runs from Montmorency Falls in Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul — partway along the Train de Charlevoix route — on Wednesday through Sunday until Sept. 30, carrying up to 120 people in two rail cars. [...]

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

#cdnpoli #Québec #public transportation #intercity transit #environment

130 notes · View notes

eaglesnick · 20 days

Text

Private Sector Good, Public Sector Bad?

The reigning ideological economic theory within the Conservative Party is, and has been ever since Margaret Thatcher came to power, that “markets know best”

This was made abundantly clear when Kwasi Kwateng, the Chancellor of Liz Truss’s short-lived government, dismissed anything resembling a “planned economy”. Rather, growth and economic success depended on:

“…the power of our treasured free-market economy to leverage private capital and unleash Britain’s unique entrepreneurial spirit to grow new industries." (The Conversation: 13/04/22)

The key words here are “to leverage private capital”. What this means in ordinary speech is to encourage private investors to participate financially in “projects that benefit the economy, society or the environment”. This has resulted in private investors running (and in many cases, owning) most of our public utilities and services. But rather than “benefit the economy, society and environment" these private investors have devastated it.

Over the next few blogs I intend to look at various British/English public utilities and services and to see how they have fared under the private sector. First up are the railways.

Britain’s railways are organised within a mishmash of private and public ownership, and has been described as “broken" and no longer fit for purpose.

“The UK's train network is not only one of the worst in Europe, it is also one of the most expensive.” (euronews: 20/05/21

This is no surprise given its complex and chaotic structure. The railway tracks and rail network are owned and operated by Network Rail, which is a “non-departmental public body of the Department for Transport, (DFT) with no shareholders"

Non-departmental public bodies are a strange entity. They are national or regional bodies that work independently of government, are not staffed by civil servants, and yet are still accountable to government ministers. It is the Secretary of State for Transport who sets the strategic direction of the railways, allocating funding, and it is the secretary of state who has to approve major investments in the railway system.

The companies that operate the trains are privately owned and are either awarded franchises from the DFT, or they are “open access” operators that provide passenger services on a particular route or network, but with no exclusive rights enjoyed by franchise holders.

To complicate matters further, the actual trains, passenger carriages and railway wagons, known collectively as “rolling stock”, are owned by the rolling stock leasing companies” (ROSCOs) who lease out their stock to the privately owned rail operating companies.

Freight train operators are totally separate from passenger trains, have no contracts with government but do need permission from Network Rail to run their services.

For year 2022/23 the railways received £11.9bn of government funding and Network Rail has secured £27.5 bn of government funding over the next five years. In short, we the taxpayer invest heavily in our rail network which the private passenger, rolling stock and freight companies use to make a profit.

A 2019 report by the TUC found that:

“Rail firms have paid over £1bn to shareholders in the last 6 years.” (TUC: 02/01/2019)

In 2022 Avanti West Coast received a taxpayer subsidy of £343m, despite having the worst punctuality record amongst train operators and paying out £12m to its shareholders. Avanti West Coast is owned by First Group, who also own Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Great Western paid out the largest dividend in 2021/22, £33m, while South Western paid out £13m.

More recently:

“UK rail operator Govia awards $79m in dividends amid UK rail dissatisfaction.” (Railway Technology: 08/01/24)

Govia is largely foreign owned, the three largest shareholder companies being Australian, Spanish and French. In 2022 it was fined £23m “over financial irregularities" having failed to return £25m in taxpayer funding. Why on earth any government would want to go on subsidising such a company is beyond understanding, especially as the Transport Minister at the time said the company had:

“…committed an appalling breach of trust...behaviour was simply unacceptable and this penalty sends a clear message that the government, and taxpayers, will not stand for it." (BBC News: 17/03/22)

Clearly the minister (Grant Shapps) didn’t mean what he said as Govia is still operating trains two years later and still courting controversy

Turning to the train-leasing companies, we find:

“Profits of UK’s private train-leasing firms treble in a year. More than £400m paid in dividends in 2022-23 while rest of railway faced cuts and salary freezes.” (Guardian: 18/02/24)

These companies saw their profit margins rise to 41%, a profit that we as taxpayers and passengers pay for. It is estimated that "taxpayers are now effectively paying the £3.1bn spent last year on leasing trains.” To actually run a passenger rail service yet not own a single locomotive or passenger carriage is bazaar to say the very least.

Finding overall profit figures for freight train operators is a little more difficult but Colas Rail UK’s revenue in 2022 was £15,529m, up 17% on the previous year, an operating profit of £460m.

Overall, taxpayer subsidies to the rail industry run at £6bn per year. However, these massive subsidies have not led to lower fares, an end to over-crowed trains, or an efficient service. According to TaxPayers Alliance 02/01/23) "rail subsidies cost taxpayers £1300 each by March 2023.” Meanwhile the private companies that operate the highly fragmented and disjointed system continue to reap profits and pay out dividends.

Maybe this would not be so bad if the British taxpayer subsidised dividend payouts went to British owned companies, but this is far from the case:

“According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, 70% of Britain’s railways are now under foreign ownership to some degree.” (CityA.M.: 11/01/17)

The figure of 70% foreign ownership is disputed, not least because some companies have gone bust since 2017, with five lines now being effectively run by the government as “operators of last resort.” As the 1993 Railways Act forbids the UK state from running the railways these lines are likely to be franchised out to private firms in the future.

“…many foreign state-owned enterprises of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Hong Kong now run rail franchises in the UK." (The Standard: 11/05/23)

While other countries have no philosophical problem with running railways for the benefit of their citizens, and clearly have no qualms about investing state money in foreign ventures, the Conservative Party is ideologically opposed to state intervention in running UK public services and is vehemently opposed to setting up a UK sovereign wealth fund.

In summary, successive Tory governments have continued to pay taxpayers money into the coffers of private enterprise regardless of how efficient, honest or effective these firms are at providing an essential public service. Clearly, where the railways are concerned, they are not run to “benefit the economy, society and environment" but for the benefit and interests of private investors, in the mistaken Tory belief that private enterprise is always better than public stewardship despite evidence to the contrary.

#uk politics #rishi sunak #Trains #franchise #leasing network rail #taxpayer money #profits private enterprise #inefficient #expensive #p

10 notes · View notes

lifewithdavefarts · 2 years

Text

DaveFarts - Episode 22 “Road Rip” [Episode List] Dave is stuck out of town after a big storm damaged the railways in the area, resulting to all trains getting cancelled. Tim’s lazy saturday night gets therefore turned upside-down as he is forced to take the car for a two-hours trip to get his friend back home.

Want to feel like Tim? Click on the links in the story to hear the power of Dave's farts! The audio for the farts was kindly provided by the skilled farter TheFartingWolf, so make sure to follow him on Twitter on his main account and his backup one!

POV: Tim

Road Rip

Saturday afternoons are the laziest moments of the week for me. Or, at least that's what they used to be.

Now that I live alone (well, with a roommate) I take advantage of this otherwise unproductive time to get some random shit done, chores, everything house-related.

I got the kitchen cleaned up for example, then went to the grocery store ‘cause we were short on everything. Luckily, for the last few days I could easily run on fumes because I’ve been alone, since Dave had to attend to some kind of convention out of town, work stuff. He occasionally kept us posted in the group chat, as apparently he, his boss and their co-workers spent most of the time drinking and some of them got badly drunk in an attempt to impress their superiors, leading to some unprofessional behaviour, and thus hilarious for us. In private, Dave also reported to me the presence of a very hot gay guy, but since he’s working in a rival company, my bro told me that he wouldn’t actually approve of our relationship.

That voice message? That’s exactly what you think it is.

And no, I won’t kill him, I’m just baffled by how chill he is.

Even when he’s not around, Dave would still blast me using modern technologies, and that voice message was his ass speaking, not him, one of his usual, loud, 10+ seconds farts.

On one hand, I treasure Dave being ridiculously open minded. On the other, more than once I almost listened to those in public, thinking they were actual messages, important stuff, instead of my bro making fun of me.

However, I can’t really complain much since as annoying as he can be, I know I’m very lucky.

He kept sending us messages and updates, the usual stuff, memes and shit, while I kept doing my own shit around the house, until at around 6:30 PM, when Dave sent a peculiar voice message.

It was in the group chat this time, so I know that couldn’t be a fart… maybe.

“Hey guys” it sounded like he was in a crowded place, which it made sense given it was a convention. “so I assume you noticed the storm this morning. Well that bitch hit us hard. I mean we’re all fine but the railways suffered some heavy damage and all trains have been cancelled.”

He stopped a few second to exchange some words with -I think- a co-worker and then resumed talking to us.

“I’m pretty much stuck here so… help? I know it’s a two-hour trip by car but I can repay y’all with sex. Raw, unhinged sex. I can be the lover of your dreams.”

Wouldn’t be Dave without jokes like these. And needless to say, we’re all men in our group chat.

“But seriously guys, let me know, and fast.”

Admittedly it was a time-consuming favour but while he may act all silly around us, Dave is pretty smart and organized, so I automatically assumed he tried out every available options before asking us.

After a couple of messages making fun of him, saying how he was gonna die there etc., the group™ started to think of a solution. Unsuccessfully, I might add.

Two of our buds were too out of town, spending the weekend with their girlfriends.

Adam’s car was in the shop to fix the engine and if he was lucky he was gonna get it back on Monday.

Greg was useless as usual.

So that only leaves… me.

“Alright, I’ll do it.” I simply typed in the group chat.

Everyone reacted to the message with a thumbs up and made comments about how many stops me and Dave were gonna have on our way back to fuck each other in every motel.

“Bold of you to assume we need to stop the car to fuck.” Dave played along. “We’re professionals.”

My bro-roommate then thanked me in private.

I turned on the radio to keep me company and just drove. It wasn’t a complicated trip by any means, most of it was a boring and uneventful straight highway. There was no traffic despite the cancelled trains, and it honestly was a surprisingly relaxing trip. The biggest risk (not that I thought there were gonna be any) was me falling asleep for how dull all of that was however (thankfully, the radio helped).

I managed to keep Dave (and my other buds) posted on my location, so he knew when to get ready. We decided (or rather he forced me) I was gonna leave the car in the parking lot next to the convention center and then have a quick dinner together in a fast food located in the building, so I could also rest for a bit; he actually asked me if I wanted him to drive on our way back, but I didn’t feel tired (at worst, we’d take turns).

Surprisingly enough, I got there in time, after around 2 hours as expected (9:00 PM or so). I parked where my friend told me to and then went looking for him in the building’s main (and big) hall. There were still some people around, some of them working on their laptops, chatting, casually having a beer. I assume most of them were in Dave’s situation but chose to remain there for the night.

“Right here, babe!”

I saw Dave waving at me. He was sitting on a couch near the hall’s coffee shop, with an empty beer bottle in one hand and his laptop on his legs. He looked visibly exhausted by the last few days but still cracked a silly smile when he saw me. He was wearing a white shirt and some grey jeans.

We bro-fisted because we’re manly mature men and he promptly got up to give me a quick hug.

“You’re awesome, I’m gonna let you choke on my dick back home.” he told me as his arms wrapped around my shoulder.

He was joking. Seriously. That’s how we always joke around, regardless of anyone’s sexuality. Dave then reached for his laptop and put it in his backpack: he just wanted to leave that damn place.

“Let’s get something to eat, it’s on me.”

“Come on you don’t-“

“Shut your mouth and follow me.”

We kept chatting as we walked towards this small fast food, also located in the main hall (as I said, it was a big place). If you ignore the alcohol involved, it was a prolific weekend for him and he was happy he was getting a raise starting next week.

“Maybe you can finally move in with Dana.” I suggested.

“Nope, you won’t get rid of me so easily.” he joked.

We sat at a table for two and quickly ordered some food using some kind of app that Dave made me install. Mere minutes laters, our meal arrived: I asked for a tasty cheeseburger while Dave went for the double one.

“Tsk, puny as usual.” he said, as he compared how relatively small my burger was.

“Remember who humiliated you at the hot dog-eating contest last year.” I flexed.

“Wow my gay friend is really good at eating sausages? Up next: the sky is blue.”

We both had a laugh. “Why so bitchy all of the sudden? You never complained about my sausage-eating skills before.”

Our very mature and not-at-all double entendre-filled conversation went on for a couple of more minutes, ignoring anyone overhearing us, though I’m pretty sure no one cared.

“But yes.” Dave then said. “We’re thinking of moving together within next year.” he then took a big bite of his burger. “No worries tho, I’m not going anywhere for now.” he continued, almost choking on his own food, and winked at me.

“Just say when!” I remarked, referring to when I needed to move out (in case Dana was the one moving in).

We both knew it had to happen eventually, and we were both super chill about it obviously. I was already looking for a place on my own lately anyway, so it’s not the end of the world.

After finishing our burgers, we both kept talking about the last few days while finishing our beers. Well, Dave was: I ordered a coke, since I was the one driving. My bro then got up and paid, as he promised.

“Gas too is on me by the way.” he said, as we walked towards the exit.

“Dude no you already paid for our dinner, you don’t nee-“

“Shut up. You drive, I pay.”

I chose not to insist and I simply appreciated the gesture.

We got to the car after a couple of minutes of walking; Dave put his backpack into the trunk as I occupied the driving seat, with my friend promptly sitting next to me on the passenger one.

“Alright it’s 10:00 PM… the trip will take around 2 hours… so we should be at home around Midnight.”

Dave looked at me unimpressed. “Yes, because 10+2 equals 12, is that correct?”

“Yes, sorry your brain can’t handle such advanced math.”

The sarcastic banter was interrupted by… well, I don’t even need to say it. It was interrupted by Dave ripping one, a quick, 2 seconds-long blast, partially muffled by the seat.

“…really? Already?” I asked, unimpressed, and he replied with another short blast, or the second part of the previous one which, knowing him, he probably interrupted on purpose just to cut me off with was left of it.

He dropped the serious facade and smiled. “Come on, let’s go home.”

Good idea. I started the car and we got moving.

“When back there you told me that gas was on you…” I said, as I drove out of the parking lot. “I thought you were talking about the car.” I joked, mustering all the courage I had to do it.

He really likes messing with me.

My friend laughed. “We’ll see.” he simply answered. “Either way, you’re getting free gas.” he winked at me and turned the radio on, completely chill as usual about how weird I was.

Here it goes, my heart racing fast, still unable to get used to my bro being this ok with my kink, so much so that we can casually joke about it like we just did.

“J-just don’t hotbox the car.” I tried to be as smooth as possible, but I’m pretty sure my voice cracked.

“Not making any promises.” he said, while tuning the radio.

I kept driving, focusing on the highway in front of us as the music kept us company. Dave was visibly tired so I let him rest for a while; he wasn’t asleep but I could tell he was exhausted. I mean I could easily scare the shit out of him by swerving the car like a madman all of the sudden, but I chose not to, because I’m indeed the hero he doesn’t deserve.

For the first hour, just like on the way up, the return trip was dull and uneventful, but oddly relaxing.

“How’s the gas?” Dave asked.

“Yours or the car’s?” I replied, knowing that I could step on a mine by saying that.

My friend laughed at the lame joke, making me question whether we’re both actually really really dumb.

“But I’m good, thanks. Got lots of gas to spare.”

And I just stepped on the land mine, as expected.

“What a coincidence.” I could sense his smirk. “Me too!”.

Dave adjusted his position a bit and spread his long, denim legs. He reached for the radio to lower the volume, so I could only have ears for what he was about to unleash.

“Y-you don’t have to, man.” I tried to say, sincerely.

But Dave just cackled. “jUsT sAy WhEn!” he replied, doing a very offensive impression of what I said earlier, voice cracking and all.

My friend knows how the kink works but can’t help to find me hilarious and I can’t do anything to stop him. This is my hell… and heaven, at the same time.

He still wasn’t farting, oddly enough, so I dared to look at him, only to find him staring back at me. It was night and the car was dark, but the lights from other vehicles revealed, unsurprisingly, a silly yet reassuring smile draw on his face.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you have nothing to worry about with me?”

My heart was racing faster than the cars around us. I’d be ironically more able to have a discussion with someone not being ok with my kink rather than this.

Dave always leaves me speechless.

“Look, just listen what I’m gonna tell you, ok?” he stated.

I believed him.

I believed him like a fool.

I truly believed he was gonna make some kind of deep speech to reassure me (not that he didn’t the in the past, more than once). A fool, that’s what I am, and in fact my ears got destroyed by a voice, yes, but a loud, roaring voice coming out of his ass.

What was both hot and hilarious to me was that Dave kept staring at me with a serious expression, as if that loud gas was indeed an important speech, but halfway through the 14-seconds-long fart he just lost it and smiled like a jerk, without losing control of that enormous blast of gas. The way he controls his rips is downright fascinating to me (but I’m biased): my bro would speak, move, laugh while farting and the blast would never lose any power.

Once he was done, he playfully punched my right shoulder and sat back normally, tightening the seatbelt, but his ass being glued to the seat didn’t stop the stench from engulfing the entire car. It wasn’t terrible… yet, but I did have to lower the car window just to let some fresh air in.

“Was that natural or on command?” I had the guts to ask, but I was genuinely curious, given the sound it had.

Dave looked amused by the surprising question. “Not tellin’, a pro never reveals his secrets.” such a smug answer.

“Well…” damn I’m being brave tonight. “Whatever you do, I tip my hat to how loud your farts get. That’s impressive, r-regardless of my kink.”

What a surreal conversation.

My friend simply laughed in response, probably at me, but I couldn’t really blame him.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” he then said, with a smirk.

I swear I wasn’t requesting anything, he was being a teasing asshole!

–

We kept talking about some other stuff, like our plans for tomorrow, since it was Sunday. The general consensus was “we do absolutely nothing” which, given how tired we were probably gonna be once we got home, it was probably for the best. Dave then resumed talking about his promotion.

“Dude, my boss is a jerk but credit where it’s due: if I get more money, I can finally afford that trip to France with Dana.”

“Yeah, I remember you guys have been talking about it for years.”

“And we still do, so maybe next year we’re finally -WAIT, did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

…Why do I always fall for it?

I didn’t even have time to roll my eyes that Dave once again started ripping one of his huge blasts. He leaned just a bit to ease the fart out, effortlessly hotboxing the entire car, as I kindly told him not to. Then again, he did say he wasn’t making any promises, so I guess I walked right into that one.

The fart was long, loud and proud, easily silencing the music coming from the radio. It kept going strong as I listened in awe, my boner almost piercing a hole through my pants and touching the steering wheel, a boner my friend probably noticed because he winked at me (he winks pretty often lately, huh?), with a smirk, while still farting loudly and manly.

12 seconds, basically the average length of Dave’s rips.

I wanted to say something smooth and sarcastic to not look like the mess I am, but my friend simply resumed talking about his potential trip with Dana as if nothing happened, which I didn’t mind to be honest. What I did mind, like the hypocrite I am, was the smell poisoning my lungs. Despite the open windows, my nostrils were burning, while my friend was basically immune to it.

Now it was getting bad, the scent of Dave’s double cheeseburger, but rotten, lingering for minutes after the fart was done being ripped.

“I think I’m done with cheeseburgers for a while.” I commented out of nowhere.

Dave laughed, knowing exactly what i was referring to. He was actually proud of how nasty his rips were, the immature bastard.

I managed to focus on driving however, keeping an eye on the road and other passing cars, while still casually chatting with my bro, the insisting stench being a constant reminder of his farting skills even when his ass was being silent.

But I know Dave: he wasn’t done.

Around 30 minutes later, the radio played a song of a band we really like.

“I believe they’re having a concert in Boston in a few months.” Dave said.

“We gotta book some tickets if there’s still time.”

“I doubt it but it’s worth a shot.”

“I gotta hear that solo, bro.”

I feel like my life is just a series of fart cues for my gassy friend at this point.

“Right, but you gotta settle for this solo until then.” he stated, and I knew where this was going.

He again spread his legs wide and started farting, predictably, the blast being just as powerful as the others. How he manages to do it is beyond me, whether it’s natural or on command. The guy’s got talent and I wish I could be unbiased about it: he’s that good. I could swear that the warm gas cloud he produced almost fogged up the car windows, and the stench got even worse, nauseating, so much so I could taste it, which wasn’t a good news at all for my stomach, busy trying to digest my own cheeseburger.

Around 13 seconds later, Dave again adjusted his position on the seat and the fart went silent.

“Dude, no offense.” he turned to me. “But how you manage to survive whenever I fart in your face is a mystery to me.” he admitted, visibly disgusted, but still smiling and amused nonetheless.

The fact that he said that as if it was the most normal sentence in the world almost made me swerve the car.

“Like, was it last month?” he recalled. “We were on the couch and I used my legs to get you head-locked right up my ass ahah and then farted for like 30 seconds.” he couldn’t help but laugh at that memory, while still being disgusted.

I couldn’t blame him: this kink is gross, but I was grateful he also found it disgustingly amusing.

I can however blame him for my massive, damp boner instead: hearing Dave just casually recall our previous fart sessions was something I never expected to happen. What’s next? A clip-show episode?

And yes, I do remember the head-lock thing. I didn’t even ask for it but he just went for the fart-kill. I never ask for it, in fact: Dave walks the thin line between teasing me and straight-up bullying me with farts at this point, fully knowing how much I enjoy it...

I remained silent, hoping that we’d change the subject, even though the raunchy smell in the car kept reminding me of my bro’s powerful flatulences. His gas is like weed to me, when it comes to side effects, ‘cause I didn’t realize how much time passed; turns out we were like 30 minutes from home now: we did all the trip in one sitting, no pit stops or anything, just like daddy Tim likes it (please forget I called myself like that).

“Well Tim, you did it. You drove us home safe and sound, against all odds.” he mocked me.

“The odds being? You trying to poison me?” I dared to say.

That smirk, his signature smirk once again appeared on his face.

“Bro if I wanted to poison you, trust me, you’d have died miles ago.”

“Oh you trust me, my nostrils are burning.” I admitted.

My friend adjusted his position on the seat one more time in response.

“Just be glad you’re not getting this in your face.” he tried to be serious, threatening, but he just laughed in the end.

I tried to ignore what he just said, which I could easily do given what immediately followed: a loud, manly fart, already the loudest of the bunch. He’s done holding back: he was saving the best for last. The sheer power of the blast quickly renewed the horrid stench tarnishing the car; I felt soaked in my friend’s gas and I knew I had to take a long shower once I got home.

I should be glad this wasn’t in my face, he told me, and while I did want to get that blast up close and personal like we usually do... judging by the loudness, the power, the stench… maybe I should indeed be thankful.

Dave farted in my face many times by now, and trust me when I say that I endured some of the longest, loudest, baddest farts you can imagine. So when even I tell you that yes, maybe this one blast should be admired from a safer distance, you know things are getting way too hardcore. This latest fart sounded similar to the others, but I could also sense it was raunchier, deeper, dangerous. It wasn’t wet or anything, but it was pure, raw manly power.

Just like my bro wondered how can I survive his farts, I wondered the same about his jeans, how the fuck his farts do not manage to tear a huge hole through of them. Those lucky, lucky jeans.

The fart kept going, so loud that I couldn’t even hear the radio, and while he wasn’t ripped in my face, it could very well have been: I felt the car shake due to its power and through the gas all round me I could taste the twisted, rotten version of the double cheeseburger Dave had not even 2 hours earlier.

Eventually, even this fart had to end, Dave leaning a bit so he could rip the loud last few seconds towards me, clocking at almost 30 seconds in total. An incredible display of talent, further proof that he’s the fart master.

After a few moments of awkward silence, in spite of my boner sucking all the blood from my brain, I managed to be brave enough to speak, ignoring my friend’s smirk.

“I could’ve handle it.” I stated, lowkey suggesting that next time he had a fart like this brewing, he shouldn’t worry about directly blasting my face.

Maybe not while I'm driving, obviously.

“You’re disgusting bro.” he said, without losing his smirk, then called for a brofist. “Respect.”

Disgusted, but amused, he did find impressive that I’m indeed able to endure his incredible blasts. As usual, as annoying as he can be, and as gross as I can be, I couldn’t ask for a better bro.

Finally, about 20 minutes later, in the dark of the night, I parked the car on our front-yard, by the garage.

Both me and Dave left the car gasping for some clean air. Opening the doors of my vehicle felt more like opening a tuna can, with all the smell trapped inside leaving the tiny space it was trapped into all at once: I could still smell my friend’s farts while walking towards our front door, a sign that my hair and clothes were soaked deep into his gas. Even Dave's backpack left a trail of gas.

As we finally stepped into our living room, we felt free, as if we successfully finished a very dangerous quest. My tired bro-roommate patted my shoulder and walked upstairs like a zombie, ready to collapse on his bed and sleep until the end of time probably.

“Thanks for everything, Tim. Told ya the gas was on me.” he simply said, half-asleep already.

Teasing aside, I decided to not destroy him with one of my snarky comebacks and let him go this time, since I had another urgency to take care of. It’s a miracle I managed to resist for the entire trip in those conditions!

I waited for my friend to disappear into his room before rushing into the bathroom, so I could properly get rid of my damp boner. I barely needed to touch my penis, all it took was my fingers tickling it; my dick promptly exploded, the power of Dave’s farts and attitude being impossibly hot for me.

I took a deep breath as I came and I could still feel bits of that stench deep down my nostrils, which made me wonder if I myself reeked of farts and rotten cheese.

…yeah, I’m definitely avoiding cheeseburgers for a while.

Road trips, however, I’m all for it, as long as Dave provides all the gas we need.

End of Episode 22

#fart story #eproctophilia #fartkink #davefarts2 #malefarts #gayfarts

104 notes · View notes

tubetrading · 3 months

Text

Cybersecurity in Power Systems: Safeguarding Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure

Introduction:

In an era dominated by technology, the power industry is undergoing a transformation, with the integration of smart grids and digital solutions becoming increasingly prevalent. However, this digital evolution brings with it a new set of challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Power systems, including transmission and distribution infrastructure, are critical components of our modern society, making them prime targets for cyber threats. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of cybersecurity in power systems and explore measures to safeguard transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Understanding the Landscape:

Power systems, encompassing transmission and distribution, are the backbone of any nation's infrastructure. As these systems become more interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, the vulnerability to cyber threats escalates. Transmission and distribution manufacturers in India are at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency of power systems. However, with this increased connectivity comes the imperative need to fortify these systems against cyber attacks.

The Role of Cybersecurity in Power Systems:

Protecting Critical Infrastructure:

Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in protecting critical infrastructure, especially in the power sector. Transmission and distribution manufacturers in India are recognizing the significance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their equipment and networks.

Securing Outdoor Support Insulators:

Outdoor support insulators are crucial components in power systems, providing structural support and insulation. Cyber threats targeting these insulators could compromise the integrity of the entire power grid. Implementing cybersecurity protocols ensures the resilience of these components against potential attacks.

High Voltage Primary Bushing Outdoor Manufacturers in India:

Manufacturers producing high voltage primary bushings outdoors are well-aware of the challenges posed by cyber threats. Implementing stringent cybersecurity measures is imperative to prevent unauthorized access and manipulation of these critical components.

Addressing Vulnerabilities in Fuse Cutouts:

Fuse cutouts are essential for protecting power distribution systems from overcurrents. However, these components are susceptible to cyber threats that could disrupt their functionality. Cybersecurity measures are crucial in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in fuse cutouts.

Cyber Threats in Power Systems:

Malware and Ransomware Attacks:

Malicious software and ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to power systems. These attacks can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and demand ransom payments. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential to mitigate the risk of malware and ransomware infiltrations.

Phishing and Social Engineering:

Phishing attacks and social engineering tactics target human vulnerabilities within organizations. Employees in transmission and distribution manufacturers in India must be educated on recognizing and avoiding these cyber threats to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.

Insider Threats:

Insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, can pose a severe risk to power systems. Establishing comprehensive access controls, monitoring systems, and conducting regular employee training can help mitigate the potential impact of insider threats.

Safeguarding Strategies:

Network Segmentation:

Implementing network segmentation is crucial to isolate and contain cyber threats. This strategy ensures that even if one part of the network is compromised, the entire system remains secure.

Regular Security Audits:

Conducting regular security audits is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in power systems. Transmission and distribution manufacturers in India should prioritize periodic assessments to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Employee Training Programs:

Employees play a crucial role in cybersecurity. Training programs should focus on raising awareness about potential threats, recognizing phishing attempts, and promoting a security-conscious culture within the organization.

Advanced Authentication Protocols:

Implementing advanced authentication protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.

Conclusion:

As power systems evolve with technological advancements, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount. Transmission and distribution manufacturers in India must prioritize safeguarding their infrastructure against cyber threats to ensure the continuous and reliable delivery of power. From outdoor support insulators to high voltage primary bushings outdoors and fuse cutouts, every component plays a critical role in the functioning of power systems and requires protection from potential cyber attacks.

In the face of evolving cyber threats, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is the key to resilience. By adopting advanced cybersecurity measures and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, Radiant Enterprises and other stakeholders in the power industry can fortify their transmission and distribution infrastructure, contributing to a secure and sustainable energy future.

#Transmission and Distribution Manufacturers in India #Outdoor Support Insulator #High Voltage Primary Bushing Outdoor Manufacturers in India #Fuse Cutouts #epoxy insulator #epoxy bushing #electricity #fuse cutouts #smart grid sensor #railway technology companies #train operating companies #locomotive #tramways #metro systems #traffic infrastructure

6 notes · View notes

imperialchem · 7 months

Text

Pantograph Insulators: A Crucial Element in Overhead Contact Systems

Pantograph insulators play a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation of overhead contact systems (OCS) utilised in diverse transportation modes including trains and trams. These insulators serve the purpose of establishing a dependable and secure electrical connection between the catenary wires and the pantographs on mobile vehicles. This article examines the importance of pantograph insulators and emphasises the Pantograph insulator manufacturers in India like Radiant Enterprises, who play a pivotal role in the production of these important components.

· Understanding Pantograph Insulators:

The topic of discussion pertains to the comprehension of pantograph insulators, which are specific electrical components employed in overhead contact systems designed for electrically propelled conveyance. These components offer both electrical insulation and mechanical support, facilitating a reliable connection between the catenary wires and the pantographs.

· Role in Overhead Contact Systems:

The role of pantographs in overhead contact systems is to establish and maintain contact between the catenary wires and the roofs of electrically driven vehicles. Pantograph insulators play a crucial role in maintaining a reliable electrical connection by effectively impeding the transmission of electrical current to the body of the vehicle.

· Manufacturers of Pantograph Insulators in India:

India is host to a number of esteemed Pantograph insulator manufacturers like Radiant Enterprises, who have expertise in the manufacturing of pantograph insulators. The producers have state-of-the-art facilities and specialised knowledge to make insulators of superior quality and dependability.

· Pantograph Insulator Manufacturing Process:

The production process entails the utilisation of materials of exceptional electrical and mechanical capabilities. Insulators undergo a deliberate design, moulding, and testing process in order to fulfil the precise criteria and benchmarks established for pantograph insulators.

· Customization for Diverse Applications:

Excellent Insulators for pantograph manufacturers in India like Radiant Enterprises provide customization choices to accommodate diverse transit modes and unique demands. Insulators are engineered to exhibit resilience against diverse voltage, current, and environmental circumstances.

· Quality Assurance and Standards:

Quality assurance and adherence to standards are key considerations for manufacturers in ensuring the compliance of their pantograph insulators with internationally recognised benchmarks. Thorough testing is undertaken to validate the electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics, ensuring the safety and dependability of operations in OCS.

· Technological Advancements:

Technological breakthroughs in the field of materials and manufacturing have resulted in the creation of insulators that exhibit enhanced performance, durability, and resilience against various environmental variables.

· Sustainability and Environmental Considerations:

There is a growing emphasis among pantograph insulator manufacturers in India on the adoption of sustainable practices. The company places a high importance on the use of environmentally friendly materials and methods in order to mitigate the adverse effects on the environment caused by production activities.

· Supply Chain and Distribution:

The producers possess a robust supply chain and distribution infrastructure in place, which is designed to guarantee the prompt and efficient transportation of pantograph insulators to clients both domestically and internationally.

Final Thoughts:

It is evident that pantograph insulators hold significant importance in ensuring the integrity of electrical connections in overhead contact systems utilised in electrically powered vehicles. The Insulators for pantograph manufacturers in India like Radiant Enterprises play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of these systems through the production of pantograph insulators that are characterised by high-quality and innovative technological features. The significance of pantograph insulators in contemporary transportation is emphasised by their unwavering commitment to excellence and advancement.

#Pantograph insulator manufacturers in India #Pantograph insulator manufacturers #Insulators for pantograph manufacturers in India #Railway #Thirdrail #pantographs #epoxyinsulator #epoxybushings #business #manufacturer #locomotive #tramways #railway technology companies

7 notes · View notes

zvaigzdelasas · 2 years

Text

Hydrogen has much potential as a clean, renewable energy source and China, as the leading producer, is well placed to lead the global push[...]

After a decade of tech briefings and blue-sky imagining of the on-off prospects for hydrogen as a radical green force driving us towards net zero in 2050, a mood of optimism has recently warmed the room.

Scepticism about the feasibility of hydrogen power – complaints that the technology is too complex, too expensive and not even green – has given way to progress, and China seems set to lead the way. [...]

Closer to home were reports in June that Citybus, owned by Bravo Transport, acquired the first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus in Hong Kong. Here at last was evidence that Hong Kong is doing something that might put us in the vanguard of efforts to assuage global warming. Bravo Transport indeed.

Then, last week, we were brought abruptly down to the ground with a bureaucratic bump: since our regulators regard hydrogen as an explosive rather than an energy source, our first hydrogen-powered bus has been marooned at the Citybus depot, barred from the roads.

Under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, hydrogen is regarded as a dangerous substance, making it illegal to produce, store or transport it – even if it is at the heart of a fuel cell driving a new double-decker. Hydrogen optimists posit that, by 2050, hydrogen could account for as much as 12 per cent of global energy use. In a “hydrogen society”, H2 would not only fuel road vehicles, railways and ships, but also address home heating needs and the power needs of heavy industries like steel, chemicals and cement. The China Hydrogen Alliance says hydrogen demand in China will triple to 60 million tonnes by 2050. It also expects renewable-based hydrogen production to reach 100 million tonnes by 2060. So far, we have only seen baby steps. Toyota and Hyundai are the only carmakers offering hydrogen-fuelled cars in the international market. Since its launch in 2014, the dominant Toyota Mirai had sold just under 18,000 units as of last year, mostly in the United States – a far cry from electric vehicles (EVs), with global sales of over 6 million in 2021. China is the one economy focusing keenly on hydrogen trucks and buses, with at least a dozen companies in the fray. Foshan-based Sinosynergy, in particular, caused excitement this month with the delivery of 100 hydrogen-powered heavy trucks to Jinnan Steel Group.

There was a big push during the Winter Olympics earlier this year, with 212 hydrogen buses shuttling competitors around Beijing and a further 444 buses operating out in Zhangjiakou, all served by some 30 hydrogen refuelling stations.

China is well placed to lead for a variety of reasons: it is by far the world’s leading producer and consumer of hydrogen, mostly for industrial purposes. Compare Germany’s production of 2 million tonnes a year with China’s 33 million. It also makes almost a tenth of the world’s electrolysers, and about 35 per cent of the world’s electrolyser equipment and components. [...]

While the government aims to lift hydrogen production, it is still wrestling with the problem of making it green. About 80 per cent of production so far is of “grey” hydrogen, generated using fossil fuels. Even by 2025, green hydrogen production is expected to rise to just 100,000-200,000 tonnes.

Much depends on the development of wind and solar power for hydrogen production out in China’s sun- and wind-rich western regions like Qinghai and Xinjiang, and the development of a pipeline network to get the liquefied hydrogen to China’s wealthy eastern consumer markets.

China has also yet to address in any meaningful way the challenge of building hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. At present, apart from the 30 stations around Beijing for the Olympics, there are barely more than 200 refuelling stations countrywide. [...]

The fact that you can fill a hydrogen tank in around five minutes and travel much further on a single refill (a Sinosynergy hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is able to travel 500 to 600km on a single tank, triple the distance of a battery-powered vehicle) gives hydrogen vehicles some clear competitive advantages.

It is also an advantage that hydrogen can underpin a “hydrogen society”, replacing fossil fuels far beyond transport, as long as the hydrogen is green of course.

22 Aug 22

#h2

105 notes · View notes

drippingheart · 4 months

Text

THE COMPANY OF ANIMALS .

Where traditional culture and the heart of technology clash, quiet and peace are not commodities to be attained. Loneliness however, is as prominent as shadows. Tokyo — a city of noise and air pollution, tin can housing, and needing hearts desiring to connect with anyone. Anything. While Fushiguro Megumi never considered himself to be lonely, he was capable of relating to the feeling of longing. At seven years of age, recognition of blank and pallid stares on the railway was an intimate thing — just as when eyes caught sight of desperation gushing through veins as a high school boy reached out to grasp the hand of a female classmate.

Megumi knew too much as a child. Certainly not the fragile intricacies of human relationships and deep desire, yet it was enough information which enabled him to judge in silence. The city was already overflowing with people, and had it been the boy's choice, he and Tsumiki would be the sole occupants of the city. Wanting another person was a foreign sensation and, frankly, off putting, however yearning the company of something Megumi completely understood.

When stray cats gathered in alleyways, when the honking of taxi cabs disturbed pigeons from the metropolitan perches, even when moths cluttered around a single source of light when sky was pitch . . . he felt that instinctual pull to be part of an animal's life and for they to be a part of his life. Features of a little boy scrunched up in equal disgust when spotting rare displays of affection in public and when being in the receiving end of cute nicknames and head patting from a certain ivory-haired sorcerer.

Happiness, the closest the child could assume he was capable of feeling, bloomed when a dog wagged its tail in his presence. If his crazed guardian actually wanted to do something nice ( ie something Megumi would genuinely appreciate ) why couldn't it be in the form of a pet? Having been begrudgingly fed, clothed, and sheltered by the man, the child surmised he had already been deemed fortunate enough. Megumi was not a selfish child; he would trade being in Gojo Satoru's care for a living cat or dog. With no such thing waiting to be unwrapped for Birthday, Children's Day, or Christmas, he felt compelled to take matters into his own hands.

At seven years of age, Fushiguro Megumi walked with solemn confidence half an hour away from home; it was no difficult feat having traveled much the same as soon as he gained independence to walk alone. The stray cats watched him pass; they knew him well. Megumi counted sixteen on the route and like muscle memory, internally called out each feline's name. Names which Megumi had thought of the first time he met a new cat and memorized it to heart. Lacking any treats to offer the small beasts, he was not compelled to linger any longer than necessary during his trek, and the animals were thankful for that, too.

Megumi did not like picking favourites. The very notion of it felt almost like a betrayal. Every species was unique in their own way, and he was not fortunate enough to encounter every species of animal to even consider having a favourite, so how could be possibly pick just one? He had touched a fair amount of mammals ( of course not enough to satiate his love ), thus was absolutely resolute in touching those creatures which easily took to the skies. Reveling in their freedom. A longing for such freedom was also nestled within the child's heart. Often when one was looking for pigeons in Tokyo it seemed the abundant creature was nowhere to be spotted.

Had old man Tanaka not arrived to feed the animals that afternoon? A surlier pout settled heavy on the boy's face once he stepped foot in the park void of his winged companions. Still, he made the trip and had been painfully determined to make progress today. Feet dragged with iron weight as he maneuvered through the park. His guardian had six eyes and Megumi had a sixth sense, it seemed. Gravitating towards a particular spot, it quickly became apparent why no pigeons littered the ground in the hundreds. Unlike a corvid's loyalty, a single injured pigeon sat in a mess of its own feathers. Speckles of dark crimson stained the concrete, but the amount of blood was not innately alarming.

There was hope. No one had stopped to help. No other pigeons were around. Lonely — how tragic. Megumi still harbored healing scratches from his altercations with the cats he visited, so he knew well about stress and what it did for wild animals. The child approached with tremendous care. Despite the gentility, the pigeon still fluttered uselessly when he approached too closely, but an injured wing made for futile attempts at escape. Zippered jacket was removed and used to cradle the bird carefully with wings tucked, palms nestling wings to torso, and the sleeve of jacket covering the animal's face. Reduce visual and auditory stressors; he had learned that from a video.

Tiny thing was pressed securely against his torso, still within the jacket, as he made the trip back home. One hand was used to keep the pigeon secure against his body as he punched in the code of the front door and entered with the care of an undercover operative. Shoes were toed off at the threshold of the apartment, but before he had the time to slip on his own set of blue house slippers, he was there. Didn't he have Jujutsu work to attend to? Unconsciously, he bundle of injured animal was tucked closer to his torso and emerald hues cut even more sharply. Six eyes and all could sense something was amiss, yet the famed sorcerer approached with a bright grin nonetheless. Perhaps more so at the evidence of Megumi's behaviour.

" Don't tell me. My little Megumi-chan got in a little tussle with a kitty, mm? What 'cha got there? "

Just shy of two metres, the ivory haired sorcerer towered over the child and peeked a startling ominous eye over the rim of dark sunglasses. There was no point hiding anything from the man. Could he see through the material of the jacket? Megumi did not precisely know the limits of the six eyes. Instead, the child's lips curled with distaste as an equally sour huff left him.

── ❛ That was last week. ❜

Hesitantly, Megumi peeled back the flap and sleeve of the jacket, and the visual stimulus prompted the bird to blink and whip its head around. Gojo's lips peeled backwards further, but the child's eyes were too focused on the sight of the injured bird to notice. In contrast to how he petulantly spoke to his guardian, he kept his voice low. For the sake of the pigeon and for the sake of the favour at hand.

── ❛ Can we please help it? . . Please? I don't want it to die. ❜

Pointer finger tip gently nudged the tiny feathers situated at the back of the pigeon's head. Gemstone eyes still captivated at the sight of the animal. The adult straightened up his posture as a " Oh, Megumi. You have such a soft heart. " Reached Megumi's ears. It wasn't a no however, and a gentle hand landing on the child's shoulder encouraged he and the pigeon to enter the depths of the apartment.

#𝟬𝟓 breathe in deep . stop holding your breath .

5 notes · View notes

invested-in-your-future · 5 months

Text

Kingdom of Mistral

The Logistics and Landscape of Kingdom of Mistral, 793 E.A

Unlike the three other Kingdoms, The Kingdom of Mistral (In full "The United Free Cities of Mistral") is a coalition of multiple city-states, each often referred to as a Hearts - well-defended ancient metropolises that date to the ages of Once Upon a Time. Through the ages, the free city-states came together to represent themselves in the changing world, eventually earning the title of the Kingdom. Mistral as a unified whole was further solidified by them allying themselves with the Kingdom of Mantle during the Great War.

Each free city has its sphere of influence and a web of villages, logistics, and infrastructure it is responsible for.

Unlike, for example, The Kingdom of Vale, Mistral's Huntsmen don't travel through the continent clearing the Grimm. The Kingdom prides in it's ability to measure the spikes in Grimm pollution and the use of the Grimm Purges to prevent the expansion of the Neverlands areas or formation of the new ones.

Instead, most of the effort focuses on developing and expanding the Hearts, their surroundings, and specific logistics routes between them. The logistics network of roads and village outposts connects the industries and economies of the city-states, while anyone beyond is left on their own. Within the last century, Mistral's logistics further improved via the construction of Mistral's Railway - an achievement of technology and infrastructure that connects the remaining post-war Hearts with the newly expanding Argus and Haven.

The Dragon Fortress

In the northern Dragon Plateau lay Ryugu-jo, The Dragon Fortress, Mistral's heart of science and conquest. Built around a giant Anima Tree that dwarfs even the skyscrapers, the fortress houses the Kingdom's libraries and universities. Here thinktanks, corporations, research organizations, big or small, tirelessly work to explore the foundations of the world. Ryugu-jo also serves as the research point for Kingdom's military, developing technology and designing the next generation of war machines and naval ships.

Ryugu-jo's research initiatives are crucial keystones that also built the foundation on the environmental monitoring formula used to determine the state of the Grimm within Mistral, as well as in determining the threshold areas for the Grimm purges.

The fortress's position at the northmost point of the continent also makes it a crucial waypoint for interactions with the Kingdom of Atlas that lay across The Land of Roots - a highly poisonous part of the ocean and the key element of Mistral's folklore.

The Everforge

The outline of Nemea's districts.

Down south, surrounded by the Cedar Forest in the northeast and the Midsummer Forest in the northwest and almost touching one of Anima's Neverlands areas in the south, Nemea endures. The city's unique structure, defensive capabilities, and self-sufficiency have allowed it to persevere for a thousand years now.

Nemea is divided into multiple districts, each separated from the rest by Nemea's ancient walls.

In its center lay the titular Everforge - built by King Mistral a thousand years ago as he made the first huntsman weapons upon the dawn of Ever After. Through the centuries, the rest of the city slowly grew around it.

Around the Everforge sit the Administrative and Industrial districts, opposite of each other. Within the confines of the Administrative District of Nemea, one can find its governing institutions like the Council Hall, as well as the residences of The Noble Families of Nemea - Tramontane, Levante, Ponente, and Sirocco - four of Mistral's many nobility to claim that the blood of ancient kings of Mistral glows in their veins.

Around the Administrative and Industrial Districts lay the Residential and Commercial districts. The Commercial district primarily serves as the "tourist enclave" - most of the smithies and companies of Nemea offer their wares there. From weaponry to clothing and technological marvels - all the goods available make it easy for any traveling huntsman to part with their money. The district also contains a variety of taverns, hotels, and bars. The positioning of the Commercial District also ensures that any visitors to the city don't end up wandering into the Residential, unintentionally distracting their well-being.

The Judicial District, betraying the circular logic, pierces all the layers of Nemea, separating all the opposing districts from each other. The Judicial District is where most of the Kingdom of Mistral's laws emerge and the trials of the most heinous criminals happen. The military facilities here also handle the training of Mistral's police and sometimes even recruit promising candidates for the Department of Harmony. The Judicial district also houses the Kingdom of Mistral's most secure prison, where the criminals await their judgment.

And in its outer layer lay the farmlands, where the luckier Mistral's farmers dwell, unbothered by the encroaching tides of monsters that slither through the forests.

The Eternal City

In the far east, across the steppes, beyond the Lake Varun, sits Youdu, The Eternal City, Mistral's heart of Harmony and Union. Cradled inside a long-dead volcano, The Eternal City's title comes from the Kingdom of Mistral's mythological roots that label it the Birthplace of Humanity. A bustling metropolis surrounded by rock and long-since frozen lava, Youdu houses Mistral's economic and commerce center, with most of Mistral's wealthy elite nesting inside its skyscrapers peeking out of the crater. The city also houses the most crucial government facilities for the Department of Union and the Department of Harmony. The Council of Mistral convenes here once a year to decide the future of the entire Mistral, too. Beneath the modern buildings, wealth, and factories lies the labyrinthine Old City(known to locals as Siyue), whose existence dates back a thousand years to the original cataclysm, likely even predating it. The forces from The Department of Unity diligently guard the entrances to the old city, and only the most esteemed researchers get the license to enter.

In the thousand years since the City's myth came to be, it hasn't suffered a single breach or attack, rightfully being labeled as the safest place on the surface of Remnant. The self-sufficient metropolis with nearly unbreakable protections has long since become an inspiration to other similar projects like Kingdom of Mantle's Atlas Project or Kingdom of Vale's ill-fated Mountain Glenn.

The Eternal City also houses the primary copies of the Extinction Records - a thousand-year-old document that chronicles the rise and fall of life on the surface of Remnant.

Despite the growing turmoil and division in regards to The Faunus population and the political tension between the noble families, within the last century, Mistral saw many stories of successful growth and prosperity - notably the rise of the new future Heart in the port city of Argus and the ever-growing Huntsman Academy of Haven - as the Kingdom faces a promising and bright future ahead.

#rwby #rwby au #rwby rewrite #rwbyr stuff mine #rwby stuff mine #rwbyr lore

5 notes · View notes

timetrek24 · 2 months

Text

🇺🇲🤝🇨🇭 The BALL Trainmaster Standard Time is a timepiece that merges classic elegance with modern functionality! Crafted by BALL Watch Company, it pays tribute to the iconic railway timekeeping systems that once governed the schedules of trains worldwide.

🚂 Currently BALL Watch Company SA is a Swiss luxury watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. But originally it was founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball in Cleveland, Ohio, and is deeply linked to American railroad history.

⌚️ Inspired by the golden age of rail travel, the Trainmaster Standard Time embodies the spirit of precision and reliability. With its distinctive design and timeless aesthetic, this exceptional timepiece captures the essence of vintage railway pocket watches, exuding sophistication and charm.

⚙️ Engineered to withstand the demands of the railway environment, the watch features a high-precision movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in challenging conditions. Whether worn by contemporary explorers or enthusiasts of horological history, this watch seamlessly combines tradition with cutting-edge technology.

⏱️ The name "Standard Time" harks back to the introduction of standardized timekeeping practices in the 19th century, revolutionizing the way people synchronized their schedules and travel plans.

🌟 Whether adorning your wrist on a daily commute or a grand adventure, this exceptional timepiece stands as a symbol of precision and sophistication.

5 notes · View notes

republicansaredomesticterrorists · 2 years

Text

The Republikkkans are the American Taliban. I think many people would feel safer in Afghanistan than the 3rd world Wild West shithole Abbott has made out of Texas. I don’t see them raking in tourism dollars anymore. But they have adjusted for the loss of blue state tourists. Red state vacationers now only seem to vacation in other red states. That is if they travel at all. Florida barely survived the pandemic by being open for business to other red states. The boom times are ending for Florida and Texas can only attract a limited number of companies that rely on unskilled/uneducated labor. Modern businesses can’t operate in unsafe environments with poor infrastructure, unreliable power grids, and lack of basic government services.

This Republikkkan regression to “simpler” times is going to create a two nations. One with modern businesses, technology, infrastructure, reliable power, social services, healthcare, food crops, and stable banking. The other will be a relic of days gone by with uneducated and unskilled labor relying on cash crops and dwindling tourism while begging for handouts.

Republikkkans/southerners will always say the Civil War was fought over states rights. Dems/liberals/progressives/northerners/West Coasters will more accurately say it was fought over slavery. Historians will tell you it was primarily the piss poor economy of the South and the North/West being sick of southern minority rule while also being appalled by the unchristian act of human bondage.

Nearly all the banks and financiers were in the north. The north and the west fed the nation. The north had infrastructure; modern roads, canals, railways, seaports, and telegraph lines. Industry was almost exclusive to the north. Free public education was widespread in the north. Nearly all trade both domestic and international passed through the north, Midwest, and west coast. The north and west were free, prosperous, and attracted large numbers of European immigrants to bolster its already large population.

The south was dirt poor and deeply in debt to the north. Everything the south needed; food, clothing, footwear, machines, tools, books, furniture, and money came from the north. The south relied on unreliable cash crops like tobacco and cotton. They had to borrow seed money from northern banks, rely on northern transport to bring their products to factories in the north and Europe, and then pay the northern banks and shippers back. Then they had to buy the goods made from their raw materials from northern factories. If they had a bad crop they went into debt or bankruptcy. The slave owning planter elite were dead broke and deeply resented the north for being the source of all capital. Even with slave labor, their economic model and way of life was not sustainable. It was an illusion that lasted a few decades in the early 1800’s and ended with the Civil War. Had Eli Whitney not developed the cotton gin the south would have suffered a catastrophic economic collapse a few decades earlier. Ironically it was the assembly lines developed and perfected by Eli Whitney that made the very guns the Union used to smash the Confederacy.

The point of this history lesson is that the south hasn’t learned from its mistakes. Money, technology, factories, infrastructure, and trade is still mostly concentrated in the north. Slavery in the south has been replaced with cheap non-union labor. In the 70’s and 80’s many modern day robber barons moved textile mills to the south but only stayed for a few years begore outsourcing to even cheaper labor in Mexico and Asia. The south has kept its head above water through tourism, limited oil production, modest agriculture, and some remnants of industry that can get by with uneducated/unskilled labor. If a second Civil War were to come to fruition the south would only be modestly better off than the first time.

Technology, international trade, heavy industry, banking, education, infrastructure, reliable power, edible agriculture, and safe communities are still predominantly in the northeast and west coast. Some of the lower Midwest has been lost to MAGAts who have migrated there in search of a better life only to bring their Republikkkan and evangelical oppressors with them to again ruin chances of prosperity.

Sadly much of the old Confederacy is still in debt, underdeveloped, poorly educated, riddled with an inferiority complex, and ruled by corporate fascist robber barons and their Republikkkan/evangelical puppets. Republikkkan corporate billionaires control 1/3 of our population and 2/3 of our landmass. The south, and rural mid-America, are experiencing late stage capitalism while struggling with catastrophic climate change. They are the third world and their refugees are spreading into our bastions of civility. The 1% have robbed the masses blind and are now plundering the government as a last ditch effort to extract every penny for themselves before it all collapses.

This is our last stand against the corporate fascists and their legions of angry racist militias. Trump is a symptom of the corporate billionaires strip mining our economy and our land. The MAGAts are the angry disillusioned foot soldiers raised on a diet of steady hatred of education, the coastal elites, the urban dwellers, immigrants, people of color, and the lgbt. While Fox News and conservative talk radio pour gasoline on the fire of lies 24/7/365 the purchased Republikkkan politicians preach hatred, intolerance, and stagnation. The purchased evangelical ministers preach spiritual hatred of all things foreign, northern, progressive, or different in appearance. The billionaires and the Republikkkans purchased the evangelical ministers because their parishes are not connected or bound by any ethical hierarchy with a tradition of rules and regulations like the mainstream Protestants and “papist” Catholics so despised by the nativists for being the religions of the immigrants. A decentralized religious movement is easy to corrupt and steer an any direction you choose when you have money and resources.

This isn’t rabble rousing or exaggeration. The MAGA movement made a bold attempt to seize control of the country by force on January 6th. The perpetrators received only a slap on the wrist and the organizers have gone unpunished. Both groups are unrepentant and plotting yet another takeover. Their Congressional leaders are waging war on America while their state legislatures and governors have already become dictators punishing all of us who oppose them. They have created a country within a country and it is a dark repressive, regressive, and oppressive place of fear, hatred, and poverty. Trump may have been personally rebuffed by Republikkkan voters in 2020, largely for not being cruel enough, but his Trumpism, aka MAGA is on the rise. If we don’t stop the Republikkkans in this year’s midterms and again in the 2024 elections we will be persecuted without recourse and killed in the streets.

Please step up your resisting now, before it is too late.

69 notes · View notes