Things to Know About Rolling Stock System

Rolling stock is one of the most complex yet important parts of the railway and transport systems. The rolling stock manufacturing process, in railways, consists of steps that start with the signing of the contract and end with the presentation of a new railroad train. The stages involve creating the design, purchasing materials and components, manufacturing and assembling, testing, and delivery. All safety-relevant functionalities, including brakes, gear, drives, regulations, and controls, need to be in working order to ensure safe, comfortable, and correctly operating railway transportation. Here are a few things you should know about the rolling stock system and its manufacturing process.

Materials 

The material quality is a vital part that should be considered by the rolling stock manufacturer. The material should meet the hardness requirements, strength, durability for the safety level of the system. Remember, the failure or breakdown of a structural component can lead to serious consequences for everyone. It can be a costly task for the manufacturer to fix structural defects in delivered parts. Thus, it is crucial to pay attention to the material quality from the beginning. 

Jigs and Tools

A jig is either a steel bed or a series of specifically designed steel frames, upon which the section will be fixed while they are welded. Jigs are available in different sizes and spaces, as per the parts to be collected. Also, if any particular tools are needed, they should be accurately designed to the highest standards. Poor quality jigs and tools design can be a failure for the project. So, manufactures have to be careful while using jigs and tools. Also, there are different types of wires in a rail car, and it is crucial to ensure that each wire is fixed on the correct point through the most convenient route.

 

Configuration Control

Configuration control is done to ensure that all the documents associated with the order and contract are registered, get customer approvals in time, and the latest changes in the drawings and instructions are given to the production control team. It also involves checking the vehicle as it gets assembled to ensure quality and perfection in work.

These are a few important things you should know about the rolling stock system and its manufacturing process. You can find more details about rolling stock system and its manufacturers online.

Finding the Right Air Conditioner

When you’re in the market to buy a new air conditioning system for your home or business, it’s quite easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options that are available. From simple split and window units for homes, to central air conditioners for large areas and commercial ACs that are designed for some very different purposes, here are some of the most popular types of ACs that you should know of before zeroing in on one for your requirement.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners are used to control the temperature of a large area or of multiple rooms at once and are usually paired with modern HVAC systems to provide favourable conditions. These ACs use a split system that regulates air through ducts that are installed in every room, while the central unit is placed on the roof or on a concrete slab outside. It follows a method of structural cooling where the air cools the centralised unit before being circulated through the air vents.

Split AC (Duct-less)

Split ACs are the most popular kinds of air conditioners that are usually seen at homes. Similar to central ACs, these too consist of two units, one mounted outside and the other inside the room. The Split air conditioner’s power consumption is not that high when compared to central ACs. Split ACs are usually used when the cooling capacity required is not very high, for example for a single room, but the location lacks window space that can fit a traditional window AC.

Packaged Air Conditioners

Packaged air conditioners are popular ACs for commercial setups, where installing multiple split or window ACs is not exactly feasible. They are available in fixed rated capacities of 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 tons and are most popularly installed in restaurants, cafes, shops and more.

Air Curtains

This is a kind of commercial AC unit that is most commonly installed at entrances or exists of supermarkets, shopping malls, theatres, and other similar locations. The unit consists of a strong blower that discharges air from the top to the bottom, creating an air seal that prevents outside air from penetrating into the store, and preserves the health, hygiene, and quality of the air inside. Air curtains also help keep unwanted elements, such as debris, pests, insects and other air pollutants from entering the premises.

While considering the above mentioned factors, also keep in mind to look at your budget and space limitations, as well as the energy consumption and cooling power of the AC to find the one that suits your requirements.

3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Lift for the Office

It has now become important for every office to have lifts. If not lifts, then escalators. Many office spaces have both lifts and escalators. Although it’s good to see them in an office for they make going anywhere in the office convenient, the difficult part is choosing one for your office. To help you do that, here are 3 things you should keep in mind before choosing a lift for your office:

1. Check out the Range

The first thing you do is check out the range. Find out the companies that sell lifts for offices and visit their office. Tell them what you are looking for and your budget. They will show you a range of lifts that you can choose from. Listen to the executive when they tell you the benefits of each type of lift. Write it down in a notebook to discuss later with other senior members of the office.

2. Installation Cost

Lifts are not bought and fit in where you intend them to. They are heavy machines and require installation from professionals. This means that there will be an installation cost attached with your purchase too. Ask about the installation cost as well. The cost of the lift and its installation combined should be in your budget. If it’s not, you will be going beyond your budget, and that expense you will have to cut from a budget of another thing.

3. Maintenance Requirement

Every electric and electronic equipment requires maintenance, so does a lift. Know the maintenance requirement of a lift before you buy it. This will help you ensure that the lifts in your office work smoothly and for a long time because you are maintaining them properly. 

Buying the right lift for your office will take time. You need to be patient during the whole process and never try to rush the process. Always discuss and deliberate before choosing a lift for your office.

Top Benefits of Using Air Curtains at Commercial Spaces

Ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a hygienic environment are crucial and also help increase footfall in commercial spaces like malls, stores, and hotels. Using an air curtain is one of the best ways to mitigate these concerns and boost your sales.

As the name suggests, an air curtain blows a ‘curtain’ of air at high speeds. They are installed at doorways and openings, and deliver constant airflow across the open space, and helps maintain the temperature indoors, while also keeping unwanted elements like pollutants and pests away. Another major benefit of air curtains is reduced energy consumption, which helps you save on your electricity bills, translating into more savings.

Here is more on the advantages offered by air curtains.

1. Save on Electricity Bills

Helping ensure maximum efficiency for your AC, an air curtain creates a barrier between the indoors and outdoors and prevents loss of cooling. Perfect for open doors and for separating different temperature zones in an establishment, air curtains make sure the temperature inside is maintained at the required level, so the load on the air conditioning system is also reduced. This translates into reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills.

2. Maintains a Clean Environment

The flow of air through the air curtain is strong enough to create a shield across the opening. This helps keep outside pollutants like fumes, dust particles, pollens, and pests from getting in, which, in turn, ensures that a clean and hygienic environment is maintained for your customers to feel safe and comfortable.

3. Better Utilisation of Floor Space

Many commercial spaces have vestibules that separate the inside and outside environments. While this method is effective, it utilises a lot of floor space and may even be a little inconvenient for customers. On the other hand, air curtains can easily be installed at the top of the doors, which frees up a lot of floor space.

4. Less Wear & Tear of the Temperature Control System

The reduced load on air conditioning equipment translates to less wear and tear, thereby leading to low operational costs. You can better utilise the money you save to enhance the customer experience or to expand the range of products and services being offered.

Air curtains are increasingly becoming a common feature at most commercial establishments thanks to all the benefits they have to offer.

Comparison between Hard and Soft Automation

When it comes to incorporating automation into their operations, manufacturers have several options. The ideal conceptual approach to automation implementation is to begin with the product and work backwards through the automation process. The manufacturer's choice of hard (fixed) or soft (flexible) automation is determined by the kind of product being manufactured and the volume of production.

Hard Automation

Hard automation is the employment of specialised equipment to automate a predetermined sequence for processing or assembly processes. Each operation in the series is typically basic, comprising either a simple linear or rotational motion or a basic mix of the two. Changes in product design are generally difficult to accommodate in hard automation.

Hard automation is utilised for a specific manufacturing objective with set procedures. It is ideally suited for automated equipment that produces high-volume items with minimum changes or changeovers. This sort of automation, most often, automated assembly line equipment, involves a large initial investment and high output rates.

Advantages:

• Low per unit costs
• Material handling automation
• High output rates

Soft Automation

Flexible automation is a subset of programmable automation. A versatile automation system can produce a wide range of components with little to no downtime for changeovers from one component style to the next. There is no downtime involved in reprogramming the system or changing the physical configuration either.

Soft automation can be utilised to produce a wide range of components with almost no downtime required for component style changes or for making several small batches of a single product. When reprogramming the system, no production time is wasted. The benefits of soft automation include continuous manufacture of varied product combinations and the ability to adapt different product designs. When compared to hard automation, the disadvantages include a medium output rate, high long-term production expenses, and a high per unit cost.

Advantages:

• Constant manufacturing of various product mixes
• Adaptable to changes in product design

As both hard automation and soft automation systems have their own set of advantages to offer, due research at the time of integration is essential. The stage of the product life cycle (that is to be automated), market competitiveness, your production requirements, etc. are some factors you should consider when choosing an automation system.

The Evolution of Elevators

The invention of elevators has been a boon for all of us. They have truly changed the way modern society works. Whether they are installed to help people with disability, move heavy loads, or just for their aesthetical value, imagining the world without elevators is quite difficult. However, only a few people know that the earliest elevator prototypes appeared in the middle-ages. Elevators have come a long way and have evolved to become one of the highly used equipment pieces these days. Let us know more about the evolution of elevators:

Hoists

Hoists are also known as man-lift, buck-hoist, or temporal lift. They first appeared in the 3rd century B.C. and were powered by humans, animals, or even water-driven systems. It usually involved ropes and a pulley that helped in lifting large objects like stone, wood, and other construction components. These are still used as temporary elevators in large construction sites.

Steam Hydraulic Elevators

With the industrial revolution, there was a new need to move raw materials in greater volumes. As a solution, steam hydraulic systems were developed and were able to lift heavy materials, helping mines and factories. These steam-powered elevators further led to inventions of the elevator shafts and equipment that are more identifiable as the elevators we use in the modern world today.

Motor Elevators

Soon after the discovery of electricity, motor-powered elevators also came into the picture. Werner von Siemens, who was a German inventor, invented the first electric elevator in the year 1880. These were quicker and more secure than the steam elevators. And with some added features for safety, floor control, acceleration control, we got the elevators that we use today.

While elevators have come a long way, there is still a lot that can be done. According to NASA, an elevator to space seems to be a possibility in the near future. We hope that this information will help you understand more about the elevators we use in India and all across the globe.

Things To Consider When Buying A Curtain Air Conditioner

An air curtain is special machine people can set up over a doorway or any entrance that blows a strong and steady flow of air downwards. This powerful air stream segregates the areas on either part of it, keeping pollutants, hot and cold air, viruses and insects outside, and conditioned air inside the building. Air curtains can be installed in warehouses, office entryways, retail spaces, hospitals, restaurants, manufacturing plants, and more. However, it is crucial to choose the right curtain air conditioner for your building. 

Here are a few important points you need to consider when buying an air curtain.

Airflow Power

When buying the right air curtain, the first most important factor is about checking the airflow power. Remember, an air curtain with too little air stream is not effective and needs extra energy and power to run efficiently. Also, you must be careful of the doorway or entrance height, the higher the entrance, the stronger the airstream will be needed to work correctly. 

Modes and Controls

The controllers in the air curtains are thermostat-activated. It allows you to set modes and controls to activate only whenever the indoor temperature is low or high. It will help you to save a lot on your electricity bills. The same thing is about a motion sensor, in case the air curtains work only when someone is about to reach an automatic door and get deactivated the moment they pass and the door shuts, it will also help you to save money. 

Noise Level

Any machine that is too noisy can cause distraction and frustration for employees and customers inside the building, regardless of the temperature. When you buy air curtains, make sure the noise level should not exceed 80 decibels. A high-quality air curtain is made of strong and durable materials, a long-term investment for many years to come. 

These are a few major points you need to consider when buying a curtain air conditioner. Make sure you choose a reliable company that offers 2-3 years of warranty on their products.

A Beginner’s Guide to Power Modules

Power modules are the power switching/control circuit elements that are integrated into convenient isolated-base packages in order to offer a broad spectrum of commonly used diodes. They are often used to power semiconductor devices and provide an easy way to cool the device, as well as connect to the outer circuit.

They provide physical containment for several power components, usually power semiconductor devices which provide electrical and thermal contact and electrical insulation as needed. Compared to plastic housings, power modules provide a higher power density and, in many cases, are more reliable.

Characteristics of Power Modules

These devices are ensured to be mechanically and thermally optimized for easy assembly, long life, and reliable operation by power module manufacturers. There are several common structures that power modules are available in, such as IGBT or MOSFET.

Power Modules manufacturers maintain a similarity in qualities of diodes and thus power modules are often classified by the diode that they feature. Fast recovery, Hybrid SCR-High Voltage, Schottky, Standard, Standard Hybrid SCR, Standard SCR, etc. are common examples.

Applications of Power Modules

Power module manufacturers ensure power modules can be used in a variety of applications, such as Electroplating, Motor controls, AC, Motor controls, DC, Motor starters, Power Supplies, Heater controls, Elevator controls, Welding, Battery charging, Appliances, Switches, Transportation, Converters, HVAC controls, Inverters, Medical Electronic, and many more.

Intelligent Power Module

An intelligent power module contains additional control and protection circuitry with the goal of optimizing and making the overall solution easier to design and implement. It incorporates the digital intelligence usually provided by a microprocessor, which makes an IMP (Intelligent Power Module) advanced and highly integrated solid-state power switch.

Optimized high-power switching is more than just turning a switch on or off. Some of the basic functions of an IPM, over and above those of a regular power module, include:

1. Applying proper voltage and supplying large amounts of current for fast switching.
2. Protecting the circuitry by detecting and addressing overcurrent, overtemperature, short-circuit, and under-voltage conditions. 
3. Some applications also require power factor correction (PFC). 

Intelligent power module manufacturers try to integrate any feature or functionality that can enhance the device’s performance. These include increasing manufacturability, lowering the cost, accelerating the speed of switching, reducing its size, improving the reliability of circuitry or simplifying the device’s implementation in real-life applications.

All You Need to Know About VRF Air Conditioning System

VRF air conditioning systems are widely used in commercial spaces and high-end residences for their high performance and energy efficiency. The technology used in these systems delivers state-of-art HVAC solutions to cater to different customer requirements.

Variable Refrigerant Flow, or VRF, defines a large-scale ductless HVAC system of high capacity that is used to maintain the temperature of commercial and high-end residential buildings. It allows multiple indoor units to operate on the same system and provides simultaneous heating and cooling to different areas.

How does the VRF Air Conditioning System Work?

It is a ductless mini-split air conditioner that uses heat pumps or heat recovery systems to provide powerful heating and cooling for all units. With a VRF air conditioning system, you get multiple indoor units attached to a single condensing unit that is placed outside. When an indoor unit demands heating or cooling in an area, the outdoor unit provides only the specific amount of heat and cooling as requested. The best part about this system is that it can simultaneously heat or cool different areas within the same space with the help of its indoor units.

Benefits of Using a VRF System

1. Energy Efficient

The ability to provide the exact amount of heating or cooling required at a specific area makes the VRF system energy efficient. Additionally, it utilises the heat released during the cooling process of one area and delivers it to the area where heating is needed. This helps in reducing its running frequency and amount of energy consumed.

2. Less Downtime

VRF systems are designed to run only when they are required, thereby helping optimise their usage. This results in less wear and tear of parts and fewer breakdowns. Also, with the presence of multiple air handlers, if something goes wrong with one, others are there to make up for its absence and provide uninterrupted heating or cooling.

3. Flexible Design

VRF systems come in several sizes and capacities to suit each and every type of building design. This makes installation easier for buildings where space is at a premium. Further, its versatility helps solve even complex HVAC challenges in different establishments.

A very popular choice for modern establishments, VRF systems have a lot of benefits to offer.

Different Types of Power Modules

Components that help in providing a push or physical containment to several power units that are embedded in an electrical or electronic device are known as power modules. Among the most common devices where the use of power modules can be seen are semiconductor units, which are also called dies. They are soldered to the power electronic substrate that comprises of the power semiconductor, which allows for the supply of electrical and thermal contact, and electrical insulation, whenever required. Power modules have high power density, which makes them more durable and extremely reliable. In addition to this, power modules also allow for an efficient operation of electrical or electronic devices. Today, with several advancements in technology, power modules manufacturers have come up with several advanced products that can be used in a range of electrical and electronic devices for more effective and convenient operations.

The first power module was introduced in 1975. Ever since, they have contributed to the constructive operation of power devices. In addition to their extensive use in semiconductors, power modules are also used in power conversion devices like industrial motor drives, AC-DC, welded power supplies, and embedded motor drives. They can be also used in renewable energy inverters like wind turbines, electric vehicles (EV), tidal power plants, and solar power panels, to name a few.

Types of Power Modules

There are various types of power modules available today. However, the following are the main types that are offered by power modules manufacturers -

• Thyristor Modules: These are latch type modules that turn ON when the holding current reaches the required level and goes OFF when there is an alteration in the current. They are mainly used in welding machines, electric furnaces, motor controls, static switches, etc. 
• SiC-SBD: Another popular type of power module is the SiC-SBD module. It is designed with material characteristics that help in achieving significant power savings in home appliances that require heavy power.
• IGBT: IGBT power modules help in converting direct current to alternating current with minimal loss. They are used in various industrial applications as well as for wind power generation.

Power modules also have different network topologies for their operation. With the help of power modules, the needed power control of a device’s operation can be achieved efficiently.

Benefits of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning offers an improved quality of life to individuals. It helps reduce humidity, creates a healthier environment, and offers much needed comfort within a space. It even reduces the risk of dehydration as well as heat stroke and helps fight mental sluggishness. Owing to the many benefits they offer, people are increasingly investing in room air conditioners, package air conditioners, etc. Here are the various advantages of air conditioning in more detail:

1. Improves Work Performance

Sometimes, people are not able to deliver their best when they feel uncomfortable due to the hot weather outside. However, if there are air conditioners installed in a workspace, they add to employees’ comfort level. This way, employees are able to improve their work performance as they are better able to handle their tasks.

2. Fewer Parasites and Insects

Insects not only annoy but are dangerous for people who have allergies. The filters of an air conditioner help in keeping insects at bay. They prove to be more effective as compared to placing a screen on an open window.

3. Regulates Humidity

High humidity is linked with dehydration, heatstroke, etc. Air conditioners are known to help decrease humidity and maintain it at an appropriate level.

4. Offers Improved Air Quality

An air conditioner circulates and filters the air, eliminating mould and pollutants from the atmosphere. This proves to be useful for people suffering from asthma and allergies as it works to minimise the presence of irritants which can trigger an attack. But it is important to know that this only holds true when you keep the system clean and also change the filters regularly.

5. Prevents Electronics from Overheating

When temperatures soar, phones and computers can go through serious meltdowns. This leads to shorter lifespans and data loss. Heat and humidity can really damage electronics. Air conditioners can help prevent electronics from getting overheated.

6. Keep Fumes and Odours at Bay

This is yet another advantage of an air conditioner. Whether it is the chemicals in cleaning products, dirty air, expired milk, or fumes, air conditioners keep the odours as well as fumes away.

All in all, investing in an air conditioner will serve as a step in the right direction because of the several advantages they offer.

Why You Need Elevators at Your Workplace

It is not uncommon to see elevators in Bangalore, Delhi, etc. being used in several types of establishments. However, the importance of elevators in workspaces or offices, especially ones with several flights of stairs, cannot be emphasized enough. Accessibility for everyone in the workspace should be considered amongst the top priorities. If a workspace in a multi-storey building doesn’t have elevators installed, they are missing out on a number of benefits that elevators offer. That being said, here’s more on the importance that elevators hold in a workplace:

1. Speed

Your employees will be able to save a considerable amount of time if you provide them with access to an elevator. There are also many businesses that require the transportation of heavy loads around the building that could really benefit from elevators. These businesses especially should have elevators as otherwise, it not only affects the speed with which work is completed but also puts the safety of the employees in jeopardy.

2. Accessibility

Employees are able to work comfortably as well as easily when they are provided access to elevators. People who are wheelchair-bound or suffer from any other mobility problem will definitely find it easier to access their workplace with elevators.

Also, if you run a business where clients visit your office on a regular basis, then you should not assume that they can use the stairs. Lack of elevators is something which will most definitely come to their notice and can even damage your image in their mind. It can make you look a little behind the times as well.

3. Reduce Accidents

This is yet another reason to get elevators installed at your workplace. Stair-related accidents can occur in any building. That is why both your employees and customers should have access to a safer means of moving around the building. Hence, as an employer, you should consider getting elevators installed.

4. Aesthetically Appealing

One can definitely say that elevators add to the aesthetics of a place. It instantly takes the appearance to a whole new level.

It is about time that the importance of an elevator is given more recognition. It adds to our convenience and comfort and provides a variety of other benefits.

The Importance of Electric Hand Dryers

An electric hand dryer is an electronic machine that uses a heating element and an air blower to dry hands after a hand wash. Such a machine is most commonly used in public toilets and other public areas as a cost-effective alternative to paper towels.

It was considered a luxury by many during its early times but has proved its importance as a necessity to encourage good hygiene. The daily use of a hand dryer has many advantages and benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should prefer them over hand- or paper towels.

1. Speed – Probably the biggest USP of an electric hand dryer is its ability to provide super-fast drying time and avoiding long queues as they are most commonly installed in public places. You can usually be good to go in less than 10 seconds which is brilliant for high traffic areas. Fixing and maintenance are also quick if you do run into any problems. Hand dryers are quick and easy to maintain and it can take as little as a few minutes to finish the job.
2. Hygiene – Single-use paper towels create a lot of mess and waste which the electric hand dryers get rid of. They provide a hygienic alternative as there is little to no risk of cross-infection from used towels.
3. Cost – Automatic dryers prove to be cost-effective in the long run. They save money by eliminating the need to purchase paper towels regularly and require low maintenance as well as compared to paper towel dispensers. Then, there are the savings from not spending on garbage bins full of used paper towels, picking them off the floor or fixing issues caused by towels being flushed.
4. Environment-Friendly - When deployed on a large scale, these machines eliminate a huge amount of waste by saving the number of paper towels being used, in turn saving the number of trees being cut. They are without any doubt the greener option.
5. Noise – Modern electric hand dryers have come a long way from loud, cumbersome machines and now offer a silent and efficient experience.

All these reasons come together to make electric hand dryers the go-to choice for retail, commercial as well as corporate establishments.