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Army contract to use augmented reality for MRO needs Against the backdrop of war abroad, the role of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) is being highlighted by the the U.S. Army. The Army Application Laboratory (AAL) awarded a Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Seattle's Taqtile to fulfill their Augmented Reality Maintainer-Operator Relay System (ARMORS) vision. Taqtile, a provider of augmented reality (AR) based work-instruction solutions will "expand deployment of the company’s innovative Manifest platform to address the Army’s Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) needs across multiple vehicle platforms," according to a March 15 press release. U.S. Army mechanics like this soldier shown above can use Tactile's Manifest to access and follow spatially anchored, step-by-step instructions with embedded multimedia content to efficiently complete complex maintenance tasks. (Photo: Business Wire) The recently completed Phase 1 program enabled the Army to validate Manifest’s unique capabilities to support digital transformation of motor pool MRO. Manifest demonstrably empowered personnel to complete complex tasks more safely, more efficiently, and more accurately than was possible with outdated paper-based processes. “Modernization isn't only about helicopters and drones and the capital platforms,” said Thomas Mead, Army Application Laboratory Project Manager. “AAL is excited to continue work with Taqtile on a solution that will actually improve soldiers’ experiences in their routine work. Taqtile's Manifest platform is a state-of-the-art upgrade to the way soldiers perform preventative maintenance on their vehicles that will save time and money while improving readiness.” “The nature of service in the Army results in a high amount of turnover in its motor pools as soldiers rotate through their assignments,” said Mr. Kelly Malone, chief customer officer, Taqtile, which was the 2020 Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner of the Year and a proud member of Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas” list in 2021. “The expanded use of Manifest with Army personnel will clearly demonstrate that we are uniquely capable of delivering knowledge right to operators and the equipment they’re working on, helping them perform like experts.” Phase 2 of the project will further integrate Manifest with existing Army IT systems, including automatic initiation of resolution processes. Manifest will also deliver enhanced permission-based management of workflows, building upon Manifest’s industry-leading AR-based guidance. During the vehicle maintenance process, Army mechanics can access and follow Manifest’s spatially anchored, step-by-step instructions with embedded multimedia content to efficiently complete complex maintenance tasks the first time. Device agnostic and highly scalable, Manifest also delivers additional support when needed, giving motor personnel real-time access to AR-enabled, step-by-step guidance from expert Army technicians, anywhere, anytime. Manifest can also serve as a digital repository for maintenance and repair information, including video and audio “notes,” and related documents such as Army Technical Manuals (TMs). Vehicle-specific repair information can be seamlessly transferred between personnel, reducing delays and risk of human error. Demonstrations available Demonstrations of the Manifest platform can be found here: https://taqtile.com/contact/

MWC22 Barcelona showcases mobile connectivity The GSMA (Group Speciale Mobile Association) reports "a vibrant and dynamic edition of MWC Barcelona", a major connectivity event that just hosted over 61,000 attendees from almost 200 countries. "It was the centre of discussion and debate, the place where leaders in the mobile ecosystem continued charting the future to achieve the full potential of technology," GSMA said in a March 3 press release. Like so many gatherings over the past month, the conference addressed its industry's role in world crises—balancing the opportunities and duties of its companies at the moment—while conversely reveling in the ability to meet face-to-face once again. "Nothing beats MWC in person, and it was exciting to bring our community – which is so passionate about connectivity – back together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead." John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd. said. "On behalf of the GSMA, I would like to thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners who came together to make MWC22 so productive, safe, and successful. I also want to thank Barcelona City Council, Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation, Fira de Barcelona, Tourism de Barcelona (the Host City Parties), the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Mobile World Capital, and the people of Catalonia and Spain. Your support is unwavering, and your creativity, hospitality, and perseverance continually inspire us.” Over four days, more than 1,900 companies joined MWC22 Barcelona to showcase the role of mobile technology in "unleashing connectivity", exploring 5G Connect via sponsors like Salesforce, Advancing AI, Internet of Everything, CloudNet by Kyndryl, FinTech, and the Tech Horizon. Contributors included entrepreneurs, government ministers, and other innovators spanning traditional industries to award-winning filmmakers. Speakers challenged and inspired attendees to think about new ways of leveraging technology, the association says. MWC22 by the numbers Over 61,000 unique people attended in person Around 500,000 unique virtual and daily viewers on MWC22 and partner platforms Representation from almost 200 countries and territories Over 1,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners Over 1,000 speakers, 97% in person and 36% women More than 50% of attendees were Directors and C-Suite executives, 20% were CEOs and founders, 25% were women Millions tuned into MWC22 Barcelona content via Mobile World Live global syndication and official national and international broadcasters. More than 1,600 international journalists were onsite Following MWC22 Barcelona, the GSMA is working hard to deliver the full MWC series in 2022. The next event, MWC Shanghai, will take place from 29th June – 1st July, followed by the inaugural MWC Las Vegas from 28th-30th September and rounded off by MWC Africa from 25-27th October – which will return in person to Kigali for the first time since 2019. "As the mobile industry gathered this week at MWC22, our thoughts have been with those suffering hardship and loss," the group concluded in a statement. "Businesses, governments, and individuals alike are wrestling with meaningful ways to help, even as the conflict continues to escalate. Many of our members are responding by facilitating communication with loved ones and by addressing humanitarian needs."

Jenkins adds Gund, Axalta products to its distribution Jenkins Electric, the Charlotte-based industrial, electromechanical repair, test and manufacturing company, has expanded its distribution and e-commerce offering to include The Gund Company's standoff insulators and Axalta's Voltatex impregnating resin. Gund Company standoff insulators, in red, can be seen here molded in place.—Gund Co. photo Offering a variety of standoff insulators as well as impregnating resin in the online store at Jenkins.com "gives customers the ability to shop 24/7 with products in-stock, same-day shipping and no minimums," a March 17 Jenkins press release said, adding that the The Gund Company standoff insulators and Axalta varnish and resin expands its ecommerce distribution of products that are 'Jenkins approved' via in-house engineer testing and review. Axalta Voltatex impregnating resins.—Axalta photo "Jenkins approved products will continue to be essential to our own repair services, while the ability to offer these products to other repair shops in the quantities they need is why people say, Just Call Jenkins. Over our long history, we've built a company and culture that we're proud of. This is evident in the addition of these products that we use in our own day-to-day work," said Iain Jenkins, Jenkins President. The Gund Company Standoff Insulators Standoff Insulators from The Gund Company are ideal for use in supporting bus bars or other live electrical components. Manufactured from UL recognized fiberglass reinforced, flame resistant, thermoset polyester molding compound, these components exhibit strong mechanical and electrical insulating properties. Voltatex® Impregnating Resins by Axalta Voltatex® Impregnating Resins are used in insulation systems for electric motors, large machines, fast revolving rotors, hermetic motors, and transformers. The Voltatex® product line offers a full range of low emission, ready-to-use impregnating resins.

Vasyl Petrovich Kladko, Ukrainian physicist, killed in Vorzel The toll of war is indiscriminate; all casualties are equally lamented through those they knew in life. We report this particular death only because of its relevance to our coverage. Vasyl Petrovich Kladko, a celebrated Ukrainian physicist, was reportedly shot to death in Vorzel, outside Kyiv, on March 13. He was 65 years old. According to the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kladko, the longtime head of department and deputy director of the Institute of Semiconductor Physics, was "barbarically shot by Russian occupiers" Sunday last, presumably as part of the Russian military's renewed push on Kyiv. Fighting intensified around Ukraine's capital, as well as in much of the country, as the war reached its 20th day on Tuesday. Vorzel, which neighbors Irpin, is about 20 miles northwest of Kyiv's city center, yet a mere eight miles from the city limits. Full report/statement: "The Department of Physics and Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is deeply saddened to announce that on March 13, this year in Vorzel, the Russian occupiers barbarically shot a remarkable experimental physicist, longtime head of the department and deputy director of the Institute of Semiconductor Physics. V.Ye. Lashkarev National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in the field of science and technology , the prize. V.Ye. Lashkaryov of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Vasyl Petrovich KLADKO. Ukrainian physics has suffered a heavy and unjustified loss. He turned 65 two months ago, and found himself in Vorzel to relocate his family, hoping for safety. His wife and grandchildren managed to leave due to the significant deterioration of the situation, but he was delayed when the Russian occupiers entered Vorzel. And then what happened happened, and the reasons for which, apart from their intentions to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, are unknown. Vasyl Petrovich Kladko was born on January 12, 1957 in the village of Ozero, Volodymyrets district, Rivne region. In 1979 he graduated with honors from the Faculty of Physics of Chernivtsi State University. In 1982-1985 he studied at the graduate school of the Institute of Semiconductor Physics. In 1986 he defended his PhD thesis, in 2000 - his doctoral dissertation. In 2007 he was awarded the title of professor. In 2015, Vasyl Petrovich was elected a corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Among the most important scientific results are the following: study of the physics of the processes of dynamic scattering of X-rays by real crystals in the most complex cases of the complex lattice structure and defective structure, which contains both deformation and compositional inhomogeneities; the bases of structural diagnostics of real crystals which are based on features of dynamic scattering of X-rays in crystalline environments in the field of anomalous dispersion are offered and developed; a two-dimensional model of long-range structural order was created for the spatial correlation function of vertically aligned quantum points, which allows to obtain the results of quantitative analysis of heterostructures from such points according to experimental data of high-resolution X-ray diffractometry; laid the physical foundations of a new complex method of structural diagnostics of real crystals in the most complex case of a complex defective structure, consisting of both deformation and compositional inhomogeneities; extending the field of research using quasi-forbidden reflexes to nanostructured objects (superlattices, structures with quantum dots and quantum dot arrays) established a number of interesting patterns: high sensitivity of quasi-forbidden reflexes to sublayers containing solid solutions, and defective structure of its individual layers and the possibility of separation of the contribution to the scattering capacity of such structures of each of the layers separately. VP Kladko made a significant contribution to the development of physical and physical-technical bases for the formation of semiconductor nanostructures, had big plans to restore the electronics industry in Ukraine, as a true patriot did much to strengthen the defense capabilities of our country. The Department of Physics and Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine deeply mourns and expresses its condolences to the family and relatives of Vasyl Petrovich. The memory of him will always remain in our hearts. We believe that his death, like the deaths of many Ukrainians, will not be forgiven and the occupiers will be severely punished. Glory to Ukraine." Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Department of Physics and Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Institute of Semiconductor Physics V.Ye. Lashkareva National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Preparing for the show's homecoming EASA is coming home to St. Louis this year. We're here to help you prepare and plan ahead with three issues on the way—and plenty more online content in the meantime. First things first: You can register today for the EASA 2022 Convention & Solutions Expo in St. Louis, June 25-28. EASA 2022—under a theme this year of "Recalibrate, Realign and Refocus", will showcase education sessions including: Visions on IIoT for Industrial Maintenance Electric Motor Bearing Lubrication Frequency and Quantity Attract & Retain Employees While Fostering a Productive Culture Across Generations Interact With 130+ Companies at the Expo On June 26-28, attendees will have an opportunity to speak to over 100 of the industry's leading manufacturers and service providers who know about the latest developments in electric motors, drives and controls, generators and other equipment and services for the electromechanical industry. Book Your Hotel in the EASA Housing Block Avoid housing penalties and reserve your hotel room at one of three official EASA hotels BEFORE you register. The official hotels are Marriott St. Louis Grand, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown and Courtyard St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center. All hotels are within walking distance to the America's Center, the location of the EASA 2022 Convention & Solutions Expo. Check out the EASA website, and register by May 6 for the most cost-effective registration price. Look for extensive EASA coverage in the May, June, and July issues of Electrical Apparatus. We'll see you this summer in the "Gateway to the West."

PG&E, General Motors want to use EVs to power your home Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and General Motors (GM) are working together on "a breakthrough collaboration" to pilot the use of GM electric vehicles (EVs) as on-demand power sources for homes in PG&E’s service area. PG&E, the San Francisco-based utility, and Detroit's GM will "test vehicles with cutting-edge bidirectional charging technology that can help safely power the essential needs of a properly equipped home," said a press release on the partnership. EVs play a critical role in achieving California’s goals for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and already provide customers with many benefits. Bidirectional charging capabilities can add even further value by improving electric resiliency and reliability. A rendering of one of General Motors charging station concepts. —GM image “We are really excited about this innovative collaboration with GM. Imagine a future where everyone is driving an electric vehicle—and where that EV serves as a backup power option at home and more broadly as a resource for the grid. Not only is this a huge advancement for electric reliability and climate resiliency, it’s yet another advantage of clean-powered EVs, which are so important in our collective battle against climate change,” said PG&E Corporation CEO Patti Poppe. By the end of 2025, GM says it will have more than 1 million units of EV capacity in North America to respond to growing demand. The company’s Ultium Platform, a combined EV architecture and propulsion system, enables EVs "at scale, for every lifestyle and price point." “GM’s collaboration with PG&E further expands our electrification strategy, demonstrating our EVs as reliable mobile sources of power. Our teams are working to rapidly scale this pilot and bring bidirectional charging technology to our customers,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. How the Pilot Will Work PG&E and GM aim to test the pilot’s first vehicle-to-home capable EV and charger by summer 2022. The pilot will include the use of bidirectional hardware coupled with software-defined communications protocols that will enable power to flow from a charged EV into a customer’s home, automatically coordinating between the EV, home, and PG&E’s electric supply. The pilot will include multiple GM EVs. Following lab testing, PG&E and GM plan to test vehicle-to-home interconnection allowing a small subset of customers’ homes to safely receive power from the EV when power stops flowing from the electric grid. Through this field demonstration, PG&E and GM aim to develop a user-friendly vehicle-to-home customer experience for this new technology. Both teams are working quickly to scale the pilot with the goal of opening larger customer trials by the end of 2022. PG&E supports its customers’ EV adoption. Through its EV charging infrastructure programs, PG&E helps to reduce one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption—the lack of available places to charge. PG&E helps increase access to EV chargers for customers across light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles through its EV Charge Network, EV Fleet and EV Fast Charge programs.

New trade show for collision repair begins April 1 in Kansas City Living in the Midwest and like to work on cars? There's a new trade show that might be just right for you. The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show is slated to begin April 1st in Kansas City and its suburb of Overland Park. It will continue through the following day (Saturday, April 2). Emerging from pandemic-induced separation anxiety, this group of organizers decided to flip the script by aiming for strength in numbers moving forward. A 2016 iteration of the Collision Repair Trade Show.—Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show photo The initial Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show "was a hit year after year," per the new show's website, "but now, pooling the resources of five active state associations we expect it to be at least five times better than in the past." Other successful trade shows for this industry, the argument goes, are far away, in places Vegas, New Jersey, and Texas. The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show combats that with nearly the most central heartland location possible. Top vendors are reportedly "investing heavily" to be there to answer questions and meet your needs, per the MCR website, and "national iconic presenters will add wisdom and knowledge you won’t get anywhere else."

Companies cut ties as atrocities mount in third week of Russia-Ukraine War It can be difficult to find value in things like political sanctions and business dealings in regards to the Russia-Ukraine War, when that same conflict has torn a gash in the world's collective conscience as it enters its third week. Wednesday (Tuesday in Ukraine) saw perhaps the most terrifying atrocities yet, when Russian forces bombarded a children's hospital and maternity ward in Mariupol, on the Black Sea coast. An Emerson facility in Russia.—Emerson photo With a multi-flank Russian advance continuing on major Ukrainian cities despite enormous casualties, major companies from the United States and Europe alike face the daunting prospect of withdrawing business from Russia while attempting to prevent the situation from spilling over into a wider war. In the first of those moves, the United States officially banned Russian oil and gas imports to U.S. on Tuesday, opening up a wider energy conversation that we will be covering as much as possible in upcoming issues and this newsletter. The idea here, geopolitically, is to take aim at Putin’s main revenue source in an effort to hurt both the pockets and morale of the Russian systems. That decision has paralleled—or triggered, depending on the company—mass withdrawals of support, shutdowns of operations and franchise branches, and statements condemning Russia and/or voicing support for Ukraine. Here's a list of who's in, who's out thus far—with updates coming in regularly and a focus on companies most relevant to our readers. LATEST (3/9): John Deere, Caterpillar: Bloomberg reported Wednesday that John Deere halted its farm equipment shipments to both Russia and Belarus two weeks ago when the invasion began. Belarus is considered by many to be a puppet state of Russia and served as the northern preparation point for Russia's thrust towards Kyiv. The Bloomberg report also said that Caterpillar had suspended operations at all of its Russian factories. Atlas Copco halted all deliveries to Russia, according to multiple reports. The Swedish pump and compressor manufacturer has a segment based in Moscow, so the logistics of this move remain unclear. ABB paused all intake orders to Russia and Belarus, the company said in a statement March 2. Siemens pledged to stop all new business with Russia, according to a March 2 Reuters report. The industrial-tech giant is headquartered in Munich, Germany, giving it a delicate position both geographically and politically, as Germany is in a very pressured position of moderation. Emerson, the industrial motor and generator giant located in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, illustrates one of the more difficult positions a business can find itself in during the current conflict. Emerson had recently cemented business deals with Russia and has over 100 employees in the country. It went as far as to say it "halted operations" in Russia in the first days of the war, but has not updated its position since. General Electric said March 2nd it has temporarily paused support for its airline businesses in Russia, without specifying further (this has been a common stance and wording of company statements). GE has extensive aerospace and defense contracts with the Russian aviation industry. A comprehensive list as of 2/28 (including auto companies) was reported by Reuters on February 28. For ongoing updates, this twitter thread lists the bodyblows to the Russian economy, one by one. Electrical Apparatus learned about the thread via a tweet from Peter Thal Larsen @peter_tl, who used the information to inform his "Russia’s reverse globalisation will test Putin" piece for Reuters on March 7. Meanwhile, the developing nature of the situation means plenty of companies haven't released statements or made formal changes yet. As of today, tiremakers Pirelli and Bridgestone Tire, industrial power generation company Baker Hughes, and energy giant Halliburton are just some of the many companies yet to announce changes to their Russian operations. In other war news, United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Warsaw, Poland on Thursday and spoke there, pledging solidarity with NATO and confirming a delivery of certain munitions to Poland. Harris did not speak on the conundrum involving US-lent airplanes to Poland to be used in Ukraine against Russia.

Congresspeople send letter to address supply chain issues After spending the better part of a decade lambasting Washington, D.C., and its politicians, the American public might be prone to actually feeling sympathetic for them nowadays....they've got a lot on their plate. On March 8, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), and U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led 142 colleagues in sending a letter to Congressional leadership, urging them to quickly send the $52 billion dollars needed to fund the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act to President Biden’s desk for signing. “[…] we write today to urge you to preserve the full $52 billion included in USICA during the conference process to implement the CHIPS Act. Securing this funding as soon as possible will help address severe shortages in the semiconductor supply chain and reestablish American leadership in global semiconductor manufacturing,” said the lawmakers. Despite the importance of semiconductors for America's innovation economy, America's share of the semiconductor industry has gone from 37 percent in 1990 to just 12 percent today. The CHIPS for America Act would restore semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil by increasing federal incentives to stimulate advanced chip manufacturing, enabling cutting-edge research and development – securing the supply chain, and bringing greater transparency to the microelectronics ecosystem. An amendment based on the CHIPS Act passed as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to enable the building and modernization of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in America, but the effort has yet to receive the billions of dollars necessary to implement the reforms. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have each passed their own versions of broad bipartisan competition bills that both include the full $52 billion needed to comprehensively implement the CHIPS Act. “The funding and structural reforms included in CHIPS will create a more resilient domestic semiconductor supply chain which will help prevent future shortages that cause GDP drag, job losses, more expensive consumer goods, and national security vulnerabilities,” the lawmakers continued. The letter was cosigned by Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), John Katko (R-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mike D. Rogers (R-AL), Haley M. Stevens (D-MI), Jaime H. Beutler (R-WA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Andy Barr (R-KY), David Trone (D-MD), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Dina Titus (D-NV), David Rouzer (R-NC), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Young Kim (R-CA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Michael C. Burgess (R-TX), Antonio Delgado (D-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), David Price (D-NC), Jim Baird (R-KY), Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Michael Turner (R-OH), Scott H. Peters (D-CA), David G. Valadao (R-CA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Colin Allred (D-TX), David B. McKinley (R-WV), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), John Carter (R-GA), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Daniel Meuser (R-PA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Lou Correa (D-CA), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Dan T. Kildee (D-MI), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Andy Levin (D-MI), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Yarmuth (D-KY), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Alma S. Adams (D-NC), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Ed Case (D-HI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Conor Lamb (D-PA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), William R. Keating (D-MA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Marie Newman (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Darren Soto (D-FL), Jim Himes (D-CT), Susan Wild (D-PA) Jared Huffman (D-CA), Katie Porter (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Bradley S. Schneider (D-IL), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Sharice L. Davids (D-KS), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Steven Cohen (D-TN), Al Lawson (D-FL), Ami Bera (D-CA), Thomas T. Suozzi (D-NY), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY), Patrick Fallon (D-TX), and Ted Deutch (D-FL). The letter was also cosigned by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Gary Peters (D-MI), Robert Portman (R-OH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kristen Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) , Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Full text of the letter is below and HERE. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader McCarthy: We write today in strong support of the bicameral agreement for the House and Senate to go to conference on all titles of the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). As original cosponsors and supporters of the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, we write today to urge you to preserve the full $52 billion included in USICA during the conference process to implement the CHIPS Act. Securing this funding as soon as possible will help address severe shortages in the semiconductor supply chain and reestablish American leadership in global semiconductor manufacturing. From both an economic and national security perspective, it is imperative that the United States rapidly expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity. While the United States’ global share of semiconductor manufacturing capacity was 37 percent in 1990, that number has fallen to an alarming 12 percent today. Without support, the United States risks falling further behind other countries, most notably China. The funding and structural reforms included in CHIPS will create a more resilient domestic semiconductor supply chain which will help prevent future shortages that cause GDP drag, job losses, more expensive consumer goods, and national security vulnerabilities. In addition, this vital funding will promote more secure technology supply chains globally, including by advancing collaboration efforts between the U.S. and close allies and partners on the adoption of secure and trusted products. Fortunately, the $52 billion in appropriations contained in USICA provides an effective funding structure that will allow the United States to emerge from this crisis stronger. This provision was already passed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis as part of USICA and has the support of a broad and diverse coalition. We must move with urgency to secure this funding to create well-paying jobs and support workers and their families at new and existing facilities. The USICA conference process will allow important unresolved issues to be reconciled in a bipartisan, bicameral way and we urge you to immediately begin negotiations to allow votes in the House and Senate as soon as possible.

Baldor/EST alliance aims for mastery of food-safe stainless steel motors Electro Static Technology's AEGIS shaft grounding rings now come standard on the furthest developed models in Baldor's food-safe stainless steel line of motors, per a recent update from the Mechanic Falls, Maine company and its partner in Fort Smith. The patented rings "have been made standard equipment on the Baldor-Reliance Food Safe line of motors," the company said in an e-mail to Electrical Apparatus last week, adding that "the addition of the internal shaft grounding ring provides increased motor reliability and stops early bearing failure from EDM." Washdown motors in a dairy plant.—JE Bearing & Machine photo The Baldor food-safe line applicable here consists of 25 models with horsepower ratings from ½ HP up to 10 HP. They are often considered ideal for food processing, high pressure washdown, sanitary washdown, outdoor or caustic environment applications. A primary reason cited for this integration, according to AEGIS, is to mitigate the effects of bearing currents caused by variable frequency drives (VFDs). When VFDs are used to control AC motors, voltage is induced on the motor shaft. This voltage builds up until it is strong enough to discharge by arcing through the bearings, causing frosting, pitting, fusion craters, and fluting. Over time, this bearing current causes premature bearing failure. The rings can protect motors by channeling VFD-induced bearing current safely to ground. "Continuous circumferential rows of conductive microfibers, embedded securely in the ring’s patented AEGIS ® FiberLock channel, completely surround the motor shaft and provide millions of discharge points for harmful shaft voltage," EST says in a related press release. "This unique design creates the path of least resistance that effectively diverts current away from the bearings to ground. The microfibers themselves are specially engineered for exceptional conductivity and flexibility to minimize wear and prevent breakage." AEGIS bearing protection is available on motors from most leading manufacturers and can be specified at the time of purchase. Motors can also be retrofitted either in the field or at motor repair shops.

French outfit wins contract to supply conductors to major wind farm Chilean power generator Colbún's Horizonte wind farm in Argentina expects an installed capacity of 778 MW, equivalent to the consumption of more than 700 thousand homes per year. That would make the project the largest onshore wind farm under construction in Latin America and one of the world's highest installed capacities; a major score for anyone contracted to be a part of it. The first of those contracts was announced this week, tapping Madeco by Nexans to supply 840 km of cables that it will produce at the Nexans plants in Chile and Peru. According to the company website, "Madeco by Nexans continues to promote the development of renewable energies, by concluding a significant agreement with Sigdo Koppers Ingeniería y Construcción SA to provide cabling solutions to the Horizonte wind farm," the Paris-based company said in a news release March 1. There will be 840 kilometers of electrical conductors, mainly aluminum medium voltage, which will be produced in collaboration with Nexans Indeco (Peru), one of the Nexans Group plants in the Andean region. Conductor design was optimized based on the requirements of the project, located in the municipality of Taltal, Antofagasta Region. The first deliveries are planned for May 2022.

ACP O&M and Safety Conference takes place next week The ACP (American Clean Power) Operations & Maintenance and Safety Conference kicks off in just one week (March 8-10 in San Diego), featuring over 120 speakers, 120 exhibitors and 25 sponsors and partners. The full agenda and registration can be viewed here, but we wanted to highlight certain topics, starting with an especially relevant session slated for next Tuesday. SESSION PREVIEW Extreme Cold Weather Grid Operations, Preparedness, and Coordination Tuesday, March 8 | 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM PT This session will involve a discussion on the topic of generator cold weather preparedness from multiple perspectives; compliance, operational maintenance and turbine design. This session brings together the different areas that are impacted by the cold weather requirements currently being proposed by NERC. Moderator: Natalie Johnson Director NERC Compliance Enel Green Power North America Ashley Kaepplinger Sr. Regulatory Compliance Analyst Acciona Energy USA Global LLC Chris Petrola Director, Maintenance and Technical Support Enel Green Power Meghan Semiao Director - Asset Management Longroad Energy Rhonda Jones Director, Reliability Compliance Invenergy Further on, here are some of the many other tracks to be covered at ACP O&M and Safety 2022: O&M Solar Vegetation Management Safety Leadership Safety Culture Cybersecurity Fire Protection for Solar, Storage and Wind State Initiatives for Scaling up Offshore Wind IEEE P2800 Impacts Risk Assessment OSW Developers Preparing the Workforce Green Field, Buy Turnkey or Repowering? Labor Challenges NAAA Crop Dusting Managing Complex Safety Challenges Biological Basis for Complacency Balance of Plant Issues Condition Monitoring Systems Controlling Contractor Regulatory Compliance and Extreme Weather Extreme Weather Preparedness Fall Protection Blade Repair Offshore Wind Safety