Turning Complacency Into Desire
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| Guy Ramsey |
August 9, 2006 • It wasn't all that long ago that Americans took energy for granted. Following the oil embargo that occurred between 1973 and 1974 and the oil supply disruption caused by the Iranian revolution in 1979, the federal government eased its control over portions of the energy business. This came during a time when our nation possessed sufficient supply and surplus capacity in most energy sources, including oil and natural gas. During the years of accelerated economic growth experienced in the late 1990s, few considered the energy consequences of this unprecedented growth spurt. Not surprisingly, demand surged, and we entered this century with modest amounts of energy flexibility and spare production capacity • a fact little appreciated by the general public and our political leadership.
As global energy demand grew and surplus production capacity shrank, we, as a nation, were focused elsewhere • principally on implementing environmental regulations. While those environmental improvements have served society well, investment dollars were being diverted away, somewhat starving refinery capacity expansion and increased infrastructure flexibility within the energy industry. This and an uncertain geo-political landscape have left us staring the prospect of $80 to $90 barrels of oil straight in the eye.
Last year I addressed the subject of fuel efficiency in our industry in an article published in the May-June 2005 issue of Lift and Access, page 10. The premise of that article was that industry as a whole needed to look at ways to improve the fuel efficiency of our products. At that time, several OEM product managers told me that the issue was not a priority. That this was not something they were hearing from their customers. Oil was selling at what was then considered an astronomical $50 a barrel. Who would have ever thought that $50 per barrel of oil would sound like a bargain? So how high will the price of fuel rise before it becomes an issue?
OEMs need to recognize that fuel efficiency is an issue and look at ways to help limit consumption. Although the significant key to this problem are the engine suppliers, little help from this sector can be expected anytime soon. As they stare down the implementation of Tier 3 emissions standards, engine manufacturers face an uphill battle to keep consumption from rising. Even if customers are not pressing the issue, which I believe will change, smaller yet adequate engines and more efficient hydraulic systems are the first steps that can be taken.
We must also look hard at the way machines are used in the field. With the growing expectation of power on demand in the platform or in the cab, engines are often left running all day just to power a generator. We need to look closely at the use of power invertors working with larger battery packs to provide power to the platform or power for control systems. These systems can store energy when the engines are running. This power can then be utilized for the majority of work being performed. Sensors detect when the supply is low and can notify the operator or automatically start the engine for replenishment.
Owners and operators really need to look hard at the way machines are utilized in the field. Walk on any jobsite and you will find machines idling away for no apparent reason. We should consider automatic engine shut down systems that will shut the engine down if it is left idling for more than 5 or 10 minutes. There are many ways to address this issue and many of them require little more than common sense.
Clearly, we all need to work together • OEMs, component suppliers, owners and users • to address the energy challenges we all face. In looking at these challenges, it is easy to see the glass as half empty, when, in fact, it is half full. We have the technology, the efficiency, and the savvy to address this issue. All we need now is the desire.
