It’s is a little trickier to explain, but this third and final topic under “mechanically-induced” air leakage is an important and often over-looked problem.

If your home has forced-air heating or cooling, then it’s likely that you have unbalanced return air. Forced-air systems provide air (heated/cooled air) to all rooms in the home with, commonly, only one or two return vents in a central location.

When interior doors are closed, air pushed into closed rooms builds up pressure which pushes indoor air to outdoors. The corresponding pressure-drops in the central location draw air in from outdoors (or basement, crawl space, attic). This results in increased energy usage and pollution and lowered comfort from humidity problems. Indoor air quality can be compromised, if you operate combustion appliances under negative pressure caused by unbalanced return air.

Fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, and gas water heaters generally rely on hot air rising up the chimney, but negative pressures can overcome that venting and draw combustion fumes into the home which can lead to illness or even death – a very good reason to have carbon monoxide detectors in the home, if you have combustion appliances. What can you do?

For every room that can be closed off (except bathrooms), the ideal HVAC installation provides a return vent which is balanced to match the supply air flow. Retrofitting return vents is seldom practical, but pioneering work by Florida researchers has led to housing code upgrades which call for 2.5 pascals maximum pressure difference across closed doors. This can be readily achieved by installing return air pathways such as “jump ducts” from ceiling to ceiling on either side of interior walls, “transfer grilles” through a wall or door, or “high/low transfer grills” through the wall.

Until such retrofits can be implemented, practical steps include sealing up leaks around your home and keeping doors between conditioned spaces and their return vents open as much as is reasonable – even if only a few inches. While mechanically induced leakage may not be something that we think of often, paying attention to it can save us considerable money, make us more comfortable, and reduce our environmental impact.

To review, “mechanically induced leakage” includes duct leakage, household exhausts, and unbalanced air returns. Reduce duct leakage by sealing ductwork. Minimize household exhaust of conditioned air by limiting exhaust fan and dryer usage, opening a nearby window when fans run for a long time, and supplying combustion air to combustion appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and woodstoves.

Solutions for unbalanced return air are discussed above. I hope you will sign up for a free TVA home energy audit (855-237- 2673) and check whether you qualify for free energy upgrades through the TVA’s Home Uplift program at energyright.com/ residential/home-uplift.

Keep an eye out for new energy upgrade rebates and tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act – for insulation, energy efficient appliances and heat pumps, and solar, wind, and geothermal installations that will save you money for decades and protect the environment.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air pollutants may impact your health more than outdoor pollutants. Here are some easy ways to improve the air quality in your home.

Jon Traudt only has to look at his wife of 60 years to believe that his life’s work — advocating for clean indoor air — is worth it.

Years ago, Bev Traudt’s allergies got worse when the then-young couple moved into their Millard area home. But they made simple fixes to the house, and Bev’s symptoms eased.

Jon, an indoor air quality and energy efficiency consultant, said those kinds of changes remain relevant to homeowners today.

Jon is again raising the issue of air quality given the decision by the Omaha Public Power District to extend operations of its North Omaha coal plant by possibly three years.

Phil Alcocer, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, reads an air quality monitor in North Omaha on Monday.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

A member of the ad hoc community group advocating for an earlier shutdown the plant, he said residents can take steps at home to improve indoor air quality, regardless of the timetable for the coal plant.

People are also reading…

Americans on average spend about 90% of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because indoor air often is more polluted than outdoor air, being mindful of indoor air quality can make a difference in health, Jon said.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Omaha on Monday.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

Jon identified the following areas where people can look for leaks:

› Gaps and holes in the wall between an attached garage and the interior of the home. This also is important due to the potential for vehicle exhaust to enter the home.

› Gaps around windows and doors, on attic floors, around chimneys, around openings for wiring and plumbing, and where duct work joins walls.

› Fireplace dampers that are open or partially open in unused fireplaces.

Outdoor air typically contains pollen, urban and industrial pollutants, dust and invisible soot particles.

Indoor pollutants include fumes from natural gas appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, stoves and fireplaces; cigarette smoke; and vapors from carpets, upholstery, dry cleaning, cosmetics, paints and household cleaners.

Reducing indoor pollutants involves using fewer products that give off gases. This includes using the “cleanest” cleaning chemicals possible. It’s also important, Jon said, to test your home for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths after smoking.

Phil Alcocer, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, reads an air quality monitor in North Omaha on Monday.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

To better filter air coming into your home, Jon recommends seeing if your furnace and air conditioner can accommodate a 4-inch pleated filter instead of a 1-inch filter. The 4-inch filter has more surface area to trap particles.

The Traudts reduced interior carbon monoxide levels by installing a furnace and water heater equipped with powered exhaust systems that force emissions up the chimney. They also run the fan on their furnace/air conditioner constantly so that it is filtering air, even when it’s not heating or cooling the home. 

Traudt does pro bono assessments for nonprofits and most recently is assisting Sacred Heart parish.

Homeowners can purchase a home air quality monitor to test their air, he said. These sell for $80 to $400, depending upon their level of sophistication. They test for temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic chemicals, particulate matter, and in some cases, allergens and radon. 

“What gets measured, gets managed,” Jon is fond of saying.

If your budget is tight, Jon advises spending money on a home air quality monitor, sealing leaks and improving filtration over having ducts cleaned.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2023

Snow still covers fields as the sun starts to set near Wynot, Nebraska on Thursday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Sutherland’s Grady Dempcy is introduced before he takes on David City Aquinas’s Grady Romshek for the Class D during the state final 106 pound match on Saturday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Millard South’s Miles Anderson, left, walks away after pinning Lincoln East’s Joshua Shaner during the Class A state final 126 pound match on Saturday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Omaha’s Ty Mueller gets a first-half shot past Colorado College goalie Kaidan Mbereko’s left hand in the first period to put UNO up 1-0 on Friday. Also on the play is Colorado College’s Noah Laba, top right, and Nicklas Andrews, bottom left.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Maria Sosa teaches a Folklórico class at the Hispanic Arts Center inside the former Center Theater located at 3504 Center Street on Tuesday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

A pedestrian crosses west on 17th Street at Douglas Street in the rain on Tuesday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

A pedestrian crosses east on 13th Street at Harney Street during a winter storm on Thursday.

CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD

Haley Quall, right, and Lisa Mueller prepare flower arrangements for Valentine’s Day in the greenhouse at Janousek Florist in Omaha on Monday. The family-owned florist expects to have about 700 orders for the holiday.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

Creighton’s Shereef Mitchell (4) walks off the court with head coach Greg McDermott following the UConn vs. Creighton men’s basketball game in Omaha on Saturday. Creighton won the game 56-53.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

Victor Benjamin shapes clay in his hand as he works on a sculpture of Chief Big Elk at the KANEKO on Wednesday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

People watch as Victor Benjamin works on a sculpture of Chief Big Elk at the KANEKO on Wednesday. It will eventually be placed at the newly renovated Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Victor Benjamin works on a sculpture of Chief Big Elk at the KANEKO on Wednesday. It will eventually be placed at the newly renovated Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Creighton’s Lauren Jensen dribbles the ball in the first half against St. John’s on Saturday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Creighton’s Morgan Maly and her team celebrate a second-half three-point basket against St. John’s on Saturday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Employees and customers retrieve their belongings a day after they fled a Target at 17810 West Center Road after someone walked in and started firing an assault rifle. Omaha police shot and killed the suspect.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Omaha Zoo CEO Luis Padilla announces an update to the Hubbard Orangutan Forrest on Friday.

CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD

Sarah Nocita hugs her son, Michael Baker, as they move into a new place in northwest Omaha on Thursday. They were tenants of the Legacy Crossing Apartments before being forced to move after the City of Omaha shut down the complex in December.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

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The electrical circuit breaker panel is exposed in a new home under construction. Stock.adobe.com photo by C5Media.

By Doug Siglin and Liz Feighner

The writers are Howard County residents. Siglin is a policy advisor to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. Feighner is a steering committee member of Howard County Climate Action.

In the next few days, the Howard County Council has the opportunity to become a real climate leader. Council Bill 5-2023, introduced by Council Chairperson Christiana Rigby, will direct the county executive to identify the changes needed to update the county building codes to require all-electric major appliances in new buildings, additions, and major renovations. Councilmembers need to get this legislation across the finish line.

The Howard County legislation reflects the growing regional and national momentum to tackle a major source of carbon pollution. Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County have recently passed strong electrification bills. If the Howard County Council passes this legislation and amends its building codes, one in five Marylanders will live in a community dedicated to delivering the economic and health benefits of electrification.

Recent amendments by Councilmembers Walsh and Rigby have further strengthened the original legislation, asking the county executive to report on net-zero energy standards for county government-owned buildings; recommend how the county will reduce carbon emissions from both the public and the private sector to become carbon neutral by 2045; and recommend how to maximize the use of federal and state incentives to help residents to electrify their homes.

Howard County painfully knows the consequences of climate change. In Ellicott City, Main Street itself became a deadly raging river in 2016 and 2018 after unusually intense rainfalls, gutting businesses and causing millions in damage. While the state of Maryland and our local leaders have championed Main Street’s recovery, our councilmembers understand that we must act as fast as possible to reduce the odds of events like these. Buildings, which represent 11% of Howard County’s total emissions, are a prime target.

Howard County residents have a large economic incentive for the Council to act soon. According to a 2022 report by the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel, if utilities continue to make capital investments in the gas system at the current rate, a typical BGE ratepayer will pay up to eight times what they do today for gas service. Gas price spikes have made bills unaffordable for too many, and utility shut offs soared 80% in Maryland in 2022 alone.

Howard County residents ready to switch from methane gas or propane to electric today can save up to $8,000 on the cost of a highly efficient heat pump thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which can withstand even the coldest Maryland winters. However the more homes we connect to the gas system, the higher the cost will be to transition those homes to all-electric down the road. Builders also can save $2,000 to $10,000 on the cost of building all-electric homes.

Relying on methane gas for heating and cooking directly impacts the air we breathe both inside and outside our homes. Inside the house, burning gas emits nitrogen oxides, which create poor indoor air quality and exacerbate respiratory symptoms, even if vented properly. Science tells us that children living in homes with gas stoves are 42% more likely to develop asthma symptoms. For appliances that vent outdoors, that pollution can directly contribute to the formation of ozone, which also drives poor health outcomes. The longer we allow gas in our buildings, the longer we will expose our friends and neighbors to toxic air pollution that could exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or COPD, increasing healthcare costs and undermining quality of life.

The legislation before the Howard County Council is consistent with the county’s long tradition of civility and progressivism and is a strong first step to understanding how we can effectively and swiftly electrify our buildings. After all, we can’t find a solution if we fail to understand the problem at hand.

If the legislation passes, it will be up to County Executive Calvin Ball (D) to ensure that real progress is made. County Executive Ball demonstrated strong climate leadership during his first term by setting high goals, creating a climate subcabinet, promoting solar, and requiring improved government energy use. Now he needs to continue progress and embrace electrification of new buildings and retrofits of existing ones. He has an opportunity with the upcoming revisions to the county’s Climate Action Plan, and  he also has an opportunity, as the current president of MACo, to help lead statewide electrification efforts.

The path to creating a healthier, more climate resilient Howard County is clear. We need our elected officials to embrace full electrification to deliver better health, better savings, and a better climate for all residents.

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With AQI levels rising, are you looking for ways to ditch the pollution? We found few easy ways to battle the dust

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The World Health Organisation has estimated that 7 million people die from pollution every year. Although we think that the four walls of our home protect us from the pollution we are surrounded with outside; indoor air has been held to show harsh pollutants. Here are five ways to minimise the damage.

Spray it

Nasal Sprays can help you breathe better. The Kerala Ayurveda Anu Thailam is made in a base of sesame oil enriched with kapha balancing ayurvedic ingredients such as leptadenia or jivanti, liquorice or yashtimadhu, fragrant swamp mallow or hrivera and Indian bael or bilva. It helps clear accumulated mucus from the nasal passage, enables you to breathe better, and improves your lung health!
>>>
TO BUY: kerala ayurveda.biz

Become friends with plants

Research has indicated that certain house plants act as a natural filter to indoor pollution. In fact, NASA research on indoor plants found that there are over 50 houseplant types that remove pollutants and gases, and one of them is the good ol* rubber plant. It improves indoor air as the large surface leaves act as a sponge and absorb harsh chemicals, breaking them down. The plant has been shown to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into breathable oxygen.

Charcoal*s got a clue

This innovative non-electric charcoal air purifier naturally absorbs bad smells, moisture, pollutants and allergens. It can be significantly affordable compared to many other electric purifiers. It weighs around 200 gm and is pocket- friendly both in price and size.
>>>
TO BUY: www.firstcry.com

Never getting over masks

To fight harmful effects of air pollution, wearing an ordinary mask is not enough. You need to pick effective masks that provide protection for PM 2.5 particles and other microscopic airborne contaminants. Honeywell masks are specially designed to protect the user from probable respiratory ailments and allergies originating from polluted air and pollen. It has three-layer filter protection.
>>>
TO BUY: www.honeywell.com

Let air breathe

Air purifiers can be extremely expensive. But they don*t need to be, you can make one right at your place by following the given instructions: Buy a fan, attach a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance filter) to it. This is where the DIY filter fun starts! It helps if you have pliers for this. Then turn the power setting to three and pull the knob off.

Also Read: Explained: What does AQI mean and just how bad are Mumbai*s pollution levels?

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In the 1990s, Volvo was the dominating force in station wagons, so there’s a bit of a throwback to the V60 still. Don’t get me wrong, it has modern, handsome looks. In fact, the 2023 version has a refreshed exterior — featuring a new grille and front fascia. A quick glance at it on profile though reveals a tried-and-true station wagon, not a crossover. And that really resonated with me.

The V60 still has distinction as one of the remaining “vagns” on the road. And yet it feels refined and luxurious while also feeling thoroughly modern.

From a powertrain perspective, the V60 holds true to what Volvo has been mentioning and that’s a hybridized and electrified future for their entire product lineup. The V60 is offered in two version, one is a mild hybrid with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine while the other option is a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor assist. My tester was the first choice, as a mild hybrid. It was properly powered at 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but that falls short of the more powerful supercharged and turbocharged engine which cranks out 455 horses and 523 pound-feet of torque.

I hope to get to drive this version as I think it might be one that ends up my top-10 list for the year as I enjoyed so much about the V60, but just found the mild hybrid engine to lack personality and athleticism. The all-wheel drive station wagon has an eight-speed automatic transmission that is seamless with its shifting.

Inside Volvo continues to offer steady, consistently upscale interiors. And this station wagon is no exception with a large, quiet, comfortable cabin. With room for three adults in the back seat, you can appreciate how large the cabin. Additionally, the spacious interior continues with 22.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats with a total available cargo area of 60.5 cubic feet.

With a well-designed, refined interior and quality touchpoints, the fit and finish inside is impressive. It’s what you’ve grown to accept from a luxury brand like Volvo. However, the infotainment system is clunky and lacks any type of intuition. It can be confounding, although has plenty of technology available and integration with smart phones. The design and integration place the infotainment system near the bottom of the segment and detracts from an otherwise high-quality interior.

As a mild hybrid, the tamer v60 has an EPA rating of 23 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway. I averaged nearly 27 mpg in a week’s worth of mostly suburban driving.

There are only two trims offered: B5 Plus and B5 Ultimate. My tester was the Ultimate with a base price of $54,100. This trim level has the following standard features: ventilated Nappa leather seats, Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, air purifier, park assist, pilot assist and special interior illumination. My tester had several other add-on features including 20-inch 7-spoke wheels, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, climate package and special paint color. As such, my tester had a final MSRP of $63,585.

With just a teeny bit more power (like that supercharged version) and a little better infotainment system, the 2023 Volvo V60 might be the “vagn” of choice for those who still love station vagns, er I mean wagons.

Jimmy Dinsmore is a freelance automotive journalist. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @driversside

2023 Volvo V60 B5 Ultimate

Price/As tested price………………………………………… $54,100/$63,585

Mileage…………………………………… 23 mpg/city; 30 mpg/hwy

Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid

Horsepower…………………………… 247180 hp/258 lbs./ft.

Transmission…………………………… 8-speed automatic

Drive Wheels……………. All-wheel drive

Final Assembly Point……………. Ghent, Belgium

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Originally Appeared Here

A purifying and ionizing device called Proton Pure helps people breathe easier by cleaning the air around them.

Proton Pure

Updated: 18 Feb 2023 4:11 pm

Visit Official Proton Pure Website Here 

Nowadays, everything has been digitalized or is being replaced by the newest technology, which is fantastic because it means that even as pollution is rising, solutions are also being developed. To clean the air in the environment so that humans can breathe in safely, air purifiers are a good product of technology and intelligent minds. 

Related Stories

To ensure that a person breathes clean, fresh air, one such air purifier that serves as both an air purifier and an ionizer is called Proton Pure. Using an innovative operating mechanism, this brand-new air purifier eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi from our surroundings to maintain a healthy environment. Get Proton Pure Air Purifier For The Most Discounted Price  

What is Proton Pure Air Purifier? 

A purifying and ionizing device called Proton Pure helps people breathe easier by cleaning the air around them. The High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter and carbon filters used by the Proton Pure Air Purifier are used to accurately clean and reduce pollutants by up to 99.7%. This device improves airflow in and out of the room while lowering the risk of allergies and illness. The Proton Pure Air Purifier Air Purifier can remove airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold, animal hair, and pathogens. The HEPA filter used by the Proton Pure air purifier filters the air by drawing it through it and trapping all of the undesirable particles. This device is a mobile touchscreen that can be moved around, is silent, easy to use, and operate. Eliminate 99% of Pollutants From Your Home and Office  

How does Proton Pure work? 

It has a negative ion generator that releases negative ions into the air to ward against germs and other airborne infections. Dust, allergens, and pollen pick up the negative charge created by the negative ions that are released into the atmosphere and stick to them. This negative charge is drawn to surfaces with positive charges, such as walls, televisions, and floors. 

HEPA filters are the safest method for removing airborne particles. This gadget uses a three-step procedure for air filtration: 

Mechanical Filter: The mechanical filter is the first layer that particles pass through before reaching the actual HEPA and carbon filters. To improve the efficiency and extend the life of other filters, it filters out large particles from the air. 

True HEPA Filter: This is the main method for producing clean air. It removes 99.7% of airborne particles, including those with a diameter of only 0.3 microns. Examples include dander, pollen, and dust. 

Carbon Filter: The top layer reduces the amount of chlorine, odors, and other hazardous substances that reach an individual’s lungs and safeguards him from respiratory issues. Get 50% off your first order! CLAIM OFFER  

Benefits: 

• The air is cleared and purified by it. 
• It gets rid of the smell in the space. 
• It improves health and prevents respiratory allergies from getting worse. 
• It eliminates 99.7% of all microscopic airborne particles. 
• On a single charge, it can purify the air for up to 7 hours. 
• It has minimal energy usage. 

Features: 

Battery-powered: 

The inbuilt 1500mA battery in Proton Pure’s air purifiers can run for 7-8 hours when fully charged. They are sometimes cumbersome because many of them require an electrical outlet. Your life will be easier and healthier. 

Easy to use: 

Overall, using the Proton Pure air purifiers is easy to operate. Additionally, a little indicator light on the box lets a person know when to replace the filter, and the straightforward user interface allows him to manage the airspeed and let the device work independently. 

Changeable Preferences: 

The simple settings of Proton Pure are just one of the many benefits. This appliance can be configured to meet your needs. By doing this, the user can stop manually turning on and off the gadget. The handler can remain stress-free by fine-tuning Proton Pure to turn off once the air has reached a specific degree of purity. 

Make no noise:  

The fact that Proton Pure produces little noise is one of its advantages. People are aware that certain air purifiers make loud noises that make it difficult for them to work, watch TV, read a book, or engage in other activities. However, according to experts, Proton Pure is the industry’s quietest air purifier model ever. 

Energy saving:  

A product that uses very little energy is the Proton Pure air purifier. The company sells an intelligently designed, battery-operated air purifier. And because of them, there isn’t much electrical waste, and your energy costs won’t even be significantly affected. 

Also Read: Genie Script Reviews 

Pricing: 

Users can acquire the Proton Pure air filtration system from the official website , which also offers an instructional manual. Additionally, the item comes with a 100 percent money-back guarantee: 

• Customers can buy one Proton Pure device at the cost of $149.95. 
• Customers can buy two Proton Pure devices at the cost of $284.91. 
• Customers can buy three Proton Pure devices at the cost of $404.87. 
• Customers can buy four Proton Pure devices at the cost of $509.83. 
• Customers can buy five Proton Pure devices at the cost of $599.80. 

The customer has up to 90 days to request a complete refund if they discover that the product is unsuitable for their requirements. 

Final Verdict: 

For those seeking an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter to eliminate dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, the Proton Pure is the ideal option. With the addition of a UV light that eliminates bacteria and viruses, this purifier is a fantastic choice for households with small children or pets. 

The Proton Pure air purifier is simple to operate and comes with a remote control so a person can change the settings from his cozy couch position. Achieve clean, fresh air in your home by ordering a Proton Pure air purifier now. 

Proton Pure purifiers offer a greater return on investment due to their superior mechanical design and cutting-edge advancements. Additionally, these purifiers are good for the environment because they do not emit ozone. For customers wishing to purchase many air cleaning tools, the prices are a bonus. Apart from that, Proton Pure’s main advantage is that it is inexpensive for consumers because it uses little energy. Visit Official Proton Pure Air Purifier Website Here 

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Originally Appeared Here

DOEE seeks eligible entities to design, implement, and publish a study that measures and analyzes a range of outcomes associated with Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). Applicants should budget for $400,000.

A person may obtain a copy of this RFP by any of the following means:

Download from the Attachments below.

Email a request to 2023_ejg2g @dc.gov with “Request copy of RFA-FY23-AQD-813 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Research – Environmental Justice Government to Government Grant” in the subject line.

The deadline for application submissions is March 20, 2023.  The online application must be time-stamped by 11:59 p.m. on the date the application is due.

Eligibility: The institutions below may apply for these grant funds:

• Nonprofit organizations, including those with IRS 501(c)(3);
• Universities/educational institutions; and
• Private Enterprises.

Submit an application through the Grants Application Portal. 

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I have to admit that a few days ago, when I first saw the list of books banned in schools in Kuna, Idaho, I was a little surprised, given it was published back in 1991. Even so, I was thrilled to be number 1—Perhaps a revival was coming my way! Then I realized that my book, A Thousand Acres, was at the top because the list was alphabetical, not in order of shockingness. But it is a good list to be on—Toni Morrison! Judy Blume! Thank you, banners!

Most authors know that banning books can increase sales, so here’s hoping. As far as I know, the only other time A Thousand Acres was banned was in Texas, not long after publication. The reason given was due to the sex and violence in the book. Hmmm. Maybe the publisher should have written on the title page “This novel is rated R. Those under 17, must be read to by a parent.”

Most parents also know that once your child is a teenager, as soon as you tell him or her not to do something, they go straight outside and do it. A neighbor who lives up the hill behind our house recalled the times he saw one of our sons sitting on the roof and smoking (well, at least our son wasn’t contaminating the indoor air—and he doesn’t smoke anymore). So with any luck a lot of teenagers in Kuna will read the list, scratch their heads, and hitchhike to Boise to get a copy.

I had thought about writing a modern retelling of King Lear for a while before I actually did it, but then I was driving through northern Iowa, from Minneapolis, and I looked around and said, “Oh, here’s where I should set that Lear book!” There was plenty of farm land for a father and his three daughters to fight over.

When I wrote A Thousand Acres, my goal was not to disrespect Mr. Shakespeare (or Uncle Bill, as I call him) but to give King Lear’s daughters Goneril and Regan a voice. So, is the idea of women telling their own stories and having their own opinions a problem in Kuna?

Oddly enough, my grandmother grew up in Idaho, and she loved it—especially the small town of Hailey, which is about 100 miles east of Kuna. My grandmother went to Albion State Teachers College, and taught elementary school in Shoshone, where she met my grandfather. She never had any problems expressing herself, and never stopped any of her children and grandchildren from reading, writing, and having their own opinions. I think she would be embarrassed at the idea of book banning in her much-beloved state.

A Thousand Acres is not a YA novel, but if you have to read Hamlet or King Lear in high school (and I did), then you know that even if your own life is safe and pleasant, the lives of many people are not—“To be or not to be” seems to be a question for a lot of teenagers these days. So are the folks in Kuna going to ban Uncle Bill, too?

What you learn from literature is not despair but how despair feels and works, how to understand that problems and moods that you are having are not yours alone—other people have the same problems (and animals, too—why aren’t they banning Black Beauty?)

The two main characters of A Thousand Acres, Ginny and Rose, have different responses to the trauma they’ve endured—one is vengeful and the other one is thoughtful and, in some sense, forgiving. Which one is being banned?

Oh, well. I guess that the banners in Kuna want their teens to go back to reading the Bible. There’s nothing like war, human sacrifice, murder, rape, and genocide to perk a kid up. Not to mention animal sacrifice—no one in the Bible seems to have been a vegan (Let’s not forget Hebrews 9:22—“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”.

Maybe the next book banned in Kuna will be Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation: The Definitive Classic of the Animal Movement. Oh, right—wildlife hunters and gun owners are 61 percent of the population (that’s 1.1 million gun owners). Well, I hope they ban it, because then maybe those teens will read it.

Perhaps the book I would ban is the Bible, but why bother? All the books floating around in the world end up in the hands of people who read them, do their best to understand them, and make up their own minds. Everyone should have the freedom to do that.

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In the second of a series of articles focussing on the Astute class SSNs, we look at the overall design of the boat, its propulsion and accommodation arrangements.

Innovations

Despite their elongated development and construction time, the Astute class submarines represent a major jump in capability over their Trafalgar class predecessors that were based on 1960s and 70s technologies. The Astutes reflect the global trend towards larger vessels are the biggest SSN the RN has operated, having 7,800 tonnes dived displacement and measuring 97 meters in length. Increased automation has reduced the core crew requirement by 25%, down to 98 compared to the 130 of the Trafalgars plus there is also dedicated additional space for a further 12 sea riders, specialist augmentees or an embarked military force. Accommodation standards are improved slightly and in particular, the Astutes avoid the need for ‘hot-bunking’ as each man has his own bunk. Despite being larger than the Trafalgar there is very little increase in actual living space and the Astutes are still quite cramped for such a large boat as the reactor and propulsion system take up more than half of the volume of the pressure hull.

Weapons capability has been improved with 6 torpedo tubes and stowage capacity for 36 Spearfish torpedoes or TLAM. (compared with the 5 tubes and 30 weapons of the Trafalgars). The latest Spearfish Mod 1 is a very effective weapon and gives the Astute a substantial uplift in submarine or ship-killing capability over the Spearfish Mod 0 and Tigerfish Mod 2 that previously equipped RN SSNs.

In the post 9/11 world in which Astute was developed, anti-terrorism and special forces operations assumed greater importance and the RN successfully argued for the design to be modified to carry a Dry Deck Shelter. This allows special forces personnel and swimmer delivery vehicles to be delivered covertly ashore from the boat while submerged. This addition of this excellent capability had a significant impact on the design and is the reason for the distinctive and slightly ‘hump-backed’ profile of the after casing. The Astutes also have a more basic SF insertion option with an inflatable Zodiac raiding craft stored under the forward casing that can be manhandled onto the deck and launched when the boat is surfaced. Whether the cost and delay the DDS modification entailed was justified is debatable, seen in the context of today’s environment where countering peer competitors means the tiny SSN force is mostly employed in their core ASW and intelligence-gathering role. (For more details on the DDS, see previous article here).

Astute-Class-Submarine-General-Arrangement-1

One of the most significant innovations that impact the operation of the boat is the optronic periscope. Until Astute, all RN submarine had periscopes containing mirrors and prism arrangement that allowed the commander to directly observe the view above the waterline when the boat is at shallow depth. The periscopes penetrated the pressure hull, were sited in the centre of the control room and raised and lowered into a well below. The new system is contained within the fin and the CM010 electro-optical sensors gather high-definition digital imagery quickly, reducing the time the mast is above the water when the submarine is potentially vulnerable to visual or radar detection. The sensor head unit features 3-axis stabilisation which gives a much more stable and clear picture, even if the boat is pitching or rolling when at periscope depth in rough seas. Instead of only the operator being able to observe the scene, the new method can conduct a rapid 360º all-round look, and whole command team can review the imagery at leisure on screens in the control room long after the periscope is lowered.

This changes the dynamics of intelligence-gathering, operating in close proximity to shipping and offers a major advantage. With new technology comes a learning curve and personnel adjusting to using an optronic periscope was unfortunately a small contributing factor to HMS Ambush collision with a merchant ship off Gibraltar in 2018.

Model showing the control room – sonar consoles on are the port side. Not requiring the control room to be centred around optical periscopes (which must be directly under the fin) allows for an optimised layout.  (Photo: Navy Lookout)

The Astute is controlled using a small joystick which replaces the heavy control columns of previous of submarines. More importantly, the steering, depth and propulsion are operated through a digital Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). IPMS makes submarine operation inherently safer and control more precise by automatically preventing the boat diving to deep, broaching or losing trim. Autopilot and machinery monitoring helps reduce the crew numbers and the helmsman’s workload. The IPMS has multiple backups and revisionary modes which ensure it can be overridden in emergencies or should it fail.

Astute is covered by more than 39,000 anechoic tiles that absorb active sonar and reduce noise radiated from within the boat. The chemical composition of the tiles is classified but they are an elastic material containing tiny air pockets and optimised to attenuate the typical sonar frequencies of homing torpedoes. Development of the tiles is not simple as they must withstand great pressures as the boat goes deeper, compressing the air pockets, affecting the frequencies absorbed. Tiles are not new to Astute and were introduced RN boats in the 1980s but are likely made from a new compound and it appears that a reliable adhesive has finally been found. Previous boats frequently lost tiles washed off during operations which is detrimental to stealth, required repair and offered the opportunity for analysis by adversaries if recovered.

HMS Astute conducts her first trim and basin dive in Devonshire Dock, Barrow (Oct 2007). On the top of the casing, the fwd and aft escape hatches are clearly visible along with retractable bollards. Note the tiny bridge, relative to the large size of the fin which goes almost the full width of the casing to allow the Special Forces Payload Bay (SFPB) / DDS to mate with the lock-out chamber.  The temporary green rack fixed to the casing held lead weights that could be moved around to test trim angles. (Photo: BAE Systems).

Propulsion

The PWR2 nuclear reactor around which the design was developed incorporates the core-H design which will not require refuelling for more than 25 years. This benefit should save future expense and increase availability, although some of the early Astutes may have to be extended in-service and refuelling could be required if their SSN(R) replacements are not ready in time. Pressurised Water Reactors are an inherently safe design because the hotter the water used to cool the reactor becomes, the slower the nuclear fission reaction becomes, thus making it self-regulating.

In common with the USN the RN uses Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) as fuel for its submarine reactors which results in very high power density. The power of Astute’s reactor is classified but is estimated to be over 100MW. Nuclear propulsion is especially sensitive and details are more closely guarded by the UK government even than the production of nuclear warheads. This is partly because aspects of the designs are based on technology shared by the US that come with very strict classification conditions.

The enriched uranium handling facility at AWE Aldermaston stores and processes HEU for initial fabrication into reactor fuel for the UK Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). It is estimated the UK has about 80 years worth of HEU to support the NNPP at the current rate of consumption. HEU fuel from AWE are processed and the submarine nuclear reactor cores are fabricated and test-assembled at Royce in Derby before being transported to Barrow for final assembly and insertion into the Astute hull ring.

The reactor core is contained within the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) but only takes up a small part of the reactor compartment which is filled with shielding, pumps and complex pipework. Radiation protection is provided by polythene blocks which shield the upper half of the RPV which can be visually inspected via a thick glass window in the access tunnel above. The bottom of the RPV sits in a water tank surrounded by lead plating. Shielding is so effective that most submariners receive less radiation during a patrol than they would get from background radiation ashore. The superheated radioactive steam from the reactor passed through the primary circuit and the energy is transferred by heat exchangers to two secondary circuits. This steam is then piped to the engine room where it drives the two steam turbines and two turbo-generators.

Shielded from public gaze, the Astutes feature a new ultra-quiet propulsor design that is constructed as a separate unit which eases maintenance and installation. The cowl is made from composites and reduces acoustic energy emitted from the spinning rotor. The stator blades placed ahead of the rotor improve the water flow reducing turbulence and cavitation.  HMS Artful, May 2014. (Photo: BAE Systems)

The nuclear propulsion system has backup systems. Diesel generators can be run either when surfaced or using a snort induction mast at periscope depth and provide electrical power to the Emergency Propulsion Motors (EPM) that can drive the propulsor at slow speed. This mode is used for short ‘cold-moves’ when the reactor is shut down (such as for short transits between Faslane naval base and the weapons depot at Coulport). If the steam turbines, gearbox, shafts or propulsor were damaged or failed there is a Secondary Propulsion Motor (SPM) colloquially known as the ‘egg whisk’. This is a small thruster can be lowered from inside the aft free flood space to provide a few knots in an emergency and could be run from batteries for a short period. The thruster can be rotated to provide steering and may also be used to assist with manoeuvring in harbour.

The large rudders have a total area of about 30m2 and are controlled with a complex mechanism fitted around the main shaft line that also actuates the hydroplanes. The aft hydroplanes are and can be moved independently to contribute to steering and stability, giving a wider safe operating envelope in the unlikely event of a rudder or hydroplane jam. The aft free flood area can be sealed and pumped out when in harbour to allow for maintenance of the hydroplane and rudder actuators. The forward hydroplanes are on one shaft and the actuators under the forward casing can be accessed easily for maintenance as they are above the water line when surfaced.

The diagram above does not remotely do justice to the complexity of a nuclear submarine that has multiple interconnected systems of systems. The vessel has to withstand enormous subsea pressure, support life for months without surfacing, move, and fight all as quietly as possible. Besides the enormous sophistication of nuclear propulsion, the boat relies on its critical hydraulic system for steering, plane control opening and closing valves, and weapon doors. The high-pressure air system is needed to control buoyancy and trim tanks and the low-pressure air system provides emergency breathing for the crew. There is also a complex electrical system that includes a large bank of lead-acid batteries as a backup power supply. The crew also rely on ventilation, air purification, oxygen and water-making systems to sustain life below the waves.

Escape

In the event of the submarine becoming disabled, and sinking in waters shallower than crush depth, the Astutes are fitted with two escape towers capable of operation with the boat lying at angles up to 30% off horizontal. The forward escape tower (FET) allows one man to escape at a time while the aft chamber is larger and has a two-man capacity. The larger aft hatch is also used when in harbour for embarking stores.

Both towers have a hatch at the bottom where the escapee enters wearing survival suits and breathing apparatus. The hatch is closed and water is slowly admitted into the chamber until full and equalised with surrounding sea pressure. The upper hatch is then opened and the escapee acends to the surface. In theory, it sounds simple but is not for the faint-hearted, fraught with dangers and only really viable if the submarine has sunk at very shallow depths. Rescue by a submersible that can mate with the escape chamber hatches is a much more realistic hope of survival and the NATO Submarine Rescue Service (NSRS) based at Faslane is always available to respond to distressed submarine incidents.

• The junior rates mess is the recreation and eating space for about 86 people. Nuclear submarines are self-sufficient in everything except food, the Astute class carry enough for a nominal endurance of 90 days although patrols are occasionally extended by introducing food rationing (Photo: BAE Systems).

• One of the junior rates 6-berth bunk spaces. The triple bunks are slightly bigger than those fitted to the Trafalgars, being 1m wide by 2m in length and have just 80cm headroom which does permit sitting up in bed. Each man has a small locker for kit and possessions and one of the 3 shallow drawers under the bottom bunk (Photo: BAE Systems).

• Senior Rates bunk space (Photos: BAE Systems).

• Officer cabin (left) and view looking aft along 2 deck (Photos: BAE Systems).

• The CO’s tiny cabin is the only private space on board. The settee doubles as the bunk (Photos: BAE Systems).

• The Junior Rates bathroom. There are just 5 showers, 5 toilets, 2 urinals and 2 basins available for the whole crew (Photo: BAE Systems).

• Wardroom serving hatch (pre-commissioning) (Photo: BAE Systems).

• Wardroom (Photo: BAE Systems).

NOTE: All information in this piece is derived from sources already in the public domain and due to the particularly sensitive nature of submarine design, is inevitably vague or incomplete in places. In a future article, we will examine the Astute class weapons and sensors.

Main image: HMS Ambush, Mediterranean 2016, via NATO Marcom.

 

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The city of Salinas is making more progress toward sustainable energy by adding zero-emission vehicles to its fleet.The medium-duty vehicles include one flatbed truck and two cargo trucks. All trucks were originally gas-powered, but were converted to fully electric by Phoenix Motorcars. The trucks supplied to Salinas were funded in part by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District Clean Air Management program and the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project program.”We’re proud to be a recipient of this grant from the Monterey Bay Air Resources District,” said Salinas City Councilman Steve McShane. I think what we’re going to see is a lot more electrification of our fleet for the benefit of saving money and being a good steward of the environment.”Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig is also committed to adding more green energy to the city. “Agriculture is the foundation of our local economy, so the air quality and climate in our community matter,” said Craig. “Replacing three large fleet vehicles helps protect our environment and also significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs.”The new electric trucks will reduce atmospheric emissions by approximately 61 tons, maintenance costs by 75% and fuel costs by 80% annually. As for performance, the trucks offer a driving range of up to 110 miles, with the ability to be fully charged within two to three hours with a 50-kW Level III charger.

SALINAS, Calif. —

The city of Salinas is making more progress toward sustainable energy by adding zero-emission vehicles to its fleet.

The medium-duty vehicles include one flatbed truck and two cargo trucks. All trucks were originally gas-powered, but were converted to fully electric by Phoenix Motorcars.

The trucks supplied to Salinas were funded in part by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District Clean Air Management program and the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project program.

“We’re proud to be a recipient of this grant from the Monterey Bay Air Resources District,” said Salinas City Councilman Steve McShane. I think what we’re going to see is a lot more electrification of our fleet for the benefit of saving money and being a good steward of the environment.”

Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig is also committed to adding more green energy to the city. “Agriculture is the foundation of our local economy, so the air quality and climate in our community matter,” said Craig. “Replacing three large fleet vehicles helps protect our environment and also significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs.”

The new electric trucks will reduce atmospheric emissions by approximately 61 tons, maintenance costs by 75% and fuel costs by 80% annually.

As for performance, the trucks offer a driving range of up to 110 miles, with the ability to be fully charged within two to three hours with a 50-kW Level III charger.

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