Power Systems Research (PSR) is an international research company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It operates a second North America office in Detroit, Mich., and has offices in five other countries. PSR analysts have been collecting and analyzing global engine and powertrain data and information since 1976, and we use this data to develop targeted forecasts by industry segment and region.
Our team of experienced analysts works with OEMs, engine and component manufacturers, dealers, fleet managers and industry experts to compile detailed and focused data that has become an industry standard. It’s the leading source of global information on engines and power equipment powered by IC and alternate sources. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Data, Forecasting and Solutions. Let’s start today.
The world has a methane gas problem. Methane is over 80 times worse for forcing global heating over 20 years than its greenhouse gas sibling, carbon dioxide.
And yet we love to burn natural gas, which is mostly methane, to make electricity and heat. Our agricultural and food systems leave a lot of biomass lying around where a lot of it turns into methane and enters the atmosphere. Acceptable limits of leakage are suggested at 0.2%, however evidence suggests that actual leakage to be in the range of 1.5% to 3%
Argonne National Laboratory’s cradle-to-grave analysis considers everything from raw material extraction to vehicle scrappage to provide a holistic view of the sustainability of different vehicle and fuel technologies.
The analysis showed that EVs (which have no tailpipe emissions) also have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional gasoline or hybrid electric vehicles when the entire life cycle is considered.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards environmentally friendly and energy-efficient outdoor power equipment in the global market. This shift is evident in both the consumer and the construction markets. Battery-powered tools have gained popularity because of their lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and convenience.
SUMMARY. There are several factors that could contribute to modest growth in the second half of this year as we await final numbers for the quarter. This should lead to total production globally growing at +2.6% in 2023 (vs 2022). Given this 2023 growth, the outlook for the years into 2028 remains positive.
Apart from Russia and Ukraine, the main country to show a decline is South Korea, while Japan is barely positive. However, the segment picture shows some differences.
Fuel prices have eased recently, but they remain a serious concern.
Supply chains remain constrained.
The war in Ukraine shows no sign of a speedy conclusion, despite recent successes by Ukraine.
Ukrainian exports of wheat, other grains and fertilizer continue but are still low compared to pre-war levels.
Inflation continues to be a concern and central banks are raising their interest rates. This will pose a risk to economic growth in all regions. Inflation and price increases are putting OEMs in a tricky situation.
Risk of recession appears in several countries including the USA and Germany.
Covid is still lingering with global deaths now at over 6.9 million, but the death rate has slowed considerably.
Latent demand for machinery keeps bursting out into the open.
Making the switch from diesel powered machines to a low carbon option is not as simple as some would argue. Switching to electric has drawbacks such as their modest power density, which currently holds back their ability to power heavy equipment for a full working day. Cost is another important consideration.
So, what about HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)? HVO, which is of particular interest to many equipment manufacturers, is obtained from cooking oil waste, grease and fat residues, waste fats and vegetable oil. The manufacture and use of HVO is nearly climate-neutral when only renewable energy sources are used in the production process. The problem with this fuel is its availability.
European energy policy makers apparently are taking a DNV report on offshore hydrogen manufacturing seriously. But this doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, in either its assumptions or its conclusions, according to this article.
DNV is an international classification organization that sets standards for ships and offshore structures, according to Wikipedia.
Chinese automotive conglomerate BYD is establishing a joint venture with Huaihai Holding Group to establish themselves as the world’s largest supplier of sodium-ion batteries for small EVs. Previously, we’ve seen CATL (BYD’s main competitor), announce plans to produce sodium-ion cells.
Sodium-ion batteries deliver a lower energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells but cost notably less to produce. Their main component (sodium) is also safer and more abundant than lithium. The chemistry is ideal for smaller EVs that generally deliver less range and have less demand on a daily mobility basis.
This month author Guy Youngs discusses several reports on new techniques in battery production, hydrogen power and several types of alternative powers.
Mixers are used by a variety of industries, especially for construction applications, and mix an assortment of materials. Power Systems Research tracks the North American production of two types of mixers: one used to produce asphalt and one for mixing mortar or concrete. Asphalt Mixers/Agitators are used to manufacture asphalt, macadam and other forms of coated road stone, often called “blacktop.”
A Cement/Mortar Mixer is a mechanical mixer that uses rotating paddles attached to a horizontal axle to blend the mix ingredients of mortar or concrete.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.
Battery/Corded Electric Units: Production of electric units are expected to increase by 23% in 2023 over 2022, climbing 1,300 units to about 6,800 units this year powered by either battery or cords. In 2023, electric units (battery and corded) will be about 2% of total North American Mixer production. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
