In May 2104, Thompson Engineering finished a project to understand the status of automated spreader technology. Thompson Engineering developed several guides to help agencies assess the levels of automation available and how best to implement the latest technology into DOT fleets. The Final Report, the Guides, and the Final Presentation are available here.

The webinar presenting the results of this research project to Clear Roads. In this 49-minute presentation, project researcher Todd Thompson and Greg Thompson outline the study’s findings and answer questions from the Clear Roads project panel. The video of the webinar can be viewed by clicking here.

The graphic below is from the section “levels of automation”.

In 2013 Thompson Engineering helped install a 413 kW solar panel array at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Thompson provided the services of assistant project manager and safety coordinator. The following are some photos.

Atrium panels

TEC installed solar panels at th Veterans Affairs Out-Patient Clinic (VAOC) in Mare Island, CA.  TEC worked with the General Contractor as an SDVOSB subcontractor to install a 109KW photo-voltaic solar system on the VAOC rooftop.  2011-2013.  Below you see the panels on the roof and the Satcon weather station that were installed.

In March 2010 TEC finished a protocol standard for standardizing mobile data platforms for maintenance vehicles for ClearRoads a consortium of 14 state Departments of Transportation.

TEC conducted a study of different concepts to reduce the spread of invasive species throughout MN.  Working closely with the MN depaprtment of Natural Resources TEC prepared a report that evaluates methods for limiting and preventing the spread of AIS by addressing the unintentional transport problem on boats, trailers, dock, boatlifts, and other recreational equipment.  Below is a diagram for proposed inspection sites in the Gull Lake region near Brainerd, MN.

TEC researched, developed a model and wrote a report entitled, “Identify Options and Costs for Implementing Measures to Prevent the Spread of AIS” for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  This report was finished January, 2012.  It can be down-loadeded here: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index_aquatic.html

TEC installs solar panels in Mojave National Park
The new solar panels will power the nature center at Hole In The Wall campground in the park. They are being installed in September 2010.

From 2001 to 2009 TEC has monitored boat usage on Minnesota lakes for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  In 2008 TEC surveyed boaters about PFD (personal floatation device) usage. We also collected water temperature, surface conditions, and weather information, automatically using volunteers and a website.

Starting in 2005 TEC has developed solar powered pavement temperature sensors for Cargill. The sun provides the power to collect data, assemble messages and trasmit the data via wireless networks.