Engine partnership officially formed

They are now cautiously hopeful about a cooperative arrangement with the provincial government.

The Rankin Group President, Glenn Rankin described the entity as a “business investment group” whose primary mandate involves “energy management and reducing our carbon footprint and overall emissions. We also wish to give Canadian businesses an advantage in the global marketplace.”

They also, of course, wish to make money off their investments.

In this case, Rankin said, “Mr. Robar’s engine meets our criteria for investment from our company.”

He also said he has been impressed with Robar during closed-door meetings with the inventor.

“As with many inventors throughout history, he is very passionate about his work. He may come across as rough but we find he is very articulate. He knows his facts and figures and is very well versed, especially with the Sheldon Engine.”

In addition, he said, “He has some very rare qualities. His word is his bond; his hand shake is for life. Today, these are qualities that rarely exist in the business world but should.”

Robar returned the sentiment. “We did have closed door meetings on the South Shore, and I found Mr. Rankin has common sense, is down to earth and an excellent business associate.”

The engine, as a simplified explanation, relies on a heated refrigerant propellant that’s ozone friendly. The closed loop system releases no emissions and requires extremely low heat temperatures for vapourization to occur and expand to generate the force needed to run an engine that, as this point, will be utilized to operate an electricity generator.

Rankin and Robar both say they are focusing on waste heat.

Rankin said, “Anyone can drive down the road and see the smoke stacks. That’s an example of waste heat.”

He said the opportunity, both in terms of business and the environment, is staggering.

With this co-generation technology, he said, “there is no carbon footprint, no added exhaust in the atmosphere, which will help address the serious problem of greenhouse gasses.”

Of course, he said they have researched the technology carefully. Personally, he is a refrigeration expert.

The amount of waste heat is large, Rankin said. “The heat supply is now being dumped into the atmosphere. Wherever there is a big smoke stack, an incinerator, we can use this engine. We also feel it (the technology) will affect electricity rates in a positive way and we want to set up Nova Scotia as a co-generation province. It’s an open ended opportunity.”

He added lower electricity rates would most-likely attract other industries to Nova Scotia. He also foresees selling electricity from co-generation to the Eastern seaboard of the United States. In Nova Scotia, he foresees coal fire generation plants closing to the great benefit of the environment.

He added Group members realize Nova Scotia has a well-educated trades workforce and relatively inexpensive land for a production facility.

They have already formulated an action plan and met with provincial Energy Minister Richard Hurlburt and other government officials. Another meeting is being scheduled through the office of Human Resources Minister, Carolyn Bolivar-Getson that will include the same people in addition to Nova Scotia Power Inc. executives.

For some reason, Robar said he hasn’t been invited but he gave The Rankin Group permission to go ahead. “It doesn’t bother me in the least.”

He said after nearly three decades that includes a patent, he just wants to see it built. In fact, he is willing to allow the technology to go elsewhere for manufacture if the government wasn’t willing to cooperate. He originally insisted it remain in Nova Scotia.

Rankin confirmed this. “There are other interested parties but out of respect for Sheldon and the effort he has put forth we’re willing to honour his request.”

Rankin said a “spirit of cooperation” with the government is imperative because of Robar’s strong wish to manufacture the engine in Nova Scotia and possibly Queens Co. The Group wants a feasibility study completed to help ensure Nova Scotia is a good place to start. After that, he said the technology would be rolled out across North American and eventually the globe.

“We’re ready to go. We believe we just need a cooperative effort with the provincial Conservative government.”