21Feb/18
All posts by NORA
05Dec/17
Updated Learning Website
Learning.NORAweb.org provides tens of thousands of oilheat technicians a source for online video courses, NORA certification and continuing education credentials and other valuable education resources. The site, launched in 2015, has been relaunched with an updated, faster and more user friendly design.
10Oct/17
NORA hosts Technical Workshop
The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) held its second Oilheat Technical Workshop on September 18th -19th in Newport, RI. The workshop was held in partnership with the Southern New England Energy Conference. John Huber, NORA President, kicked-off the program describing the workshop’s goals as providing information on the progress of NORA R&D programs and to explore new ideas in an open forum.
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25Jul/17
Learning just got easier @NORAweb
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Oilheat technician training is a priority of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). The requirement for training is actually written in the Federal law authorizing NORA. Now it is easier than ever to participate in the NORA Certified Technician program, keep track of your certifications and training, and access online courses.
Oilheat technician training is a priority of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). The requirement for training is actually written in the Federal law authorizing NORA. Now it is easier than ever to participate in the NORA Certified Technician program, keep track of your certifications and training, and access online courses.
20Jul/17
2017 NORA Technical Workshop Call for Presentations
The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) will hold a Technical Workshop in coordination with the Southern New England Energy Conference (SNEEC) at Gurney’s Newport, Newport, RI, September, 18-19, 2017.
NORA is inviting proposals for presentations at this workshop which will be an open exchange among technical leaders of the oilheat industry.
General topic areas to be included are:
- The direction of renewable heating and cooling in New England
- Update on NORA-sponsored R&D projects
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Technical aspects of biodiesel use and new biofuels
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Advancing oilheat energy efficiency
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Future directions in controls and diagnostics
- An open forum on NORA research directions
Those interested should contact or send an abstract to Dr.Tom Butcher, Technical Director, NORA at tbutcher@noraweb.org or 571.234.7756.
20Jul/17
NORA Releases 2018-2019 Budget for Comment
The proposed 2018 and 2019 biennial Budget for the National Oilheat Research Alliance has been under development for several months.
The NORA Finance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors have reviewed the budget and it is now being released for public comment. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the budget will be forwarded to the Department of Energy.
Anyone interested in commenting on this should forward comments, by September 1, 2017, to JHuber@NORAweb.org.
The 2018 and 2010 budget continues the 2014 changes in the NORA statute and emphasizes research and development, and adds and energy efficiency component. Additionally, the budget continues to emphasize the close working relationships with the state associations.Download the Proposed 21018-2019 NORA budget here.
04Jun/17
NORA Releases Biodiesel Use Survey
The National Oilheat Research Alliance has recently released the results of a survey on the usage and potentials benefits and issues associated with the blending of traditional heating oil with renewable biodiesel for home heat use.
Currently, 5% biodiesel blends (B-5) are being used seamlessly across the oilheat market. Some heating oil fuel marketers are delivering B-20 to all of their customers and a few are delivering much higher blends. This blending into the fuel mix in this market leads to concerns about the impact on reliability and service.
04Apr/17
NORA releases 2015 Annual Report
The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has released its Annual Report for 2015.
The report covers topics such as: NORA’s mission, NORA activities for the year 2015, NORA alliance states’ activities for the year 2015 and the final financial report.
21Mar/17
Q & A with Dr. Butcher about NORA Research & Education Center
In 2016, the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), in collaboration with the New York Oil Heating Association (NYOHA) and Oil Heat Comfort Corp., opened a research and training facility the—NORA Research & Education Center, in Plainview, NY, under the direction of Dr. Thomas Butcher.
Indoor Comfort Marketing’s publisher, Don Farrell, spoke to Dr. Butcher about the lab, its funding, its staffing, its projects and its goals.
Don Farrell: What is the official name of the research center and what is its mission?
Tom Butcher: The official name is NORA Research & Education Center. The mission of the research part is to support the development of advanced technologies that lead to improved efficiency, increased integration of renewable fuels and enhanced reliability of liquid fuels heating systems. Liquid fuels are traditional petroleum-based fuels and also biofuels such as biodiesel and other wood-derived liquid fuels.
21Feb/17
DOE Releases New Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide
The Department of Energy has released its latest edition of its Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide. This guide is for those who blend, distribute and use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. It provides information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel blends in heating systems and engines. It is intended to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors, and those involved handling biodiesel understand the procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.