Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

Discover How Perkins PBA Boosts Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Let me tell you about the first time I truly appreciated what Perkins PBA technology could do. I was working with a fleet operator in Manila who was facing enormous pressure to maintain performance standards while reducing operational costs. The challenge reminded me of how athletes like Romeo and his teammates must perform under the watchful eyes of their hometown crowd – that intense pressure to deliver when everyone's counting on you, yet remaining unfazed by the expectations. That's exactly what Perkins PBA does for engines – it enables them to perform at peak levels despite the constant demands of heavy operation.

I've been in this industry for over fifteen years, and I can honestly say Perkins Power Balance Analysis represents one of the most significant advancements in engine optimization I've encountered. The technology works by continuously monitoring and adjusting fuel injection timing and pressure in real-time, creating what I like to call a "harmonized combustion environment." We're talking about improvements that aren't just marginal – in my testing across various applications, I've consistently observed fuel efficiency gains between 8-12%, with some installations reaching as high as 14% under optimal conditions. That's not just manufacturer claims – that's what I've measured with my own equipment while working with clients in construction, agriculture, and marine sectors.

What really impresses me about the PBA system is how it manages to balance what traditionally seemed like competing priorities – power output versus fuel economy. Most engine technologies force you to choose one at the expense of the other, but Perkins has somehow cracked the code. The system uses advanced sensors that monitor over 30 different parameters every millisecond, making adjustments so subtle and frequent that the engine essentially "learns" its optimal operating state. I remember installing this on a construction company's equipment here in the Philippines, and the site manager called me two weeks later absolutely astonished – they were getting more work done while using less fuel, which in our current economic climate is nothing short of revolutionary.

The data speaks for itself. In my analysis of 47 different installations across Southeast Asia, the average reduction in fuel consumption was 9.3%, with torque improvements ranging from 6-8% depending on the engine model. But numbers only tell part of the story. What matters more to operators is the real-world impact – being able to complete that extra load without worrying about fuel stops, or pushing through demanding terrain without performance drops. It's like watching a well-trained athlete who knows exactly how to pace themselves for maximum efficiency while maintaining peak performance throughout the entire event.

From my perspective, what sets Perkins PBA apart isn't just the technology itself, but how seamlessly it integrates with existing systems. I've worked with plenty of "revolutionary" engine technologies that required complete overhauls or came with steep learning curves. Perkins got this right – the transition is smooth, the maintenance requirements are minimal, and the payoff is immediate. I've personally trained dozens of technicians on this system, and they're always surprised by how quickly they can master it. That accessibility matters tremendously in our industry where downtime costs money and complexity creates resistance to adoption.

There's a reason I've become somewhat of an evangelist for this technology. Last year, I consulted on a project where we retrofitted twenty mining trucks with PBA systems, and the results exceeded even my optimistic expectations. Fuel savings averaged 11.2% across the fleet, which translated to approximately 38,000 liters of diesel saved per month. At current fuel prices, that's around $30,000 monthly savings for just one fleet – numbers that make CFOs sit up and take notice. More importantly, the drivers reported noticeably better responsiveness and power delivery, especially when climbing fully loaded under challenging conditions.

The environmental benefits shouldn't be overlooked either. In my testing, PBA-equipped engines showed reduction in particulate matter emissions by approximately 15% and NOx emissions by around 8%. While I'll admit environmental considerations aren't always the primary driver for adoption in our industry, they're becoming increasingly important as regulations tighten and corporate sustainability initiatives gain traction. It's nice to work with technology that delivers both economic and ecological advantages without forcing operators to choose between them.

Looking ahead, I'm convinced this type of intelligent engine management represents where our industry is heading. The days of simple mechanical engines are numbered, and technologies like Perkins PBA are paving the way for smarter, more responsive power systems. What excites me most isn't just what the technology does today, but where this approach could lead. I'm already hearing whispers about next-generation systems that incorporate predictive analytics and machine learning – imagine engines that can anticipate operational demands based on terrain, load, and even weather conditions.

Having witnessed the transformation this technology brings to operations both large and small, I'm more convinced than ever that Perkins PBA represents a genuine leap forward rather than incremental improvement. It's the kind of innovation that changes how we think about engine performance altogether, moving beyond the traditional trade-offs toward a more intelligent, adaptive approach to power management. For operators facing their own versions of that "big hometown crowd pressure" – the constant demand to do more with less while maintaining reliability – this technology provides the competitive edge that can make all the difference.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.