The latest technology to deliver engine testing and research into sustainable power concepts has been brought to Coventry with the construction of a new automotive hub. Built by Willmott Dixon, the Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) houses some of the most advanced test facilities currently in the UK
Serving as the first natural stage in its NIC CNG Connection project, Northern Gas Networks is now experimenting with liquid natural gas powered vans to judge the potential benefits available. Set to build its very own compressed gas fuel stations for its back-to-depot city-based vehicles, Northern Gas Networks is taking
Increasingly, with the advancements made in consumer (and corporate) technology, apps are being launched to assist customers in both monitoring, and managing their relative services. This is most noticeably the case in areas concerning energy and utilities and, most specifically, Western Power Distribution has taken the decision to launch a
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
The latest technology to deliver engine testing and research into sustainable power concepts has been brought to Coventry with the construction of a new automotive hub. Built by Willmott Dixon, the Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) houses some of the most advanced test facilities currently in the UK and is available to car makers, airplane manufacturers, small and medium-sized companies to accelerate the creation of new powertrain solutions for use across automotive, aerospace, marine and rail sectors. “It is a pleasure to be working with Coventry University and FEV to create this cutting-edge facility. Research into low carbon technologies is incredibly important and, as a carbon neutral business, it is something close to the heart of all of us at Willmott Dixon. It was a challenging build, but thanks to strong relationships and communication between all partners, C-ALPS has been a great success,” said Peter Owen, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the Midlands. “Similarly, the constrained location came with its challenges due to being surrounded by businesses, a church, a university and residential areas – it’s very different to most of other FEV sites around the world which are normally located miles away from other buildings. Because of this, our design partner Broadway Malyan designed its cladding to blend in with the environment and complement the site’s location,” Peter added. The hub will allow experts from across the world to conduct research into vehicle hybridisation, electrification, plus enhancement of conventional and alternative fuel-based powertrains to meet the requirements of future transportation and future cities. It is part of a long-term collaboration between Coventry University and FEV, the international leader in design and development of advanced gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains and vehicle systems. The development has created five testing cells, offices, a workshop, car parking and soft landscaping. It has created strong links into the engineering industry for Coventry University and in turn, will create fantastic opportunities for students and Coventry itself.
Serving as the first natural stage in its NIC CNG Connection project, Northern Gas Networks is now experimenting with liquid natural gas powered vans to judge the potential benefits available. Set to build its very own compressed gas fuel stations for its back-to-depot city-based vehicles, Northern Gas Networks is taking the first logical step in the company’s overarching plans to cut its carbon emissions across the board. Testing the initiative through the vehicles, Northern Gas Networks will be monitoring the performance and benefits of the vans, engaging them in a number of different scenarios so as best to judge their potential. The project itself, valued at approximately £1.1m, is being undertaken as a partnership between Northern Gas Networks and Leeds City Council, with Ofgem funding a large proportion (approximately £700,000) of the project, and Northern Gas Networks personally covering the addition costs; effectively, putting its money where its mouth is. Whilst the organisation is already well respected for pushing efficiencies and operating responsibly, Northern Gas Networks has stated that it wishes to play an integral role in experimenting with new and innovative schemes which may form a part of a far more sustainable economy. It is hoped that similar initiatives may be pursued in utilising more sustainable gases for a wide variety of energy applications where testing the gases for use in vehicles is merely the first step – the end goal may even each the goal of powering homes, cities and more. Only time will tell, of course.
Increasingly, with the advancements made in consumer (and corporate) technology, apps are being launched to assist customers in both monitoring, and managing their relative services. This is most noticeably the case in areas concerning energy and utilities and, most specifically, Western Power Distribution has taken the decision to launch a brand new app for its customers, allowing them to report power cuts directly on their devices as well as enabling them to receive the latest information on faults and issues. As of this moment, Western Power Distribution is now the only DNO with an app of this type, allowing customers increased communication with the company, and visa versa. As a company dedicated to providing the highest standard of service possible, the app is a clear move in the right direction for improving the customer experience and the level of information and support at their fingertips. Although the app won’t quite revolutionise the service Western Power Distribution offers, it does support a responsible approach to the delivery of its service by allowing the customer to keep in the know, on the move. As the app also provides the company’s customers with a live stream of communication directly to Western Power Distribution’s helpdesk, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this will also allow for the easy pinpointing of fault locations and communication of advice direct to the customer. Additionally, past and present reports area also archive-able for reference at a later date. And finally, the app also allows for owners of multiple properties to monitor multiple locations simultaneously through the storage of multiple postcodes. Then commenting on the launch of the app, the Corporate Communication Manager for Western Power Distribution said: “We hope [customers] will find our new mobile app a useful addition to the range of resources that are currently available.”
