The Client
Based in South Wales, Gaia Renewable Energy supply semi-permanent energy systems to the construction industry. Solatiner has been developed to provide an autonomous off-grid power supply; integrating renewable power and storage with diesel-power back-up to help reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and carbon footprint.
The Challenge
Solatainer is produced from a single-use 20ft ISO shipping container. Whilst this is a sustainable option, it is not considered to be the most cost effective way to manufacture the product in medium or high volumes. GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) moulding was identified as a suitable alternative that would provide long-term economies of scale.
“ITERATE produced a detailed 3D CAD model of Solatainer, enabling us to obtain batch production costs from UK manufacturers” Jamie Morris, Managing Director at Gaia Renewable Energy
Our Solution
Gaia Renewable Energy accessed 3 days consultancy via the Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme; a scheme that is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. During this period, ITERATE reverse engineered an existing Solatainer, producing a detailed 3D CAD model and comprehensive set of 2D technical drawings.
Final Outcome
This CAD data enabled the client to engage a number of subcontract manufacturers specialising in GRP structures and obtain production costs. This provided Gaia Renewable Energy with a pathway to profitably up-scale production of the Solatainer in-line with increasing market demand. For further information, please visit gaiagroupuk.com
Contact
Sales: 02080 011918
Design: 01291 408283
Unit 25, Riverside Court
Chepstow, NP16 5UH
84 Eccleston Square
London, SW1V 1PX