Project Description
Steam Bio and Aberystwyth University collaborated on a CPE project to investigate the feasibility of running superheated steam processing plants from solar panels and a storage battery in remote areas of Namibia.
Steam Bio: Solar powered processing plant
Project Details
- Company: Steam Bio Ltd
- CPE partner: Aberystwyth University
- Location: Ceredigion
“The feasibility study undertaken through CPE has enabled us to ensure with confidence the equipment and budget for the PV enabled power supply for our process developments to progress with our first stage pilot trials in Namibia. Subject to the success of these pilot trials we would be keen to work with the team again on identifying PV requirements as we scale up”
Huw Parry (Managing Director), New Network Europe Ltd/ Steam Bio
New Network Europe Ltd/ Steam Bio is developing and deploying an innovative process using superheated steam processing to transform ligno-cellulosic agricultural and forestry residues into sustainable and flexible feedstock for biochemical and bioenergy use. The business development envisages deployment as a series of decentralised rural biorefineries.
A significant opportunity has arisen for this technology in Namibia and other areas of Southern Africa to turn a problem of encroaching bush into an indigenous source of clean burning biofuel and water. This is initially being progressed with an application to Innovate UK Energy 7 competition.
Working in collaboration with the CPE team at Aberystwyth and Glyndwr University an investigation has been undertaken on the feasibility of using PV solar panels to power the system and charge back storage batteries to offer 24/7 system operation.
UVC Tech Ltd – UVC surface disinfection
Transcend Packaging – Laser cutting of paper straws
Ebbah Sustainovation – Solar powered lighting and ventilation for tents and parasols
Space Republic – UVC air sanitisation in office pod ventilation system.
Mobilized Construction – Imaging systems for real-time monitoring of road deterioration
The Willows Holistic Therapies – Evaluation of light therapies for use in holistic practices
AV Optics – Laser-based social distancing aid
Spectrum Technologies Ltd – Laser Marking of Medical Instruments
OTI – Optical system design analysis of precision instrumentation
SureChill Ltd – Thermal Analysis of Novel Off-Grid Refrigeration
Micro Generation UK Ltd: Production of PPE during the COVID pandemic
Qioptiq: Thin Film Coatings
Varichem Co Ltd: Measurement of Polymer Particles
Complete Tooling Solutions Ltd: Investigation of 3D Scanner technologies
Techion: AI-Capable Disease Management for the Agriculture Sector
Global Laser: 3D printing solutions
Diamond Centre Wales: Laser engraved nano-markings
Welsh Slate: Automated product counting system
English 
Welsh