CAZBIO is an innovative energy storage and transfer solution based on the groundbreaking Enstorel system, designed to meet the growing demand for clean, cost-effective off-grid energy in both industrial and domestic settings. By leveraging advanced technology and ergonomic design, CAZBIO aims to provide a convenient, pollution-free alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) generators and fossil-fueled energy sources, which are inefficient, noisy, and environmentally harmful.
In short, CAZBIO is an innovative series of batteries inside an ergonomically design drum, which can be charged overnight then 'rolled' to its off-grid location. With a series of plugs and adapters it can be used as a mobile power source.
For industrial and construction teams, CAZBIO offers a practical solution for powering equipment in remote locations where grid connections are unavailable. Currently, contractors rely on heavy, short-lived battery packs, or ICE generators which are expensive to maintain, generate significant noise and air pollution, and can negatively affect workers' health. CAZBIO addresses these challenges delivering silent, point-of-use energy that is efficient, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. Its modular battery system, called the "Drum," is conceived for optimal portability. This project will develop designs that facilitate transferring CAZBIO to/from vehicles by teams accustomed to standard 25kg loads. Additionally, the towing mechanism design will facilitate manoeuvring the system across rough terrain, making it ideal for construction and industrial environments.
For off-grid living, CAZBIO provides a reliable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like Calor gas or diesel-powered generators. People who live in off-grid and remote locations by choice or necessity, will be able to enjoy the convenience of mains electricity without the noise, pollution, or dependency on expensive, unreliable fossil fuel sources. When powered by renewable energy and charged during off-peak hours, CAZBIO not only reduces energy costs but also supports grid efficiency by utilizing surplus electricity.
A core aspect of the project is its focus on user-centric design. Representative mock-ups of CAZBIO will be created and evaluated in customer clinics to ensure the final product meets the specific needs of its users. Insights from these clinics will guide iterative design improvements, prioritizing portability, durability, and ease of use.
By addressing the limitations of existing off-grid power solutions, CAZBIO has the potential to revolutionize energy access for construction teams and off-grid residents alike. Silent, efficient, and pollution-free, CAZBIO represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy technology, delivering clean and cost-effective power wherever it's needed most.
Through this UK Government backed Net Zero project, DoubleMSC Solutions are refining pre-commercialisation plans that will enable the initial UK and European market launch of our game changing and innovative cleantech energy transfer solution.
ENSTOREL: the new name for mobile energy!
The dynamics of carbon emissions from transportation vary significantly across different locales, influenced by several localised factors. A key determinant in this variance is the prevalence of Electric Vehicles (EVs) within a specific area, which in turn is largely dependent on the availability of EV charging infrastructure. Historically, the decision-making process for the installation of public EV chargers has been guided primarily by the accessibility of Grid power and the adaptability of road systems to accommodate these fixed chargers. This includes considerations of additional street furniture, traffic flow management, and anticipated usage by EV owners.
However, a critical challenge lies in aligning these on-street charger installations with the actual preferences of current and potential EV users. While prioritising installations based on user preference could significantly incentivise EV adoption and utilisation, it has proven more complex to implement in practice.
Our project focuses on Coventry City, specifically targeting residents who lack driveway access and thus face difficulties in home charging - a situation affecting 47% of Coventry households. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of the existing EV infrastructure in meeting the needs of these 'Driveway Orphans'. We aim to demonstrate how 'Enstorel', our innovative and highly adaptable EV charging solution, can revolutionise the ease of transitioning to EVs for this demographic. By facilitating easier access to charging for Driveway Orphans, we anticipate a substantial reduction in local carbon emissions from transportation, thereby contributing to the 'levelling-up' of the city's EV adoption and emissions standards to match the best-performing areas.
Moreover, our project isn't limited to showcasing the benefits of Enstorel charging. We intend to contribute vital insights to a ground-breaking new model for EV infrastructure planning. This model is designed not just for Coventry City but as a versatile tool that can be adopted by any city to enhance the strategic placement of future on-street fixed EV infrastructure. By prioritising the charging preferences of drivers transitioning to EVs, our approach aims to expedite EV uptake and thus contribute to the decarbonisation of urban transport.
Through this initiative, we strive to create a ripple effect of sustainable transport practices, fostering an environment where the transition to electric vehicles is not only a greener choice but also a more convenient and accessible option for all city residents.
Our Enstorel based ZE-Gen project will develop a highly innovative yet simple to use cleantech system for the Philippines that we expect to become a compelling alternative to fossil fuel generators - a solution that can apply anywhere across the Islands.
It will offer reliable access to noise-free, pollution-free electricity in places the Grid may not be able to reach and at a cost to users which the Grid might never be able to match.
Enstorel is a safe and robust electricity collection, storage and delivery device with exciting potential in many diverse applications. For this application Enstorels will be smart-combined with Grid outlets and/or renewable sources through a proprietary system controller which will make investing in community projects for renewable energy generation far more attractive than today, especially in places where Grid connections are patchy or impractical.
UK Electric Vehicle (EVs) use is increasing, driven by the introduction of net zero targets and policies (\>36,000 new vehicle registrations per month \[NextGreenCar, 2021\]). The introduction of bidirectional charging (grid/battery to EV and EV to grid/battery) can facilitate vehicle-to-everything (V2X) use models that ensure all energy is effectively used. However, most charging hardware and EV's developed to date have only focused on charging EV's via a wired connection, quickly (one way - grid to vehicle (G2V) with chargers installed for individual home (private) or public use. However, this model can create a barrier to uptake for EV users concerned about access to public chargers (e.g. London has four times the number of charge points than Yorkshire/Humber \[Which, 2021\]) or where installation/use of a home charger is challenging. Approximately 40% of the UK population \[MFG, 2017\] live in a terraced house or flat where parking outside the house is not always possible and trailing wires and street clutter would be problematic. These issues have proven a barrier to uptake for both private EV users and within businesses seeking to electrify where staff are concerned that they would not be able to charge a fleet/business vehicle (direct information from businesses encountering this issue).
We aim to develop a bidirectional EV charger, ENSTOREL-V2X that allows EV drivers to charge their vehicle and use the energy stored within its battery without being connected to a wire; anytime, anywhere charging or energy use. ENSTOREL-V2X will comprise a mobile energy store battery pack and connections such that it can be charged from a mains electricity supply or off-grid renewables and transported to the EV for charging, mitigating the need for connection to a wired, static charger and providing additional charge for EV users with those who may have range anxiety. Furthermore, ENSTOREL-V2X will also be able to be charged by the EV's battery with hardware included in the ENSTOREL-V2X and provide charge suitable for low power needs e.g. device charging, lighting, small appliances. The mobility of ENSTOREL-V2X creates immediate V2X opportunities.