Energy technology

Power equipment, controls and the economics of an installation.

CIR Ventures’ technology focus includes energy. Equipment performance matters alongside the installation, operating conditions and maintenance required to deliver useful service over time.

Choose the boundary.

An inverter converts direct current to alternating current. In this example, the electrical input supplies both conversion and auxiliary equipment. Conversion losses and the energy used by controls and cooling need separate consideration.

DC inputElectrical supply

InverterDC to AC conversion

AC outputPower to the load

Auxiliary demandControls and cooling

Conversion lossesHeat to be removed

System boundaryControl signal

Power flowControl information

In this inverter example, the input supplies conversion and auxiliaries. Conversion losses and auxiliary demand are considered separately.

Separate the measurement
from the commercial assumption.

A test result describes equipment under stated conditions. An investment or purchasing decision also needs a view of how the equipment will be installed and used.

Measured in a test

Boundary and method: Identify the inputs and outputs measured, the equipment included and the measurement method. State how auxiliary demand is accounted for.
Operating conditions: Record load, temperature, duration and other conditions that affect the result. Describe variation and the limits of the evidence.
Durability evidence: Explain the operating period observed, maintenance performed and any degradation or failures found during testing.

Assumed for an installation

Use and location: Describe expected demand, utilisation and site conditions. Identify which assumptions are supported by customer or site evidence.
Installed cost: Include integration, commissioning and the supporting equipment required. Establish which permissions or connection requirements apply.
Operating life and service: Account for maintenance, replacement, downtime and support. State the assumptions behind the expected working life and cost of use.

An installation
has a working life.

The physical setting affects access, cooling, maintenance and replacement. Installation and service responsibilities need to be understood alongside the equipment specification.

Closed power conversion cabinets and supported conduits beside a clear service walkway.

Plan the work around the equipment.

A customer needs to know who installs and commissions the system, who operates it and how faults are addressed. Documentation, training, service access and replacement arrangements support that plan.

Commercial projections should explain how changes in utilisation, maintenance or equipment life affect the expected cost. These assumptions deserve the same attention as the initial performance result.

Bring the engineering
and deployment plan together.

Describe the technology, its measured performance and the customer application. Include the remaining development work, the route to an installed product and the capital required along the way.

Preparing an introduction