Revolutionising renewable energy infrastructure and pollution control: A unified approach

Companies like Fibox, a major European manufacturer of recyclable electrical enclosures, and two of their customers, Sandfield Penstock Solutions Ltd, and PAD Technology Ltd are playing pivotal roles in these domains, synergizing their efforts to create a greener and more sustainable world.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a shining star in the realm of sustainable energy solutions. Solar farms, canopies, pontoons, and solar-powered electrical and electronic equipment are becoming increasingly prevalent in our quest to harness the power of the sun. However, these installations require robust electrical infrastructure to function efficiently and reliably.

This is where Fibox electrical enclosures, particularly the ARCA IEC and MCE65 series, play a pivotal role in housing switchgear, over-voltage protection, metering systems, and other electrical equipment within these solar installations.

Fibox enclosures are not only essential for protection but also contribute significantly to a company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. These high-quality enclosures are injection-moulded in high-grade recyclable thermoplastics, aligning seamlessly with a customer’s sustainability objectives.

For example, the Fibox ARCA IEC series, renowned for its versatility and durability, has become an ideal choice for housing critical electrical components within solar installations, especially solar farms. Exposed to often harsh environmental factors such as rain, wind, and UV radiation, Fibox ARCA IEC enclosures are designed to provide exceptional protection against these elements. Their robust construction, featuring glass-filled polycarbonate, ensures that sensitive switchgear, over-voltage protection and metering equipment are shielded from the elements, preventing corrosion and damage.

Of course, the development of more sustainable energy production has positive benefits over and above those associated with power generation. One of the most significant positive effects of renewable energy initiatives is to help control water pollution and that is achieved by reducing the emissions of air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion.

Burning fossil fuels for electricity generation releases pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants can eventually settle into water bodies through deposition and rain, leading to acid rain and the contamination of water sources.

It is a given fact that conventional power plants, especially coal and nuclear facilities, require significant amounts of water for cooling purposes. The hot water discharged from these facilities can raise the temperature of nearby water bodies, leading to thermal pollution. In addition to cooling water requirements, fossil fuel power plants also consume large amounts of water for steam generation and other processes.

Shifting to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the demand for water in the energy sector, conserving water resources and reducing the risk of water scarcity. The release of untreated sewerage and the polluted water from industrial processes pose a particularly dangerous threat to waterways and wildlife. Fibox customer, Sandfield Penstock Solutions Ltd stands as a pioneer in polluted water containment.

Sandfield Penstock Solutions Ltd offer tailored and innovative answers to water pollution containment challenges. Their ToggleBlok pollution containment device, which incorporates a Fibox enclosure, exemplifies the intersection of advanced technology and environmental stewardship.

The mission of Sandfield Penstock Solutions is to make water pollution prevention not only a moral imperative but also an economically feasible and operationally efficient endeavour for businesses. Understanding the catastrophic potential of water and ground pollution from incidents such as spills, floods, or fires is paramount.

At the core of this commitment lies the ToggleBlok, a state-of-the-art water pollution containment device. Developed as a standalone solution for businesses keen on mitigating their water pollution risk, ToggleBlok incorporates a Fibox polycarbonate ARCA IEC enclosure to ensure the utmost robustness and protection of vital switchgear and GSM Communications equipment, even in the face of the harshest weather conditions. Moreover, the use of recyclable materials in Fibox enclosures aligns with sustainability efforts helping Sandfield Penstock Ltd to achieve their ESG targets.

The ToggleBlok system's primary function is to act swiftly and decisively when pollution events strike, whether caused by spills, fires, or floods. Within a mere 10 seconds of activation, ToggleBlok™ effectively seals the affected area, making a site water-tight and impervious to the spread of pollutants. Notably, this containment remains steadfast, even if the control panel is subjected to the destructive force of a fire.

Sandfield Penstock Solutions' dedication to providing businesses with affordable, effective, and reliable pollution containment solutions exemplifies its unwavering commitment to safeguarding our environment and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

In parallel, in the domain of renewable energy, a further important Fibox customer, PAD Technology Ltd is emerging as a key player, offering expertise in electrical hardware and software development to develop bespoke solutions for renewable energy installations. Since its incorporation in 2012, PAD Technology has been providing turnkey monitoring and control solutions for the energy industry, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including G99 mains protection, G100 export limitation, and industrial networking solutions.

PAD Technology Ltd are manufacturers of a range of switchgear for a leading UK commercial renewable energy company, their designs incorporate Fibox ARCA IEC enclosures. One feature of Fibox ARCA IEC is that the product range is available either in a standard portrait format or in landscape, with the internal hinges located on the short side. This almost unique feature enables PAD Technology Ltd to minimize the size of enclosures required, reducing cost, reducing weight and material used in the design of solar installations. Such reductions, and the bonus that ARCA IEC enclosures are 100% recyclable, are helping their customer to meet stringent ESG targets.

Fibox works closely with PAD Technology Ltd to ensure that they are able to make the right choices of enclosures to best fit their clients’ project requirements and also for the environment.

PAD Technology Ltd is committed to reducing the total cost of ownership over the lifetime of renewable energy plants and increasing visibility for customers underscores its dedication to sustainable energy solutions. PAD Technology excels in designing and building intelligent distribution boards, monitoring meters, inverters, DC strings, battery storage systems, electric vehicle charging points, and weather stations, all of which are integral components of modern renewable energy installations.

As the world continues to transition to renewable energy sources, companies like Fibox, PAD Technology Ltd and Sandfield Penstock Solutions Ltd are playing crucial roles in driving innovation and sustainability in the global effort to create a greener, more sustainable future and a more environmentally responsible world.