Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_CAD0063 | |
| Title | Easy Assist ECV Phase 2 | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics) 10%; Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 90%; |
|
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 75%; Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour) 25%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Cadent Gas |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2020 | |
| End Date | 31 March 2022 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £215,860 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Cadent Gas (100.000%) |
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_CAD0063 |
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| Objectives | The Emergency Control Value (ECV) is a mechasism for consumers to be able to turn off there gas supply to the meter in the event of a gas leak and for maintenance of gas appliances. The PSR has identified a large volume of customers who would struggle to operate the ECV, therefore not having the ability to make the property safe whilst awaiting a gas engineer. Regulations state a ¼ of turn is required from the ECV and gas supply should be noticeably in the off or on position. It is envisaged that the project will be executed utilising the Cadent change management approach with defined success criteria for each of the phases and deliverables.The sanction value is to fund design & development.The project comprises of 2 stages and then split between development of heat actuation and the complete device. These stages follow on from the first phase of work (NIA_CAD0042), which developed the product up to alpha prototypes and testing. The project has been successful at identifying the scope and user requirements for the final product. This phase looks at the following:• Stage 1a - Heat Actuation will consist of concept development, material research & selection and alpha prototype. • Stage 1b - Device will consist of supplier selection, design modications, tooling & Beta prototypes.• Stage 2a - Heat Actuation will consist of Beta prototypes, testing & costings.• Stage 2b - Device will consist of packaging, creation of guides, testing, certification and field trials.Field trials will take place across the network and will focus on areas of high volume customer need. To develop a cost effective, mechanical device to be retrofitted to any domestic ECV. This device would turn the ECV 90 degrees, in line with policy & regulation. This would allow customers on the PSR database with restricted movement to operate their ECV in an emergency. The proposed solution shall aim to provide:• Low cost installation • Simple, easy operation & instruction• Device compatible with domestic ¾ & 1 inch LP ECVs• Visibly clear indication of ON/OFF• Reliable & durable • Retrofitted & mechanical – no impact on current ECV• Release & re-set mechanism• Actuated by heat during a fire• Reduction in Uncontrolled escapes as opportunity to de-classify would be greater.• Positive impact on prioritisation of workload within the customer centre. • Customer safety & well-being – ability to make safe and limit confusion as to status of supply• Engineer safety – property safe when they arrive on site• CSAT scores – increase in positive scores | |
| Abstract | Develop a cost effective solution to be retrofitted to the current ECV which will meet all gas regulations & standards. The device will aid customers to switch off their gas supply in case of an emergency. Considerations to installer requirements which could identify the opportunity for gas safe installation or GDN Engineer installation. This phase will deliver heat actuation, Beta prototypes for field trials and design pack manufacturers to deliver the end solution. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 02/11/22 | |
