Construction Case Study

Background

Our client for this build only project was The University of Warwick Estates Department – the end user being Warwick Manufacturing Group – International Automotive Research Centre (WMG/IARC). The project was to build three GRP testing units to test future battery testing technologies, sited within the grounds of the existing testing facility.

Induction loop testing for battery buses – This element of the facility provided induction charging plates that electric buses roll over to charge their batteries. This is a technology that IARC anticipate being widely available within the next 10 years. We installed an induction charging loop pad to the external area of this unit which will be used to test the wireless charging of battery vehicles. This involved creating the aluminium substructure within the pit and installing the timber tops with the charging plates within.

Battery testing units – Built over a large area of the facility, this element of the build was designed to test automotive batteries to destruction. A full mechanical and engineering installation sited on a new concrete pad. It included internal bunding, lighting, power, air conditioning, lightening protection, fire detection and a gas suppression system.

Generator housing – This was a full mechanical and engineering installation sited on a new concrete pad. It included internal bunding, lighting, power, air conditioning, lightening protection, fire detection and a gas suppression system.

All the systems we installed for IARC were interfaced with the existing test facility.

Project delivery

The project was delivered within a live University environment, surrounded by other live sites and within a working campus with staff, students and the general public.

The battery testing unit was an existing site – efficient phasing of activities was critical to the success of the project and installation of new equipment into a building that was operational, all under laboratory conditions.

The original project scope was amended by the client several times during the course of the project, resulting in an extended timeline – the highly specialised equipment required for the build could only be ordered with extensive lead times from manufactures outside the UK.

We have an excellent relationship with Warwick University and our performance against a backdrop of ever-changing requirements has led to a number of subsequent projects with the University.

Benefits

The installation of state-of-the-art testing facilities has enabled the University to develop future-proofed technologies and to become industry leaders in their field. The project, which benefits corporations as well as public bodies, has presented increased funding opportunities from the private sector e.g. Jaguar Land Rover.