Infrastructure Services
Modern bio-energy operations depend on sophisticated infrastructure — integrated systems that seamlessly connect plant operations with data management, control networks, and IT systems. We design, implement, and maintain the digital backbone that keeps your facility running at peak efficiency.
Complete Infrastructure Solutions
From SCADA systems to enterprise data management — we build the technological foundation that transforms raw biomass into reliable, profitable energy. Every connection matters, every protocol counts.
IT Systems & Architecture
Your bio-energy facility generates massive amounts of operational data every hour. Temperature readings from digesters, flow rates through pipelines, gas composition analysis, electrical output measurements — all requiring robust IT infrastructure to collect, process, and analyze effectively.
Network Infrastructure
High-speed fiber networks connecting every sensor and control point. Redundant pathways ensure 99.8% uptime — because downtime costs money, and lost data means lost opportunities for optimization.
Cloud Integration
Hybrid cloud architectures that keep critical systems local while enabling remote monitoring and analytics. Access your plant data from anywhere — Cambridge office or countryside site visit.
Cybersecurity
Multi-layered security protocols protecting operational technology from cyber threats. Industrial-grade firewalls, encrypted communications, and role-based access controls keep your systems safe.
We've implemented IT systems for facilities ranging from 250kW farm-scale digesters to 5MW commercial plants. Each installation requires careful consideration of bandwidth requirements, latency tolerance, and integration with existing infrastructure. What works for a dairy farm in Devon differs significantly from requirements at an industrial food waste facility in Manchester.
Control Networks & SCADA
Modern bio-energy plants operate through sophisticated control networks — interconnected systems that monitor thousands of variables and make split-second adjustments to maintain optimal conditions. Our SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) implementations provide the central nervous system for your facility.
Think of it as the difference between driving a car with analog gauges versus a modern vehicle with digital displays, navigation, and automated safety systems. Both get you from A to B — but which would you choose for a critical journey?
Protocol Integration
Modern bio-energy facilities use multiple communication protocols — Modbus for legacy equipment, OPC-UA for newer systems, Ethernet/IP for high-speed networks. We speak all these languages fluently, ensuring every device communicates effectively regardless of manufacturer or vintage.
- Modbus RTU/TCP integration
- OPC-UA server implementations
- Ethernet/IP networking
- Legacy system bridging
- Wireless sensor networks
Real-Time Control
Automatic adjustments happen in milliseconds — not minutes. pH levels dropping in the digester? Alkalinity injection starts immediately. Gas production exceeding expected levels? Heat exchangers adjust automatically to optimize temperature throughout the system.
Data Management & Analytics
Raw data becomes valuable insight through proper management and analysis. Your bio-energy facility generates terabytes of operational data annually — temperature logs, pressure readings, flow measurements, gas composition analysis, electrical output records. But data without context is just digital noise.
Historian Systems
Industrial-grade data historians that capture and store every operational parameter. Years of historical data enable trend analysis, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization.
Analytics Platforms
Advanced analytics engines that identify patterns invisible to human operators. Machine learning algorithms detect early warning signs of equipment degradation or process inefficiencies.
Mobile Access
Real-time plant data accessible from smartphones and tablets. Receive alerts, view trends, and make operational decisions whether you're on-site or managing remotely.
Performance Reports
Automated reporting systems that generate daily, weekly, and monthly performance summaries. Track efficiency metrics, identify optimization opportunities, and demonstrate ROI.
Consider this scenario: your digester's gas production has decreased by 3.2% over six weeks. Traditional monitoring might miss this gradual decline until it becomes a significant problem. Our data management systems identify the trend immediately, correlate it with feeding schedules, ambient temperature, and substrate quality data — then recommend specific adjustments to restore optimal performance.
Regulatory Compliance
Bio-energy facilities must maintain detailed records for environmental regulators, energy certification schemes, and financial incentive programs. Manual record-keeping is time-consuming and error-prone. Automated data collection ensures complete, accurate documentation that satisfies all regulatory requirements.
System Integration
Bio-energy facilities don't operate in isolation. They connect to electrical grids, integrate with heat distribution networks, interface with waste management systems, and link to agricultural operations. Successful integration requires understanding not just your facility — but the entire ecosystem it serves.
Grid Integration
Modern electrical grids demand sophisticated communication between generators and grid operators. Our integration solutions ensure your facility responds appropriately to grid frequency signals, manages power factor requirements, and participates in demand response programs.
We implement DNO (Distribution Network Operator) protocols that enable automatic load balancing and grid stabilization services. When grid frequency drops (indicating high demand), your facility can automatically increase output. When renewable sources flood the grid with excess power, systems can reduce production or shift energy to heat applications.
- G99/G98 grid code compliance
- Active network management
- Frequency response services
- Power quality monitoring
- Export limiting controls
Heat Network Integration
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems generate both electricity and useful heat. Integrating with district heating networks, industrial processes, or agricultural applications requires sophisticated control systems that balance electrical and thermal outputs based on real-time demand.
Our heat network integration solutions monitor multiple temperature and flow circuits, automatically adjusting between electrical generation and heat production to maximize overall efficiency. During summer months (low heat demand), systems prioritize electrical output. Winter operations shift toward heat production when district heating networks require maximum thermal energy.
Thermal Management
Automated heat distribution systems that route thermal energy where it's needed most — greenhouse heating, grain drying, district heating networks, or industrial processes.
Load Balancing
Dynamic load balancing between electrical generation and heat production. Systems automatically optimize output ratios based on current demand and market prices.
Revenue Optimization
Real-time market integration that adjusts plant output to maximize revenue from electricity sales, heat contracts, and ancillary grid services.
Implementation & Support
Infrastructure deployment requires careful planning, phased implementation, and ongoing support. We don't just install systems and disappear — we partner with you throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial design through decades of operation.
Project Phases
Every infrastructure project follows our proven methodology:
- Assessment: Detailed analysis of existing systems and requirements
- Design: Custom architecture tailored to your specific needs
- Testing: Comprehensive validation in controlled environments
- Deployment: Phased rollout minimizing operational disruption
- Commissioning: Full system testing and optimization
- Training: Comprehensive operator training programs
- Support: Ongoing maintenance and enhancement services
Remote Support
Our support doesn't end at system commissioning. Remote monitoring capabilities enable proactive maintenance, rapid troubleshooting, and continuous optimization. Most issues can be resolved remotely — minimizing downtime and reducing on-site visit requirements.
24/7 monitoring centers track system performance across our entire client base. Anomaly detection algorithms identify potential problems before they impact operations. When issues arise, our engineers often resolve them before plant operators even notice.
Ready to Upgrade Your Infrastructure?
Modern bio-energy operations require modern infrastructure. Whether you're planning a new facility or upgrading existing systems, we have the expertise and experience to deliver solutions that improve performance, reduce costs, and maximize reliability.
Free initial consultation • Custom system design • Proven implementation methodology