Consultancy Service Example
Concepts to Prototypes
Redford-Tech works with clients to evaluate new concepts and build working prototypes.
Services have been provided ranging from paper-based feasibility right through to
fully operational rig evaluations, including H&S assessment, design,
mechanical and electrical construction, instrumentation, control systems, custom
monitoring software and analysis of experimental data. A 'turn key' service.
The objective of this type of development is not necessarily to design a production system,
rather to be able to fully envisage concepts as working systems - 'proof of concept',
which may also strengthen IP by identifying the key elements of a design and form the basis
of 'reduction-to-practice'. As such, detailed instrumentation and real-time software to view
the operation of a system is essential, particularly when elements of operation and control
are not clear from the outset. Past experience has shown that attention to instrumentation
and real-time monitoring software that helps the developer visualise the system in operation
often helps identify key issues of performance such as pressure losses in cycles and often
helps evolve better control systems which then enable performance to be studied more effectively.
In addition to its own development, the FHT Stove, Redford-Tech has helped developers transition concepts to working demonstrators in the areas of heat-pumps and small-scale thermodynamic power cycles, including development of various heat pumps and 'sorption cycles (Adsorption and Absorption). Simon Redford has many years of experience with various micro CHP developments including Stirling Engines and Organic Rankine cycles and also led various laboratory evaluations and field trials for energy efficient products and services. Redford-Tech understands the importance of confidentiality, particularly prior to filing patents, so please feel free to discuss your proposed development with us but please request a confidentiality agreement or send your own agreement prior to making any disclosures that may potentially be registered as IP in the future. 
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Based on past experience developing small-scale thermodynamic test and demonstration
rigs, Redford-Tech has provided assistance to other developers to realise and test
their concepts as working cycles. This has included all aspects of design, procurement
of components, health and safety assessments, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation
construction, and logging and control software - a 'turn key' service where required.
