BOC AND DABBROOK COMBINE ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP ENVIRONMENT AGENCY IN EAST ANGLIA

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BOC AND DABBROOK COMBINE ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP ENVIRONMENT AGENCY IN EAST ANGLIA
19 September 2006 - BOC Gases

An automated system, powered by solar energy and hydrogen fuel cells is bringing a much needed solution to the Environment Agency's water management on the river Deben in Suffolk.

Developed by BOC and Norfolk based control system specialists, Dabbrook Services, the water management system monitors and controls the level of the river at White Bridge near the 12th century Ash Abbey and ruins of St Mary's Priory.

Until now, the manually operated gates at the White Bridge sluice have relied on workers from the Environment Agency to physically open and close them depending on the water level, but if the timing is not accurate, the area can be left vulnerable to either flooding or running the river dry.

Whilst automated systems eliminate the problem of accuracy, they require electrical power and the remoteness of the water channel meant getting electricity from a distant grid, which would have been costly and environmentally demanding.

Stewart Dow, BOC hydrogen energy and fuel cell manager said: “Solar power was an alternative, but it can be hampered by the limited hours of winter sun or because the site is shaded by trees. The hybrid system developed by BOC and Dabbrook is an ideal solution; the hydrogen fuel cell provides a small amount of energy to carry the system through the challenging winter months, meaning that a much smaller number of solar power cells are needed.“

The system is being trialled on the river Deben for 12 months to determine how much fuel is required, how much power can be generated and the practicalities of using this new type of duel system for off-grid sites.

Said Dow, “Hybrid systems combine the best qualities of solar energy systems and hydrogen fuel cells. We know it can provide a cost-effective and reliable source of power to remote locations and we are convinced about the benefits and potential of such solutions.”

Ivan Nicholls, Environment Agency Project Manager said: “Because climate change is thought to play an ever increasing role in flooding incidents management of more frequent and extreme floods relies on long term strategies and where appropriate, new technologies to help reduce the consequences to people, property and environment should be used.”

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About: BOC Gases
Through its PGS line of business, BOC supplies gas and related solutions to the chemicals, petroleum, glass, water services, electronic packaging, fibre optics, hydrogen energy, metals and food industries. BOC helps meet customer needs in a variety of ways, from the supply of a single gas or application through to designing, constructing and operating fully integrated gas and utilities schemes.

The BOC Group, which serves two million customers in more than 50 countries, is one of the largest and most global of the world's leading gases companies. It employs some 44,500 people worldwide and had annual sales of over £4.3 billion in 2003. Further information about The BOC Group may be obtained on the Internet at www.boc.com

The BOC Group has an international portfolio of companies grouped for management control and reporting into three lines of business: Process Gas Solutions, Industrial and Special Products, and BOC Edwards. It also has a specialist logistics business, Gist.

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