High-impact research of international renown deserves a flawless environment. So it’s no wonder why Derry Ltd was invited to provide the design and installation of mechanical and electrical services for the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group’s purpose-built facility.
The perfect place for innovation
Based on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, the new PEMC facility was funded through the £9.4m UK Research Partnership Investment Fund.
Together with Woodhead Construction, Derry Ltd brought to life an incredible 3,850m2 research hub that boasts 156 laboratory benches, 23 offices, 5 meeting rooms, kitchens, breakout areas and 3 purpose-built laboratories (Wolfson High Power, Power Electronics, and Machine Drives and Power Convertor).
For more “destructive” testing, the Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC) is equipped with a ballistic pit and balancing tank, while two high-powered electric cables can be used to develop both electrical transportation and renewable technologies.
M&E excellence down to a science
Thanks to continuous design evaluations, end-user analysis, and our ISO accredited BIM level 2 principles, the Derry team were able to assure excellence and smart innovation down to the 168 piled foundations of the steel-framed structure.
Our natural ventilation system, comprised of roof level wind turrets and low level louvred panels in the external wall, allows for the anticipated high heat gains within the High Power and Drives laboratories.
PEMC’s research facilities were designed to match their unstoppable progress, complete with 11kV switches, a research switchboard, and a 37m-long Multi-Voltage switchboard with highly secure test cells that can handle in-excess 20MW – as well as enabling researchers to perform multiple experiments simultaneously.
“The successful installation stemmed from early collaboration, several technical design workshops, continuous evaluation of the design, build-ability and end user analysis”.
Main Contractor: Woodhead Construction