Overview

Local team designs totally versatile self-generating solar energy system developed to provide power for multiuse on land and sea. The designers are driven by the need to provide individuals and organisation the flexibility to generate and use solar energy to meet their immediate needs as a utility vehicle on the sea, a rapid deployment system to provide access to electricity, and even leisure activities. There is no end to the number of ways in which this system can be used nor the ability to maneuver it to where the need is. Typical uses range from fishing, leisure, utility workboats, NGO relief organisations, etc.

Co-Designer Richard Bell says “At the present time we see the system being used in a variety of practical ways either on water or on land. As a ‘launch’ idea we are going to demonstrate the use of this system as a utility/safety vehicle as a fundraiser for Lough Neagh Search and Rescue along with the Air Ambulance Fund” He also adds “We have given the system the name Gridbeater as it provides the wherewithal to self-generate power without the need to be attached to an electricity grid – anywhere in the world. In addition, the walkable non-slip panels make an excellent deck surface when used purely as a watercraft. This will be the first time that circumnavigation of Lough Neagh has been attempted in an electrically driven boat using electricity generated by onboard solar panels.”

Introduction

Conceived and developed by a team in Northern Ireland, and with its patent-pending, the Gridbeater is a completely unique and original concept. Self-powered on water and easily transportable on land, the Gridbeater was designed to supply solar-generated power to the domestic home or anywhere in the world it is needed.

All this, with the added advantage of being a catamaran that can be used for transport, commuting, and fun. It also serves as a workboat that never runs out of fuel. Or an easily towed power unit for campsites, and countryside locations.

The Gridbeater concept has been developed to give people freedom from the electricity grid and freedom from the use of fossil fuels. The device provides renewable electrical energy generation for off-grid or grid support applications. The configuration is versatile and addresses the need for both water-borne and land-borne applications.

The Gridbeater has a number of novel firsts:

1. The Gridbeater is a floating, self-powered, and manoeuvrable PV generating station that can also be used as a utility boat
2. The Gridbeater can be a trailer-mounted rapidly deployed PV generating station that can also carry its own battery storage
3. The Gridbeater can be a standalone PV frame that can be dismounted from the boat or the trailer and placed close to the owner’s home to provide electricity generation.

The patent-protected Gridbeater product combines leading photovoltaic technology, best-in-class battery storage, and control electronics configured in a novel and innovative way.

Lough Neagh Solo Charity Event

Objective – Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles extending to 151 square miles (392 square kilometers). Our objective is to circumnavigate the lough in one day using only the power of the sun. The total distance covered will be approximately 76 kilometers

The Gridbeater will be the first ever self-generated, self-powered vessel to complete this voyage

The Gridbeater will be skippered by Mark Magee, one of the development team. Mark has a lifetime of experience working in the marine lifesaving industry all over the world.

We have chosen to use the event as a fundraiser for the following charities which are:

Lough Neagh Rescue

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Lough Neagh Rescue is ready to save lives. Powered by courage, determination, and the support of generous donations.

Lough Neagh Rescue is a voluntary search and rescue organization based on the shores of Lough Neagh which is made up of 60 Highly trained volunteers, 4 lifeboats, 2 vans, and an off-road jeep. LNR is a registered Lifeboat charity, run by volunteers who provide an on-call 24-hour, 365 days a year lifeboat emergency response service covering Lough Neagh and its tributary rivers.

Northern Ireland Air Ambulance

Launched in 2017, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland also known as Air Ambulance NI is a registered charity that operates a helicopter emergency medical service dedicated to responding to serious trauma and medical emergencies in Northern Ireland. The charity is totally funded by charity donations and requires approximately £7k per day to remain operational. Since its launch numerous lives have been saved

Supporting Companies

Waterway Industrial are delighted to have support for the trip from Bann River Cruises who will provide a support craft. This is really appreciated by Mark and the team. Bann River Cruises offer a range of self-driven cruising vessels available to hire to allow you to enjoy a relaxing break sailing on the river Bann.

To find out more information please visit www.bannrivercruises.co.uk or check out their Facebook page. 

Contact

Hong Kong Office

Name: Graham Rogers,

Email:graham.rogers@waterwayindustrial.com

Phone:  (+852) 27356243

EU Office

Name: Pierre Gallo,

Email:pierre.gallo@waterwayindustrial.com 

Phone: (+33) 674857203 (France office)

Media Contact
Company Name: Waterway Industrial Ltd
Contact Person: Richard Bell
Email: Send Email
Phone: (+44) 28 90 406639
Address:4/7 Cochranstown Road, Dundrod
City: Crumlin
State: County Antrim
Country: United Kingdom
Website: www.waterwayindustrial.com