Technology Overview and Advantage

Historically, infrastructure was only developed under a communal mandate.

Infrastructure expansion and service connection for dwellings, communities or industries solely focused on the time consuming and costly development and expansion of large scale, grid-based “macro” systems.

ACPI realized that a more flexible & mobile technology is required and consequently developed the “utility appliance” technology.

What is our Value Proposition?

At a glance:

10 unique features that define the Utility Appliance technology:

  • No stranded cost -- transportable and removable
  • Modular, scalable and upgradeable
  • Custom developed for remote installations -- using robust equipment from global suppliers
  • Integrated and optimized “whole systems” approach
  • Optional equipment can be integrated according to user requirements or preferences
  • Integration of sustainable and green technologies (CHP, membrane filtration, benign wastewater management)
  • Opportunistic use of RE systems
  • 85% off the shelf components, 15 % customized
  • Established technology transfer protocol to new manufacturer
  • Protected by several patents (United States and Canada)

Advantage

  • The Utility Appliance is a factory assembled infrastructure appliance.
  • The technology instantly provides pre-fabricated infrastructure convenience for any location on the globe—making it possible to establish a dwelling, community or business anywhere and at any time.
  • This technology is a systematic and modular approach to implement a comprehensive decentralized infrastructure.
  • The utility appliance technology is a “platform technology” allowing for numerous adaptations depending on size, climate, cost and use parameters.
  • To facilitate easy transport by road, rail, water or air to any location in the world, the technology is housed in a standard, insulated 8’ by 20’ or 8’ by 40’ ISO shipping container.
  • The technology is designed as a modular plug-in system: a technology platform (similar to a computer motherboard).
  • The most innovative feature of the Utility Appliance is the optimization and integration of each component to maximize operational efficiency, minimize interference and to take advantage of intrinsic beneficial interactions.

Value Proposition

The infrastructure appliance addresses the following:

Cost:

Factory assembly with exact pre-established specifications allows for excellent cost control. For remote locations, temporary installations and time sensitive projects the cost of the Utility Appliance is notably less than conventional site-built infrastructure.

Infrastructure for Lease:

To date no competitor has a market ready, portable, movable “complete infrastructure solution for lease” available. The Utility Appliance is portable, removable and has a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

Eliminating the risk of “stranded” cost:

The inherent mobility of the Utility Appliance eliminates the “stranded” cost of utility or infrastructure installation or equipment; the entire unit can be moved, expanded or decommissioned according to demand changes. Infrastructure becomes a leasing commodity.

Manufacturing:

The infrastructure appliance is designed as “platform and module” system. Sub-components are built as stand-alone units and can be exchanged without affecting the system as a whole. Infrastructure can be manufactured in assembly plants, allowing for large production runs of identical products and associated cost savings.

Scalability & Modularity:

The unit capacity can be accurately sized to meet site-specific requirements. Downscaling or capacity upgrades are possible at any time during the anticipated 20-year-life span of the infrastructure appliance.

GHG emission credits:

In select locations, variations of the utility appliance can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80%. Once GHG emissions trading systems are fully developed, GHG emission credits will add significant further value to the appliance.

LEED© compliance:

The LEED® program lists the EcoNomad™ utility appliance, in no less than 9 categories as one of the products accepted as pre-requisite for LEED® certification.