University of Southampton’s Command and Control Vehicles Completing Missions
Powered by Fischer Panda UK’s Full-System Solution
Customised Vehicles Built for Special Operations
The University of Southampton’s Autonomous Systems Research Group (ASRG) multi-purpose Command and Control vehicles are playing a significant role in cutting-edge research and special operations. Providing control facilities for a range of purposes from flying drones to launching autonomous submarines, the vehicles are involved in research into subjects including pollution monitoring, weather prediction and civil unmanned aviation.
The two vehicles were specifically designed and customised for challenging missions for the years ahead, so it was essential that the power system, air-conditioning and battery management system was perfectly integrated and aligned to meet the research team’s requirements for durability and reliability.
Complete Hybrid Power Solution
As a leading complete system supplier for the vehicle industry, Fischer Panda UK was the first choice of its longstanding client and ASRG project manager Broadcast Network when it came to the specification of a quiet and trustworthy hybrid power solution.
Fischer Panda collaborated with Broadcast Network to install a comprehensive, fully-integrated hybrid system with a Mastervolt battery management system and Fischer Panda 10,000i PVMV-N silenced variable speed genset with external radiator. It also supplied a Dometic DuraSea 3.5kW cooling capacity 12,5000 BTU air-conditioning system.
The Fischer Panda power solution was part of an impressive range of features integrated into the vehicle design by Broadcast Networks to create a cutting-edge working environment suitable for the team to run and observe missions using the latest technology and communications systems.
Fischer Panda UK Equipment Kit
- Generator - Fischer Panda 10,000i PVMV-N
Specified for their silence and reliability, the PVMV-N with external radiator is Fischer Panda’s most popular option across its vehicle range and was ideal for the ASRG installation. The variable speed version was selected to maximise efficiency with the speed of the diesel engine adjusted according to changing power requirements, thus reducing exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. The units are designed for internal mounting with a remote radiator on the roof, under or on the side of the vehicle body. The units have a complete water-cooled silencer inside the capsule, with other benefits including easy installation and compact size.
- Air Conditioning – Dometic DuraSea 3.5kW cooling capacity 12,500 BTU
A robust commercial system, the DuraSea is constructed internally mainly of stainless steel and is built to withstand vibration and harsh environments. Installed on the roof for the University of Southampton vehicles, the units offer a space-saving solution and are a highly efficient and quiet method of air-conditioning vehicles of any size.
- Battery Management System - Full smart Mastervolt BMS Mass Combi 12/2500-100
The Fischer Panda Mastervolt system is based around the Mass Combi combined AC inverter and battery charger which is set to provide over 2kW of clean AC as needed. Should the battery voltage fade, or the AC load increases, an Auto Start module sends a start signal to the generator. Battery monitoring, digital and hard fused programmable DC distribution for alarms etc and AGM slimline batteries were used for space saving. Using the Mastervolt MasterBus (CANBus) communications platform, full system integration is provided with a central coloured touch screen display to show simple, clear data.
Trusted by the Experts...
Tom Haye, Managing Director Broadcast Networks - "Broadcast Networks have always preferred Fischer Panda generators, especially for contracts where we need clean power, low weight and quietness. Communications and surveillance equipment used on our projects also need reliability as our installations end up in some very inhospitable parts of the world. As system integrators, power budgets must be right and matching the Fischer Panda in-house generators with their portfolio of other products such as Dometic air-conditioning and Mastervolt power electronics makes the end result perfect. Our confidence in the Fischer Panda approach to engineering solutions - and back up - allows us to deliver the right solutions to our customers."
Fischer Panda UK Demonstrates Full-System Capabilities
Verwood-based Fischer Panda is an experienced provider of complete system packages and was immediately capable of customising the most efficient integrated system for the research vehicle installation with its one-stop shop approach. The vehicle specialist combines its expertise as a renowned manufacturer of water-cooled diesel generators with its capabilities as a supplier of engineered Mastervolt power solutions and heating and ventilations systems from HVAC leaders Dometic.
Fischer Panda generators, including modular versions PVMV-N, PVM-NE and PVK-U, are available in different versions to suit a range of applications and can be found in numerous mobile applications including recreational, touring, communications, promotion, emergency services and specialist services.
Contact us today to discuss your vehicle requirements or come and visit us to talk about your project at the Commercial Vehicle Show – Stand 4A16, Birmingham NEC 24th-26th April.
