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Promoted by APC Technology
The innovative engineering approach adopted by APC Technology results in a market leading light weight, compact & high performing rugged generator for Defence.
APC Technology has completed and delivered one of the lightest, smallest MIL-SPEC diesel generators available in today’s market.
Daronmont Technologies approached APC Technology to partner on a project supplying diesel generators which would be integrated into a custom designed deployable shelter to the Australian defence forces.
Daronmont’s partnership with APC Technology required the delivery of generators based on specific requirements including size, weight and output. They also needed to perform and survive in rugged conditions, including challenging environmental ecosystems, varying altitudes and weather conditions
Achieving a lightweight, smaller generator
John Head, Engineering Manager at APC Technology commented on the approach to the design of a more compact but highly efficient generator. “Our engineering team has an enviable depth & breadth of experience and relish a challenge. In order to minimise weight without compromising electrical and environmental performance we utilised our experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to select the optimum material and construction methods. Through close collaboration with our partners we selected components that provide further weight savings whilst improving overall performance.”
Additionally by incorporating a 3000RPM engine instead of the standard 1500RPM, this enabled APC to meet the smaller envelope requirements.
The value-add of in-house capabilities
APC Technology has continued to develop their skills and technologies to add value for their customers. An area of notably investment has been their in-house capabilities ,whether through up-skilling staff or ensuring the adoption of the latest technologies. For example the electrical box within the generator had internal components that were not rated to the low temperatures specified. APC completed in house confidence testing using their thermal chamber which is part of the prototyping & testing hub. This ensured comprehensive certification & reporting, plus a quicker turn around as there was no reliance on an external third party.
APC Technology also used SolidWorks Simulation to perform shock and vibration testing, eliminating the need to send it to compliance test house which adds cost and time to the production. Their highly skilled engineers were able to input key data to optimise product durability and test heat transfer and buckling instabilities.
Sovereign Supply Chain
2020 has been a challenging year for the movement of products. APC Technology has taken a proactive approach to developing the depth and breadth of its on-shore supply chain. This enables the team to be nimble and reactive.
APC Technology partnered with a South Australian generator manufacturer with more than thirty years of experience to support the build. The company did not have the defence background or the expertise to design the generator to specifications. APC has a proven depth and breadth of experience in understanding and applying defence standards. By bringing together the skill sets APC were able to design a more compact but highly efficient and highly usable generator, whilst reducing manufacturing time lines by engaging locally.
