Welcome to Sunstone Systems' News page, where you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in our innovative range of products. We specialize in providing cutting-edge technology solutions for security and power management, including our Solar CCTV System, Solar Power Station, and IO System.
Our Solar CCTV System is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for monitoring remote sites without the need for grid power. With its solar-powered camera, motion detection, and remote access capabilities, it's the perfect choice for surveillance in areas without reliable electricity.
Our Solar Power Station is a portable and versatile power solution that can be used for a wide range of applications, from off-grid power for outdoor events to emergency backup power during a power outage. With its high-capacity battery and solar panels, it's the ideal choice for reliable and sustainable power on-the-go.
Our IO System is a powerful and flexible control system that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you're looking to manage security systems, automate industrial processes, or optimize energy use, our IO System has the features and capabilities to help you achieve your goals.
At Sunstone Systems, we're committed to delivering innovative and high-quality products that help our customers achieve their goals. Check out our News page to learn more about our latest product releases and industry updates.
Exciting times are on the horizon as Sunstone Systems proudly unveils the integration of Wavetronix radar into our Autonomous Remote Communications System (ARC) and Solar CCTV System (SICS). This union heralds a transformative traffic management solution that harnesses the power of clean energy. The amalgamation of Wavetronix radar with our ARC and SICS represents a leap towards redefining traffic management. The synergy between these technologies paves the way for a seamless, efficient, and sustainable approach to navigating roadways and enhancing security.
Clean Energy, Smart Management
The incorporation of Wavetronix radar introduces a new dimension to traffic management—one that thrives on clean energy. The combination of advanced radar capabilities with our ARC and SICS demonstrates the convergence of innovation and sustainability. The unveiling of Highways-approved units signifies our commitment to not just innovation, but practicality. These units stand ready for deployment across the UK, testament to our dedication to translating groundbreaking technology into real-world solutions.
A Traffic Management Revolution
As we integrate Wavetronix radar into our systems, we usher in a new era in traffic management. The ARC and SICS, bolstered by the capabilities of Wavetronix radar, are set to redefine how roadways are navigated, managed, and secured. With Wavetronix radar seamlessly woven into our systems, Sunstone Systems extends an invitation to embrace a future where traffic management is not just efficient—it's environmentally conscious. This integration is more than an upgrade—it's a step towards shaping roadways that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
A Commitment to Progress
The integration of Wavetronix radar is a testament to Sunstone Systems' dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This innovation not only improves traffic management but also exemplifies our mission to use technology for the greater good. As we step into this new chapter, we invite you to explore the future of traffic management—one where clean energy and smart technology converge to create roadways that are as efficient as they are sustainable. With Highways-approved units on standby, the journey towards a cleaner, smarter, and safer future has never been more tangible.
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Our CEO, Paul Schelhaas, gives an insight into the power of portable for the world’s energy sector
Autonomous Remote Communications System (ARC)
The way the world thinks about renewable energy has undergone a remarkable change – especially in the oil and gas sector. It is no longer just a fly-by-night idea backed by government subsidies, and instead now competes on par with fossil fuel power generation on costs around the world. So much so that, on April 21 2017, UK power generation achieved its first coal free day. Fast forward nearly two years and there are reports that Australia is considering how it can realise a future where 100 per cent of its energy sources are renewable.
In response to these advances, major energy operators are reviewing their portfolios to make the business more resilient and competitive by adapting their oil and gas solutions to take advantage of the renewables sector growth. According to a report by Wood Mackenzie, more than a fifth of investment by the largest oil and gas companies could be in wind and solar power in just over a decade.
This movement was amplified in late 2017 when Royal Dutch Shell announced a target to cut the net carbon footprint of its energy products by around half by 2050. In an unprecedented move, these targets will be linked to executive remuneration. This is, of course, in addition to the existing requirements for energy companies to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. With calls from governments and environmental groups for other companies to follow suit, it’s a trend that will gather momentum.
The problems with power
Despite the obvious desire, the integration of renewables into oil and gas operations is perhaps the definitive ‘easier said than done’ scenario. Much of the world’s fossil fuel is in difficult to reach places, either through terrain, harsh environment or remote locations – sometimes a combination of all three. This means that access to power and data connections is highly challenging. The cost of installing power and fibre optic networks to enable communications and surveillance on upstream sites can cost millions of dollars. As a result, sites have developed a reliance on temperature restricted, portable or semi portable, diesel fuelled generators, which involve high annual running costs and add to, rather than reduce, the carbon footprint of the project.
Given the size and scale of activity, many of the operations involve high value equipment that is in place for a long-period of time. The combination of this, and the fact that these projects are often delivered in deprived countries means theft and damage is a big problem. Of course, the sites also have a self-perpetuating growth cycle meaning power sources need to be moved or flexible enough to be in position quickly. Something not always possible with fixed location terminals.
But it’s not like the industry hasn’t considered alternatives. Renewable energy was trialled years ago but simply did not deliver the consistency that was required and was not deemed not viable. The technology was not good or reliable enough, and the industry-wide experiment was disbanded almost overnight. However, it is a different story today where the technology, techniques and application have advanced beyond all recognition. This is giving rise to an entirely new breed of renewable energy innovation – portable power.
The benefits of portable renewable power
It’s not hard to see why the appetite to embrace portable solar products has grown exponentially in recent years. At the heart of it all are two fundamental drivers – power and information.
The need to move data is critical for almost every part of a project. From operating computers, monitoring systems, site communications and even to recreational purposes for the teams on site. Because sites expand organically, and sometimes quicker than they can cope with, this has traditionally caused issues with hot spots and saturation, limiting service and leading to packet loss. A lot of critical monitoring; like measurement systems, pressure and wellhead management to name a few, send small packet data to highlight that there are no faults or alerts in the system. Of course, if this fails the potential health and safety ramifications are astronomical but so is the cost – any minor delay for checks or repair can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Using portable and renewable power sources means energy companies now have the ability to place data communications points wherever they are needed. This means wireless networks can be redesigned quickly, cost effectively and almost in real time without the need for major civil engineering works. The flexibility of a portable product brings the clear advantage of being able to scale operations up or down depending on the need, which is essentially enabling operators to build a bespoke power and communications supply for every field or project.
Portable use case example
We secured a project to design and build a bespoke Solar Powered IP Camera system for a project in Tengiz, Kazakhstan, specifically designed to operate in extremely hostile environments (-50C to +80C) and in a highly corrosive, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), atmosphere. The equipment was able to deliver reliable HD surveillance across the customer’s wireless network. The systems provide the site security teams with an autonomous rapidly deployable surveillance camera in areas that would otherwise be too costly to install.
The domino effect of clean-tech success
The benefits are clear and because of this, we’re seeing a lot of oil and gas companies pursue the use of solar power – especially as the advancements in technology mean the costs come down and the output becomes more efficient.
There’s a mind-set change too. Historically, big energy companies were unable or unwilling to invest in new technology as the potential cost of failure was too high. This means that antiquated systems were, and indeed still are, purchased today even though cheaper and more efficient. Today, driven by the combination of technology improvements and nimble and cost effective entrants to the market, organisations are actively looking to innovative new solutions for the answers. This is leading to a domino effect, where big companies are investing in projects with others taking that as their cue to follow suit. Businesses are also cognisant of the fact they need to improve how they operate in a digital world. This is reducing a reliance on old tools and processes and engaging with new hardware and software that offers improvements across the board.
Because understanding, awareness and technology is improving, so are the products. People now understand that simply tacking on solar panels doesn’t work. Now there is an appreciation that solutions that are fit for purpose need to be built from the ground-up to take advantage of existing low power solutions like smart LED lighting and low power LED screens. So much so that we’re already seeing the rise of solar power servers and generators with modified kit that can be supported via solar producing no CO2, can be moved and doesn’t require any refuelling.
Whichever way you look at the situation, it’s a win-win. If the industry objective is to seamlessly combine taking people out of harm’s way, reducing CO2 emissions and delivering a cost-effective, safe and low disruption project, then the only way to do this sustainably is with portable renewable energy.
Sunstone
Paul Schelhaas is CEO of Sunstone, a UK technology company. It has developed patented, solar powered products that provide surveillance, wireless networks and satellite communications to sites around the world, irrespective of geography, terrain or environment. Its core product, The Solar IP CCTV System (SICS), is already being used by some of the biggest businesses in construction and oil and gas. A surveillance system powered entirely by solar energy, it delivers HD CCTV and telecommunications in remote locations and can be deployed, and online, in four minutes and saving up to 500 kg of CO2 emissions per annum.
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"Designed and built for Highways England, the mobile solar CCTV systems can be easily deployed to locations to provide surveillance and feed back information about traffic flows to the control room.
Action can then be taken, such as traffic officers deployed or speed limits lowered, to create smoother journeys.
One of the solar CCTV systems is in use at junction 6 of the M42, near to Birmingham Airport, where people were previously frustrated by congestion and delays. Organisations can now access the information from this camera and plan their journeys and business accordingly.
The cameras offer visibility at sites where a permanent camera is not necessary, such as during roadworks." Read more here
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