Team insight

Innovative, carefully considered design is crucial to overcoming obstacles with a forward-looking mindset, reducing costs, optimising resources and meeting green targets for an ever-changing client.

To explore this further, we spoke to Jack Ball, Senior Project Engineer. From the importance of safety to the emerging technologies, find out Jack’s thoughts below:

Designing with the future in mind

“We always try to design with the long term in view. Modular, flexible and standardised designs are becoming the norm. The future shouldn’t be considered towards the end of a project’s life cycle but rather at the beginning and embedded throughout.

“Early engagement makes a huge difference and saves time and money in the long run. To achieve this, you need to take the time to truly understand your clients’ requirements. Then take those findings, along with industry standards, to help guide your solutions.”

Overcoming key challenges

Undoubtedly, key issues always arise during the life cycle of a project, be it large scale to the more bespoke, smaller jobs. Jack explains the key challenges that he has faced and how the team have worked hard to overcome them:

“We also must be realistic – nothing can be ‘future proofed’ completely. Technology and standards move too quickly. The best thing you can do is design accurately against the client’s needs, industry standards, and all the external factors that influence the project.

“There are always a few key challenges. Cost does matter, but it’s not the main one – safety is. Getting the design right first time is essential. That starts with taking the time to understand the client’s requirements properly, so you’re not revisiting decisions later.

“It is also important to note that you can’t future proof everything – sometimes you must go with the process and ensure that you work accurately to the clients’ requirements and industry standards, considering all factors in the design process.”

Safety: The core of every design

Safety remains of paramount importance, as it should always be. Jack explores the value of this by placing it front and centre of the design process:

“Safety is the number one consideration. It influences everything, from the physical layout and system architecture to long-term operational reliability. It is and should always remain important to consider throughout the life cycle of every project.”

Supporting a carbon-neutral energy future

“It isn’t a surprise to say that it is more sustainable if you don’t have to replace something every few years. Effective design solutions ensure that solutions are designed with longevity in mind.

“Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind and hydrogen aren’t new concepts. We have seen great progress made in recent years and the grid is adapting. But in many industries, new equipment must interface with older networks, and that brings its own challenges. A lot of the work now is about integrating modern solutions with legacy systems in a safe and reliable way.”

Innovative engineering solutions design with a greener future in mind. Jack highlights what he thinks has the potential to positively impact the engineering world, in the most sustainable way:

“One area that’s really moving forward is the shift away from SF6. Alternative gases like C4-FN and clean air are increasingly being required by grid operators, helping to significantly reduce environmental impact. It’s a positive and important step for the industry, and with solid engineering behind these technologies, they offer safer, greener and more efficient solutions.”

Collaborative working delivers success

Primary Power prides itself on its transparent and open working culture. This doesn’t just apply to the inner workings of the business, but also how it works with and supports its clients to make a positive impact:

“We are a close knit, multi-disciplinary team. There is connectivity within the business, with different departments interfacing frequently, sharing knowledge, and mentoring where there are potential gaps, supported by continuous learning.

“We apply a similar approach to how we work with our clients. A strong interface from the outset is essential to project success. Effective engagement begins at the tender stage and continues through design, where clear communication and close coordination ensure the project moves in the right direction.

“This approach has served us well and will remain at the heart of everything we do. Building trust through collaboration creates an open channel of communication, where challenges are identified early, solutions are created efficiently, and a job is done well.”

Thanks for your valuable insights, Jack. By combining innovation, collaboration, and a focus on the future, Primary Power continues to lead the way in sustainable engineering design.

If you would like to find out more about how Primary Power can support you, get in touch with a member of our team here.