Modular Container Shelter Systems (MCSS™) have been developed as an outcome of project work NUFER &Associates has recently completed in telecommunications.  Consequently we are now offering consulting engineering services in this versatile area of technology including;

• Project planning,

• Container modification,

• Design of electrical, electronic and mechanical subsystems, and

• Civil design associated with on-site works, and in association with other construction activities.

Depending on the requirements of the project all work can be undertaken in accordance with Australian and overseas standards, in addition to complying with local extreme weather climatic conditions.

The principles have been used previously in a variety of other applications for;

• Emergency services,

• Training simulators, and

• Military applications.

Following earlier project experiences, NUFER & Associates now offers clients services in the customised design of Modular Container Shelter Systems (MCSS). Various characteristics such as the;

• Size,

• Cost,

• Payload capacity,

• Universal  handling capabilities, and

• Capacity for modification;

Make the shipping container ideal for housing infrastructure, particularly in remote and rural contexts – accommodating a range of applications from living quarters through to equipment enclosures, offices and workshops.

NUFER & Associates have developed a number of floor plans to cater for the telecommunications industry applications, and with the exception of the diesel generator container, all feature passively vented internally insulated walls and industrial vinyl flooring.

The AC generator suite was designed for composite container sites where a large central power source was required. This design is a mid range facility able to accommodate diesel generator sets up to 50 kVA complete with the associated bunded fuel tank to Australian Standards, filling and remote monitoring facilities.

All components are inside the container with lockable and controlled access for refuelling purposes. A still larger design is available which utilises multiple/dedicated MCS unit for larger capacity.

The DC Power Suite was designed to house battery strings and the associated charger equipment whether this be rectifiers or solar regulators.

This mid-size design incorporates space for both the charger/regulator equipment and dual battery strings. Compartments are separated in accordance with Australian Standards, and incorporate passive cooling as standard. Alternatively air-conditioning can be added for better cooling operation and longer battery life.

A still larger design is available which utilises multiple/ dedicated MCS units for larger capacity.

The general purpose communications suite was developed to house standard 19" rack mount telecommunications and support equipment.

Power supply, on-site telemetry cabling and RF cabling is reticulated through weather-proof glands at the end of the shelter along the racks to the required equipment positions.

This dedicated unit is supplied as a passively cooled structure but can incorporate air-conditioning as necessary to suit prevailing conditions.

The 3 in 1 telecoms suite was designed as an integrated solar/ mains/ diesel, battery backup and equipment facility complete in one container.

It incorporates a bundied fuel tank to Australian Standard, plus space for a single phase generator set up to 10 kVA, plus various ventilation options.

The office/workshop/ stores MCS was designed as an on-site office for the purpose of providing remote administration and a technical support plus local workshop/storage centre.

Optional features include food preparation, shower and sleeping accommodation, with either wall mount or split-system air-conditioning. Anti-static surfaces as with other options can also be incorporated into the design.

Based on the work carried out by NUFER & Associates, a large number of solutions are possible, through careful modification of the containers to preserve strength yet attain the functionality required.

Options incorporate suitable insulation, ventilation, and other work to Australian Standards.

Fit-out can be incorporated into the overall project or arranged on a specification and tender/ quotation basis.

Typically, MCSS Projects start out the same as other projects with the exception that the effort involves the scoping of the requirements into the investigation and work program. The use of MCSS has particular benefits for the most remote or sensitive sites where there needs to be minimum impact to the environment and/or community. MCSS can be painted to suit the requirements of the site, whether this be in camouflage or prominent colours to suit cultural or scientific requirements.

Once the broad requirements have been determined, concept site drawings enable all parties to visualise the completed project from a physical perspective. This also facilitates a high level of discussion regards the fit of the installation to its environment.

All aspects of the design are documented and drawings prepared for future reference by the client. This not only includes the fitted subsystems but the shipping container, associated hardware and electrical components.

Planning a project requires a variable amount of effort depending on circumstances.

Generally after receiving a requirements brief a detailed project plan will be developed, and followed by an investigation stage to gather the necessary information to undertake the design process.

At this stage a preliminary design will be undertaken and some idea of the necessary budgetary requirements will be established.

Following agreement, a detailed project plan will be drawn up, with all issues identified, and either closed out or assessed for risk, and subsequent impacts on the project completion.

In applications requiring a turn-key solution, concept drawings may be developed as shown to facilitate discussion among stakeholders as to their preferences in the design, and certain other requirements they might have.

The project specification, tendering, installation, and commissioning process will then get underway with frequent project and other review meetings held to ensure progress towards milestones and the eventual objective is being maintained.

Within the context of MCSS™, once designs and drawings have been completed, manufacturing can commence.

This commences with the acquisition and modification of the shipping containers to incorporate windows, doors, ventilation, air-conditioning, floor coverings, and insulation, as needed to suit the requirements of the project.

Once manufacturing has been competed, equipment racks can be fitted into the configuration required. In almost all cases there is ample space for access to racks from both the front and rear.

If required false flooring is also possible for under-floor cabling. Otherwise judicious selection of rack dimensions allows the placement of overhead cable trays for delivery of power, RF, and multi-pair cable systems.

Equipment can also be fitted, and run-up for testing and factory acceptance testing (FAT).

Once the fit-out process have been completed the container shelters can be sealed for shipment and loaded onto standard transport. The only requirement under these circumstances is for the container to retain its clearances required for handling by transporter machinery.

Contact us to discuss your requirements on:

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Further information regarding your project requirements can also be obtained via the feedback page.

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Last modified: November 29, 2009 09:32:10