Public Demo at Imperial College

As shown in previous posts, we've been building up a DockChain demonstration system for the UK Government (the UK Department of Transport, specifically).

A final step in that process was to do a proper demonstration of the system. With cars. In public. To a schedule. And with people watching.

Thursday 27th October was the day.

With the kind cooperation of Imperial College, we put the units out onto Imperial College Road opposite the Skempton Building. We connected them to Imperial’s 3-phase supply, to UCD’s portable DC charger, to SAP’s Charge Management System, to three rented EVs and to one borrowed electric van.

Then, in front of cameras, we ran the system. We charged one car, then another, then another, then another, then back to the first. It just worked. The cars saw nothing except a charger. The charger saw nothing except cars. Nothing dramatic happened at all. The software worked perfectly. The boxes stayed cool. No-one was electrocuted and no cars went on fire (although there was a risk of Bob exploding at one point)

A complete success.

There’s still a lot to do. We’re a start-up so there’ll always be lots to do. Often too much. But bear with us. We’re getting there.

So. Thanks to everyone who helped. Who's been supportive. Who's wondered what the heck we're doing.

It was a great day. John has sent the project report to the Department of Transport.

Meantime, here are some photos of the gear and of the band. And of John's interview!