STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect Access Chamber Enables Installation of a Pico Hydro Turbine in the French Alps

Case Study

An exciting, technically demanding new access chamber installation has just been completed in a remote part of the French Alps using STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect. The project, located in the Valley of the Romanche in the French Alps involved the installation of a Pico Hydro power generator inside an ULTIMA Connect chamber.

The remoteness of the site did not enable the connection of a direct power supply, thus the need for a renewable power source, such as Pico Hydro. STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect was specified by the Grenoble Alpes Métropole Authority due to being a lightweight, modular, scalable system that could be delivered ‘flat pack’ to the remote, mountain-side location.

The large 6000mm x 1500mm x 1950mm, chamber was equipped with a bespoke permanent triple bracing structure to enable access and to protect the hydraulic turbine system. The lateral sidewall strength capabilities of the STAKKAbox™ chamber system were also demonstrated by the ability to overcome the steep gradient and unstable terrain which generate large lateral compression forces against the chamber sidewalls. Total installation and commissioning time for the chamber was less than 2 days.

The Alpes Metropole Authority were delighted with the overall ease, speed and innovation of ULTIMA Connect and plan to specify it on future network access projects for renewable energy in remote areas of the French Alps.

Cubis’ STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect chamber system comprises of modular scalable components that are easily connectable. These components are also lightweight falling under 25kg making them suitable for a single person lift under manual handling regulations. The ULTIMA Connect system also comes with a wide range of accessories and covers that can help save even more time allowing installers to simply place, connect, back fill and walk away.