Research & Development

Cape Advanced Engineering (Pty) Ltd. entered the renewable energy sector in 2008 and has continued to work on the development of bio-gas generation plants. In addition to being responsible for designing and constructing the plants in question, CAE has been involved in the operation and maintenance of biogas plants for more than 10 years.  Using hands-on experience, on-site monitoring and laboratory testing in the evaluation of performance parameters, CAE has continued to adjust and improve operating procedures and the plant/equipment design. This includes CAE-developed V12 bio-gas engines specifically designed for these applications and set up with remote monitoring. This allows for real-time monitoring and control for enhanced preventative maintenance, minimising down-time.

Between 1993 and 1999, CAE was a centre of excellence in engine and fuel technology at Stellenbosch University. In 1999, it was decided that commercially sustainable entities should be privatised and CAE (then known as Stellenbosch Automotive Engineering) operated as a private company going forward. For 15 years, CAE’s core business and projects were related to engine and fuel technology. In this time, CAE provided engine development work and support services to clients such as Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA), Ford and Mercedes Benz.

In more recent history, CAE has applied its vast engine and fuel technology knowledge to the renewable energy generation industry. This has primarily focused on the design, manufacture and testing of biogas and CNG fuelled engines, which are used in CHP generator solutions. CAE has also been involved in the development and testing of Diesel Duel Fuel technologies.

Cape Advanced Engineering (Pty) Ltd. has taken a holistic approach to renewable energy and waste management, focusing not only on bio-digestion and energy generation using CHP units but on the preceding and subsequent agricultural systems. This approach presents a greater value proposition while resulting in an environmentally friendly solution.

Cape Advanced Engineering (Pty) Ltd. has developed and manufactured an inclined solid separator. The inclined design reduces the need for large structures upon which the solid separator is installed.  Digestate is a valuable resource, which when effectively processed, results in a liquid fertiliser rich in nutrients and microbial activity, which can be used as a sustainable fertiliser for crop production and soil regeneration. Extracted solids from the digestate, which are high in fibre, can serve as low-cost livestock bedding or can be used for composting.