HVGC Solutions

Robert Weidner, Alec Petrie, Robert Senior

Agenda
High Voltage Grounding Clamp
The Foundation for the Project
Our Assignment
Objective
Tentative Sequence of Actions
Recommendations
Questions
High Voltage Grounding Clamp
High voltage electrical distribution equipment
Must ensure electrical system is de-energized
Eye-bolt
Arc flash suits
Difficult, hazardous, and time consuming
Why is grounding equipment important?
Human error
Higher loads on today's systems
Lightning
Static build-up
Mechanical or equipment failure
Switching errors
Stored charges from capacitors
The Foundation for the Project
Final project for Senior Design II class: April 22, 2014
Koontz, Chris: Quinto, Michael: Westerman, Robert
Design an alternative high voltage grounding system for UC Utilities Department
Result was the first prototype
Goals for Original Assignment
Improve the clamping/fastening method used to secure the ground leads to the electrical
connections
Develop a working prototype, even if it is not a consumer ready product
Have the modification costs be small relative to the current market price of the grounding equipment
Improve the ergonomics of the clamping method for the user while in the flash suit
Our Assignment
Objective
Tentative Sequence of Actions
Recommendations
Assume the Role of a Competitor
Objective: Stakeholders
Government
Scientific Community
Environmentalists
Manufacturers/Producers
Public
Consumers
Direct Competitors
Objective: BHAG
Vantage point of an investor
Business plan
Bring the product to market by August of 2019
Tentative Sequence of Actions

1. Establish a legal entity for the product

2. Define a target market and pursue a focused market strategy based on lower cost

3. Conduct meaningful market research

4. Manufacture a minimum viable product

5. Evaluate manufacturing strategies to produce product

6. Determine sales strategy and outline distribution channel

7. Create a business plan and timeline for bringing the product to market
Legal Entity for the Product
C-Corp with the name HVGC Solutions
Allows for the pursuit of greater venture funding
Available for copyright
Target Market
Municipalities
Duke Energy
Total Available Market: 100 M
Serviceable Available Market: 75 M
Serviceable Obtainable Market: 50 M
Competition
Newson Gale
Power and Grounding Solutions
Stewart R. Browne
Thomas and Betts Corporation
Scully Systems NV
OPW, A Dover Company
Denios Inc.
Lind Equipment
Minimum Viable Product
Larger jaws
Interchangeable jaws
Lead attachment location
Will it perform?
Manufacturing Strategy
In-house
Costly
Time-Consuming
Greater Flexibility
Protects Intellectual Property
Outsource
Lower Cost
Focus on R&D
Risks Safety of Intellectual Property
Sales and Distribution Channels
Sales
Direct
First person sales
Partner with Complementary Products
Indirect
Intermediary sales representatives
Widespread Digital Communication
Distribution
Direct
Indirect
Manufacturer Retailer
Adding Wholesaler Retailer
Adding an Agent
Timeline
Recommendations
1. Pursue a focused market strategy targeting regional municipalities and Duke energy.
2. Produce the high-voltage grounding equipment in-house.
3. Establish an indirect B2B Sales Strategy and Zero Level Distribution.
Questions?
Appendix