Overview
When a large insurance organisation took over new premises in Southampton, it required a reliable continuous power solution. Shenton Group provided a large 1250kVA generator and 500kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, further supported by a Shenton Group Power Care support package, thus thoroughly protecting data and business continuity from future brown-outs and black-outs.
The Problem
With their new premises secured, the client required a standby generator for the building’s data centre and overall infrastructure. In addition a UPS was also specified to support the data centre only.
Although working within an existing building, the scope of works made the project more similar to that of a new build. Despite this, the job still had a number of complex design considerations, including noise limitations and limited space availability. This meant that the new solution must be quiet and operate without the requirement for bulk fuel tanks.
Solution
Because engine size, decibel levels, power capacity and fuel capacity had all been specified, in this case, Shenton Group was commissioned by the electrical contractor to undertake the design, approval, transport and delivery, and installation of the generator to meet project specification. As part of this, Shenton Group used one of their proven specialist project managers for the generator design, as well as for the supply and installation.
Shenton Group’s Curtis Meek explained: “Using a proven specialist for the design, supply and installation of the generator minimised any associated risks for the electrical contractor”. Curtis added; “Shenton Group takes full design responsibility and is covered by a more than adequate professional indemnity insurance.”
Shenton Group worked together with the electrical contractor to manage the install. As well as having better communication and control through-out the installation, this way of working also combines the expertise of electrical installation with the specialist generator knowledge of the Shenton Group project team. Ultimately, this delivers a solution with both operational and aesthetic benefits.
The most complex area to manage was the transportation and delivery of the system. The 18 tonne generator required specialist transportation due to its sheer size. Measuring 9.5 metres long, 3.5 metres wide and 3 metres wide, the system was delivered in 3 parts (main container, exhaust system and outlet attenuator) and craned into the building using a contract lift.
As the site was vacant, a full system test could take place without planning in continuity of power for the changer over. Custis Meek expanded; “This critical test gives the client peace-of-mind that the maintained system will protect the business in case of power failure, from a ‘glitch’ to an extended power cut.”
The standby generator had to be designed to amply perform to specification and without the requirement for bulk fuel tanks. Because of the site’s space availability, fuel capacity had to be stored within the main container and therefore, Shenton Group designed a bespoke fuel container to satisfy this requirement. Although this option is smaller, it often proves more costly than implementing standard bulk fuel tanks, as the generator and supporting infrastructure has to fit within a confined space.
The engine size had been calculated to deliver adequate power to the building, allowing for ‘normal’ levels of power demand. In addition, the generator on this site has been sized to almost the main supply capacity so that the client’s business is covered for future expansion.
As the functionality of the specified system was critical for business continuity, a ‘customer witness test’ was carried out before work on site began. Both the electrical contractor and M&E consultant for the client were part of this process. Curtis Meek added; “Working with the whole project team brings knowledge from the design and installation through to the day to day operation of the system.”
Full Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) were created for transportation, delivery and installation.
Outcomes
As a day-to-day place of work, noise levels within the building had to be taken into consideration. The decibel level was specified to meet 85db at 1m. On the final test, this requirement was actually comfortably exceeded, with the installed reading achieving 76.7db.
The installation of the standby generator and UPS was completed within the programmed time period and is now covered by the Shenton Group Power Care Premier package. This includes an annual standard and major service, remote monitoring, 24/7 technical support (with emergency response) and also refuelling. Parts are covered under the comprehensive guarantee for additional peace-or-mind.
The new occupants of Portswood House can be confident that, whether a brown-out or black-out strikes, their business is fully protected by a continuos power solution, and fully supported by Shenton Group’s technical team, thanks to the Power Care Premier package.
About Shenton Group
Shenton Group is the UK’s leading technical expert in standby power, uninterruptible power supplies, and combined heat and power supplies. As well as customers working in the finance sector, the company supplies residential customers, along with a broad range of industries that rely on continuous power supplies, including; healthcare, telecoms, manufacturing, retail, education, government, utilities, and sport and leisure, to name just some.Shenton Group’s standby generators include single and three phase generator solutions, ranging from 10kVA to 3.2MVA. British built to the highest safety standards, all are suitable for use as prime power or standby power supply usage. All of Shenton Group’s diesel generators include; a full range of weatherproof canopies to meet sound attenuation levels; proven industry-leading control systems and switchgear hardware; integral bunded base-frame fuel tanks and fuel management systems; containerised modular solutions; custom built drop-over acoustic canopies; skid-mounted ‘open’ sets for specific applications.
Shenton Group Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) provide the bridge between mains power and backup generators. An AMF Panel reacts to power failure and activates the generators, without which there would be a number of seconds before the generator starts and takes full electrical load. A UPS provides; a quality power supply, independent management and a greatly enhanced reliability of the power supply network.
Shenton Group’s generator maintenance contracts guarantee peak generator performance. With strategically placed depots throughout the United Kingdom, Shenton Group’s network of technical engineers and support staff respond to clients usually within 4 hours, delivering some of the highest standards of uninterruptible power supplies and power generator servicing.
To find out more about design and installation of standby power systems, contact Shenton Group’s experienced technical team on 0844 888 4445