MILTON KEYNES UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL – CRITICAL POWER SUPPLIES
Crown Commercial Services
The Power Systems team at Enable Infrastructure, successfully installed crucial standby power generation equipment at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). This upgrade involved enhancing the backup power generation systems and local supplies that serve a significant portion of the hospital site. As the Principal contractor, Enable was responsible for both designing and installing the new equipment. Additionally, Enable managed a temporary backup power supply for the hospital allowing uninterrupted service throughout the project’s duration. This particular undertaking was part of a larger seven-phase program that spanned a year.
The project
The installation was completed during the fifth phase and played a vital role in MKUH’s decarbonization and upgrade plan. It was the final major task to be completed and contributed to MKUH NHS Foundation Trust’s overall energy management and stabilization strategy.
The project involved the phased decommissioning of two 500 kVA transformers and their replacement with two new 1250kVA transformers. These new transformers were closely connected to Lucy Electric 11kV ring main units.
Additionally, Enable replaced two 350 kVA generators with a single temporary 1250kVA backup standby generator. An LV generator automatic changeover panel was also installed, allowing for future site expansion. The new Cummins C1400D5 permanent standby generator, rated at 1400 kVA, was a more environmentally friendly replacement for the previous 350Kva generators. It also ensured the hospital’s preparedness for a potential increase in fuel costs by allowing the use of cleaner and more cost-effective HVO100 fuel.
The installation of new HV and LV cabling was necessary to connect the new equipment, including auxiliary supplies for battery chargers, heating systems for the generator, and 3-phase supplies for the fuelling systems. Civil works were carried out to expand the substation’s footprint and create new cable duct routes.
Dedicated to enhancing social and community well-being, Enable was also able to undertake voluntary initiatives in the garden of the newly established cancer ward, leaving long lasting legacy post the duration of the project.
The challenge
- Overseeing the installation of both primary and back-up power sources for a functioning hospital without any interruptions during the transition period.
- Conducting demolition activities within a confined space containing various hazards such as high voltage power, low voltage power, standby generators, fuel lines, water supplies, and gas mains.
- Operating within a medical facility during a pandemic, utilizing main access routes to critical areas while adhering to strict COVID-19 prevention protocols in place.
The solution
- Enable worked alongside the client to establish comprehensive backup power strategies for the entire project. This involved utilizing the backup generator system, which was specifically designed and installed by Enable Infrastructure, to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the hospital. Throughout the project, the standby power system seamlessly took over the hospital’s power requirements on multiple occasions, guaranteeing uninterrupted service.
- The arrangement of tasks was put in place to ensure a secure work setting. The project was successfully completed without any accidents.
- Enable implemented stringent processes for each stage of the construction phase, following hospital protocols and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Our dedication to preventing the spread of the coronavirus ensures seamless hospital operations without any disruptions.
The deliverables
- Site clearance and set-up
- Design, supply and building of the bunded transformer bases for the new substation
- Upgrade of the existing substation (SS 5-6)
- New trenching within the building to facilitate a GRP grid trench for air flow, as per cable design
- Phased decommissioning of the existing two 500 kVA transformers
- Installation of a temporary 1250 kVa generator to supply back-up power whilst the existing plant was upgraded
- Phased decommissioning of the two existing 350 kVA generators serving existing hospital supplies
- Increasing the substation footprint, including the construction of two transformer bases, to accommodate the new equipment
- Installation of compound earthing system works
- Construction of substation concrete base, including cable entry ducts and all cable ductwork
- Installation and commissioning of the new 1400 kVA standby replacement generator
- Installation of fuel polishing system and decommission of existing fuel supplies
- Supply and installation of control and protection equipment including battery charger, relays, RTUs, cabling and auxiliary wiring
- Supply & installation of HV cables, jointing and materials
- Supply & installation of HV and emergency tripping cables
- Reconfiguration of site lighting and emergency lighting, as well installation of new lighting within the substation compound. This included emergency lighting tests and supplying certification
- Supply of substation locks/access system.
Gallery
“Enable Infrastructure have executed the project to achieve a seamless transfer of power to the new infrastructure without any impact on the hospital’s 24-hour operations. They have shown that their experience of similar National Rail projects can be transferred to achieve the same high standards of installation.” - Stuart Watson, Engineering Manager, BDP – MKUH Infrastructure Support
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