Background
South West Water commissioned Pharos Generator Services (PGS) to replace an outdated 800 kVA generator that was beyond economical repair. The project involved the installation of a new 815 kVA generator, along with all necessary installation work, testing, commissioning and a site acceptance test, which was witnessed by the client.
Completing the installation
Having recently completed a similar project that involved the installation of an 800 kVA generator, PGS applied the same tried and tested practice to ensure the smooth installation of the new system. Through diligent planning with the client and on-site subcontractors, our engineers delivered the project on time and within budget. The project concluded with the handover of the new system, accompanied by operations and maintenance manuals and as-fitted site drawings. The entire process, from delivery to final handover, was completed within three weeks.
Project challenges
One of the challenges was safely replacing the old generator with the new one, which required lifting the units over a high voltage (HV) transformer. This presented a significant risk. To address this, PGS contacted the local distribution network operator (DNO) and demonstrated the methodology that would be used for safely isolating the HV transformer during both the removal and the replacement processes.
Another challenge was the need to fit a transition box because the cables that were fitted to the old generator were not long enough to reach the new generator’s local miniature circuit breaker. Additionally, the bus bars on the new transition box were misaligned by approximately two inches. This installation carried modification work on-site to resolve this.