GCM Awarded NHS University Trust Project

Ritchie explains below the process that was undertaken and the complexities of the task: 

“Completing the work alongside a valued Switchgear Customer, an NHS University Trust awarded us the task for integrating an addition of a 1.6MVA LV Supply to the existing Mains and Generator Automatic Transfer System to support an additional critical Load.

This was achieved by installing a 2000amp 4pole Bus Coupler ACB onto the existing ATS outgoing Bus, with a 2000amp 4pole ACB Secondary Mains installed further downstream.”

Additionally, Ritchie explained:

“With the Bus Tie Normally open it would mean both Critical Loads being individually supplied by each of the LV Mains Supplies.”

This means that by keeping the Bus Tie (a switch or circuit breaker connecting two separate power sources) in an open state, each critical load (essential equipment or systems requiring continuous power) is powered independently by separate LV (Low Voltage) Mains Supplies.

This configuration is crucial for environments like healthcare, where uninterrupted power supply to critical loads is essential.

Ritchie went on to explain in detail the solution that our team at GCM has put in place….

We proceeded to Design, Build and Test a Bespoke Control System utilising ComAp 200 series Controllers, to achieve the required below operation:

• “M1 Mains Failure – M1 ACB opens, Bus Tie (BT) closes, with Critical Load Transferred onto M2.” -This ensures that the critical load remains powered without interruption.

• “M1 Mains Returns – BT ACB opens and M1 closes to support Critical Load.” -Reverting the critical load back to its original supply while still maintaining stability and continuity.

• “M2 Mains Failure – M2 ACB opens, Bus Tie (BT) closes, with Critical Load Transferred onto M1.” -This provides a quick recovery from the failure, ensuring that the critical load continues to receive power.

• “M2 Mains Returns – BT ACB opens and M2 closes to support Critical Load.” -Allowing the critical load to resume its power supply from the secondary mains while the primary mains continues to support the system.

• “M1 & M2 Failure – Both M1 & M2 ACB opens, Generator starts and closes ACB to support entire Critical Load.” -This ensures that even in a complete mains failure, the critical load remains operational.

• “M1, M2 or Both Mains Return – Generator ACB opens, BT opens, followed by M1 & M2 closing to support Critical Load.” -This process transitions the load back to the mains supply and shuts down the generator, seamlessly integrating back to the primary power sources.

• “M1, M2 and Generator Failure – M1, M2 and Generator Opens before BT Closes, enabling the Trust to connect a Temporary Generator for supporting the entire Critical Load.” -This allows for the connection of a temporary generator to support the entire critical load, ensuring that the critical load continues to receive power until the primary and backup systems are restored.

This bespoke control system is designed to handle multiple failure scenarios effectively, ensuring that critical loads receive continuous and reliable power regardless of the circumstances. The use of ComAp 200 series Controllers allows for precise management of power transfer and load balancing, providing a robust solution for maintaining uninterrupted operations in critical environments.

This upgrade underscores GCM’s dedication to delivering top-tier power solutions and positions them as a trusted partner for all generator control system needs. 

Choose GCM for unparalleled expertise and support, ensuring your operations remain efficient, reliable and fully compliant.