ENERGY MANAGEMENT POWERING FORWARD
Swapping out a 1950s workhorse for a 21st-century powerhouse isn’t simple, especially in a live transport hub. But with smart planning and precision engineering, YorPower delivered a future- proofed backup system fit for today’s demands.
In an era where uninterrupted power is a cornerstone of public infrastructure, the reliability of backup systems has never been more critical. This reality came into sharp focus for a major transport hub in the North West of England, which for decades had relied on a 1950s Lister Blackstone generator. Though a stalwart of its time, the ageing machine had become increasingly challenging to service and was no longer sufficient for the demands of a modern, high-traffic facility.
YorPower was selected to design and deliver a replacement power solution – a state-of-the-art 500 kVA generator powered by a Scania engine, fully integrated with acoustic attenuation and exhaust silencing technology.
The challenge of legacy equipment The first hurdle lay in the removal of the original generator. The Lister Blackstone had operated faithfully for over half a century, but its undocumented weight and dimensions posed a serious logistical challenge. Safe extraction would require not only specialist planning but also coordination with heavy transport experts to ensure the operation could be carried out without incident.
Adding to the complexity, the site itself was a live transport hub. Every step of the process – from removal and delivery to installation and commissioning – had to be timed to avoid disruption to services. This meant access was tightly restricted, demanding careful scheduling and meticulous project management.
Delivering a bespoke solution YorPower approached the project with a tailored installation plan. Following detailed on-site assessments, engineers calculated load-bearing requirements and identified lifting points to safely remove the old Blackstone unit. Working in close partnership with transport specialists, the team ensured the generator was extracted smoothly and without disruption to operations.
Once the way was cleared, attention turned to the installation of the new Scania-powered generator. Precision handling equipment was deployed to navigate tight access routes and position the 500 kVA unit safely on site.
To meet the client’s noise and emissions standards, YorPower installed custom attenuators and exhaust silencers, ensuring compliance while enhancing the facility’s operational environment. Finally, the generator was electrically integrated and rigorously commissioned, with staged testing designed to simulate real-world outages and confirm a seamless switchover in the event of mains failure.
Future-proofing critical infrastructure The outcome is a facility now equipped with a modern, efficient, and reliable backup power system. The Scania- powered generator not only delivers the resilience needed to maintain continuity of service but also provides improved serviceability, thanks to readily available parts and ongoing maintenance support. Acoustic treatments have reduced operational noise, creating benefits for both staff and the surrounding community.
Commenting on the project, Peter Fort, Head of Projects at YorPower, said: “Replacing legacy equipment of this scale is never straightforward, especially in a live operational environment. The Blackstone generator had served the client well for decades, but it was no longer practical to maintain. Our priority was to ensure the removal and installation were carried out safely and without disrupting the facility’s day-to-day operations. The end result is a system that provides complete confidence in power continuity.”
Steve Peal, Managing Director of YorPower, added: “This project is a great example of the challenges many organisations are now facing. Ageing infrastructure must be replaced not just for reliability, but also to meet today’s strict standards for efficiency, noise, and emissions. We’re proud to have delivered a solution that future-proofs this important transport hub and safeguards the services it provides.”
Setting the standard For facilities managers grappling with similar challenges, this installation offers a clear demonstration of how expertise, careful planning, and high-quality equipment can transform legacy infrastructure into a resilient, compliant, and serviceable power solution fit for the future.
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