NIGHTINGALE HOSPITALS
duties was further supported by our Electrical Implementation director, Jeremy Watson, and Testing and commissioning engineer, Alex Denes. As part of safe working, it was essential that all known defects or reported issues with HV electrical equipment were known. With membership of the Energy Network Association, access to the national database for defects was key. An in-depth investigation of the HV/LV infrastructure included a review of the ENA National Equipment Defects database – revealing that some HV equipment was affected, with Suspension of Operational Practices (SOPs) in place. These were immediately elevated to the project Risk Register, and an action plan agreed.
Team meetings
Each morning started with an 8.00 am briefing chaired by Andrew Panniker, where all had the opportunity to speak honestly and clearly about what needed to be done that day. With over 20 project team representatives, the meetings were structured, never rushed, and committed to each individual having a say. The key objective set out by the Eta Projects HV/LV infrastructure team was to establish a relationship with the existing on-site Engineering team, beginning with a team introduction to the ExCeL engineering management team. Developing a close relationship with the MEP design team, RSP, was also key. Eta Projects director, Kim Shelley’s presence throughout ensured good communication between the site-based team and other members of staff. Eta Projects Testing and commissioning engineer, Alex Denes, meanwhile said: “For me the brief was short: a quarter mile race with a pandemic. A rewarding task and an amazing sentiment of pride to be part of a group of people which, with their combined knowledge, skill, experience, and determination, made it all possible.”
MEP designers
Gerry Connor, Electrical director of MEP designers, RSP, said: “One of the main experiences I have taken from the unprecedented speed and complexity of the transformation of London ExCeL into the Nightingale London hospital was the way multiple consultancies and contractors came together to operate as a team, and share resources and knowledge to achieve a common goal under the most stressful conditions. This applied particularly to the electrical installation teams, and it was a pleasure to work with the other electrical consultants, contractors, and military advisors, in achieving this goal.
Design loads
Considering the initial strategy was for 4,000 acute beds, the subject of the
54 Health Estate Journal August 2020
Eta Projects Electrical Implementation director, Jeremy Watson, handing over another UPS system.
A typical UPS installation (600 kVA).
electrical loads on each individual bed position became a major topic, as the impact on the HV/LV infrastructure could potentially have a significant effect Therefore, under the lead of Neil Fitzjohn (of Eta Projects), testing of every item of equipment that could potentially be connected at the bedhead was initiated – extending to over 15 individual items of medical equipment. “The enormity of the project and timescale were daunting,” explained Neil Fitzjohn. “I think it brought out the best in people, despite the pressure; no one was there for themselves – all risked their own health for others. The organisation and speed at which things were happening was phenomenal. I learned a lot about the different medical equipment required at a COVID-19 bed, and have the greatest
respect for the frontline staff who remain behind to care for the patients.”
Deliverables
Over a 10-day period, a highly qualified and experienced team of HV/LV infrastructure engineers delivered the following. n An in-depth survey of HV/LV infrastructure.
n Established lines of communication with DNOs, with enhancement options under review.
n Serving of 7 DNO HV breakers. n Integration and load bank testing of 7.5 MVA of UPS systems.
n Integration and load bank testing of 12 MVA of secondary standby generators.
n Introduced a Safe System of Work based on HTM Guidance.
n Delivered and verified over 500 individual supplies to distribution units on the floor.
Testing and commissioning The most critical aspect of the project was to ensure that the large UPS and standby generator systems were fit for purpose and integrated safely into the ExCeL complex HV/LV infrastructure. This important stage was directed by Jeremy Watson and Alex Denes, and involved load bank testing of each combined UPS / standby generator system. This absorbed many hours spent below ground, without natural daylight. The mental health and welfare of our site team was maintained by our Director of Compliance, Kim Shelley, who not only supported our team with onsite administrative support, but also with some home-cooked food and fresh clothes – at times of complete exhaustion and elevated stress, the single thread that held us all together.
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