BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
L
ike many other European nations, the UK has a high level of dependence on the use of gas
for industrial, commercial and domestic use, as well as for the generation of electrical power. However, it is the dependence on gas for the generation of electricity needs, particularly at peak times, which sets the UK apart from several of its European counterparts. With over 70% of gas sourced from within the UK
and Norway, the UK is better placed than many countries to deal with the supply strain this winter. However, our vulnerability will come from various sources of imported gas throughout winter, with the actual mix of supplies on any given day determined by the market. Whilst demand is expected to fall as a result of higher energy costs, we expect to see an increase in use of gas for power generation. Peak demand is predicted to be weekdays between 16.00 and 20.00 hours and during any cold snaps in December, January and February. Of course, outages are also possible on other occasions too. It is estimated that a power outage of less
than an hour could cost a small business £800, meaning the predicted unreliability of energy this winter poses some serious risks for businesses. Businesses dependant on keeping critical infrastructure up and running should therefore be planning now for such eventualities.
MAINTAINING BUSINESS POWER Each business will have its own ‘critical
infrastructure’ to manage, be it a call centre, a small office with a shared server network and modem connection, a large manufacturing facility with process control system or robotics, hospital or blue light services, and water pumping and treatment centres, amongst others. We would always recommend that infrastructure of this type is protected either by an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), standby diesel generating set(s), or ideally both. A UPS system is typically designed to regulate
mains voltage and frequency, to cover short mains outages (brown outs), and to bridge the gap between the loss of mains power and a diesel generator starting and coming online, or for the system to safely powered down. The support time provided will depend on the size of battery purchased and the UPS load at the time of the outage. We would expect to see a typical support time of between five and 15 minutes at full load. The inclusion of a standby diesel generator within
the infrastructure of a building adds significantly to its resilience against prolonged loss of grid power. It’s important to understand exactly what
equipment within the building is connected to the generating set. For instance, is it just IT equipment and critical cooling? Or in the case of a call centre, for example, does it also cover general lighting, communications equipment and workstations? If the generator covers just some desks but not all, then it is key to focus essential aspects of the business into those areas. It is also important to understand what part of the operation is not covered by the UPS as there will be a break in power of a few seconds whilst the generator is starting, plus a short break when the mains power returns. In the case
of a diesel generator, flue storage levels and running time will vary significantly.
8 ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 22/23
It is important to be aware of this, so that the likely maximum running time can be understood, and provision made for keeping the tank topped up, with knowledge of where additional fuel can be accessed at short notice. If, for example, critical IT infrastructure is
managed off site by a third-party provider, be it a large or small data centre operator, it is well worth checking that they have also made appropriate preparations.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Undertaking regular maintenance and testing of the backup infrastructure is the only way to ensure that backup power is there when a business needs it. Conducting preventative maintenance on
MV / LV switchgear, UPS and diesel generating set(s) is therefore essential. Most manufacturers will recommend two preventative visits per annum, with regular interim testing scheduled (in the case of a standby diesel generating set this is monthly). These tests should cover a whole building or
key equipment. By having an all-encompassing check, it is the only way that facilities teams can be sure that everything works as it should and provide confidence to those using the facility. It is also important that those operating the infrastructure are familiar with these processes too. Maintenance should ideally be undertaken by the manufacturer or an approved dealer – this ensures those undertaking the maintenance are thoroughly trained and have rapid access to spare parts should they be needed. Preventive maintenance visits can identify the
requirement for remedial works to take place, such as the replacement of starting batteries or UPS batteries, UPS cooling fans, generator belts and hoses. It is essential that these remedial works are completed immediately as otherwise they can impair reliability and performance. At WBPS, we provide expert and reliable delivery
of critical power projects, generator maintenance, and hire solutions, nationwide. If your business has not yet installed a generator or added a UPS to your infrastructure, speak with one of our team today who will be able to advise the best way forward to protect your business from the risk of short- or long-term power failures.
WB Power Services
www.wbpsltd.co.uk
www.essmag.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
