Powering a Critical Radar Station Against the Odds

• 2 × 40kVA Deutz Prime Power Diesel Generators – Enclosed in acoustic canopies and designed for reliable operation with minimal maintenance requirements.
• DeepSea Control System – Providing automatic generator start functionality and dual mutual standby configuration to ensure full redundancy.
• Fuel Isolation System – Connected to existing bulk diesel storage tanks with a fire-detecting drop valve, protecting the surrounding environment from fuel leaks or contamination.

Installing Standby Power at a Remote Coastal Site

At a remote coastal radar station operated by BAE Systems, aging standby generators supplying continuous power to critical monitoring infrastructure required replacement to ensure long-term operational reliability.

The project involved the removal of the existing generator systems and the installation of two 40kVA Deutz Prime Power diesel generators, configured with a DeepSea control system to provide dual mutual standby operation and continuous backup power for the radar station.

Operating in a remote coastal environment with limited site access, the new system needed to deliver dependable standby power while minimising maintenance requirements and protecting the surrounding environment.

Access to the radar station was via rough farm tracks, with the site located approximately two miles from the nearest road. This meant any equipment installed at the site needed to be reliable enough to operate for extended periods with minimal maintenance access.
The generators therefore had to be built for endurance, capable of operating with minimal maintenance while safeguarding the sensitive coastal environment from fuel leaks or contamination.
Because the radar station supports continuous monitoring operations, the standby power system also needed to provide dependable backup capability while meeting environmental protection requirements for fuel storage and containment.

Innovative Engineering for Maximum Reliability

The old generators were carefully removed using a small HIAB vehicle, ensuring zero disruption to critical operations. The new units were positioned over a bunded area to prevent leaks, reflecting a commitment to environmental protection. To support reliable long-term operation at this remote site, several engineering decisions were made to reduce maintenance requirements and ensure continuous power availability.

Extended Service Intervals

An advanced oil make-up system, featuring a large storage tank and additional filters, was installed to extend service intervals to a remarkable 2,000 running hours.
This significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance visits, which is particularly important for remote installations where site access is limited.

Engine Selection for Remote Operation

Deutz oil/air-cooled engines were chosen for their reliability and minimal maintenance requirements.
Unlike traditional liquid-cooled systems, oil/air-cooled engines remove the need for complex cooling circuits, making them particularly well suited to remote locations where simplicity and durability are critical.

Redundant Power Configuration

The control system was strategically configured to ensure continuous power. By alternating runtime between the two sets, operational hours are evenly shared, preventing excessive wear on any single unit. If one generator experiences a fault, the second set automatically assumes the load, ensuring uninterrupted power to the radar station’s monitoring systems.

Unwavering Power in the Harshest Environment

The old generators were carefully removed using a small HIAB vehicle, ensuring zero disruption to critical operations. Although the two replacement generators took several weeks to manufacture, the complete on-site strip-out and installation was completed within one week. The new units were positioned over a bunded area to prevent leaks, reflecting a commitment to environmental protection.

Following installation, the radar station was equipped with a resilient standby power system designed to operate reliably in a remote and environmentally sensitive location.
The dual-generator configuration ensures continuous power availability by automatically transferring load to the secondary unit if one generator experiences a fault. Alternating runtime between both sets balances operational hours, reducing mechanical wear while maintaining full redundancy.
The system was also designed for long-term reliability with extended service intervals of up to 2,000 running hours, reducing the need for frequent maintenance visits at this difficult-to-access site.

To protect the surrounding coastal environment, the generators were installed over a bunded containment area designed to prevent fuel leaks or contamination.
Together, these measures provide a dependable standby power solution capable of protecting critical radar monitoring systems in a challenging coastal environment.