Reliable Standby Power for Nationwide Building Society

The standby power installation incorporated several integrated systems designed to provide high-capacity backup power while maintaining reliability for the facility’s operational infrastructure

• 3 x 1000kVA MTU-powered standby generators – Installed within bespoke 80dB(A) acoustic enclosures with integrated day tanks, providing high-capacity standby power while maintaining acceptable noise levels within the surrounding business park environment.

 

• 3 x COMAP control systems – Providing generator control, mains synchronisation, and integration with the building’s Building Management System (BMS) for monitoring and operational management.

 

• 1 x 20,000-litre Western Global bulk diesel storage tank – Supplying fuel to the generators through double-skinned UPP seamless pipework, with an integrated automatic fuel polishing system to maintain fuel quality and long-term reliability.

 

• 1 x AF Switchgear switchboard – Designed with three incomers and a single outgoing feed supplying the building’s Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), ensuring reliable power transfer in the event of mains failure.

Delivering Standby Power for a Critical Facility During Lockdown

Because the facility supports call centre operations and data storage systems, uninterrupted power availability was essential throughout the installation process.

The project also had to be delivered within a tight construction programme during the COVID-19 lockdown period, which introduced additional logistical and operational constraints.

To minimise disruption to ongoing operations, critical electrical works were carried out outside standard working hours, requiring careful coordination between HG Projects, ISG Construction, and other contractors involved in the project.

High-Capacity Standby Power Installation

HG Projects worked alongside ISG Construction to deliver a standby power installation designed to provide reliable backup power for the facility’s operational infrastructure.

Generator Configuration for Critical Infrastructure

The installation included three 1000kVA MTU-powered standby generators, providing sufficient electrical capacity to support the building’s operational systems and maintain continuity during mains power interruptions.

Each generator was housed within a custom acoustic enclosure, helping control operational noise while ensuring the system remained suitable for installation within a business park environment.

Control System Integration

The generators were equipped with COMAP control systems, enabling synchronisation with the mains supply and integration with the building’s Building Management System (BMS) for monitoring and control.

Fuel Storage and System Reliability

To support extended generator operation during power outages, the installation included a 20,000-litre Western Global bulk diesel storage tank with an automatic fuel polishing system.

This system helps maintain fuel quality during long storage periods, ensuring the generators remain ready for operation whenever standby power is required.

Electrical Infrastructure Integration

An AF switchgear switchboard was installed with three incomers and a single outgoing feed supplying the building’s Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), ensuring reliable transfer to standby power in the event of mains failure.

A Flawless Installation Delivered Against the Odds

The completed installation provides Nationwide Building Society with a high-capacity standby power system designed to protect critical operational infrastructure within its Swindon facility.

Despite the additional challenges created by lockdown restrictions, HG Projects successfully coordinated generator delivery, cranage operations, and electrical integration within the project programme.

The facility is now protected by a robust standby power solution capable of maintaining operational continuity for both the call centre and data storage systems during mains power disruption.