Micron Group

Micron Group was commissioned to design and implement a new 330KVA generator, automatic transfer switchboard, and automated Load bank, to cater for the emergency energy needs of Sydney’s leading aged-care facility.

Over the last few months St Basils aged care precinct encountered numerous black outs, and power outages, resulting from disruptions in the NSW energy supply grid. Power outages cause significant disruption in the operation of the aged care facility impacting the lives of elderly residents.

Partnering with St Basils Homes & its team of dedicated FM’s, Micron Group engineers led by John Wilson, commenced to design, engineer and construct the complex ATS transfer power generator system, incorporating all control infrastructure, a concept which would eventually allow St Basils Homes to control their power generation, ultimately eliminating reliance on the energy grid.

Unique Features

The system was designed to be linked directly to the site’s BMS system via the high-level Modbus interface, using 485 shielded control cable mounted within the custom powder coated steel tray, allowing engineers to view a graphical representation of the standby power system in real time. During a power failure, the ATS control system instantly disengages the building from the supply grid, and automatically connects to the installed 330KVA Cummins turbo charged, air cooled generator, providing alternative power. The ATS distribution board designed by Micron Group is made up of 4 individual NHP Automatic Transfer chambers, LCD Control panels, light indicators, & fully integrated to the building’s lifts, kitchens, and electrical infrastructure. Load bank connection is also integrated automatically, ensuring the generator is always operating at optimum performance.

The intelligent generator standby power system is unified to the buildings power grid providing stable power to the precinct when required, ensuring the safety, health, & medical need of all residents and staff is met.

Challenges

The Generator, Automatic Transfer Switch, and Load Bank required the integration to the precinct’s main switchboard. The problem Micron engineers and electricians faced was to safely connect the 300mm2 cables to the main switchboard without affecting the residents. Power was sourced from alternative supplies whilst the complex integration was completed.

Delivery

The project was engineered and designed inhouse, completed safely, without incident, & without variation cost. St Basils’ FM team were kept up to date with the installation, technical requirement and clearly notified of any planned power outages throughout all phases of the installation.