A Data Center for a Federal Organization

Upgrading 20-Year-Old Generators: A Federal Data Center

The Challenge

When it comes to power systems, across all industries and sectors, operating with dated infrastructures is a common occurrence. As technological advancements continue to improve system functions and features many organizations remain riddled with systemic and historic challenges.

The data center at one federal organization required upgrades to existing generator controls. Commissioned more than 20 years ago, the switchgear was reaching its end-of-service life. The switchgear supported two Caterpillar generators and supplied emergency power to one automatic transfer switch (ATS). The system was unreliable and had several failed components with no available parts for replacement.

Prime Power was contracted to update the 20-year-old generator controls with no interruptions in service during the installation.

The Solution

Prime Power engineers redesigned the entire system so that it could be included in one complete Square D switchgear lineup. They replaced the dated switchgear and ATS with new switchgear that was installed in the exact same location.

Engineers employed a rental generator and ATS to maintain continuous emergency power during the project, resulting in no major power interruptions during the installation. The system's new controls included:

  • Woodward Easygens
  • Basler Genset Controls
  • GE RX3i PLC
  • GE touch screen

And both generators were upgraded with new governors, voltage regulators and engine controls.

The Benefit

Prime Power streamlined the upgrade project to eliminate power disruption at the invaluable data center. They infused fail-safe strategies, including backup generators to ensure a seamless delivery of new system components.