Complex Multi-Mains, Multi-Generator Control Schemes

Complex Multi-Mains, Multi-Generator Control Schemes

Some sites can’t run on one mains supply and one generator. Hospitals, data centres and large campuses run several incoming mains, bus tie breakers and banks of generators that all have to work as one system, automatically, every time.

PCAS designs, upgrades and commissions these schemes on ComAp controls, including a 10 MW hospital standby scheme in Liverpool.

Multi-mains, bus tie and multi-generator schemes

What makes a scheme complex
  • Multiple mains incomers feeding different boards, each with its own failure and return logic
  • Bus tie (bus coupler) breakers that link or split boards depending on which supplies are healthy
  • Several generators synchronised onto a common bus, sharing load and starting or stopping on demand
  • Load shedding and priority restore, so essential circuits come back first
  • HV and LV levels with protection that has to coordinate in every operating mode
  • No-break return to mains, test modes and maintenance modes that can’t upset a live site

Hospital proven

Liverpool hospital, 10 MW standby power controls upgrade. PCAS upgraded the control system for a hospital standby scheme with multiple mains, bus tie breakers and multiple generators, and wrote the description of operation for the HV standby system. The upgrade was planned stage by stage so the hospital kept standby cover throughout.

We’ve also upgraded and commissioned hospital generator controls in Manchester, Chester, the Wirral, Stockport and Sheffield.


What we deliver
  • Description of operation: a written control philosophy covering every mains failure, generator and breaker scenario
  • Control design: ComAp InteliMains, InteliGen and InteliSys based schemes, PLC logic and interlocking
  • Panel builds: synchronising, mains and bus tie control panels built in our Sheffield workshop
  • Phased upgrades on live sites: replacing obsolete controls without losing standby cover
  • Commissioning: witnessed testing of every mode, including black building tests, load bank tests and G99 protection
  • SCADA: clear InteliSCADA screens so estates teams can see the whole scheme at a glance
  • 24/7 service for the generators, switchgear and controls

Who we work with

NHS estates teams, main contractors, M&E consultants and generator service companies that need a controls specialist for a complex scheme.


Talk to us about your scheme

See our ComAp specialist services

Call 0114 317 7939 or email support@pcasltd.com.


OUR APPROACH

THE TEAM

Our teams are headed up by Stuart and Nik Morley, who have a collective 50 years of experience in the power control, communications, and automation industries.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Our experience is our greatest asset and has allowed us to grow our company and reputation organically. Our independently run organisation allows for maximum flexibility during project delivery.

WHO WE WORK WITH

We welcome conversations with consultants, manufacturers, design and build companies, mechanical engineering companies, planners, project managers, and anybody requiring critical power solutions.