Empower semi-permanent chiller plants

Cooling capacity, connected while the network keeps running.

Empower uses semi-permanent chiller plants to meet demand while permanent capacity is built. Each plant needs its own HV and LV supply, connected and proven on a short programme, without disturbing the customers already on the network.

What made it hard.

1. 01

   Short programmes, plant after plant

   Each plant had to go from an empty plot to a running chiller plant quickly, and the next order often came before the last plant was closed.

2. 02

   A live network

   New plants were connected to a network already cooling occupied buildings, so every shutdown and switching operation had to be agreed with Empower’s operations team.

3. 03

   Acceptance on the client’s terms

   Empower takes over a plant only when it passes its own Tests on Completion, witnessed by its engineers.

What we did about each one.

1. Challenge 01Short programmes, plant after plant
   Our response

   A method that repeats

   We set one way of working for every plant: the same cable routes and containment, switchgear connections, distribution and test sheets, so each new order started from a proven method and a trained crew.

2. Challenge 02A live network
   Our response

   Switching planned with the operator

   Shutdowns and connections were planned with Empower’s operations team and carried out under permits to work, at times that kept customers cooled.

3. Challenge 03Acceptance on the client’s terms
   Our response

   Tested before the witnesses arrived

   Our testing engineers ran the insulation, continuity, protection and function tests first, so the witnessed Tests on Completion confirmed results we already had.

From the first drawing to handover.

1. 01SurveyEach plot surveyed and the supply route agreed with Empower.
2. 02CablingHV and LV cables laid, glanded and terminated, with their containment.
3. 03ConnectionSwitchgear, transformers and distribution boards connected to each plant.
4. 04TestingInsulation, protection and function tests, then the witnessed Tests on Completion.
5. 05Taking overEach plant handed to Empower’s operations team, and the next order begun.

Every plant passed Empower’s Tests on Completion, and AZEMCO is Empower’s sole approved MEP contractor for MV, LV and HV works.