Upgrading Critical Power Infrastructure in the North West

Client: Major transport facility in the North West of England
Project: Replacement of 1950s Lister Blackstone generator with a modern 500 kVA backup power solution
Equipment supplied: YorPower 500 kVA generator powered by a Scania engine, complete with attenuators, exhaust silencers, and full commissioning.

Background

The client, a key transport hub in the North West, had relied for decades on a 1950s Lister Blackstone generator for emergency backup power. While robust, this aging machine was increasingly difficult to service, and its performance no longer met the operational reliability required of a modern facility. Any power outage at this location would have had a significant knock-on effect for transport services, making an upgrade essential.

Project Scope

YorPower was engaged to:

• Deliver and install a 500 kVA generator powered by a Scania engine.
• Integrate attenuators and exhaust silencers to ensure compliance with strict noise and emissions standards.
• Fully commission the system to guarantee reliable switchover in the event of power loss.
• Remove and replace the original Lister Blackstone generator, which presented an unusual challenge due to its undocumented weight and dimensions.

Challenges

The most significant unknown in this project was the removal of the original 1950s generator. Precise weight data was unavailable, which complicated lift planning and transportation logistics. This required close coordination with transport specialists to ensure a safe extraction without disrupting operations at the facility.

Additionally, working in a live transport hub required meticulous planning to avoid downtime. Every stage of delivery, installation, and commissioning was scheduled to fit within restricted access windows.

Solution

YorPower delivered a bespoke installation plan, including:

• On-site assessment to calculate load-bearing requirements and lifting points for the old generator.
• Specialist transport coordination to safely remove the Blackstone unit without incident.
• Delivery and positioning of the new 500 kVA Scania-powered generator, using precision handling equipment to navigate tight site constraints.
• Installation of acoustic attenuation and exhaust silencing to meet the client’s noise reduction requirements.
• Full electrical integration and commissioning, including thorough testing to simulate real-world power outages.

Outcome

The project was completed. The new Scania-powered 500 kVA generator provides:

• Modern, reliable backup power to safeguard critical services.
• Improved serviceability with readily available parts and maintenance support.
• Reduced noise levels thanks to attenuators and silencers.
• Confidence for the client that power continuity is assured, even in the event of mains failure.