Implementing a Fuel Oil System for a Hospital’s Large-Scale Backup Generation Needs
The generator building that was constructed consists of eight 3-MW Caterpillar generators with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems along with two 20,000-gallon, above-ground storage tanks.
A university hospital was adding a wing to its complex, but the size of the wing was sure to pose a challenge to the local electric utility. The electrical consumption of this new construction project was predicted to be so high that it would overtax the utility, putting it into a “low reserve” status, particularly on hot summer days. This was not viable for the utility, so the planners came together to devise a solution.
The utility offered the hospital a substantial discount on its electricity if it would install a backup generator system, allowing the hospital to go off the grid during periods of high consumption. This was an acceptable resolution for everyone involved, so the hospital brought in Preferred Utilities Manufacturing to help design the system. Bringing in a company with expertise in fuel systems early in the process like this worked well because it allowed everyone to have input in creating a solution that is reliable, robust, and redundant.