Merlin shows its capabilities on challenging project

Replacing a standby generator that could power only one lift in the offices of ntl:Telewest in Liverpool and replace it with one that would support the whole building utilised the full technical capabilities of Merlin Power Management. The original generator was sited in the undercroft of Atlantic Pavilion in Albert Dock and had to be removed through an aperture in the footpath. To enable the new and much larger 800 kVA generator to be installed, Merlin arranged for the aperture to be enlarged and the engine and alternator of the new generator to be separated, craned into the undercroft and reassembled. The generator is cooled by a radiator on the roof of the building connected to the generator engine by 30 m of pipework. Flues for the exhaust were designed to blend in with the aesthetics of the building. Fuel tanks were specially made to fit into available space in the undercroft. The final changeover was made by shutting down Atlantic Pavilion over a weekend, completing the project and having everything up and running by 6 a.m. on Monday morning. Merlin’s specialist project-engineering team took about six weeks to complete the project. As Atlantic Pavilion is a listed building, much background work was carried out, which included extensive testing and providing of the solution before delivery. Merlin spent much time working with the consultant, architect, landlord and local authority to ensure that Building Regulations were met with minimum disruption to the local community.