UPS Systems ensures power continuity for the RAF
UPS Systems plc has installed two diesel generators at RAF Valley, the RAF's fast jet pilot training facility on Anglesey in north Wales. The diesel generators will form part of a new standby power system for the site's new facilities; ensuring its training equipment and simulators continue to operate in the event of power failure. Contracting the work under a PFI mechanism to Ascent, a joint venture between Babcock International and Lockheed Martin, the MoD recently upgraded its facilities at RAF Valley to include a squadron building comprising offices, training rooms, flight simulators and other training equipment and an aircraft hangar, built to accommodate the 28 new Hawk TMk2 fast jet training aircraft. Babcock International employed UPS Systems to help protect RAF Valley's equipment against power failure. After performing an initial electrical site survey to establish the scope of the required system, UPS Systems installed two Caterpillar diesel generators: an 800kVA unit for the squadron building, and a 900kVA unit for the aircraft hangar. To help monitor the fuel levels in the generators, UPS Systems installed its remote monitoring solution, REMO. And RAF Valley took out a maintenance contract to ensure its generators are regularly serviced and remain in good working order. "UPS Systems was able to provide a rapid and professional response to our requirements, working with us to meet a demanding deadline and understand the particular challenges of working within a live military training environment, said Paul Bates, the UK Military Flying Training System Programme Manager - Air, of Babcock International Group. Following a broad review of the market, UPS proved to be competitive in their pricing and were suitably scaled to provide a turnkey solution, inclusive of generator procurement, testing, delivery, installation, commissioning and maintenance support. The overall level of service received warrants a firm recommendation towards engaging UPS for our future operational standby power requirements.UPS Systems Managing Director, Tom Sperrey commented: "Ensuring your standby power system offers sufficient protection against power failure is vital for every organisation. But you can't just install a system and forget about it. UPS equipment, generators, batteries and fuel cells all need regular servicing to check they're in good working condition. RAF Valley has secured its power supply through our maintenance contract by ensuring that our engineers give their generators an MOT every year. And in the meantime, REMO will automatically alert them if the fuel levels drop below a safe level.