The Assignment
At Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, Terminal 3 faced a need for additional chillers. This terminal, which spans 98,962 square meters and saw 2.8 million passengers on 28,288 flights in 2021, requires substantial cooling to ensure the proper functioning of sensitive equipment and IT systems, the preservation of perishable goods, the support of baggage handling systems, and the operation of essential services.
To address the challenge of powering these additional chillers, Heathrow required an external power supply, as constructing an additional mains power source large enough to meet the demand was not viable.
The use of extra chillers ensured that the terminal could continue to operate smoothly in the event of a breakdown of any chiller unit. Moreover, the availability of these additional chillers allowed for the servicing and maintenance of existing units without impacting the terminal’s operations.
The Plan
Our approach at Templant Rental Power began with an extensive pre-site evaluation to precisely gauge the current and anticipated power requirements. We planned to install six 500kVA generators, each equipped with an advanced load-sharing system. This system intelligently manages the power load, activating generators based on fluctuating daily requirements and shutting them down during low-demand periods to conserve fuel.
Our plan included strategic placement of components, efficient cable routing, comprehensive risk assessments, and detailed lifting plans. We also established procedures for streamlined HVO refuelling operations and incorporated remote monitoring capabilities to enhance both reliability and operational flexibility.
The Result
Our project execution exemplified our efficiency and dedication to delivering reliable power solutions, with a strong emphasis on safety. Within just three days of our initial meeting, we effectively coordinated with all involved parties to organise the installation. Everything was set up, and the generators were operational within 24 hours, from Friday to Saturday.
We upheld the highest safety standards through meticulous risk assessments, detailed lifting plans, and comprehensive method statements, all of which required approval from Heathrow operations before commencement.
The integration of the six-generator system was a pivotal achievement, meeting the terminal’s heavy daily power requirements. Four of our generators, providing a combined 2000 kVA, powered the four external chillers, while the remaining two generators, each 500 kVA, were kept on standby to handle any failures, power surges, or maintenance needs for the primary generators. To ensure optimal performance, we conducted 48-hour daily visits and provided 24/7 support with engineers and phone
