Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA) has released a concrete enclosure solution (patent pending) that has all of the structural and environmental characteristics of a traditional concrete engine hall, without the costs and schedule impacts of remote location construction.

“The enclosures are manufactured within the CBD, fitted out with a Caterpillar generator and all associated control, electrical, ventilation, noise attenuation, exhaust and engine cooling systems. They are then transported to remote sites and installed for immediate operation with no local construction. Even the costs of transporting the enclosures are kept to a minimum,” explains EPSA’s regional operations manager for Western Australia Giles Wilson.

“The overall dimensions have been deliberately kept within road transportation limits without compromising access for operation and maintenance. This minimises logistics costs and ensures standard transport road access to most parts of the country without the need for restrictive escorts. Requiring only level compacted ground and using standard heavy lift crane or hydraulic lift jacks, they are easily and quickly installed. There is no need for costly site construction work.”

The modular design and minimal site work gives site operators the flexibility to increase or decrease their capacity as required. The modules can be provided with 1, 2 or 3 MW gas or diesel powered Caterpillar generators and can be deployed as stand alone or synchronised. They can be operated locally or remotely.

Unique to EPSA, the designs were first developed in late 2011 in response to a complex client brief. The designs boast numerous advantages for any customer, says Giles.

“Our concrete enclosures are ideal for remote locations. They are engineered to withstand temperatures up to 50 Celsius, are cyclone rated and salt-resistant. They also boast low noise output and have an extended life relative to traditional metal enclosures.”

Giles adds that EPSA’s capacity to build and deliver multiple turnkey projects in a short time and the commitment to innovation were key factors in obtaining ‘Approval to Connect’ to, and operate on, Western Power’s South West Interconnected Network (SWIN).

Using the unique concrete enclosure, EPSA supplied, installed and commissioned three 9.9MW diesel-fuelled peaking stations to support the SWIN, becoming the first concrete enclosures used for this size of generator in Western Australia. “We are also currently rolling out natural gas embedded generation plants on the eastern seaboard,” adds Giles.

“It really shows our depth of commitment to identifying smart and efficient solutions for power generation for customers across all industries.”

Giles says these unique concrete enclosures have been proven in service and, most importantly, they are transferable to a whole range of applications including standby, continuous and peak lopping.

“Installing rather than constructing minimises time on site. It takes as little as a third of the time for the same outcome.”