How IEA Delivered Reliable Standby Generation in a Challenging Urban Environment
Summary
When a client located in a vintage, multi-story office building in the heart of the financial district needed standby power generation, the space limitations and structural complexities seemed insurmountable. IEA Power engineered a custom rooftop generator solution that met code, preserved building integrity, and ensured reliable power for years to come.
The Challenge
Designing and installing standby generation in a building never intended to house such systems came with multiple technical and logistical obstacles:
- No available space on-site for a ground-level generator.
- Structural reinforcement was needed to support equipment weight on the roof.
- Fire-code-compliant fuel transfer system required between basement and roof.
- Complex electrical integration across multiple vintage load centers.
- Exhaust stack design had to prevent downwash and air intake contamination.
- Generator placement had to avoid diesel exhaust intrusion into the building’s fresh air intakes.
The Solution
IEA Power delivered a turnkey solution centered around innovation and structural ingenuity:
- Installed a 725 kW diesel generator on the rooftop, mounted on a custom steel frame above reinforced structural supports.
- Integrated a 600-gallon rooftop sub-base fuel tank and two 300-gallon basement day tanks, with alleyway access for safe refueling.
- Designed a custom control system to manage diesel fuel transfer from basement tanks to the roof while adhering to local fire codes.
- Installed multiple automatic transfer switches to ensure reliable backup for segmented electrical loads throughout the vintage building.
Result & Impact
- Uninterrupted backup power for critical office systems in the event of utility failure.
- Preservation of building aesthetics and usability through rooftop installation.
- Safe and compliant fuel delivery system with minimal operational disruption.
- Long-term resilience in a compact and complex urban setting.
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