The Maritime and Coastguard Agency required a temporary backup power solution while a full electrical infrastructure upgrade was being completed at its HQ at Spring Place, Southampton.

The project required both generator and UPS support to keep the site protected throughout the works. MCA contacted P&I Group just two weeks before the works were due to begin, asking whether a suitable solution could be provided while also reducing the cost of other quotes they had received.

As a long-established customer, P&I Group reviewed the requirement and looked for a practical way to deliver the temporary power system within the short timeframe. Outsourcing the full solution was not a viable option, as this would have made the project too costly.

The main challenge was the extremely short lead time. MCA needed a reliable backup power system in place before the electrical infrastructure works began, giving P&I Group only two weeks to design, build and deliver the solution.

The system also needed to combine generator backup with UPS resilience, battery autonomy, distribution equipment, air conditioning and automatic changeover capability.

Because the solution had to be cost-effective, P&I Group needed to use available in-house equipment and engineering capability wherever possible. The project required a fast technical review, careful space planning and close supplier coordination to ensure the bespoke containerised UPS system could be completed in time.

P&I Group had recently purchased two containerised generators and also had hire UPS systems available in stock.

The technical team immediately reviewed whether the UPS systems, batteries, distribution equipment, duplex air conditioning system and automatic changeover equipment could be fitted into a container that required refurbishment.

A CAD drawing was produced to confirm the equipment layout and available space. Following discussions with an air conditioning supplier, P&I Group confirmed that the bespoke build could be completed with one day to spare.

The final solution included a 100kVA N+1 UPS system housed within a bespoke container, supported by a 500kVA hire generator system installed on site.

Through in-house engineering expertise, strong supplier relationships and a focused team effort, the containerised UPS system was completed the day before it was required on site.

The unit was delivered the following day and installed alongside the 500kVA hire generator. Although the hire was initially expected to be required for up to six months, delays and the complexity of the wider site works meant the system remained in place for almost 20 months.

P&I Group checked and serviced all equipment on site monthly throughout the hire period, helping ensure the temporary power system remained in good working order for the duration of the project.