Design-build team maneuvers 94,000 pounds of microturbine technology down a 200-foot incline at 17 percent grade to install 2 megawatts of supplemental power.

BSD Builders, Inc. has reached a critical step in a detailed 18-month energy infrastructure initiative by completing delivery of two large Capstone C1000 microturbines to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest.

The setup adds 2 megawatts of backup power to the site, yet positioning the gear behind the hospital central energy plant demanded expert planning: moving the pair of units, together weighing 94,000 pounds at 47,000 pounds each, along a steep 200-foot slope graded at 17 percent. The placement called for months of careful planning, custom structural work, and exact field execution.

"This step gave us the first real view of a year and a half of planning, engineering, and coordination taking shape on site," said Jeff Blair, Co-Founder and CEO of BSD Builders, Inc. "The project presented a distinct challenge because of tight site limits. Moving the 47,000-pound units down that slope required the team to develop a custom structural and logistical approach."

The new setup, which also features a main switchboard, a fresh electrical transformer, and a 12 kV medium-voltage switch, forms the core of an efficient cogeneration system created by the design-build group. Heat recovery modules will soon be mounted on the turbines to reuse waste heat from power generation, meeting nearly all hospital heating and hot water demands.

The improved system adds advanced island mode functions, creating a high level of emergency readiness for the hospital.

"This technology stands out mainly for the resiliency it brings," said Ryan Pena, Project Manager, Corporate Facilities at Scripps Health. "During natural disasters or grid outages, the facility can still generate two megawatts of its own electricity. It adds another layer of protection and backup.

"Watching these units arrive marks a major step. The next phase is connecting everything to the hospital."

With the heavy gear now on the pads, BSD Builders has moved into the final stages of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural integration, with startup, testing, and approvals set to finish by year end.

About BSD Builders, Inc. BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor focused on the healthcare sector. By surpassing industry standards and providing strong value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to lead in construction and energy work.

SOURCE BSD Builders, Inc.