The NOC undertakes world leading research in large scale oceanography and ocean measurement technology innovation, supporting the UK science community based in universities and smaller research institutes with scientific facilities, research infrastructure and irreplaceable data assets - enabling the UK to harness the full power and diversity of its scientific talent in ocean science. The NOC has two sites, Southampton and Liverpool, and employs around 650 staff. Both sites are co-located with leading UK Universities, gives NOC a unique position in UK marine research.
P Healy, Project Manager, NOC explains: “We were looking for more eco-friendly, energy efficiency options for our end of life capacitors, fans and batteries in the UPS systems which support our critical Scientific Research equipment and the IT Server Room operations in Southampton.
“CENTIEL Ltd offered the most cost-effective and quality assured solution as per the tender evaluation,” continues Healy. “CENTIEL’s staff clearly understood our requirements, undertook a detailed survey and proposed options to suit our objectives and delivered on budget in a timely and controlled manner. It has been a very good experience working with the entire team, who were very proactive with client communication and managed to undertake and resolve all issues prior to project completion.”
Michael Brooks, managing director, CENTIEL Ltd confirms: “Replacement and maintenance of battery, capacitors and fans is an essential part of an ongoing UPS maintenance programme to ensure continued, reliable operation and safe upkeep of the system.
“Last year, we were appointed by NOC’s Southampton centre to supply replacement parts for the UPS systems which maintain the organisation’s laboratory and computer room supporting hundreds of users across the world. The installation was completed in two phases designed to minimise disruption and de-risk potential power interruption.
“The battery replacement was carried out first which involved moving eight tonnes of batteries,” continues Brooks. “Four tonnes of the old batteries were stored on site until all work was completed, necessitating only one collection of hazardous waste.
“To enable the fans and AC capacitors to be replaced, the UPS needed to be shutdown to maintenance bypass and so it was essential the duration of works were kept to a minimum. The work was completed, and load tested successfully on a Saturday, so staff and projects were not interrupted.
“For more than ten years, our team has been a trusted supplier of UPS solutions, along with servicing and maintenance contracts, to our valued client base,” confirms Books. “On this occasion, we have been pleased to work with the NOC to help advise on and contribute to providing power protection one of the world's top oceanographic institutions.”
