Emergency power generators

The challenge

Emergency power generators for a data centre

When the supply of electricity is of utmost importance, emergency power generators must ensure power supply in the event of an emergency. This also applies when data needs to be protected in data centres. Prangl was commissioned to lift two of these units to their place of deployment so that they would be ready for use in an emergency.

Our solution

Delicate load

Nowadays, it is extremely important that data is stored reliably. The 21st district of Vienna is home to a data centre that guarantees 99.999 per cent reliability. In order to truly guarantee this, several different security systems are necessary. Among other things, this includes emergency power generators, which supply vital electricity in the event of an emergency. Two new emergency power generators have now been purchased, which Prangl was tasked with bringing into the sprawling building complex.

400-tonne crawler crane

The Prangl team in charge of the project opted for a crawler crane to lift the individual parts into place. This crane, with a maximum system length of 168 metres, can handle up to 400 tonnes. In addition, thanks to its caterpillar tracks, it is particularly flexible and can be moved with the load if necessary. A 100-tonne telescopic crane was used to erect the PRK 400. A telehandler with a maximum lifting height of 9.55 metres, a capacity of 7.20 tonnes and a maximum reach of 5.50 metres was also provided on site for assistance services.

Entry through the roof

From the outset, it was clear that the parts of the emergency power generators – each consisting of a genset container, a dry cooler, a ventilation box and a chimney – would have to be lifted in from outside the building via the open roof. While the data centre itself has ample space, space outside in public areas was limited. The meticulous planning paid off and a solution was found. The 400-tonne crawler crane was positioned in a suitable location and work could begin. The most difficult parts to lift were the two genset containers.

82 metre reach

In addition to the 31.40 tonnes of each container, which was 12.20 metres long, 4.10 metres wide and 13.40 metres high, there was also 1 tonne of slinging equipment and 3.50 tonnes of hook blocks. This meant that two loads of 35.90 tonnes were lifted very slowly and with the utmost care at a reach of 82 metres. The remaining parts (between 2 and 10 tonnes) were also brought into the state-of-the-art data centre. The precise preparation and professional execution of the lifts ensured that even this demanding job was able to be completed to the customer's complete satisfaction.