The failure of power, heating and cooling systems in a hospital setting has the potential to create disaster.
Loss of power could lead to critical life support functions shutting down, while failed heating and cooling systems could lead to an increased risk of infectious diseases spreading to vulnerable patients.
In the event of a power outage, a number of services including clinical activities, emergency surgery, medical and building equipment could be affected, compromising the healthcare of patients. Even if emergency power is available after mains supply power has failed, it may still not be enough to satisfy the present load requirements of the facility.
The healthcare of patients is also at risk of being compromised if cooling and heating systems fail. This failure could be the result of incapacity to meet demand, infrastructure changes or even extreme weather conditions can overload these systems.
Consequently, air conditioning and domestic hot water will not be available allowing unhealthy ambient conditions to prevail.
Using its expertise in the supply of backup and emergency power, heating and cooling systems around the globe, Aggreko offer practical cost effective solutions.
For hospital facilities, speed of response is critical, and Aggreko’s extensive footprint in Australia means that these systems can be rapidly deployed.
Highly trained engineers and technicians visit the site to define system capacity and interface with the existing facility infrastructure. The systems are installed, interfaces are tested, proven to the satisfaction of the facility, continuously monitored and maintained.
Aggreko has both diesel and natural gas emergency generators available and when diesel generators are deployed, the company will provide a fuel management plan to ensure continuous supply.
This plan includes on board fuel tank level monitoring, storage tank monitoring and, in the event that the generator has to run for longer than the fuel available on site, tanker availability and access to the facility to replenish supplies is also taken into consideration.
Once the project is installed and operating, Aggreko oversee and maintain equipment using its Remote Monitoring (ARM) system, which transmits real time data back to the Aggreko Remote Operations Centre (ROC) staffed by technical experts 24/7.
In order to maximise uptime there are significant trouble shooting features available. The real time data that is monitored by the ROC includes run status, plant number, fuel level, battery level, telemetry status, estimated fuel expiry, fuel consumption rate, fuel responsibility, run hours, internal and external fuel status, output frequency, output voltage, active power and power factor.
The ARM monitoring system is installed on Aggreko’s diesel generators, with over 6100 assets fitted with ARM Australia wide. The real time data gathered at the ROC is used to analyse, diagnose and solve problems faster and with greater accuracy, and is also used to proactively prevent potential issues.
Responses tailored to fix the specific problem are relayed to technicians in the field through the ARM app on a mobile phone or tablet.
If on site presence is required, Aggreko coordinate with the local service centres to rapidly dispatch a technician to resolve any problems.
The potential issues that healthcare facilities may face in emergencies can be countered by Aggreko’s technological knowhow, extensive presence and speed of response.
Moreover, these solutions are offered under a commercial rental arrangement with significant cost benefits.
With a rental agreement, the customer does not have to buy and maintain systems and has the option of returning equipment when it is no longer needed.
Aggreko deliver, install and proactively maintain the unit for the customer, with costs associated with routine and preventive maintenance included in the rental fee. Supplied on an as need basis, the units can be deployed and relocated as required.