PPSPower Are Proud To Work With National Grid On Project In South Wales

PPSPower van on the National Grid construction site

PPSPower is proud to announce its appointment by National Grid to deliver specialist power services at the gas compressor station in Felindre, near Swansea in South Wales.

The site is part of the South Wales Gas Pipeline – the UK’s largest high-pressure gas pipeline, which was constructed to help meet the UK’s future energy needs. Starting from the compressor station at Felindre, the 197-mile pipeline runs to Corse, near Tirley in Gloucestershire, where it connects with the existing gas pipeline network.

PPSPower, one of the UK’s largest and most respected providers of power solutions, will be replacing an alternator on the 1,500kVa generator, which sustained serious damage when the generator shut down immediately following the activation of a heat detector during a load test.

National Grid generator being transported by PPSPower

The scope of works includes:

  • Removing the generator’s exhaust at the gas compressor station in Felindre.
  • Providing a suitable crane to lift the complete generator onto transport, with delivery to PPSPower’s base in Sherburn-in-Elmet on the outskirts of Leeds.
  • Replacing the alternator, which includes:
    • Replacing existing MCCBs and installing new ACBs
    • Installing new power cables, including HDG ladder racking cable containment
    • Delivering, off-loading and positioning a 1350kW permanent load bank that will automatically apply ‘dummy load’ when the generator is lightly loaded during a mains power supply outage.
  • Replacing the existing obsolete DSE 5520 engine controller with DSE 7420 engine controller.
  • Performing a health check of the engine control module and engine.
  • Cleaning and removing rust from the exterior of the canopy/exhaust and apply heat-resistant paint.
  • On completion of the works, carrying out a full demonstration of the system, including a two-hour load bank test at our workshop.
  • This load bank test will be repeated on site.


PPSPower will then deliver the generator to the gas compressor station in Felindre, fitting it back in its original position, and refitting the exhaust.

Crane supplied by PPSPower

Stephen Peal, Managing Director of PPSPower, said: ‘We’re excited to be working with National Grid on a project that will see PPSPower replacing a heavily damaged alternator on their 1500kVA generator. This will enable the operation to return to full capacity.

“National Grid does a great deal of essential work in transporting gas within the UK via its pipeline network. To do this efficiently takes a huge amount of strategic planning, with support from a large supply chain. We are proud to be part of that supply chain and play our part in ensuring gas continues to be distributed safely and effectively.”