Caterpillar Inc. has won a contract to supply emergency backup power to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. CAT supplied two 2000 kW 3516 diesel generator sets along with paralleling and switchgear equipment to the iconic railway station.
The generator sets had to be fully tested together with the paralleling and switchgear equipment before on-site installation to ensure no problems arose in a rail tunnel. The components were then transported via rail for on-site re-assembly. The generator sets run on low-sulphur fuel to comply with air restrictions.
The generators and paralleling equipment will provide the highest level of backup security available. They will be required in case of problems with the electric power grid that could interrupt or damage electricity supply to the station.
The power upgrade is part of an initiative funded by a federal grant through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to bolster the city’s power infrastructure.
