Malta’s Primary Power Source Offers Advanced Protection

A key part of Malta’s power network, the 2012 extension of the Delimara Power Station, is being protected by a new fire system from industry-leading fire manufacturer Advanced.

The contractor, BWSC, selected Advanced’s MxPro 4 fire panels for the fire system at the new diesel engine plant at the Delimara Power Station, which was commissioned in December 2012, generating 149MW of electrical energy for the island.

The fire system was planned and installed by Malta-based Alberta Group, a long-time supplier of Advanced systems, before the plant was commissioned. Alberta worked closely with both Advanced and BWSC, the primary contractor, to devise the right specification with LPCB certification. It comprises 16 loops in total, including four MxPro 4 panels with repeater panels in the station’s main control room. The system includes over 700 individual components and over 7km of cable runs.

A spokesperson for Alberta Group commented: “This was a totally new system for a major power plant, so we needed a solution that was cutting edge in its capabilities, but also highly reliable and adaptable for the future. MxPro panels have a proven track record in complex installations of this type and we had no hesitation in recommending them.”

MxPro is Advanced’s flagship range of multiprotocol panels, offering customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network that enjoys free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application.

Etienne Ricoux, Export Sales Manager for Advanced, said: “The performance, scaleability and flexibility of the MxPro range is suited to installations such as this. The system can scale quickly to cover huge, challenging sites with 200 network nodes and can be easily configured and customised. In this case, the MxPro 4 panels are integrated with water-based sprinkler systems, deluge foam systems and inert gas suppression offering a total fire detection, alarm and control system.”

At Delimara the system includes optical smoke, flame and heat detectors, as well as conventional temperature sensors, all specified to meet the specific environment of each location. The areas covered include the turbine building, eight engine compartments, transformer areas, battery rooms, tank farm areas and high/low voltage switchboard rooms, as well as general areas and offices.

Advanced supplied a project-specific solution which was specially manufactured by its AdSpecials department. The MxPro 4 panels were assembled together with a large array of interfaces and peripherals in a two metre high rack enclosure. This unit was also accompanied by a separate panel that will be used as a repeater.

The main MxPro 4 panel is fully compliant with relevant EN54 Parts 2 and 4, and backed up with Advanced’s renowned customer care and technical support.

A spokesperson for Enemalta said: “Safety is paramount across all of our sites and the provision of a high quality fire system was specified right from the beginning when we planned the 2012 extension of the Delimara Power Station. We worked closely with BWSC to specify a system that would meet our key requirements and we have been very pleased with the components supplied, the aftersales support and the flexibility to programme the system for our specific needs.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Its legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use sees its products used in prestigious and challenging locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Fusion Advanced products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control and fire paging systems. More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.