University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is installing two new, state-of-the-art emergency generators to provide backup electricity for the facility in case of a power interruption. Within the next few weeks, both new generators will be fueled, connected and ready for any emergency.
The diesel generators replace two older models. The replacement project, which costs more than $180,000, began August 7 with delivery of the first generator to UM SMC Chestertown by Johnson & Towers Inc. of Baltimore. The unit is now fueled and connected to the medical center’s electrical supply system. The second unit was delivered and installed in mid-September.
“Power interruption is always a risk due to storms or accidents bringing down power lines or system overload during extreme heat or cold,” said Beth Copp, CHSP, building operations manager for UM SMC at Chestertown and UM Shore Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Chestertown. “Due to the life-saving and life-sustaining work done at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, it’s essential we stay ahead of the curve with equipment that enables to serve our patients in any situation.”
“The new generators are an important investment to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff for years to come,” said Gary Poole, director of Support Services for UM Shore Regional Health.
The UM SMC at Chestertown maintenance team tests each generator once a month to assure the equipment’s readiness. With regular maintenance, it is expected that each generator will have useful life of approximately 20 years, Copp said.
Both of the new generators are larger and more powerful than those being replaced. One of the new generators is an MTU Onsite Energy model DS200 powered by an 1800-rpm John Deere motor. It includes a 570-gallon fuel tank. The other is an MTU Onsite Energy Model DS350 powered by an 1800-rpm MTU engine with 1255-gallon fuel tank. The generators have been placed on newly built, reinforced concrete pads.
Bill Anderson says
It is sort of curious to me that given the ongoing nature of the problematic previous fuel oil leak which is still not resolved to the town’s satisfaction, that the hospital did not opt for natural gas-powered generators. No on-site fuel storage, yet a continuous supply of fuel on demand. Makes me wonder if the town was aware of this new development?