BSD Builders Inc. Delivers Innovative Energy Solutions to Scripps Mercy Hospital Hillcrest

BSD Builders Inc. has recently marked a significant achievement in its ambitious 18-month energy infrastructure endeavor. The company successfully installed two Capstone C1000 microturbines at the Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, San Diego, reinforcing the hospital's energy capabilities.

Navigating Challenges with Precision

Delivering these microturbines posed a unique challenge. The two units, each weighing 47,000 pounds, needed to navigate a steep, 200-foot, 17% grade slope to their new home behind the hospital's central energy plant. The task required not only physical strength but also a deep level of planning and logistical coordination that spanned months. Jeff Blair, Co-Founder and CEO of BSD Builders, expressed the complexity of the project, stating, "This milestone was our first opportunity to truly see a year and a half of planning, engineering, and coordination begin to take shape."

The successful placement of the turbines was like solving a multifaceted puzzle that required extraordinary creative thinking due to the severe site constraints. The BSD team developed a customized structural and logistical approach that enabled them to overcome these obstacles.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

The installation of the microturbines adds 2 megawatts of supplemental power to Scripps Mercy Hospital, a vital addition for enhancing energy efficiency. This newly established infrastructure incorporates a main switchboard, a new electrical transformer, and a 12 kV medium-voltage switch, forming the backbone of an efficient cogeneration system. By implementing advanced heat recovery modules atop the microturbines, the hospital can capture waste heat from the power generation process, which will cater to nearly all its heating and hot water requirements.

Furthermore, the upgraded system has introduced cutting-edge "island mode" capabilities. This state-of-the-art feature is designed to provide the hospital with a robust level of emergency preparedness. As Ryan Peña, Project Manager at Scripps Health, pointed out, "If there are natural disasters and the utility shuts off power or there’s an interruption in the electrical grid, the facility still generates its own electricity. It's an additional layer of safety and redundancy."

Moving Forward

With the heavy equipment now in place, BSD Builders has transitioned to the final phases of the project, which involves the integration of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems. As the hospital prepares to connect the turbines to its infrastructure, the project is on track for completion by the end of the year, allowing for thorough startup and testing procedures.

BSD Builders Inc. is recognized as a leading general contractor in the healthcare sector, specializing in not just construction but also innovative energy solutions. Continuing to exceed industry standards, BSD Builders remains committed to delivering exceptional value to its clients, setting benchmarks for excellence in both construction and energy management. This latest project at Scripps Mercy Hospital is a testament to their dedication to enhancing healthcare facilities across the region.