Tender Summary: Replacement of 10kVA UPS

Objectives

The primary objective is to replace the existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Greys Hospital. This upgrade ensures continuous, stable electricity supply to critical patient beds and life-support equipment, mitigating risks associated with power fluctuations or outages. The contract seeks a comprehensive solution encompassing supply, installation, commissioning, and safe removal of the legacy system.

Scope of Work

The successful bidder must deliver a complete turnkey service including:

• Supply and Installation: Provision and installation of a 10kVA, single-phase, transformer-based UPS system, including batteries, battery cabinet, accessories, and a remote monitoring alarm panel.
• Decommissioning: Safe disconnection and removal of the old UPS unit. Removed equipment must remain on-site and be handed over to the Maintenance Manager.
• Civil Works: Execution of all masonry work, patching, and painting required for the electrical installation, restoring the area to the satisfaction of the Department of Health.
• Testing and Commissioning: Performance of on-site tests including full load testing, efficiency verification, harmonic distortion analysis, and transfer tests between inverter and bypass modes.
• Documentation and Warranty: Submission of a safety file and provision of a written warranty of at least 12 months for both the UPS and batteries.
• Standards: All electrical work must comply with SANS 10142-1 and relevant occupational health and safety regulations.

Technical Requirements

The UPS system must meet the following specifications:

• Topology: Double conversion architecture with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology utilizing Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs).
• Control and Interface: Microprocessor-based control with user-friendly LCD or LED displays. Status indicators required for line, load/battery capacity, and battery levels.
• Connectivity: Standard RS232 communication port with optional expansion slots for DB9, USB, AS-400, or SNMP/HTTP cards.
• Performance Metrics: Minimum runtime of one hour. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) must be less than 12%. Battery recharge current must exceed 10% of the ampere-hour rating.
• Features: DC start capability, battery self-test, wide input voltage range, parallel redundancy capability, and lightweight design.
• Protections: Built-in safeguards against over/under voltage, surges, short circuits, and sudden load changes.
• Remote Panel: Alarm panel with LED indicators for UPS on load/inverter normal, mains fall, battery low voltage, UPS on bypass, and audible alarms.

Explanation of Technical Terms

• Double Conversion: A UPS design where input power is continuously converted from AC to DC and then back to AC. This isolates connected equipment from all mains disturbances, ensuring high-quality output power regardless of input conditions.
• PWM with IGBTs: Advanced switching technology that modulates power pulses to control voltage and frequency efficiently, reducing energy loss, heat generation, and improving waveform quality compared to older methods.
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): A measurement of electrical noise in the power system caused by non-linear loads. Limiting THD to under 12% prevents the UPS from introducing harmonics that could damage sensitive hospital electronics or interfere with other systems.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate the following capabilities and compliance:

• Registration: Registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) at grade 1EB or higher.
• Labor Compliance: Valid Letter of Good Standing from the Department of Labour.
• Specialization: Proof that the bidder's core business involves electrical or UPS services.
• Personnel: Technicians performing the work must hold a valid Trade Test certificate as an Electrician.
• Safety: Ability to compile and submit a Safety Plan/Programme of Works upon contract award.
• Regulatory Adherence: Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and South African Bureau of Standards codes.