A backup power system modernisation was carried out in a state-owned building managed by Senaatti-kiinteistöt as part of a major renovation project. The demanding project was completed on schedule through close collaboration between the client, the electrical contractor, and kW-set throughout the planning and commissioning phases.

During 2025, Senaatti-kiinteistöt ordered several backup power container units from kW-set. kW-set is also Senaatti’s maintenance partner for backup power systems. Preparedness for power distribution disruptions is part of Senaatti-kiinteistöt’s responsible operations and strategic objectives.

“We aim to prepare for disruptions in normal operating conditions and to support our clients in raising the level of preparedness in their premises,” says Veikko Jämsä, Electrical Engineering Specialist at Senaatti-kiinteistöt.

Three of the generators included in the procurement were installed in summer 2025 in a state-owned building managed by Senaatti-kiinteistöt, which underwent a major renovation as part of the Shared Work Environments development programme. By 2030, Senaatti will have renewed work environments across 18 locations.

Well planned is half done

According to Jämsä, the backup power implementation was demanding, as it was added to the project on a tight schedule. The design required effective collaboration between the electrical contractor and the backup power designer — and everything went smoothly. Based on previous experience, Jämsä expected nothing less.

– Everyone worked together, as they should in projects like this. I think we got kW-set’s finest!

kW-set and SRV Rakennus Oy, who was responsible for coordinating the backup power contract with the related construction and electrical work, had worked together on the same site before. The collaboration got off to a smooth start once again.

According to SRV’s Building Services Project Manager Jussi Oksanen, the project succeeded because all parties contributed to the shared goal. He highlights kW-set’s practical approach to problem-solving: challenges were not left unresolved but handled directly and efficiently.

In Oksanen’s view, one reason for the smooth commissioning of the backup power units was the timely review of plans at an early stage. Early design collaboration was also an advantage for kW-set.

– Thanks to SRV’s proactive approach, we had all the information we needed for the design from the start, which sped up the whole process, says Ilari Lindroos, Project Manager at kW-set.

Modernisation tripled the backup power capacity

The property already had three backup power units, but the modernisation nearly tripled the available backup power capacity.

– The previous 250–300 kVA generators served only one of the six main distribution panels, but the new 650 kVA units cover the entire property, says Tero Kettunen, Commissioning Engineer at kW-set. The generators are automatically synchronised and enable emergency operation.

With careful site planning, the installation of the backup power containers was completed using heavy mobile lifting equipment. Oksanen praised the technical data provided by kW-set.

– We received precise dimensional drawings and information on the lifting points, so we knew exactly where the containers could be safely lifted.

Commissioning adapted to the customer’s schedule

In addition to designing and programming the backup power system and its control logic, kW-set was responsible for commissioning the generators. This was a complex, multi-phase process that had to be carried out without disruption in an occupied building.

– Commissioning a complex backup power system covering three buildings was a matter of weeks, says Lindroos. But the client’s schedule was met. – Our commissioning engineers stretched into evenings and weekends as needed, and I think a few summer holidays got shifted too.

According to Lindroos, close communication with the main contractor and the electrical contractor was key to the successful commissioning. – SRV were in contact with us proactively and with a low threshold for reaching out.

FAT testing carried out in advance at kW-set’s facilities

The delivery schedule for the backup power system was critical to the building’s operations. – When the schedule held, the users were able to move into the renovated premises on time, Jämsä emphasises.

The schedule was secured by testing the backup power control systems in advance at kW-set’s facility in Tuusula. A test centre was also built at kW-set’s premises to simulate real on-site conditions for factory acceptance testing (FAT).

– Thanks to the pre-testing, only fine-tuning was needed on-site, which was a real advantage in an occupied building, says Kettunen.

Commissioning caused no significant disruption to building users. – We got through it with straightforward risk management, says Oksanen, satisfied with the outcome.

He sums up working with kW-set in two words — openness and honesty — and adds with a smile that he would recommend kW-set without hesitation, though perhaps not to everyone:

– I wouldn’t tip off our competitors. We’ve got too good a team to ourselves!

kW-set’s scope of delivery

• Preliminary meetings and site familiarisation
• Interpretation and corrections of electrical drawings
• Backup power system design (3 × 650 kVA containerised units + reserve fuel tanks)
• Design, programming, and testing of 3 new control panels
• Factory acceptance testing (FAT) of backup power generators
• Preparatory work for commissioning
• Commissioning, on-site placement and technical support