The SAMPOL power plant is a crucial element of Madrid’s Barajas Airport infrastructure, designed to ensure everything runs smoothly even during major failures of the Spanish power grid. In April, Spain and Portugal faced a 10-hour power outage. However, the airport operated flawlessly thanks to the reliability of the power plant and the ingenuity of Wärtsilä and SAMPOL teams, who implemented an innovative solution.
Have you ever wondered how massive airports like Madrid’s Barajas operate without disruption even during power failures? Let’s examine the SAMPOL power plant serving terminals T4 and T4S. Designed, built, and operated by SAMPOL, it is equipped with six Wärtsilä 18V32DF engines. These engines not only provide emergency power but also produce hot and cold water for heating and cooling, utilizing waste heat from their operation.
What exactly happened?
In normal mode, the power plant generates electricity and hot and cold water, operating in parallel with the power grid. The operator sells excess energy on the market, reducing costs. In case of a blackout, the system automatically disconnects from the grid and switches to island mode, continuing to supply power and heating and cooling media – without interruption. The control algorithm then switches power from natural gas to backup liquid fuel (LFO), stored in two on-site tanks.
This supply is sufficient for 24 hours of operation at full load, assuming that the power grid resumes operation or trucks deliver additional fuel (LFO). However, this time gas in the pipeline was available. Thanks to reciprocating engine technology that operates at low gas pressure, the possibility arose to continue operating on gas, although this was not standard in emergency mode. SAMPOL consulted with Wärtsilä advisors whether it was possible to modify the program. Together, they decided to deviate from protocol and test gas supply in island mode. One of the six engines was disconnected from liquid fuel, necessary changes were made, and it was switched to gas. The process was strictly controlled to avoid errors. The test was successful, and since LFO delivery was confirmed that same afternoon, there was no need to switch additional engines. However, the team confirmed that if necessary, all six engines could operate on gas – even without liquid fuel.
“During the recent outage, our team demonstrated exceptional flexibility and innovation. Through quick adaptation to the situation, we helped SAMPOL ensure that Barajas Airport remained fully operational. This event confirms the reliability of our solutions and our commitment to energy security, even under critical conditions,” said Kenneth Engblom, Vice President of Wärtsilä Energy for Africa and Europe.
“This event shows how resilient SAMPOL’s cogeneration (CHP) concept is and how efficiently it operates in terms of uninterrupted airport power supply. All key systems were continuously powered, allowing the airport to operate normally,” added David Gabiola, Director of the Barajas Power Plant at SAMPOL.
Throughout the entire duration of the power outage, the airport recorded no power supply problems and operated as if nothing had happened.
About Wärtsilä Energy
Wärtsilä Energy leads the transformation toward a 100% renewable energy future. The company helps customers and the energy sector accelerate decarbonization through its market-leading technologies and expertise in energy systems. Wärtsilä’s solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage and optimization technologies, and lifecycle services for installations. The company’s engines are future-ready and can be powered by sustainable fuels. The company’s portfolio includes 79 GW of power plant capacity, of which 18 GW is covered by service agreements, and over 125 energy storage systems in 180 countries worldwide.
More information: https://www.wartsila.com/pol/energetyka
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. The company emphasizes innovation in sustainable technologies and services to help customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. A dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 specialists in more than 280 locations across 79 countries shapes the decarbonization transformation of our industries worldwide. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales amounted to EUR 6 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. More information: https://www.wartsila.com/pol
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