Powering innovation at the Humanitas Proton Center in Milan – Italy

The supply of a genset for the new proton therapy center in Rozzano (MI) of the Humanitas Clinical Institute has just been completed, where two other Visa machines were already present in the same structure. This technology is the most advanced form of radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer patients. The center is a new pavilion in addition to the existing structure consisting of two buildings: a bunker to house the radiotherapy room and a building to house patients. There are still relatively few proton centers in the world, true points of excellence that represent a crucial innovation for therapies, combining precision, effectiveness and a lower impact on patients’ quality of life. The treatment of cancers occurs through the use of proton beams instead of the X-rays used in traditional radiotherapy, because they release their energy in a specific point, allowing the tumor to be hit with great precision and reducing side effects. Proton centers are also places of advanced research in the field of radiotherapy where increasingly effective technologies and methodologies are developed to improve treatment results.

Such complex structures must necessarily rely on the support of high-performance and precision generating sets to allow operational continuity, patient safety and equipment protection. In this context, the customer chose the reliability of Visa products as a backup system to the electrical grid.

The Rozzano Centre is one of the very few in Italy, including the one in Trento which was also supplied in the past by Visa with a 1100 kVA emergency bell-shaped genset set, model P 1050.

They are generators that provide stable, continuous power, which is essential for the operation of particle accelerators and support systems. A power outage could interrupt treatments, damage expensive equipment, or even worse, put patients at risk since they depend on real-time monitoring and control systems. Electricity generators also keep IT, imaging, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems running, which are critical to the efficiency and safety of the center and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. 

CASE HISTORY 

Project:	Healthcare sector
Location:	Proton Center in Rozzano (MI), Italy , for the Humanitas Institute
Installed power:	900 kVA (LTP)
Gensets supplied:	1 unit model P 805 S, with automatic control panel for parallel to the Mains, in silent version

Challenging aspect: 

Since the proton center is a highly specialized medical facility, it requires the presence of the electricity generator to ensure operational continuity, patient safety and equipment protection. The Visa genset must ensure a stable and continuous backup power supply, starting up in case of emergency with optimal support in any circumstance to always maintain a high level of efficiency of the entire facility.

Technical features     

The genset is equipped with a turbocharged Perkins engine model 4006-23TAG3A with electronic speed governor and preheater, that has been selected for high-quality and top-level performances. it is coupled with Stamford alternator model S6L1D-D, including AVR MX321, reliable and technologically advanced, essential characteristics for offering a high-level product. 
Special configuration  

The Visa genset has been designed to ensure continuity in power supplying, a crucial aspect for this type of application.
For this purpose, it has been provided with the following redundant components: 
- Double diesel refill electric pump via two electric pumps for fuel loading 
- Double electric starter complete with engine 
- Double battery-pack.

Reduction of vibrations    

Another important issue for this type of system is the maximum reduction of residual vibrations. For this purpose, the technical team has developed a system of anti-seismic spring anti-vibration mounts.

Control panel    

The genset mounts an automatic control panel model InSync 500 to manage the parallel connection to the Mains and it has a series of expansion modules with programmable inputs and outputs available in the terminal board for the interface with external remote management system. 

It is also present an oversize circuit breaker of 1600 AMP. 
 
The power cables come out from the upper part of the canopy to connect to the head of the customer's electrical system busbar.

Service of monitoring and control  

Monitoring integrated in the customer's BSM. The genset and the Mains control board is provided with Ethernet and RS485 communication ports for data communication via Modbus protocol, allowing its integration into the hospital's BMS (building management system).

Remote monitoring 

The control unit is also equipped with the 4G GPS Plug-In Module with antenna that allows monitoring of the genset and the Mains, as well as the remote tracking of machine’s exact position via the “OnisVisaWebsupervisor” web platform, helping to optimize uptime and reduce maintenance costs.

It also allows the customer to always be informed in real time on the main parameters and alarms, on the visualization of graphic trends and on the visualization of periodic reports of the most relevant statistical data.

Technical diagnostic service

The gen set supplied to the proton center is also provided with the exclusive “SupervisorPlus” Service of active supervision by the Visa SPA service department, which acts remotely if necessary, recommending solutions and planning interventions, before they become critical issues. 

Fuel tank  

It is a standard 400-liters fuel tank is integrated into the baseframe, complete with liquid retention basin. 
To increase the genset’s operational autonomy, a separate 5000 liters double-walled underground tank was designed to support it, which can guarantee an operational activity of more than 29 consecutive hours.
There is also an electronic level indicator for tanks with a minimum/maximum level alarm connected to the control panel to detect the fuel level inside the tank and show it on the display.

Canopy and baseframe
Silenced version with hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated sheet metal canopy. The base frame is particularly robust and compact and integrates the on-board fuel tank with liquid retention basin and leak control sensor.

After-sale Service and Technical Support   
A key strength of Visa SpA lies in its customer-focused approach. The skilled engineering team goes beyond designing and delivering products, offering comprehensive support throughout the post-production phases. This commitment includes providing ongoing technical assistance and maintaining a dedicated presence to address any needs promptly, even in the most challenging contexts and environments.

Conclusions: 

The Visa generators are present in the healthcare sector worldwide  
Visa SpA has established a strong reputation in the energy sector for its high-quality products and extensive experience across various industries, notably in healthcare. This expertise is demonstrated through the supply of generating sets to numerous hospitals, treatment centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Among these is the renowned center in Trento, which, along with the facility in Rozzano, stands as one of Europe's leading proton therapy hubs. Additionally, the company has provided solutions to countless other institutions, both within Italy and internationally. These achievements underscore Visa's capability to meet diverse and complex demands, even in the most critical scenarios.

This achievement is made possible by the expertise and meticulous approach of the engineering team, which oversees every stage of the process: from custom design to production, installation, and final commissioning. 

By combining high-level product quality, engineering proficiency, and the dedicated support of the technical-commercial team, Visa SpA has established itself as a reliable partner for even the most demanding projects, including proton therapy centers and the healthcare sector as a whole.