11kV Switchgear Replacement
CASE STUDY: Substation Projects
The replacement of the Oil Circuit breaker at Aquadrome Park substation in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
| Client(s) | EDF Energy Networks |
|---|---|
| Location | Rickmansworth Aquadrome Park |
| Project Start Date | June 2007 |
| Project Completion Date | June 2007 |
Over the past 10 years EDF Energy Networks have made significant investments in the renewal of the expired 11Kv switchgear assets and the installation of automated switchgear units.
Freedom’s switchgear replacement team have been heavily involved in successfully delivering this service for EDF Energy Networks and is continuing to do so in increasing numbers.
Planning Outages
A typical site included in the ongoing programme for switchgear changes has involved the replacement of the Oil Circuit breaker at Aquadrome Park substation in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, with a new SF6 gas circuit breaker.
Freedom staff planned the relevant electrical outages for the day, and the logistics of all the required equipment and stores for carrying out the required works.
In order to carry out the works at the Aquadrome Park, Freedom staff planned the relevant electrical outages for the day, and the logistics of all the required equipment and stores for carrying out the required works.
Isolation of the HV network was carried out between Juniper Hill pumping station and Uxbridge Road 15 station.
Maintaining Supplies
Working in conjunction with EDF Energy Networks control centre Freedom staff firstly switched the LV network in order to maintain supplies to customers and then carried out pre agreed switching to isolate the switchgear at Aquadrome Park.
With the isolation complete the circuit was then earthed to prove dead, the Freedom SAP (Senior Authorised Person) subsequently issued safety documents to the Technicians to enable them to work on the equipment.
With the safety documents issued to the team leader the work required on the day was then discussed with all team members and a site Risk Assessment was completed.
Freedom delivered the following successful works at Aquadrome Park secondary substation:
- Site excavations
- Removal of redundant switchgear
- Replacement of new switchgear
- Pre – commissioning tests on switchgear and protective devices
- Preparation and installations of HV cables into the new switchgear
- Carry out HV jointing (x 2 straight joints)
- Reinstate all excavations
Upon completion of the required works EDF Energy Networks HV Control Centre were re-contacted, safety documents were cancelled, the network was tested and pre agreed switching was carried out to restore the HV & LV network to normal running conditions.
Commissioning and on site records were then completed by the Freedom SAP and returned to EDF Energy Networks for the updating of their systems.
