ST BRIDES TO CANTON INDEPENDENT FEEDER
Network Rail
Enable Infrastructure was selected as the Tier 1 Principal Contractor to install standalone feeder cables in South Wales for the Great Western Electrification Programme (GWEP). GWEP, initiated in 2010, has been a significant initiative for Network Rail, focusing on reducing carbon emissions. The feeder cables needed for this project run from National Grid Supply Points to distant Auto Transformer Feeder Stations (ATFS) – in this case, from the Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in St Brides ATFS near Newport to the remote ATFS in Canton, Cardiff.
The project
Enable effectively planned and executed the development of a new 15km, 25kV high voltage independent feeder (8501) during GRIP 5. Assistance in the design process was provided in house by Enable Design, enhancing engineering efficiencies during the construction phase.
The installation, testing, and commissioning of the feeder were successfully carried out by the Enable Power Systems teams. The Welsh independent feeder cables distribute power at 50kV without the need for energizing the contact system. We conducted a final pressure test to ensure the feeder could handle the continuous load.
Enable introduced innovative ideas such as using new 2-phase Link Box, which require less maintenance than the previous buried link boxes. We also provided efficiencies design by implementing surge voltage limiters at intervals of 3,600m.
Enable Infrastructure also managed the civil scope of the installation, including the construction of access roads to the St Brides ATFS substation site. Through customer engagement and feedback obtained using the PRISM framework, valuable knowledge was gained during the project.
Leveraging the expertise of our Power Systems team, we implemented enhancements in the design by incorporating surge voltage limiters every 3,600m instead of 1,000m. This adjustment reduced maintenance needs and lowered overall costs. Enable managed the civil aspects of the project, including constructing haul roads for access to the St Brides ATFS substation site. Finally utilising the PRISM framework to gather feedback allowed valuable insights from NR.
The challenge
- The need for several contractors to deliver projects collaboratively as part of the wider GWEP programme.
- Our project took place simultaneously with the installation of overhead line equipment (OLE) by others: the installation of the catenary wiring meant we had only limited access throughout the length of the route.
The solution
Enable meticulously planned the project delivery by integrating various aspects. Due to the presence of new piling and stanchions, we carefully coordinated with other contractors and incorporated their methodologies into both the design and installation processes.
To overcome the limitations, we utilized Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs) for cable installation, which reduced the need for extensive coordination with the OLE team and minimized the risk of program integration issues between projects.
Additionally, Enable Infrastructure assigned a dedicated access planner to support Network Rail in their possession planning. Enable also invested in training and skill development for our own staff during the project and have subsequently successfully retained these highly competent personnel – a long-lasting benefit of participating in this project.
The deliverables
The installation consisted of:
- 6,188m TTS 200 ground route & 6,585m Arco raised route post route
- 4 x under RRAP crossing; 3 x under track crossings; 1 x over track crossing gantry
- 29,900m 1-core 630mm² cable
- 66 x inline joints; 34 x shield break joints; 19 x link box installations & surge voltage limiters; 19 x spider plates
- 118 x sheath testing; pressure-testing; associated bonding; Form E commissioning.
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