Transformer Upgrade Design - Powerco

Load growth forecasts for the Matamata region provided the impetus for Powerco’s 2010 upgrade of its Browne Street substation.

Load growth forecasts for the Matamata region provided the impetus for Powerco’s 2010 upgrade of its Browne Street substation.

The Matamata area is serviced by two substations connected by an 11kV line: Tower Road, which has a single transformer and a single 33kV supply; and Browne Street substation. Prior to the upgrade Browne Street had a single transformer and two 33kV incoming supplies.

An upswing in load would impact on Powerco’s ability to assure continuity of supply, particularly during periods of transformer maintenance. Keen to retain its AA security level rating, Powerco commissioned Ergo to produce the detailed design for a second transformer at the Browne Street substation.

Azam Khan managed the electrical design project for Ergo. Thorburn Consultants Limited were sub-contracted to provide civil design and an outline plan of works, including an acoustic report for submission to the local council.

Installation of the second transformer was scheduled for a short planned outage. ‘It was vital that our design drawings were correct,’ said Azam, ‘so that the contractors could transfer the load within the required timeframe. I made sure Ergo’s design drawings were delivered on time and left no ambiguity for the contractor’.

‘Overall, it has been a very pleasing result for Powerco,’ commented Mike Young, Powerco’s Project Manager, ‘Feedback from the technicians was that the drawings and design package were absolutely first class. Dealing with queries whilst on holiday is just one example of your dedication and your work on Browne Street has enhanced the standing of both yourself [Azam] and Ergo, within Powerco.’

Design works undertaken by Ergo:

• New 33kV switchroom to house new 5 panel 33kV switchboard
• New transformer bay and water-tight bund
• Installation of new 12.5/17MVA 33kV/11kV transformer including design of all interconnections to the site
• Earthing design for new transformer and switchroom installation
• Extending the 11kV switchboard to include an 11kV incomer circuit breaker and bus coupler
• Associated communications and auxiliary equipment.