Electricity and Control September 2022

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Refurbishment of fire-damaged substations

Earlier this year the City of Tshwane awarded two contracts valued at some R200 million to ACTOM Power Systems to repair and refurbish two substations that had been ravaged by fire: the 132/11 kV Pyramid substation in the Rooiwal area, and the 132/11 kV Kentron substation in the Highveld Park area of Centurion. In both instances the initial focus was on con structing new control and switchgear buildings to house the replacement equipment destroyed by the fires. Following that, Power Systems han dled the supply, installation and cabling up of a total of 109 new 11 kV switchgear panels – 49 for the Pyramid substation and 60 for Kentron sub station – in the new buildings. This included the installation of associated protection schemes, a SCADA overlay and dc chargers with battery backup. The replacement 11 kV switchboards make use of the premier class AMV12 switchgear, de veloped by ACTOM MV Switchgear and an inter national partner and now well-proven and widely used in the local market. The new protection and SCADA panels were

sourced from ACTOM Protection & Control, and ACTOM’s Static Power supplied the dc systems. John McClure, Power Systems’ General Manager, said initial ly, priority was given to the secondary plant portion of the con tracts to restore the fire damage. “Impromptu repairs had been carried out by the municipality to restore power supply as quickly as possible, but the longer-term security of supply would have remained compromised until permanent solutions were imple mented, which is what ACTOM Power Systems undertook.” The contracts also include the supply of a range of new 132 kV gear to replace aging equipment in the outdoor yards, so both substations will receive an overall upgrade by the end date. The full contract term will run over three years, and will be completed in phases as annual funds are released. The outdoor equipment will comprise 132 kV circuit breakers, isolators, current transformers, voltage transformers and surge arrestors – all to be supplied by ACTOM High Voltage Equipment. In addition, the cable and cabling accessories required for the works will be sourced from ACTOM Electrical Products. For both contracts Power Systems is required to involve and upskill local labour under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and to identify sections of work for local subcontractors. This is aimed at supporting the development of small businesses from the surrounds. “These provisions arise from the Preferential Procurement regulations of 2017 and strike a balance between the need to appoint a reputable contractor with the capacity to be held ac countable for contractual delivery; and to ensure that vulnerable and marginalised sectors of society are brought into the fold in a meaningful way,” McClure said.

For more information visit: www.actom.co.za

EPWP candidates assist with a wiring alteration on an AMV12 switchboard control cubicle, under the supervision of Kaizer Sithole from ACTOM Power Systems.

30 Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2022