Drakes Way Substation

Drakes Way Primary Substation is subject to flooding at regular intervals and to varying levels, but under worst case conditions, all the 33kV outdoor switchgear, the two transformers and the 11kV switch room & relay rooms would be flooded to various levels. This scheme replaced the 11kV switch room with an elevated combined building which will house both the 33kV switchgear and the 11kV switchgear, protection equipment, AVC panel, new RTS and all ancillary equipment (batteries and chargers etc.) .

Replacement of the existing 7.5/15MVA transformers with two new 7.5/15MVA transformers with on board cooling and new NERs.  

Incoming 33kV Circuits were diverted into the new 33kV switchboard. New 33kV transformer feeders and 11kV singles were installed. New 11kV cable tails were installed to pick up the existing 4 outgoing 11kV feeders. All Civil, Electrical and cabling works were contained within the Primary Substation Site. All existing electrical equipment were de-commissioned and removed in phases as the works progressed. Access to the elevated switch room  was via steps from ground level and also from a gangway leading direct of the public footpath on Garrard Way which facilitated access during flood conditions.  

The transformers and NERs were installed on raised plinths, bunded and accessed via a platform and steps.  

New 33kV Cable Oil Reservoirs were located on new high-level plinths.