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Elland/Ferrybridge 275kV Substations – NiCAP – Protection Replacement Works.
Client: AREVA T&D UK Ltd
Location: Two National Grid plc 275kV Substations in West Yorkshire.
Who:
Several Power Technology Solutions teams were involved during the project; including an experienced Project Manager ensuring the timely delivery and successful conclusion of the project – adhering to the correct Health & Safety procedures and ensuring the project was delivered on-time, on-budget, and to the satisfaction of the client. Also involved were Power Technology Solutions Construction, Commissioning, and site management personnel.
What:
Power Technology Solutions working on behalf of Areva T&D (the Principal Contractor) was selected to carry out first and second main Protection Replacement works at Elland and Ferrybridge 275kV Substations in West Yorkshire, essentially the installation was carried out using the latest NiCAP philosophy. Also included in the project were the removal of Line Traps and the commissioning of the new protection. This was the first time the new Areva P443 distance protection relay was put onto the National Grid system.
NiCAP:
NiCAP (National scheme for Integrated Control and Protection) has been brought in by National Grid to standardise automation and protection systems.
The NiCAP project forms part of National Grid’s long-term asset refurbishment plan to upgrade substation automation systems that are nearing the end of their service life with the latest technology. The NiCAP approach, which uses pre-engineered, pre-tested and pre-approved equipment, is installed and commissioned on-site with the minimum of substation outages.
How:
Specifically this project involved the modification of the existing protection panel; firstly by removing and disposing of the existing front sheet, including the old relays, followed by the installation of the newly engineered and racked front sheet onto the existing panel.
GPS equipment was installed at both sites, with the antenna at Ferrybridge being a particularly complex installation due to its location on the exterior of a lift shaft. This work required a separate specialist method statement and was performed under the supervision of a National Grid SAP.
Also part of the project was the removal of line traps, made redundant due to the new protection installed; this involved managing a specialist crane contractor and ensuring heavy lifting compliance. Clamps were then installed to allow leads to be re-attached, with the installation of replacement High Frequency Earthing.
The project was delivered while under a 48hour ERTS (Emergency Return to Service) provision. PTS achieved this through careful project management by ensuring that either first or second main protection was always maintained, thus providing sufficient protection.
The first main protection was intact whilst the existing second main protection was removed. A new combined first and second main protection was installed and pre-commissioned. The new unit and distance protections were proved including end to end tests before removing the old first main protection and stitching it into existing plant interfaces. Once stage one testing was completed, stage two tests commenced successfully energising the circuit with the new NiCAP protection and on load checks completed.
This completed the NiCAP project.
Result:
Project was delivered to the Client and National Grid on-time, on-budget, and complying with all relevant Health and Safety and Quality documentation. PTS has completed several NiCAP projects for various clients, and continue to take responsibility for delivering these kinds of projects as NiCAP is rolled out to the National Grid.
PTS has the experience, expertise, and systems in place to deliver.
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