Harborough Farm Fields, Solar Farm 33kV

eSmart Networks were appointed as grid consultants to de-risk the power connection, followed by a full turnkey design & build ICP contract. The grid consultancy work carried out identified DNO wireless communications as a key project cost & timescale risk. Our Grid consultancy team were able to identify alternate options and find a viable solution for the client which made the project viable.

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Project overview

eSmart Networks was appointed the ICP (Independent Connection Provider) for the design and construction of the contestable and customer works for a 33KV on-site looped grid connection for a solar project in Rugby.

  • These works required us to excavate and construct the foundation and associated landing Platform for the NGED and Customer switch room, Supply and installation of a steel portal frame building, DNO approved switchgear and ancillary equipment, and the excavation of all cable routes from the switch room to the two 33kv termination poles as well as the LV cable to a new 11KV pole mounted transformer.
  • At the point of connection, NGED then removed a span of 33kV Overhead Line and installed two new double termination poles complete with stay wires. eSmart networks laid six new 33KV cables from the DNO switch room to the poles provided by NGED

Challenge

• An alternative transformer was required by DNO for LV connection.
• During this project there was a worldwide shortage of switchgear transducers.
• Ultra-high frequency comms instead of fibreoptic comms as tendered

Solution

  • We worked with the DNO to design a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to provide a pole-mounted transformer.
  • Continued with procurement and manufacture of switchgear for retro fitting, and had the transducers fitted whilst switchgear was in storage before site delivery
  • Quick and efficient turnaround of an innovative design to provide a UHF antenna base for the DNO switch room communications.
9 Months
From site mobilisation to energisation
Zero
H&S incidents occurred for the entirety of the works
6 Months
Design Approval within 6 months
esmart networks Renewables Solar Farm

How we helped

Providing a full turnkey solution, we are able to design and build all connections in the UK across all Distribution Network Operator (DNO) areas, from Low Voltage up to 132kV.

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Artelia – EV Charging Solution – Shell Fenstanton

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Summary

  • New HV supply of six 150KW rapid chargers
  • Designed, built and installed substation, HV supply and LV terminations
  • Full HV testing and commissioning of substation
  • One of the First Artelia site in Europe using Tritium PKM 150 charge points
  • Works taking place on a live forecourt
  • Working with other contractors in a restricted working area
  • Pre-cast substation base installation utilised

Overview

eSmart Networks were appointed by Artelia to complete an 11kV installation providing a supply for new EV Charging points. This included the first Artelia site in Europe using Tritium PKM 150 EV fast charging points which offer world-class reliability and serviceability.

As part of this project eSmart Networks designed and built a connection to the existing HV network and installed a new High Voltage (HV) substation, including precast bases, and Low Voltage (LV) pillar terminations. All works were completed whilst working within close proximity of local residences and a fully operational filling station.

Challenge

  • The offsite cable route was congested with existing services; therefore, excavation works had to be moved into the carriageway.- Due to the close proximity of gas mains, Cadent Gas needed to be present throughout the works. This required collaborative working and meticulous planning and organisation to keep on programme.
  • To develop a phased programme that was acceptable to both Cadent & the local council. In order to provide safe working conditions, Cadent Gas required eSN to excavate a series of trial holes to ensure we did not affect their existing assets. We worked closely with Cadent Gas on the trial holes whilst also coordinating with the local authority to allow repeated access to the road space.
  • The forecourt was required to remain open and operational throughout all of the onsite and offsite works. The biggest challenge was to ensure continuity of power whilst the new onsite infrastructure was being energised, eSN expertly scoped, planned and utilised back-up generation to allow the site to remain fully operational.
  • A comprehensive site review was undertaken to identify the optimal lay down area for materials and storage facilities. Close cooperation was required with both the council and site staff to ensure the site could be kept clean and tidy and the forecourt operational throughout the works.

Solution

  • To ease any concerns of the local residents prior to the works commencing we established good lines of communication with them by giving notice of dates and details of the work with both letter drops & face to face communication.
  • Effective organisation and timely communication with the DNO/IDNO & local authority ensured we were able to maintain programme and meet the customer’s required live date.
  • Our dedicated project manager liaised closely with the end customer & Arcadis, to notify them well in advance of any disruption to power at the site.
  • We fully leveraged our proactive approach to planning work to push for the live date to be completed in early February 2023.
  • We effectively managed our teams which allowed us to increase supervision, both offsite and onsite, to ensure frequent and clear communication.

RATP Dev Transit London – EV Charging Solution, Westbourne Park Bus Depot Phase 1A

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Summary

  • New HV supply to 20 80kW chargers
  • Designed, Built and Installed a substation, LV cabling, containment and LV terminations
  • Full HV testing and commissioning of substation
  • Works taking place in a live bus depot

Overview

eSmart Networks were appointed to provide the capability for RATP Dev Transit London to run new electric bus routes from their Westbourne Park depot.  This required the provision of 20 new charging outlets and the infrastructure to power them.

Using knowledge from across the business we were able to implement a scheme that allowed the client to power these chargers from their existing metered supply into the site.  We also gave them the opportunity to have a new connection exclusively for the bus charging supply.

As part of this project, eSmart Networks had to install a new 11kV packaged substation, custom-built LV Pillar and 20no 80kW BYD Chargers along with civils work, fitting of armco barriers and a custom fabricated walkway around the site.

This is the first phase of an exciting development to introduce over 30 more electric buses onto routes in this area. We are delighted to partner with RATP Dev Transit London in their continued electrification of their fleet.

Challenge

  • Installation of chargers, armco and the LV Pillar on a reinforced concrete deck, without penetrating beyond a set amount into the structure.
  • Installation of HV and LV cables along the side of the deck, dropping down safely in containment to the new transformer.
  • Installation of transformer below the deck alongside the site’s haul road.
  • Coordination of works with RATP Dev Transit London to ensure no impact on the live bus depot.

Solution

  • Acceleration of the programme from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.
  • Strong organisation and communication with the client and their operational team.
  • A proactive approach to planning work, pushing for energisation and live date to be completed early Feb 2023.
  • Design and build of new charger foundations to avoid over-penetration into the concrete deck.
  • Sourced an alternative route for containment, when the initial route was deemed unworkable due to third parties.

Artelia – EV Charging – Shell, Rayleigh

eSmart Networks partnered with Artelia to install 11kV-connected EV charging hubs across the UK. This framework included the first Artelia site in Europe using Tritium PKM 150 EV charging points.

Summary

New HV supply of four 150KW rapid chargers

Designed, Built and Installed substation, HV supply and LV termination

Full HV testing and commissioning of substation

First Artelia site in Europe using Tritium PKM 150

Works taking place on a live forecourt

Working with other contractors in restricted spaces

Pre-Cast substation base installation utilised

3-hour installation of Substation Base, Transformer and GRP enclosure

Overview

eSmart Networks were appointed to a framework for Artelia to install 11kV connected EV charging hubs across the UK.

This framework included the first Artelia site in Europe using Tritium PKM 150 EV charging points.

As part of this project eSmart Networks Designed, Built and Installed of new HV substation, including precast bases, network connection and LV pillar terminations.

Challenge

  • Working on a live forecourt with space restrictions, alongside other contractors with access to only a third of the full site
  • High risk working environment adjacent to petrol forecourt, so customer wanted to minimise time and construction onsite
  • Multifaceted legal considerations and work to complete with DNO, IDNO, end client and other landowners

Solution

We used a pre-cast concrete base which allowed for reduced onsite installation times for base, substation, grating and GRP.

Frequent Programme reviews for framework, dedicated onsite manager liaising directly with customer and other contractors to ensure fluidity of installation.

Detailed design work completed as working around hazardous areas with bespoke earthing reports, to ensure safety of install.

We completed local authority negotiations to close a lane of road for completions of works, while maintaining access and allowing Shell to continue to operate business as usual.

Our dedicated legal compliance team ensured the legal status of the site was progressing throughout the project by securing input and answers from the DNO, Artelia and Shell the end customer.

Outcome

The pre-cast base solution, developed alongside industry standards, minimised the time required, number of personnel and vehicles required on site saving both time and money.

With our detailed design works we were able to suggest improvements and agree these back to the DNO. The DNO HV audit also passed first time to allow prompt connection in line with our customer and the end customers required timetable
Our legal compliance team ensuring the status of the site was progressing as needed ensured the programme was achieved.

SWARCO – Integrated Solar, Storage and EV Charging, Cross Hands

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Summary

  • Designed and engineered bespoke connection solution
  • New 11kV HV connection for the site
  • Install IDNO specification 11kV substation complete with WPD RMU, 1000 kVA TX & LV ACB
  • Design and install bespoke 1,600A LV Distribution panel, base & enclosure
  • Connection of Solar PV canopy
  • Installation and connection of battery storage system
  • Formation of hard standing area for the charging facility
  • Installation of x1 150kW chargers, and 4x 50kW chargers
  • Construction of a picnic area and landscaping
  • Full testing and comissioning of intallation
  • HV and LV DNO cable diversion
  • SUDs blanket drainage design

Overview

eSmart Networks partnered with SWARCO to deliver one of their smart charging projects, for Carmarthenshire County Council and the Welsh Government.

Together, our teams designed, engineered and delivered an innovative solution for the connection and construction of an integrated solar carport, battery storage and EV charging hub in the village of Cross Hands off the major A48 highway.

Challenge

  • Combined installation of solar PV, battery storage and EV charger technologies on one site.
  • A project scope change was required to include on site drainage to minimise the impact on exisiting infrastructure.
  • There were existing HV and LV DNO cables buried at shallow depths passing through the middle of the hub site carriageway area.
  • A commercial solution was required to provide concession operation of the infrastructure.

Solution

We designed and installed bespoke low voltage equipment to control and manage the interface between the combined technologies.

SUDs (sustainable drainage system) installed to minimise the effects on the local infrastructure and be environmentally beneficial.

Using our NERS accreditation we completed all diversion works ourselves, ensuring a smooth end-to-end service for our customers.

We integrated SWARCO and eSmart PM and delivery teams to ensure seamless implementation and handover to the SWARCO network operation and support teams.

Outcome

SWARCO are a global ITS brand, trusted with EV infrastructure operations across the UK since 2010, with over 10000 CPs installed and operated. Quality and reliability are the foundation of the SWARCO Smart Charging brand and eSmart Networks provided meticulous project management and solutions to site challenges when scope changes were required.

We worked closely with the SWARCO project manager throughout and this alongside our full turn-key solution as both Principle Contractor and Designer ensured a successful final project delivery.