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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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Renewables
Renewables
esmart networks Renewables Solar Farm
Renewables
Renewables
Renewables
solar farm rugby HFF

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

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EV Charging
EV Charging
Swarco_CrossHands-1

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.