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Keeping the trains on track
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Computing
Applicable Industries
- Railway & Metro
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Public Transportation Management
- Remote Asset Management
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Queensland Rail operates passenger services throughout Queensland, Australia. It is responsible for nearly 51 million customer journeys each year and about 8,000 km of track. The operator used to experience power system incidents affecting the running of its railway network. With 1.5 million visitors expected to descend on the state for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a major international multi-sport event, a much more reliable system was needed. To master this challenge, Queensland Rail decided to upgrade its network and install a second substation for its inner-city services at the busy Fortitude Valley station in Brisbane. The location presented an extra difficulty as the available space allowed for just a 24-square foot (7.3 m2) container. As a result, solutions used for the substation needed to be compact, while still able to function reliably, efficiently, and effectively.
About The Customer
Queensland Rail is a railway operator in Queensland, Australia. It is responsible for nearly 51 million customer journeys each year and about 8,000 km of track. The operator used to experience power system incidents affecting the running of its railway network. With 1.5 million visitors expected to descend on the state for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a major international multi-sport event, a much more reliable system was needed. To master this challenge, Queensland Rail decided to upgrade its network and install a second substation for its inner-city services at the busy Fortitude Valley station in Brisbane.
The Solution
Schneider Electric was tasked with designing, supplying, and installing the substation. To meet the tight specifications, the Schneider team proposed a range of powerful solutions for the switchroom, based on the EcoStruxure Power architecture and platform. This included a gas-insulated GHA switchgear, MiCOM protection relays, and a suite of backup protection and automation functions. The 27.5 kV/ 200 A model of GHA switchgear was chosen for its compact design and high dependability, operating reliability, maximum operator safety, and ergonomic operator guidance. To ensure the substation retained its critical power, the Gutor PXC industrial UPS system – ideal for harsh environments with vibrations – was built into the LV Spacial SF switchgear cabinet. The substation is monitored and controlled remotely through Citect SCADA software, giving complete visibility of the system. Schneider Electric built the contained switchroom at one of its manufacturing facilities and field service employees tested all of its components. Final delivery involved two cranes lifting the container and slotting it into place.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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