Meenaward Windfarm and Rushfield 38kV Station / 20 kV

Project Description: 

Ireland’s first contestably built 38kV AIS loop substation and 20kV Independent Power Producer (IPP) electrical substation to facilitate the connection of wind power generation to the electrical grid. Powercomm were the PSPD and PSCS for the project managing all civils aspects, liaising with ESB Networks, client developer and principal supply procurement.

Project Scope: 

Design and build package including procurement, construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning of all electrical and civil works.

The electrical project scope involved full Electrical Balance of Plant Works (EBoP) including procurement, construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning of all electrical and civil works.  Powercomm completed all necessary grid connection electrical and SCADA system for connection of the wind farm to the ESB Network, involving: 

• Design and install of 38 kV grid connection
• Complete suite of power simulation analysis.
• Design of the outdoor air insulation substation (AIS) and indoor MV switchgear. The design comprised of a grid transformer, MV switchgear, protection relays, voltage/current measurement and ancillary equipment.
• Design of the power/control/communication cabling between the WTG’s and the WF substation and ESB substation.
• Installation of all assets.
• 20kV collector circuit cabling and jointing
• Site wide Fibre Optic Cabling system
• Commissioning of High Voltage system controls, protection, metering and battery systems.
• Submittal of Declaration of Fitness of IPP site

Project Summary: 

• Completed ahead of schedule
• 100% project successful completion
• Zero onsite incidents