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Vector Electricity - Clendon Zone Substation

Project Scope

Northpower was contracted to build the substation in three stages:

• The first stage involved the installation of approximately 8 kilometres of 33kV cable through busy parts of Manukau connecting the substation to the Transpower Grid Exit Point at Wiri.
• The second stage involved the installation, testing and commissioning of two 33/11kV 20 MVA transformers, 11kV switchgear, cabling and associated SCADA communications systems.
• The third stage involved the installation of 11kV feeder cables and the transfer and retermination of these onto the new GIS switchboard.

Challenges

The project presented technical challenges in terms of the integration of each component of the substation and, in particular, the implementation and commissioning of the SCADA communications system. Initially the communication configuration files on the protection relays supplied were found to be incorrect. This issue could not be identified prior to going through a systematic series of tests to identify, isolate, and rectify the intermittent problem.

With a number of different organisations, subcontractors, consultants and equipment suppliers involved, it was essential to provide effective coordination and communication throughout the project. The project team also needed to work closely with Transpower, who supplies power to the substation from Wiri.

Solutions

The Northpower team followed a comprehensive fault-finding process to identify the problem with the relays, before arranging for them to be repaired by the New Zealand agent. They checked and confirmed the components were working as specified, and then moved on to test other parts of the system.

The team used their project management and relationship management skills to ensure that all parties were kept in the loop and informed of any issues. Strong relationships were also a major factor in finding answers to technical issues, with all parties contributing to the problem-solving process.

Northpower technicians worked closely with Transpower to organise pre-commissioning testing and the final commissioning of the new substation.

Results

A completely new zone substation was built. All installation and commissioning was carried out without any accidental loss of power to consumers.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• 4000 man hours spent on the 33/11kV substation portion of the project 
• 14 Areva GHA circuit breakers installed 
• 2 20 MVA transformers installed 
• 2 REG-DA transformer management systems commissioned

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