Preparation of Strategic Plan for Upgrade of Underground Electrical Services at UCC Main Campus

Description

Electricity from the ESB Networks, National Grid, is supplied to the UCC Main Campus from a modern dual voltage, 10,000 /20,000 Volt High Voltage (HV) network. All new equipment added in recent years is duel rated 10,000V/20,000V. The present Supply voltage is 10,000V. The ESB Networks supply cables, connecting their HV ring main unit in UCC, were replaced within the last 15 years. This was carried out in tandem with UCC’s initiative, to upgrade our Central HV Electrical Board in SUB 1. The Primary Electrical Distribution on the UCC Main Campus is achieved via 10,000 Volt High Voltage (HV) Network. The HV Cables are distributed underground, coming to the surface at or near the point of connection in a Substation. Transformers are used locally, to reduce the voltage from 10,000 volts down to 400 Volts and 230 Volts, and further as required, for use in buildings. The primary issue is the PILC HV cables on the Main Campus have reached end- of-life, and should all be replaced over the next few years. The existing System is a radial HV system. However RMUs installed over the last 20 years, allow flexibility and the introduction of switchable alternative supply going forward. The opportunity should be taken to continue to work towards changing from a Radial to a Ring Main HV Network, to improve the overall reliability of the Electrical supply to the University. UCC intend to appoint an Electrical Consultant to prepare a “Strategic Plan for the Upgrade of Underground Electrical Services at UCC Main Campus” Design to tender stage of the Electrical element of one phase of the works is included