From Switchroom to Container
The fully integrated factory-built container for industry and infrastructure
A
20 metre container
to plan, design, implement, test and
costs, because it reduces testing and even
could accommodate
especially maintain a containerised
building times significantly.
approximately 2,000 cases
switchroom, as long as the right
of wine, a small cafe or your
monitoring is in place.
company’s next switchroom. Industrial
sectors are taking advantage of this
versatility, and containerised electrical
switchrooms are becoming a common
sight. Here, Nick Boughton, sales manager
at Boulting Technology, explains why the
answer to complex electrical projects
isn’t always adapting the system to fit the
space.
Traditionally, systems integrators faced
with a project would build the equipment
in-house, transport it to site and spend
time installing and testing it. Although this
sounds like a relatively straightforward
process, the reality is much more complex
and there are plenty of opportunities for
Temperature is one of the most complex
things to manage in any switchroom,
especially when the space doesn’t allow
natural air flow. With a container, it’s easy
to install the necessary HVAC equipment
in the initial stage of the project, along
with remote temperature monitoring and
alarms, which allow control engineers
to identify a deviation from the normal
parameters long before it becomes a risk.
Remote or difficult sites
The containerisation approach works
particularly well for remote environments,
such as substations located in the middle
of nowhere. The reverse is also true. In
busy locations or areas of high risk or
high security, it’s much easier to fit and
test a switchroom when it comes neatly
wrapped up in a “box” that doesn’t need
any unwrapping. In nuclear projects, for
example, where security, regulations and
radiation can be significant hindrances for
F or larger or more complex projects, the
contractors a kitted out container is the
container approach also means better
easiest, fastest and most reliable bet.
scalability, because as long as the client
allows for some space next to the original
container, it’s easy to get another one
A recent project saw Boulting Technology
design, build and install a 20m
containerised electrical control room for a
nuclear site. The container housed power
logistic difficulties to rear their ugly heads.
distribution, MCCs, control panel suites
Safe transport is always tricky, especially
and stand-alone control panels. Boulting
when your “passenger” weighs a few
Technology built the MCCs and control
tonnes and remote locations can be
panels in its Warrington factory, integrated
difficult to reach, particularly when there
them into a prefabricated container at the
are only dirt roads going your way. Once
company’s St Helens mechanical workshop
on site, the equipment itself – usually large
and completed the electrical fit out,
power distribution boards or motor control
installation and testing even before the
centres (MCCs) - can be difficult to get to
container reached the site.
wherever the switchroom is tucked away.
Additional health and safety measures
No more headaches
also need to be taken if there are people
2,000 cases of wine would lead to one hell
working in the building.
Fortunately, there is an easier way. By
of a headache (to drink or to transport!),
but containerised switchrooms are
commissioned, designed and delivered.
exactly the opposite. They reduce the
the switchroom and building all the
Overall, the time it takes to design and test
overall project timescale and logistic
equipment, lighting, cabling and HVAC
a containerised switchroom is significantly
difficulties and they can be built exactly
into the room, companies can avoid most
shorter than a more traditional approach
to the requirements of a client. Boulting
of these logistic headaches altogether.
that fits a system to a room. It’s faster and
Technology has yet to come across a
The project is always client-led and
easier for the client, contractor and any
project it couldn’t tackle, so if you’re stuck
containerised switchrooms are highly
third parties to fit all the requirements in a
with a U-shaped switchroom with very
customisable, which means the approach
separate, controlled environment that can
small doors, don’t worry – a container
can reconcile even some of the toughest
be delivered to the site, plugged in and left
switchroom might be just the thing you’re
requirements in industry.
to run.
looking for.
Controlled environment
While it’s true that the capital cost of a
To find out more, get in touch with
containerised switchroom can be higher
Boulting Technology on +44 1925 720 090
than a traditional system, this approach
or visit the Boulting Technology website
usually results in lower overall project
on www.boultingtechnology.co.uk.
using an industrial container to host
The main advantage of containerisation
is its controlled environment. It’s easier
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PECM Issue 20