ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, supplied the first of its new generation Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSs) for the transformation of the Olympic Stadium. Continuity of power supply was an essential component in the project to transform the former Olympic Stadium in preparation for its future as a sport and concert venue.
As the stadium at the centre of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the stadium’s transformation is an important element of the Games’ long-term legacy. Major changes are underway to alter the stadium from an athletics stadium with capacity of 80,000 to a sports venue with capacity of 54,000 for pitch sports and athletic events, and as a concert venue for audiences of up to 80,000.
International infrastructure company Balfour Beatty is the lead contractor on the former Olympic Stadium, where works have included a transformed seating bowl, new hospitality suites and the completion of a new cantilevered roof to provide more shelter. The roof, which is the largest of its type in the world measures around 45,000 square metres in area and weighs 6,000 tonnes.
Balfour Beatty also completed a new seating tier for hospitality spectators and installed 14 new lighting paddles beneath the roof structure.
These alterations called for major changes to the stadium’s services and infrastructure, on which Balfour Beatty worked with Imtech, the leading technical service provider. Imtech delivered elements of the stadium’s original building services infrastructure when it was initially constructed and throughout the LOCOG overlay period prior to the Games.
Throughout these works Imtech used its long-term partner ABB to deliver the electrical distribution system, including everything from modifications to the main low voltage distribution panels to single-phase switchboards.
When Imtech was appointed on the transformation project it was natural for it to turn to ABB again to deliver alterations and new additions to ensure the stadium’s electrical supply was altered to suit its new use and to ensure that the new and existing equipment worked together seamlessly.
During the transformation, ABB delivered major alterations to the main low voltage distribution panels as well as new equipment to control power.
One interesting aspect of the project from an electrical perspective is the switchgear that ensures continuous power (event continuation) in the case of the main power supply dropping out.
ATSs are used widely in applications where uninterrupted power supply is essential. A constant and reliable power supply keeps fundamental services running and prevents serious consequences due to interruption or absence from the electrical grid. This need is becoming more critical because of the increasing demand being placed on the grid.
ABB introduced its latest generation ATSs in 2014, only a few months before the project began. Manufactured and tested in the UK, the enclosed transfer switches are available for applications rated from 40 to 1600 A and includes manual and automatic switches, controllers and accessories for motors, resistive loads, mixed loads and off-load applications.
Basic ATSs monitor the incoming power supply for loss of supply and switch to and from backup power when necessary. Switches with higher levels of control have timer functions, dead pan and back switching, generator start / stop switching, energy metering and load shedding capabilities, as well as communication with a Building Management System (BMS).
For the transformation project, ABB supplied its enclosed transfer switches at the maximum rating of 1600 Amps without bypass functionality.
Electrical equipment including the ATSs was delivered to site in early 2015 and commissioned in late summer.
ABB scheduled its deliveries of key equipment and any alternations to the stadium’s power distribution boards around major sporting events to ensure that the stadium was able to host the Sainsbury Anniversary Games in 2015 and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and that it will be completed ready for the start of the 2016/17 football season when it will be home to West Ham United Football Club.
The project built on a long-term relationship between Imtech and ABB, during which the companies have worked together to deliver infrastructure at several high profile sporting venues and stadia.
In this case ABB’s equipment met Imtech’s exacting specifications for the stadium at a competitive price. It is also an excellent match with the existing electrical infrastructure in the stadium, which was originally supplied by ABB.
Len McGanity, Product Manager for ABB low voltage breakers and switches in the UK said: “The end result is that the stadium is equipped for its future as a multi sports stadium and in the event of a failure of mains power, the supply will switch seamlessly without interruption to games and events.”