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 essential in the transformation of 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 transformation is an important element of the Games’ long-term legacy. Major changes are underway to alter the stadium from an athletics stadium a multi sports venue and concert venue.
International infrastructure company Balfour Beatty is the lead contractor and works include a transformed seating bowl, new hospitality suites and a new cantilevered roof to provide more shelter. Balfour Beatty also completed a new seating tier for hospitality spectators and installed 14 new lighting paddles.
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 has delivered elements of the stadium’s original building services infrastructure since it was initially constructed. Throughout these works Imtech has worked with its long-term partner ABB to deliver the electrical distribution system.
When Imtech was appointed on the transformation project it was natural for it to turn to ABB again. During the transformation, ABB delivered major alterations to the main low voltage distribution panels as well as new equipment to control power.
One essential aspect of the project was to ensure continuous power (event continuation) in the case of the main power supply dropping out. ABB supplied its latest generation ATSs rated at 1600 Amps, which it launched to the market only a few months before the project began.
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.
Electrical equipment including the ATSs was delivered to site in early 2015 and commissioned in late summer. ABB scheduled its work to ensure that the stadium was able to host major events including 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.
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.”
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry, and transport and infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people.
