15.04.2024

Repair of current transformer at EPZ Nuclear Power Plant Borssele

Rapid Response and Expert Repair of a Third-Party Current Transformer at Nuclear Plant Borssele.

Exterior of the EPZ nuclear power plant in Borssele

Background

Kerncentrale Borssele, a pivotal nuclear power plant, encountered an unexpected challenge when a critical component of its generator, a current transformer, failed. This malfunction ceased the plant’s ability to deliver power, significantly impacting operations and raising concerns over infrastructure reliability. The facility faced a pressing need for immediate, expert intervention to restore function and ensure the safety and efficiency of its operations.

Challenge

The situation presented a multifaceted challenge:

Technical Complexity: The current transformer has operated for over 50 years, complicating diagnostic and repair efforts.
Operational Urgency: The plant required the transformer to be repaired and operating as soon as possible to minimise downtime and economic impact.
Safety and Compliance: Ensuring the repair work complied with strict safety and operating standards was paramount.

Solution

ELEQ’s team was mobilised to address this critical issue, leveraging our expertise in electrical infrastructure and commitment to operational excellence. The response involved several key steps:

Rapid Mobilization and Assessment: Our specialists thoroughly examined the damaged current transformer to identify the failure modes and devise a strategic repair plan.
Technical Solution Development: Drawing on extensive experience with current and voltage transformers, the team proposed a viable technical solution addressing immediate operational needs and long-term reliability concerns.
Efficient Execution: Within the constrained timeframe, ELEQ’s team executed the repair, replacing the damaged components and conducting comprehensive tests to ensure the transformer’s functionality and compliance with safety standards.
Collaboration and Support: The effort was characterised by exceptional teamwork and collaboration, with ELEQ’s specialists working closely with Kerncentrale Borssele’s personnel to facilitate a smooth and effective repair process.

Outcome

The repair was completed within the ambitious one-day timeframe, restoring the Kerncentrale Borssele’s ability to generate power and preventing further economic and operational impacts. The successful intervention demonstrated ELEQ’s capability to tackle highly complex and urgent technical challenges, reinforcing our reputation as a leader in electrical infrastructure solutions.

Customer Satisfaction: The swift and effective resolution of the issue was met with high praise from the customer, culminating in a generous appreciation gesture – a Christmas present for our colleagues in Steenwijk.
Team Recognition: The project underscored the dedication, skill, and unconditional support of our team members, whose collaborative effort was crucial to the project’s success. The achievement was celebrated with a dinner, acknowledging the hard work and commitment of the eleven colleagues involved.

Reflections

This case study exemplifies ELEQ’s core values of dedication, expertise, and rapid response to customer needs. It highlights our ability to navigate the complexities of repairing and optimising critical electrical infrastructure within stringent timelines, ensuring operational continuity and safety for our clients. Our team’s unwavering support for one another and commitment to excellence solved a pressing technical problem and reinforced the trust and confidence our customers place in us.

ELEQ remains at the forefront of addressing the challenges associated with ageing electrical infrastructure, offering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to ensure the reliability and efficiency of energy systems worldwide.

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16.04.2019

Retrofit and compact solution with TQ50-L

Eandis is the biggest energy company in Belgium. As they wanted to know if the maximum capacity was reached in their sub-stations they were looking for a compact and retrofit solution. Why a retrofit solution? So it wouldn’t be necessary to switch the power off in all the sub-stations

Application field
Cases
Energy Management

Product category
Energy Management

By using the ELEQ TQ50-L split-core current transformer, they can measure the current up to 1000A without disconnecting the voltage. Also in narrow situations the current transformers are very easy to install because of the smart construction, because the top-part of the TQ50 can be removed entirely.

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ELEQ Customized transformer concept for transformer station

The transition from a fossil energy-based central energy system to a sustainable decentralized system requires a lot from the electricity network. Network operator Enexis is taking the next step towards digitization and data-driven asset management by placing sensors in its medium-voltage stations. The data collected here supports the network operator in monitoring his network, in making smart investment decisions and in implementing smart maintenance. This digitization makes it easier for municipalities and private individuals to make their energy consumption more sustainable.

Like any government company, Enexis is obliged to publicly tender its tenders. Because the network company expects to use Distribution Automation (DA) and Distribution Automation Light (Dali) boxes for a long period of time, the Enexis experts paid a lot of attention to make the Dali box future-proof. Kohlmann: “Of course we have accurately described the specifications with regard to functionality. We also opted for an open system that in principle can handle all type of data protocols. The risk of a vendor lock is more present with data communication systems than with most hardware that we use in our networks. Also the dynamics of these types of systems are very different from what we are used to as they age faster. Besides being open, the system is also quite flexible, so that we can easily add new sensors if we need them in the future.”

Current Transformers

One of the contributions to the Dali box came from ourselves. Our account manager Wim van Turennout: “We originally registered for a small but important part of the Dali box: the connection by using current transformers.”

After the contract was allowed to us, we thought we could help Enexis speed up the installation. Van Turennout: “You cannot just switch off a medium voltage station to install a Dali box. The Dali box must be mounted and connected in an operational medium-voltage station. For example, offering phase voltages and currents, but also taking over the control of public lighting and the tariff signal. Considering the amount of cabling, connecting is often a challenge. Apart from the fact that it is difficult to work in the often tight spaces, mistakes are also made quickly during connecting. Our proposal was to use special connectors for the current transformers that indicate which codes should be mounted to which phase. Subsequently, a technician only needs to follow the color codes to ensure a good connection of the current transformers. With this quite simple solution, we save technicians a lot of research work and the number of recovery actions afterwards is reduced.

Easier to assemble

In addition to the current, the voltage must be measured. For voltage measurement we provide a clamp that is easy to clamp onto the rail with the help of an isolated socket wrench which is also safer than an unsecured wire to a terminal strip, thanks to the built-in fuse. We had already developed this voltage measurement clamp for a similar concept. Again, we came up with a solution that simplifies mounting the Dali boxes, making installation a lot faster.

We like to think along with our customers and use the expertise that we build up to make their work more efficient and safer. The energy transition is a very complex exercise that requires the utmost of the knowledge and skills of the energy market. We as supplier can transfer experience from one network operator to another and thus contribute to keeping the electricity network affordable.”

Also looking for a customized transformer concept? Contact us for more information.