ABB won upgrade order from West Coast Main Line
ABB has won all the 400kV power upgrade orders placed to date for the northbound section of the West Coast Main Line. The most recent successful completion is the Rugeley upgrade project. A key aim of the WCML upgrade programme is to provide 125mph route capability for tilting trains, such as the new Virgin Pendolinos. To meet this need, Network Rail is upgrading its trackside power supplies. ABB has been involved with the WCML since 1999.
It has successfully completed a £9 million project to upgrade the existing substation at Rugeley Power Station in Staffordshire to provide two new 400/25kV WCML feeder connections.
This involved the installation of two ABB 400/26.25-0-26.25kV 40+40MVA SGTs (supergrid transformers) at the National Grid substation. Also included was the construction of a new 25kV compound and associated switchgear, and the provision of 25kV XLPE cables and associated fibre optic pilots.
The Rugeley project proved an excellent example of the value of both advanced planning and a high level of co-operation, liaison and teamwork between ABB and National Grid. Everything was ‘right first time’ within a very tight schedule. And just as important, the planning and organisation helped to establish a fantastic health and safety record, with over 90,000 man-hours completed on site without a single lost-time incident.