SPIE renews 110-kV switching station on behalf of Stromnetz Berlin

Berlin, March 17, 2020 – In a consortium together with ABB, SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa is renewing the switching station as well as the related protection and control engineering in the network node Lichterfelde on behalf of Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, which is responsible for Berlin’s distribution network. Currently, the network node contains an air-insulated and a gas-insulated switching station. SPIE is renewing the existing gas-insulated switching station with a total of 22 switch panels. The components are being replaced and renewed during ongoing operations. The work began in December 2019 and is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. The order includes the entire process, from planning to commissioning and transfer to Stromnetz Berlin GmbH as client

Modernization during ongoing operations

SPIE is modernizing the network node during ongoing operations. This is ensuring the uninterrupted power supply, and there are no restrictions affecting households and companies which are connected to the power supply network. “Because of the size and requirements, the project is also a matter of trust”, says Olaf Marufke, project manager at SPIE and responsible for planning and implementation of the order.

Precise planning

The challenge is retrofitting a very large system during ongoing operations with comprehensive temporary arrangements. “First of all, we will swivel the existing panels of the air-insulated system, so that these are accessible, but the uninterrupted power supply is ensured. Then we will dismantle the existing panels, in order to fit the new components. When all cables have been swivelled round, the old panels will be dismantled. This is performed during several assembly stages, and requires precise planning”, reports Olaf Marufke. “Our technical solution and our time schedule were decisive for the contract award. We are proud that we were able to convince our client with our concept.”

Comprehensive scope of performance

Through renewal of the switching station, long-term security of supply can be ensured for all households and companies connected to the network. Apart from renewing the switching station, the scope of performance also includes expansion of the station’s control engineering, the protective equipment and the communication technology. Besides, SPIE is also responsible for repairing the switching station building with its accompanying infrastructure, adaptation of the protection and control engineering in the counterworks, installation of a hall crane and the subsequent dismantling of the old installations.

SPIE and Stromnetz Berlin already intensified cooperation in other projects during the past two years. “As a product-neutral and manufacturer-neutral system integrator, we stand for providing performance from one source and do our best as a reliable partner for our clients”, says Hannes Simon, location manager of switching station construction Berlin at SPIE.