3.36 MV/LV Switchgear, Electrical/I&C Control and Distribution Panels Scope All power stations use an electrical power distribution and a control distribution scheme involving medium voltage and low voltage switchboards, electrical and I&C panels and distribution supplies. This equipment is strategically located throughout the nuclear island, turbine island and balance of plant to provide secure, segregated, power and control supplies to the power plant. Within a nuclear power station the medium voltage switchboards are nuclear safety related equipment and located with the nuclear island. The LV switchboards are located within the nuclear island for strategic nuclear island and turbine island loads, and within the turbine island for normal power plant operations.
Previous Experience in the UK UK manufacturing industry has previously supported the nuclear and turbine power station build programme through UK supply. However, low cost manufacturing from overseas has provided competitive pressures resulting in a reduction in MV and LV switchgear manufacture within the UK.
UK Companies Existing UK switchgear equipment manufacturers with a capability to support the UK new nuclear build programme include S&I, ABB and FKI. S&I have a capable manufacturing facility for both MV & LV switchgear at their plant in Bradford, West Yorkshire. FKI has manufacturing plants for MV switchgear in South Wales and Rochdale. However, there are no facilities for LV switchgear manufacture. ABB LTD has manufacturing facilities for manufacture & assembly of LV switchgear at their plant in Sunderland. There is also a number of other smaller scale manufacturers that can provide bespoke high quality switchgear rather than off-the-shelf equipment. Typical examples of these are BBES Power Systems (Lounsdale) and Blackburn Starling. There are a number of other UK companies manufacturing I&C panels, electrical distribution panels and cabinets for various UK and overseas industries. The components and functionality of the panels do not differ greatly between industries and the safety related testing is no more onerous for the nuclear industry than that of the oil and gas industry. UK manufacturers have historically played a significant role in the manufacture of this equipment with a reputation for good quality of build and an internal design process.
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