Overview: Precision civil and electrical design delivered in a constrained traction power environment.
Services Delivered
• E&P design for NSCD traction cabling and negative return system
• Bespoke negative busbar design
• Civil and structural design of elevated access walkway
• Integrated cable management design
• Survey coordination and fabrication level detailing
Circuit Device (NSCD) arrangement at a traction power location where a historic B4 configuration had been partially installed. The project required a complete redesign of the traction cabling associated with the NSCD installation together with a bespoke negative busbar and an elevated steel walkway linking the NSCD module to the TP Hut.
The site presented significant constraints. Located at the base of a steep embankment and prone to flooding, the equipment locations sat at differing levels with limited available ground space. To provide safe operational access and accommodate new traction cable routes, Phase Design & Engineering designed a raised structural walkway incorporating integrated cable containment beneath the structure.
The design required careful coordination of structural supports, cable routes and foundation levels. Variations in column heights and integrated fall within the walkway were developed to ensure correct drainage and compliance with electrical clearance requirements. Close collaboration with the Client’s construction team and the steel fabricator ensured the design could be fabricated and installed with millimetre accuracy.
Key Challenges
- Precision Design Requirements: The constrained site geometry and varying levels meant the access structure and containment routes had to be designed to extremely tight tolerances to ensure successful fabrication and installation.
- Working Within an Operational Electrical Environment: The design had to consider existing DC traction equipment and LV systems within an operational traction power site. Cable containment and access routes were coordinated carefully to avoid interference with operational equipment and minimise isolations
Project Outcome
The completed design enabled safe commissioning of the NSCD system and improved operational safety at the location. Operators can now apply negative short circuit protection using a local control panel rather than manual straps, enabling faster and safer electrical isolations during maintenance and track access activities. The project demonstrates the value of an integrated multi discipline design approach combining civil and electrical engineering expertise.