Second Metro power system begins; first substation undergoes final tests

Dubai: The Dubai Metro reached another milestone when the second of the three main power supply systems located in Union Square was activated recently.

It has a maximum capacity of 160 MVA and is fully automated and equipped with advanced protection and monitoring systems in addition to firefighting systems.

The other main power supply substation is also located at Union Square, which is currently undergoing final testing to power the Green Line.

Adnan Al Hammadi, Rail Construction Director at tghe Roads and Transport Authority, said: "The electrically powered Metro trial runs will continue for the next few months. The two systems together will provide the entire power supply for the Metro operation including rail stations for the Red Line serving the Metro route of 52.1km from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali."

He said the design of the Dubai Metro power network is very reliable. "In the unlikely event of the total failure of any one main power supply, the Metro operations will not be affected on the entire rail network. Dubai Metro utilises the concept of braking power regeneration to help minimise power consumption from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority grid," he added.

The construction and commissioning of the 132KV substations is a complex network involving experts in various disciplines of engineering, he said.

"The power system is one of the major components of the Dubai Metro operation. Special emphasis was placed to ensure a reliable and failsafe system. The Roads and Transport Authority continuously co-coordinated with Dewa to ensure the implementation of the power network in complete compliance with international standards," Al Hammadi added.

The Metro power system network will be fully monitored and controlled from Operations Control Centres.