Dubai: Three independent substations are being established for the Dubai Metro.
The Rail Agency announced the establishment of the substations with supply power of 132KV/33KV in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).
The three main power substations will be dedicated to the Dubai Metro's Red and Green lines. Out of the three main power supply (MPS) stations, MPS1 at Jebel Ali is due for completion in November for test track operations.
MPS2 and 3 are located at Union Square and will be ready in April 2008 to power the Red and Green Line networks.
Reliable technology
In the unlikely event of total failure of any of the power plants, the operations of the entire rail network will not be affected, as the design is robust and reliable.
Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Rail Construction, said the Dubai Metro uses the concept of braking to regenerate power and help minimise power consumption from the Dewa grid.
The Rail electricity system is based on the 750 volt direct current (DC) third rail technology.
The 33KV network along the Metro will consist of the ring feeder system that will feed two types of substations along the way, namely traction and low voltage power substations.
The traction power substation will energise the third rail which feeds power to all trains and onboard equipment. The low voltage substation will power all station auxiliaries such as ventilation, escalators, lifts, lighting and others.
The power supply equipment is being manufactured and tested in Japan. The factory acceptance tests on all the major equipment for MPS1 were approved by Dewa and Engineer Systra Parsons. The equipment is being currently shipped to Dubai while the main power transformers for MPS1 have arrived.
"The power system is one of the major components of Metro operation. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring a very reliable and fail-proof system for Dubai Metro. RTA continuously co-coordinated with Dewa to ensure the implementation of the power network in complete compliance with Dewa and international standards," Al Hammadi said.
