The new hi-tech venue has been fitted with a range of ABB electrical equipment to provide control and protection to the stadium's electrical systems.
The new £24 million stadium, which opened in November 2008, replaces the world famous Stradley Park, the former home of the Llanelli Scarlets rugby teams for almost 130 years. The decision was taken to move to the new premises in order to maintain Llanelli's status as a top European professional club with the facilities to enable revenue generation from match day supporters and non-match day events.
To provide reliable control and protection at all times, Whitehead building services incorporated ABB's electrical distribution gear into the installation from its 8-way Protecta distribution boards to purpose built, 18-way sub meter panel boards. The boards use ABB technology, including ABB's Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB), Residual Current Devices with Overload protection (RCBO), metering modules and air circuit breakers (ACB).
ABB's Protecta range of final distribution boards have been designed to save space, installation time and cost in a wide range of applications and offers Parc-y-Scarlets excellent electrical equipment handling capabilities in a compact space saving unit. Within the unit, MCBs and RCBOs provide protection against overloads and short circuits, whilst regulating the flow of electricity throughout the installation. ABB’s metering modules allow electricity usage to be monitored and areas identified where further savings can be made through more prudent usage.
A new ABB distribution switch panel has also been installed to help ensure security and protection at the development. The switch panel features a 2,500 amp ACB with a withdrawable switch disconnector to provide a quick termination of the new low voltage supply when needed. The panel is divided into two sections via a 2,500-amp main bus coupler that runs over 800 amps from the mains, connecting to a 250KVA generator. This runs in parallel to the main supply of electricity, so in the event of a power shortage or the electricity supply tripping out the generator, there will still be a guaranteed supply of electricity.
"Whitehead wanted to ensure the new Llanelli Scarlet's rugby stadium was provided with an electrical supply that was both reliable and easy to maintain. By working with the electrical contractors, we have incorporated tried and tested ABB technology that is designed to offer protection and durability," comments Darren Edmunds, sales engineer for ABB's low voltage products business.
Speaking about the project, Ray Bird from Whitehead Building Services comments; "During the project we worked closely with ABB to determine the best course of action. One of the most important aspects to consider was the need to deliver reliable electrical control for the Parc y Scarlets. ABB was the natural choice for this project, particularly as our experience with the company on other high profile projects in the past has been very successful."
Appointed as distribution specialists for the project, ABB was equipped to provide each floor with a 1 to 8-way sub-metered distribution board to serve all essential electrical equipment. By appointing ABB as distribution specialist to the project, Whitehead Electrical was able to enjoy 24/7 access to a specialist engineer who was on hand to assist with any distribution network problems.