Saftronics were recently tasked with developing low voltage switchgear with a rather unique requirement.
One of Scottish Water’s three principal contractors Efficient Service Delivery (ESD) engaged Saftronics to provide the necessary low voltage switchgear and system integration solution at the Hungry Snout RWPS Upgrade Project for Scottish Water. The purpose of the works was to transfer existing raw water pumps to VSD control, enabling increased efficiency in raw water delivery from Whiteadder reservoir to Castle Moffat WTW.
However, due to the concerns from the land owner about the local wildlife, the low voltage switchgear had to run as quietly as possible.
After investigating we found that the multiple 400kW variable speed drives (VSD) and their associated cooling fans, generate in the region of 73 decibels per VSD. The designer was set the task of limiting the decibel level to below 60 decibels per VSD.
To resolve this we contacted the manufacturer of the VSDs and met with a specialist acoustic design company. Together we developed a bespoke, front of MCC mounting noise reduction cowl which, when fitted in place, will capture and dampen the noise generated by the VSDs and fans to an acceptable level.
This project is currently on underway and the bespoke cowl are being manufactured and we have calculated that the decibels will be far lower than the acceptable standard set by the land owner.
This has been a fantastic project to work on, with a unique challenge and consequently a unique solution developed. We can’t wait to see it come to life.