MV Drives: Ensuring Commercial and Operational Advantage
Quantum Controls: Revolutionising MV Drive Solutions
Cable Crisis: Overcoming the £500,000 Barrier in Drive-to-Motor Cable Replacement at NWL’s Ovingham Site
Northumbrian Water Group’s (NWL) Ovingham site faced a significant challenge due to outdated Rockwell 3.3kV drives. These obsolete drives posed a reliability risk to the pumping station, necessitating an upgrade to maintain operational continuity. Initially, NWL’s standard replacement approach leaned towards ABB drives, but this solution came with an unanticipated cost: replacing all existing drive-to-motor cables totalling 1.5 kilometres, at a staggering expense exceeding £500,000.
Quantum Controls identified a transformative opportunity by evaluating Schneider Electric’s cutting-edge medium-voltage (MV) drives. Unlike their competitors, Schneider’s ATV6000 MV drives offered seamless compatibility with the existing cables, eliminating the need for a costly overhaul. This innovative approach not only avoided excessive expenditure but also introduced superior technical capabilities, solidifying Quantum Controls’ position as an industry leader in MV drive solutions.
Application: Ovingham Site’s Crucial Role
The Ovingham site is pivotal to NWL’s operations, extracting river water to supply treatment works in Newcastle. Ensuring the site’s pumping station remains reliable and efficient is essential to maintaining an uninterrupted water supply for the region.
Quantum Controls, in collaboration with Schneider Electric, stepped in to deliver a ground breaking solution tailored to meet these critical requirements. By shifting focus from brand loyalty to innovation, Quantum Controls demonstrated the potential of MV drives in resolving complex challenges while achieving substantial cost savings.
Quantum Controls’ Scope of Work
- Problem Assessment: Quantum Controls conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the technical and operational issues posed by the outdated Variable Speed Drives (VSDs). This assessment highlighted the inefficiencies of the existing equipment and the necessity for a more reliable, future-proof solution.
- Innovative Technical Solutions: Through in-depth research and analysis, Quantum Controls determined that Schneider Electric’s ATV6000 MV drives were the optimal choice. These drives uniquely offered compatibility with over 1.5 kilometres of existing cables, providing an unparalleled solution both technically and financially.
- Tailored Design and Quotation: A bespoke design proposal was developed, detailing the integration of Schneider’s MV drives into NWL’s infrastructure. This included precise technical specifications, design drawings, and transparent cost estimates to guide the decision-making process.
- Equipment Supply and Installation: Quantum Controls managed the end-to-end procurement and installation of the Schneider MV drives. Their team of highly skilled technicians ensured a smooth and efficient integration, minimising operational disruption and adhering to industry standards.
- Commissioning and Testing: Comprehensive commissioning procedures were carried out to validate the performance of the new MV drives. Quantum Controls optimised the system for maximum efficiency and reliability, ensuring long-term operational excellence.
- 20-Year Support Contract: Quantum Controls provided NWL with an unparalleled 20-year support contract, covering 24/7 technical assistance, preventive maintenance, and on-site support. This proactive approach guarantees ongoing reliability and peace of mind for the client.
Unmatched Commercial and Technical Advantage
The decision to switch from ABB to Schneider Electric’s MV drives, guided by Quantum Controls’ expertise, resulted in savings exceeding £500,000 for NWL. This case underscores the critical importance of exploring innovative drive solutions to achieve superior outcomes.
By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Schneider’s MV drives, Quantum Controls not only resolved the immediate technical challenges but also set a benchmark for future projects. This approach highlights the risks of limiting options to a single drive manufacturer and the potential benefits of evaluating diverse technical and commercial solutions.
Additionally, Quantum Controls’ engineers received specialised training from Schneider Electric’s experts in Vienna. This partnership ensures Quantum can offer the highest level of service and expertise for Schneider’s MV drives, further solidifying their leadership in the sector.
Conclusion: Driving Innovation with MV Drives
Quantum Controls’ ability to deliver innovative MV drive solutions reinforces their commitment to maximising client benefits. The Ovingham project exemplifies the importance of due diligence, technical expertise, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By choosing Schneider Electric’s ATV6000 MV drives, NWL not only avoided unnecessary costs but also unlocked new opportunities for operational efficiency and future innovation.
Contact Quantum Controls today to explore how our expertise in MV and HV drive solutions can revolutionise your operations.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0330 9000 247