The International terminal at Auckland Airport is quite possibly one of the busiest places in the country. With thousands of people passing through its gates every day, there is always something happening.
So it stands to reason that being involved in a major on-site construction project can be incredibly challenging in a place that never sleeps.
DGE knew they had their work cut out for them when they were asked to be part of the 190m extension of Pier B at the Auckland Airport. Originally built in 2007, Pier B was being upgraded with the addition of two new gates – 17 and 18. This would allow Pier B the facility to accommodate a total of four A380 or B787 aircraft, or eight smaller international aircraft at the same time.
Having already been involved in the installation of a new Main switchboard in the International Terminal [Outgoing Processing and Retail case study], DGE were prepared.
The Challenge:
To provide electrical supply to two new Gates in the Auckland Airport Pier B extension project via transformers.
Just like the other airport project that DGE had been involved in, the installation of these new gates had to be done without interruption to the rest of the airport. Passengers, flight crew and various airport staff should see no disruption in service.
The Scope:
To supply and install two new Medium Voltage transformers, one per departure gate, to power up the ground power units for the aircraft whilst at the respective gate.
These transformers were to be powered from the existing medium voltage power centre in the established Pier B terminal. DGE had to strategise a plan to extend the original medium voltage switchboard while maintaining power for the existing terminal operations.
The Solution:
To install and connect multiple temporary generators to various key components of the terminal and keep the airport operations running smoothly while the transformers were installed.
This was a massive undertaking that was carried out painstakingly to avoid disruption. Each generator had a second back-up generator connected in parallel in case of a generator failure. This enabled DGE to isolate the power centre and install two new circuit breakers safely.
The Outcome:
Two fully operational gates in the International Terminal with new transformer units attached to each.
The Pier B extension project is now officially completed at the Auckland Airport. That means the airport can continue to service increasing numbers of passengers needing to travel internationally on a daily basis. The great thing is that the project was completed without disruption.
DGE is one of Auckland’s most highly regarded electrical engineering firms. Their skill and reputation is the main reason they were selected for the all important job of powering the two new departure gates during the Pier B extension project.
Talk to the DGE team.
Phone: 09 526 3992
Email: enquires@dge.nz
