Complete Substation Solution for Addis Ababa International Airport Expansion
Project Name: Bole International Airport Terminal Expansion – Power Distribution Package
Country: Ethiopia
Supplied Products:
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35/10kV 20MVA Oil-Immersed Power Transformers (2 units)
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KYN28-12 Medium Voltage Switchgear Panels (42 panels)
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VS1-12 Indoor Vacuum Circuit Breakers (withdrawable type)
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GCS Type Low Voltage Switchgear Panels (65 panels)
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Reactive Power Compensation Cabinets (15 units)
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Prefabricated 10kV Containerized Substation Units (6 sets)
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SCADA & Protection Relay System Integration
Client: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise (through EPC Contractor, China Communications Construction Co.)
Delivery Time: December 2024
Application: Reliable 24/7 power supply for new passenger terminal, runway lighting, baggage systems, and auxiliary services
Project Overview:
QZ Switchgear supplied a complete MV/LV distribution and substation package for the Addis Ababa International Airport expansion, a flagship infrastructure project in East Africa. The system ensures uninterrupted and stable power for critical airport loads, including flight control towers, runway lighting, and passenger terminal facilities.
Technical Highlights:
Transformer Section
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2 x 20MVA step-down transformers, 35/10kV, ONAN/ONAF cooling
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Special insulation design to handle high altitude (2300m above sea level)
Medium Voltage Side
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42 KYN28-12 metal-clad switchgear panels, each fitted with VS1-12 vacuum circuit breakers
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Bus-coupler, incomer, feeder, and capacitor bank configurations
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Fully compliant with IEC62271 and Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) grid codes
Low Voltage Side
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65 GCS type LV panels for baggage handling, HVAC, runway lighting, and data systems
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Reactive compensation cabinets with smart controllers for power factor correction
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Bus duct connection between LV panels and transformers for reduced losses
SCADA & Monitoring
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Digital protection relays (Siemens 7SJ/7SD series) integrated into airport SCADA
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Remote monitoring of breaker status, transformer temperature, and feeder load
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Real-time alarms for mission-critical airport systems
Client Benefits:
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Mission-critical reliability: Dual transformer + busbar coupling design ensures uninterrupted supply
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Customized engineering: High-altitude transformer design solved cooling challenges
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Faster commissioning: Pre-tested containerized substations shortened installation by 2 months
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International compliance: FAT witnessed by Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and EPC engineers