CASE STUDY

DERBY EAST MIDLANDS CONTROL CENTRE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

CLIENT

Network Rail

LOCATION

Derby, UK

DURATION

5 Years (inc extended scope)

SERVICES

Design | Engineering | Electrical |

Test & Commissioning

OVERVIEW

Kent Group was appointed to enhance the electrical resilience of the East Midlands Control Centre, in Derby, by delivering a complex power upgrade within a fully operational railway environment.

The project required the integration of new resilient power infrastructure while maintaining continuous operation of critical signalling systems, ensuring no disruption to railway operations throughout delivery.

PROJECT BY NUMBERS

Years

320kVA UPS Systems

PDU Switchgear Reconfigured

PDU Static Transfer Systems

Dual Supplies Introduced

Lost Time Injuries

THE CHALLENGE

In 2019, a fault on one of the existing UPS systems caused delays exceeding 8,000 minutes across the railway network. During contingency operation on generator supply, additional failures and reliability concerns were identified, exposing significant risks within the EMCC power infrastructure.

Further complications emerged during planned Christmas 2021 works when a failure within the PDU7 static switch prevented the installation of a new bus-coupler arrangement. This halted the original UPS replacement strategy and triggered a full review of the downstream electrical distribution systems.

CLIENT BENEFITS

Increased power resilience

Enhanced operational reliabilit

Reduced Maintainance Risk

Improved asset visibility

Compliant, futureproof Infrastructure

Dual supply capability

THE SOLUTION

Kent Group designed and delivered a comprehensive power resilience upgrade, including new UPS systems, automatic transfer switches, static transfer switches and extensive modifications to existing power distribution equipment.

Detailed engineering surveys, circuit correlation and staged commissioning enabled new resilient supplies to be introduced while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the control centre.

"This project is a great example of what can be achieved when talented people work together towards a common goal.

Delivering critical resilience improvements within a live operational railway is never straightforward, and the success of this project is a testament to the engineering expertise, careful planning and commitment shown by every member of the team.

I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and the way everyone remained focused on safety, quality and maintaining operational continuity throughout. I'd also like to thank Network Rail for their collaborative approach and the trust they placed in Kent Group. Working in partnership was key to delivering a successful outcome for the railway."

Tom Kent

Commercial and Planning Directo