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
CASE STUDY – EMCC DERBY REILIENCE WORKS
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
5
Years
8
PDU Switchgear Reconfigured
2
Dual Supplies Introduced
2
320KVA UPS Systems
2
PDU Static Transfer Systems
0
Lost Time Accidents
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.
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.
SCOPE OF WORKS
-
Engineering Design
-
Existing Installation Correlation
-
UPS Installation
-
Automatic Transfer Switches
-
Static Transfer Switches
-
PDU Modifications
-
Circuit Identification
-
Electrical Installation
-
Testing
-
Commissioning
CLIENT BENEFITS
Increased power resilience
Enhanced operational reliability
Reduced Maintainance Risk
Improved asset visibility
Compliant, futureproof Infrastructure
Dual supply capability
"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 Director
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
PROJECT GALLERY
