RMU Upgrade

Project Overview

RAAF Base Tindal had an extensive 11 kV distribution network comprising of 11kV switchboards, underground cabling and over fifty 11 kV ring main units (RMUs). Many of these RMUs were past their serviceable life and were beginning to fail. The proposed works included the installation and commissioning of new 11 kV switchgear and associated cabling.

Project requirements included:

• Replacement of nine ring main switching units
• Addition of an operating panel in the PCMS compartment
• Addition of a 24 VDC solar power supply to provide an
  auxiliary power supply at switching station 21
• Excavated, jointed, terminated, tested and backed fill new table tails onto the RMU
• Terminated and tested new cable between the RMU and transformer (excl SS 21)
• Tested and commissioned on RMU equipment

Challenges

• Operated civilian and military aerodrome including an international military exercise with USAF F22 Raptors
• Complex stakeholder requirements on outages including:
  o 452SQN (Air Traffic Control)
  o 75SQN (OLAs)
  o Other contractors on site – Lend Lease and Fulton Hogan
• Existing undocumented services
• Airside works including preparation and submission of Method Of Works Plan for airside activities

Successes

• Project completed before target completion date and under budget
• No disruptions to base operations
• No LTIs or MTIs
• No defects at handover