The Ashgabat Gundogar Water Treatment Plant supplies drinking water in Turkmenistan’s capital. Devpan delivered the motor control centres (MCCs), main distribution boards, power factor correction and sub-distribution boards.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationAshgabat, Turkmenistan
- Building typeWater treatment plant
- Installed power≈ 5,000 kVA
- Transformer configuration2 × 2,500 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 4,000 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)80 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
At a water treatment plant, the electrical system effectively carries the city’s water supply. Raw water, filter backwash and treated water pumps run around the clock, and a prolonged outage can mean pressure loss in the network and a risk to water quality. Large pump motors, variable speed drives and soft starters generate harmonics and inrush currents. The process environment, with chlorine, ozone and high humidity, calls for strong protection against corrosion, dust and water ingress, while Ashgabat’s very hot summers raise the cooling demand in enclosed switchrooms.
For a treatment plant of this scale, the typical arrangement is roughly 2 × 2,500 kVA of transformers fed at 10 kV, with a two-section coupled main LV board. DevPanel boards with 2 × 4,000 A busbars and 80 kA / 1 s withstand provide redundant supplies to the process areas. Pump groups are fed from DevControl MCCs built to Form 4b and IP54, so one outgoing unit can be serviced while neighbouring motors keep running. DevComp panels correct the reactive load, and generators of approximately 2 × 1,250 kVA keep critical pumps running during a utility failure.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
Devpan’s scope covers the plant’s entire LV infrastructure, from the main distribution to the MCCs that control pumps and process motors.
- Motor control centres (DevControl): Form 4b, IP54 withdrawable and drive-based outgoing units for pumps, blowers and mixers.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 2 × 4,000 A busbars, 80 kA / 1 s, two coupled sections and generator transfer.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): Stepped, detuned capacitor banks designed for the harmonic content of drive loads.
- Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): Boards for the laboratory, administration building, chemical dosing and auxiliary systems.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 5,000 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 2 × 2,500 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 10 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 4,000 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 80 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 4b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 2 × 1,250 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Pumping continuity
Duty and standby pumps are fed from different busbar sections, so a fault on one section does not stop water production.
Harmonic control
Harmonics from numerous drives are limited by detuned compensation and adequately rated busbars and neutrals.
Corrosive atmosphere
Chlorine and humidity are handled with IP54 enclosures, corrosion-resistant finishes and dedicated switchrooms.
Motor starting
Large pumps start via soft starters or drives, reducing the step load on transformers and generators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the installed power of the Ashgabat Gundogar Water Treatment Plant?
For a water treatment plant of this scale, the installed power is approximately 5,000 kVA with a typical transformer configuration of 2 × 2,500 kVA. The main busbar is typically rated 2 × 4,000 A with 80 kA / 1 s withstand, at a medium voltage of 10 kV, with standby generation of around 2 × 1,250 kVA.
Why is Form 4b preferred for MCCs in water treatment?
Form 4b places each motor unit and its terminals in separate compartments. One pump feeder can be maintained while the other pumps remain energised and in service.
Which loads do the generators supply?
Treated water pumps, disinfection and control systems are typically transferred as priority loads. Large motors are restarted in stages to avoid overloading the generators.
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Send us your single-line diagram, your transformer rating or simply your load list. Our engineering team runs the short-circuit and discrimination study and defines the form of separation and busbar cross-section with you.
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