The Dutch Consulate in Juba is a diplomatic mission building serving in South Sudan. On this project Devpan manufactured the main distribution boards, the supply arrangement able to run entirely on the generator and the security system supplies.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationJuba, South Sudan
- Building typeConsulate building
- Installed power≈ 1,000 kVA
- Transformer configuration1 × 1,000 kVA
- Main busbar rated current1 × 1,600 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)50 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
In regions where the grid infrastructure is limited, the electrical design of a building must work without assuming a grid at all. The generator is planned as the sole source, while the uninterruptible power supply keeps the security systems alive during generator maintenance or a generator fault.
At the Dutch Consulate in Juba the loads are split into three priority classes: security and communication, essential service areas, and comfort loads. In scenarios where the generator capacity is limited, only the first two classes are fed. Because the source impedance on the generator is high, the compensation is arranged so that the number of steps is limited. Because of the tropical climate the enclosure surface treatment and the condensation control are planned separately.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
The Devpan scope reaches from low voltage main distribution to the departmental panels and the security system supplies.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 1,600 A class, 50 kA / 1 s, main distribution suited to generator-led operation.
- Security and communication branch: A separately protected supply backed by an uninterruptible power supply.
- Load separation by priority class: Security, essential service and comfort loads collected on separate branches.
- Departmental panels (DevBox): Supplies for the offices, the consular service area and the archive.
- Compensation (DevComp) and lighting (DevPower): Compensation with a limited number of steps in generator mode, perimeter and security lighting.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 1,000 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 1 × 1,000 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 11 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 1 × 1,600 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 50 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 2b – Form 3b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP41 – IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 1 × 400 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Planning the generator as the sole source
In a region where the grid infrastructure is limited the facility is designed to run continuously on the generator; fuel management and the maintenance interval are part of the design.
Three priority classes
Security and communication, essential service areas and comfort loads are collected on separate branches; in a limited capacity scenario only the priority classes are fed.
Compensation limit in generator mode
The source impedance of a generator is high; switching capacitor steps in without control can create voltage instability, so the number of steps is limited.
Tropical climate and condensation
Because of the high humidity and temperature the enclosure surface treatment is raised and an enclosure heater prevents condensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the design carried out in regions without grid infrastructure?
The facility is designed to run continuously on the generator. The generator capacity is selected to carry the full load, the fuel tank is sized for a long running time and the loads are split into priority classes. The uninterruptible power supply, in turn, keeps the security systems alive during generator maintenance or a generator fault.
What is the installed power for the Dutch Consulate in Juba?
For a consulate building of this scale the installed power is approximately 1,000 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 1 x 1,000 kVA. The main busbar rating is planned at 1,600 A and the medium voltage inside the site is at 11 kV.
Why is compensation limited on a generator?
Because the source impedance of a generator is far higher than that of the grid. Switching in a large capacitor step creates an effect that goes unnoticed on the grid but can lead to a voltage rise and instability on a generator. The compensation controller therefore detects generator mode and limits the number of steps that may be switched in.
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