Istanbul Airport Terminal is a transport building where an interruption affects flight operations directly and where passenger density is among the highest in the world. Devpan supplied the Form 4b main distribution boards rated at 100 kA / 1 s, the motor control centres and the terminal distribution panels.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationIstanbul, Türkiye
- Building typeAirport terminal
- Installed power≈ 8,000 kVA
- Transformer configuration4 × 2,000 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 4,000 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)100 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
In airport terminals the electrical installation behaves less like a building service and more like an infrastructure facility. Check-in islands, baggage handling systems, security screening lines, travelators, passenger boarding bridges, lighting and ventilation all run continuously, and stopping any of them locks up the operation.
The distribution architecture is therefore built around redundancy. Main distribution boards operate with dual incomers and a bus coupler, and critical loads are planned so that they can be fed from two independent sources. Because of the sheer size of the terminal floor plate, distribution points are geographically dispersed and busbar trunking connections are integrated directly into the main boards. The high transformer capacity pushes the prospective short-circuit current into the 100 kA range.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
The Devpan scope comprises main distribution, motor control and terminal distribution boards. High short-circuit withstand, busbar trunking integration and maintenance under load are the governing criteria.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 4,000 A class, 100 kA / 1 s withstand, Form 4b internal separation, with bus coupler arrangement.
- Motor control centres (DevControl): Motor outgoing ways for ventilation, smoke extraction, pumps and baggage handling, including variable speed drive cubicles.
- Terminal distribution boards (DevBox): Check-in islands, retail and office areas, plant room panels.
- Lighting and power panels (DevPower): General terminal lighting, apron and car park lighting circuits, emergency lighting.
- Energy monitoring: Power analysers and communication infrastructure providing measurement points that connect to the central monitoring system.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 8,000 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 4 × 2,000 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 34.5 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 4,000 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 100 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 4b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP42 – IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 2 × 2,000 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
100 kA class short-circuit withstand
Where high-capacity transformers operate in parallel, the mechanical and thermal strength of the busbar system becomes decisive. Busbar cross-section, support spacing and support material are verified against 100 kA / 1 s.
Busbar trunking integration
Across a large terminal floor plate, distribution is largely carried out with busbar trunking. Connection flanges on the board are prepared during manufacturing to match the trunking supplier’s interface dimensions.
Redundant supply and bus coupler logic
In an arrangement of two incomers and one bus coupler, the interlocking logic prevents all three breakers from being closed simultaneously. Critical loads can be fed from either busbar.
Smoke extraction and life safety circuits
Smoke extraction fans and fire pumps are grouped on a dedicated branch that must keep its supply during a fire; its cables and panel compartments are segregated from normal loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a 100 kA withstand required in airport switchboards?
Because the parallel transformer capacity at airports is very high, and close to the substation the prospective short-circuit current reaches 80 to 100 kA. The busbar system must carry that current for one second both thermally and mechanically; otherwise busbar deformation occurs at the moment of the short circuit.
How is busbar trunking connected to the switchboard in terminal projects?
A dedicated connection compartment is provided on the board for the trunking. Its hole pattern, phase sequence and clearances are prepared during manufacturing according to the trunking supplier’s interface drawing, so no adaptation is carried out on site.
What is the scope power on this project?
For the section within the Devpan scope the installed power is approximately 8,000 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 4 x 2,000 kVA. The main busbar rating is planned at 2 x 4,000 A with a degree of protection between IP42 and IP54.
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