Kazakhstan Art Museum is a cultural building in which the conditions for conserving the works determine the electrical design directly. On this project Devpan manufactured the main distribution boards, the uninterruptible branches feeding the climate control system and the exhibition lighting panels.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationKazakhstan
- Building typeMuseum
- Installed power≈ 3,200 kVA
- Transformer configuration2 × 1,600 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 2,500 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)65 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
In museums the real customer of the electrical infrastructure is not the visitor but the work of art. Holding temperature and relative humidity within a narrow band is critical for the life of the works, which makes uninterrupted operation of the climate control system mandatory. Lighting is the second sensitive heading: light intensity and spectrum can leave a permanent effect on a work.
At Kazakhstan Art Museum the climate control system is fed from generator-backed and uninterruptible branches; because even a short interruption can upset the relative humidity balance, this branch is in the highest continuity class. Exhibition lighting is taken from separate dimmer branches so that light intensity can be controlled precisely. The store and restoration areas are collected on separately protected branches.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
The Devpan scope reaches from low voltage main distribution to the exhibition hall, store and technical area panels.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 2,500 A class, 65 kA / 1 s, Form 4a internal separation, main distribution with bus coupler arrangement.
- Climate control supply branch (DevControl): Air handling and humidity control units fed from generator-backed and uninterruptible branches.
- Exhibition lighting panels (DevPower): Dimmer branches with controllable light intensity and display case lighting.
- Store and restoration area panels (DevBox): Separately protected supply with restricted access.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): Detuned stepped compensation suited to dimmer and drive loads.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 3,200 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 2 × 1,600 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 10 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 2,500 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 65 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 4a |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP31 – IP41 |
| Generator back-up | 1 × 1,000 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Continuity class of the climate control system
Holding temperature and relative humidity within a narrow band is mandatory for conserving the works; the climate control branch is transferred to a generator-backed and uninterruptible supply.
Light control in exhibition lighting
Light intensity is limited according to the type of work; the dimmer branches provide precise control and the harmonic effect of those branches is addressed separately.
Security of the store and restoration area
The collection store and the restoration workshop are fed from separately protected branches; panel access is restricted and the metering is monitored independently.
Conserving the works in a fire scenario
Fire detection and suppression systems are fed from a separately protected branch; the supply requirement of systems friendly to the works, rather than water-based suppression, is planned from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which system is in the highest continuity class in museums?
The climate control system. Holding temperature and relative humidity within a narrow band determines the life of the works directly, and even a short interruption can upset the humidity balance. The climate control branch is therefore transferred to a generator-backed and uninterruptible supply, taking a higher priority than even the lighting.
What is the installed power for Kazakhstan Art Museum?
For a museum and cultural building of this scale the installed power is approximately 3,200 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 2 x 1,600 kVA. The main busbar rating is planned at 2 x 2,500 A and the medium voltage inside the site is at 10 kV.
How does exhibition lighting affect the electrical design?
Because light intensity has to be limited according to the type of work, the lighting is installed under dimmer control. Dimmer drivers generate harmonics, so the lighting branch is protected separately and the compensation is specified with detuned reactors. The heat produced by lighting inside the display cases is also included in the climate control load.
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