Murjana Rixos is a Rixos hotel project in Saudi Arabia. Devpan supplied the main distribution, motor control, power factor correction and lighting panels, engineered for the local 60 Hz network.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationSaudi Arabia
- Building typeHotel and hospitality
- 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
Climate is the main factor shaping a hotel’s electrical design in Saudi Arabia: summer temperatures can exceed 45 °C, and cooling becomes the largest share of total demand. With chiller and pump motors running continuously, temperature rise inside switchboards directly reduces equipment ratings. The 13.8 kV distribution level and 60 Hz frequency also call for different choices in transformers, breakers and motors compared with European practice.
For a hotel of this scale, the typical solution is a 13.8 kV medium-voltage supply feeding approximately 2 × 1,600 kVA transformers and a bus-coupled 2 × 2,500 A main switchboard. Cooling plant and guest areas are balanced across the busbar sections so the hotel can still run on a single transformer. A generator of around 1,000 kVA picks up fire systems, lifts and priority comfort loads through automatic transfer, while Form 3b to Form 4a separation allows safe maintenance with the hotel in operation.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
Devpan’s scope runs from the hotel’s low-voltage main distribution to the cooling plant, guest areas and landscape lighting.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): typically 2 × 2,500 A, 65 kA / 1 s, 400 / 230 V, 60 Hz, with bus coupler and generator transfer.
- Motor control centres (DevControl): MCCs for chillers, cooling towers, pool and booster pumps.
- Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): IP31 – IP41 boards for guest floors, restaurants, spa and back-of-house areas.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): detuned stepped compensation sized for the 60 Hz network.
- Lighting and power panels (DevPower): scene-controlled panels for lobby, ballroom, façade and outdoor lighting.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 3,200 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 2 × 1,600 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 13.8 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 60 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 2,500 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 65 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 3b – 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
Derating for extreme heat
Busbar sizes, breaker ratings and panel ventilation are chosen for high ambient temperatures, with air-conditioned switchrooms part of the design.
60 Hz and 13.8 kV compatibility
Transformers, breakers and compensation equipment are selected for 60 Hz, with capacitor and reactor values calculated for that frequency.
Cooling load management
Chillers and pumps are split evenly between busbar sections, so part of the cooling capacity is preserved if one transformer is lost.
Dust and sand
Gaskets, filters and cable entries on boards near the outdoors are detailed specifically against fine sand and dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the installed power for a hotel of the scale of Murjana Rixos?
For a hotel of this scale the installed power is approximately 3,200 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 2 × 1,600 kVA. The main busbar is typically 2 × 2,500 A rated 65 kA / 1 s, supplied at 13.8 kV with 400 / 230 V, 60 Hz distribution and a generator of around 1,000 kVA.
How does a 60 Hz network affect switchboard design?
Frequency changes capacitor reactive output, filter tuning and motor speeds, so compensation and drive selections must be made for 60 Hz.
How are hotel switchboards protected in a hot climate?
Air-conditioned switchrooms, appropriate derating, adequate ventilation clearances and periodic thermographic checks limit the effect of heat on connections and devices.
Similar Reference Projects
Rixos Hotels, DubaiHotel and hospitality · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Concorde HotelHotel and hospitality · 
Shamakhi Resort ProjectHotel and hospitality · Shamakhi, AzerbaijanDo you have a project of a similar scale?
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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