Consulate of the Netherlands, Sudan — Consulate Building Switchboard Project

The Consulate of the Netherlands, Sudan is a diplomatic representation building in Sudan. Devpan supplied the main distribution, sub-distribution, power factor correction and lighting panels.

Consulate buildingConsulate of the Netherlands, Sudan — Consulate building, Sudan — Devpan
Technical Summary

Electrical Profile of the Project

  • LocationSudan
  • 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

About the Project

In Sudan the grid supply can be subject to frequent voltage fluctuations and unplanned outages, so in a consulate building the generator should often be treated as a second source in regular use rather than a rarely used backup. Very high summer temperatures increase cooling loads, while fine dust and sandstorms put pressure on board ventilation and component life. Uninterrupted operation of security, communication and consular service systems sits at the centre of the design.

For a consulate building of this scale the typical solution is a main distribution board rated 1,600 A, fed by a single transformer of about 1,000 kVA and a generator of approximately 500 kVA. An automatic transfer scheme and voltage monitoring relays manage source changeovers, and priority loads are grouped in a separate section so generator capacity is used efficiently. Sub-distribution boards feed office and security areas separately, and compensation and lighting panels complete the system.

Scope

Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture

Devpan’s scope covers the building’s low-voltage system, from main distribution to sub-boards and security lighting.

  • Main distribution board (DevPanel): 1,600 A, 50 kA / 1 s, Form 2b – Form 3b, automatic mains-generator transfer and voltage monitoring.
  • Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): Separate distribution for office, consular service and security areas.
  • Power factor correction panels (DevComp): Stepped compensation with control suited to generator operation.
  • Lighting panels (DevPower): Interior, perimeter security and emergency lighting circuits.
Technical Configuration

Technical Configuration

Installed power≈ 1,000 kVA
Transformer configuration1 × 1,000 kVA
Medium voltage level11 kV
Low voltage / frequency400 / 230 V, 50 Hz
Main busbar rated current1 × 1,600 A
Short-time withstand current (Icw)50 kA / 1 s
Form of internal separationForm 2b – Form 3b
Degree of protection (IP)IP31 – IP41
Generator back-up1 × 500 kVA
Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
Engineering

Project-Specific Engineering Topics

Unstable grid

Voltage monitoring relays detect over- and under-voltage, protect sensitive loads and initiate transfer to the generator when needed.

Dust and sand

Filtered ventilation and gasketed doors limit fine dust ingress into the boards and extend maintenance intervals.

Generator-compatible compensation

Capacitor steps are switched out in a controlled way during generator operation to avoid over-compensation.

Security system supply

Access control, CCTV and communication systems are fed from separate UPS- and generator-backed circuits.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the installed power for the Consulate of the Netherlands, Sudan?

For a consulate building of this scale the installed power is approximately 1,000 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 1 × 1,000 kVA. The main busbar is typically rated 1 × 1,600 A, the medium voltage is 11 kV and the generator is around 1 × 500 kVA.

Can the generator supply the whole building?

The generator is usually sized below the transformer rating; priority loads are grouped in a separate section and secondary loads are reconnected in stages according to available capacity.

What matters in switchboard design for a hot climate?

Device ratings are derated for high ambient temperature, the electrical room is air-conditioned and the internal temperature rise of the boards is verified by calculation.

Do 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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