Project Overview
Quinshield manufactured and supplied 50 GRP transformer enclosures for the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station project in Somerset.
The enclosures formed part of the site’s Construction Electrical Supply network, supporting HV package substations located across the development.
Designed for a demanding nuclear construction environment, the GRP enclosures provided weatherproof, corrosion-resistant and naturally ventilated protection for Schneider Electric transformer equipment.
The Requirement
Hinkley Point C required a reliable Construction Electrical Supply network to distribute power across the site during construction. This network included intermediate switch rooms, an 11kV distribution network, HV package substations and further LV distribution equipment.
Quinshield supplied the GRP enclosures for the HV package substations. These enclosures needed to protect the transformer equipment, allow natural ventilation and withstand the coastal environment.
The specification also required strong access, inspection and safety features. Therefore, the design had to support maintenance, cooling, weather resistance and long-term durability.
The Solution
Quinshield designed and manufactured GRP transformer enclosures for the project’s HV package substations.
The enclosures used a non-walk-in kiosk design. This meant site personnel could open the relevant doors and inspect or test the equipment without entering the enclosure.
To support this, Quinshield aligned the double doors with the Schneider Electric transformer equipment inside each unit. The design also included larger-than-standard ventilation openings, which allowed natural airflow through the kiosks.
As a result, the enclosures did not need forced ventilation to keep the internal equipment cool.
Each enclosure also included electrical equipment, fire alarm equipment and explosion-relieving roof sections. These roof sections helped vent pressure in the event of an arc failure.
Meeting a Demanding Specification
The project required a high level of design control, testing and documentation because of the nuclear site environment.
Quinshield designed the enclosures to meet key requirements for IP23D protection in accordance with IEC 60529, natural ventilation, coastal weather resistance and corrosion resistance. The units also needed to withstand internal and external loadings, roof loads, wind loads and external impacts.
In addition, the project required factory acceptance testing at Quinshield. It also required material test certification, specified external lighting, internal roof light connectors and detailed supporting paperwork.
These requirements helped ensure the enclosures met the expectations of the site, the electrical equipment provider and the wider project team.
Project Delivery
Quinshield manufactured over 50 GRP enclosures to the same agreed design. This helped maintain consistency across the site and supported efficient production.
Despite the tight programme and demanding specification, Quinshield delivered the enclosures successfully. Once offloaded on site, the units required no snagging or rectification work.
The project demonstrated Quinshield’s ability to deliver large-scale GRP enclosure packages for major infrastructure projects, where technical compliance, repeatable manufacture, detailed documentation and reliable delivery are essential.
Need a GRP enclosure solution for a complex infrastructure or energy project? Speak to Quinshield about your requirements.
