Heathrow Terminal 5

Project Overview:

The extension of Heathrow via a new Terminal Building is intended to allow the latest generation of large aircraft to use the airport while limiting noise and environmental impact of airport operations.

The electrical network at the site includes a 33 kV and 11 kV distribution system as well as all necessary transformation to LV voltages for airport and transit systems at the site. The additional electrical load meant a new 132/33 kV connection was necessary.

Cardiff Power was subcontracted to support the main Terminal 5 Electrical Design Team in carrying out overall system studies on the project.

Project Involvement:

• Network modelling for the complete electrical system. This included the connection to the National Grid 275 kV system and the Scottish and Southern Energy 132 kV and 33 kV system along with all relevant airport infrastructure;

• Power system analysis including fault level, load flow, voltage step change and motor start studies using IPSA software;

• Protection co-ordination studies and preparation of protection settings schedules for the complete Terminal 5 system for both over current and earth fault relays;

• Interpretation of study results in terms of equipment specification and suitability and identification of limitations in running arrangements under various outage conditions.