A containerised switchroom is essentially an entirely complete electrical switchroom installed within a standard-sized container, usually either 20 or 40 feet in length. Rather than having to construct an entirely conventional switchroom using materials such as concrete or masonry, an entirely complete switchroom is designed, constructed, and tested within an entirely factory-based environment before being transported to site ready for use. One can essentially consider it to be an entirely portable version of a standard switchroom.

From an entirely practical standpoint, this means that rather than having to coordinate multiple different contractors and work through issues such as weather conditions, an entirely large percentage of work can be completed within an entirely factory-based environment. By the time it is transported to site, it is essentially pre-fitted with all of the required electrical equipment.

What Does It Contain?

Within the containerised switchroom, the same type of equipment is found as is found in an electrical room, although in a more compact form. The equipment is likely to include low voltage or medium voltage switchgear, motor control equipment, protection relays, and metering equipment. In some designs, transformers and power quality equipment are also incorporated into the same switchroom.

In addition to the main electrical equipment, the container is also provided with secondary equipment that is necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the equipment within the switchroom. Temperature control is an important factor, and air conditioning or ventilation equipment is often provided to control the temperature generated by the equipment. Fire alarm and suppression equipment, lighting, auxiliary power, and cable management are also often incorporated.

As everything is pre-installed and tested, the internal layout is usually more organised compared to many traditional site-built switchrooms. This is also an advantage in terms of build quality.

How It Works in Practice

The process of installing a containerised switchroom starts with detailed design and engineering work based on the project’s electrical and environmental needs. Once this process is complete, the whole system is assembled in a factory environment where all components have been installed and connected. Prior to shipment, this process is followed by factory acceptance testing to ensure its performance and functionality.

Once this process is complete, the container is transported to site using standard logistics practices, taking advantage of its ISO container standard. Upon arrival at site, it is installed on a prepared foundation and connected to its cables. Due to the fact that most of this work was done in the factory, commissioning is greatly reduced. In fact, it can be energised almost immediately.

Why Containerised Switchrooms Are Becoming Popular

One of the major factors that contribute to the increasing use of containerised switchrooms is their deployment speed. The deployment speed of switchrooms has been a major issue in the past, with some taking months to design, construct, and commission, especially if there are civil works involved. On the other hand, containerised switchrooms reduce deployment time significantly, considering that deployment takes place off-site.

Another factor that contributes to the increasing use of containerised switchrooms is their portability. These switchrooms can be relocated if there is a change in requirements, making them suitable for temporary use or where there is a high possibility of changing needs. The portability factor would be important in industries such as mining, where there is a possibility of changing locations.

Another factor is cost efficiency, and this is certainly relevant even if it is not immediately obvious. Although the initial cost of the containerised solution is higher, the reduced cost of site labor, construction time, and risk is significant. The factory conditions also reduce the possibility of defects, thus increasing reliability and reducing maintenance problems.

Where They Are Commonly Used

Containerised switchrooms are commonly used in various industries where speed, flexibility, and reliability are essential. In the industrial sector, they are commonly used in manufacturing plants, processing plants, and water treatment plants, among others, where the installation of electric infrastructure is required to be done in the shortest possible time.

In the energy sector, containerised switchrooms are commonly used in solar farms, battery energy storage, and grid connections, among other applications. This is due to the modular nature of containerised switchrooms, which are suitable in the renewable energy sector.

They are also very effective in remote or temporary situations. In mining operations, construction sites, and infrastructure projects, containerized switchrooms are commonly used, especially when it is not practical or economically viable to build permanent structures in these areas. In these situations, the ability to provide a completely functional electrical room in one containerized package is a definite advantage.

Design Considerations You Should Know

From an engineering point of view, containerised switch rooms need to be well planned, especially with regard to thermal management. Since electricity is used in the equipment, heat is also generated. If the equipment is not properly cooled, it will have an impact on the efficiency of the equipment.

Another important aspect to be considered is fire protection. Since the equipment is placed in a closed container, the fire detection and suppression systems need to be properly incorporated.

Another important aspect to be considered is the structural integrity of the container. Since the container is meant to be transported to the site, it needs to withstand the forces that will be applied to it.

Another important aspect to be considered is the cable entry points. These need to be properly designed to ensure safe cable installation. The cable entry points will depend on whether they are to be brought in at the bottom, top, or sides of the container.

Containerised vs Traditional Switchrooms

When comparing containerised switchrooms with traditional switchrooms, it is interesting to note that the main difference between them is how they are constructed. In traditional switchrooms, they have to be constructed on site, and this can be a lengthy process. In containerised switchrooms, they are constructed off site and ready for installation.

Another significant difference between the two options is mobility. The traditional switchroom will remain stationary, whereas the containerised option has the advantage that, if required, it can be moved. Although both options have their uses, the trend now seems to be towards the containerised option, especially where speed and flexibility are required.

Simple Way to Explain It

If you are asked to simplify the concept of a containerised switchroom as much as possible, you could define it as an electrical switchroom that is fully built and ready to use, and is contained within a shipping container. While the concept of a switchroom is the same, the containerised switchroom provides an alternative solution that is faster, more flexible, and often more efficient.