Each nation has different critical infrastructure sectors, but they typically involve a collection of networks and assets that the government considers essential, including E-houses facilities. These assets range from power and communications to transportation, food, and water.
These vital systems are vulnerable to threats that could impact our daily lives. These threats include ransomware gangs and advanced threat actors that work for hostile governments.
Enhancing Critical Infrastructure with E-Houses
1. Reliability
E houses (powerhouses or integrated power assemblies) are walk-in, modular outdoor enclosures that house medium voltage switchgear equipment and auxiliary equipment. They help to shorten construction lead times, optimize transportation, installation, and commissioning costs, and increase working time thanks to their qualified and reliable design. They also offer a great deal of flexibility and ease of relocation.
The primary purpose of an E house is to centralize and protect critical electrical equipment, such as switchgear and motor control centers, in industrial facilities. They can also accommodate rooms for housing electric equipment in remote locations, such as oil, mineral, and gas extraction operations or processing plants.
In addition, an E house provides a protected environment for the control systems of industrial processes, protecting against dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. It ensures the equipment can work optimally, avoiding system failures and safety risks.
These prefabricated buildings are ideally suited for applications requiring minimal onsite construction work, including in remote areas where qualified personnel may need to be more readily available. They can be delivered to the project site fully assembled or disassembled for onsite installation. In addition, they can be transported in containers or on trailers for easy relocation.
A single unit can include up to six medium or low-voltage switchgear, transformers, and auxiliary equipment, depending on the project requirements.
In addition, an E house can be delivered with an extended base that creates a fully integrated power assembly. It can reduce the need for concrete pads, reducing overall project cost and construction time. It can also be placed close to the main loads, allowing for reduced cable size and length. E-houses can significantly reduce the energy required to run a facility, lowering power and operating costs. It is essential when planning for future expansions or a more resilient and flexible network.
2. Resilience
Resiliency is vital for critical infrastructures like power grids, transportation systems, financial institutions, and manufacturing facilities. Whether due to natural disasters or cyber attacks, these infrastructures must be resilient enough to continue functioning in the face of challenges. To ensure resilience, it is essential to consider all potential threats and how they might affect the infrastructure’s functionality.
A crucial part of resilience is ensuring the infrastructure can be easily repaired or replaced during a disaster. It can be accomplished by building resiliency into the design of the infrastructure, using resilient materials, and implementing other measures.
For example, using resilient concrete is a simple way to increase a building’s ability to withstand damage from natural and artificial disasters. Resilient concrete can withstand various environmental conditions, including wildfires, hurricanes, high winds, and floods.
Another part of resiliency is the ability to recover from disruptions. It can be achieved through careful planning, risk analysis, and evidence-based design practices. In addition, resiliency can be achieved by investing in measures that will reduce the impact of a disaster on communities and the economy. Using resilient construction practices is particularly important for areas prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and drought.
Unlike traditional concrete substations, prefab e-houses are more compact and require less maintenance. They can also be installed close to the main loads, which reduces the power and control cable size and length. It reduces energy costs and increases reliability. In addition, the prefabricated nature of the E-House makes it easier to inspect and repair any problems that may arise.
E-houses are designed to accommodate various types of equipment. They can house medium- and low-voltage power distribution equipment and backup power systems. Additionally, they can also accommodate instrumentation and control systems. These systems include control panels, distributed control systems (DCS), and monitoring devices. E-houses also have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to regulate temperature and humidity.
These features make them an excellent choice for locations prone to natural and unnatural disasters. For example, they can be used for power generation in the renewable energy and transportation sectors such as railways or airports. In addition, they can be used for data centers.
3. Flexibility
E-houses are prefabricated enclosures that can house various electrical and automation equipment. They are designed to minimize onsite work and allow for quicker deployment, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. These features make them an ideal solution for projects with limited space or remote locations.
The design of an e-house begins by understanding the intended function. For example, it might protect motor control centers or provide emergency backup power. This information helps determine the equipment’s layout, dimensions, and wiring. It also informs other considerations, such as the number of doors and ventilation requirements.
Once the e-house is designed, it is prefabricated in a specialized factory under controlled conditions and then transported to its final location. This method reduces construction time and costs while ensuring quality and reliability. It also allows for easier maintenance. This type of prefabricated e-house is particularly useful in remote locations where access to a permanent substation is difficult.
Typically, the e-house has all major equipment installed and tested in the factory. The only thing left is installing input power and field devices once the e-house reaches its destination. It is then shipped on a truck, railway car, or ship and installed at the site by forklifts, overhead cranes, or gantry cranes. The e-house is insulated and has built-in fire suppression systems to ensure safety.
As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, many people want to move away from traditional home ownership and opt for renting or living as a service. This lifestyle change has also increased the demand for flexible dwellings that adapt to various needs and environmental changes. However, these housing solutions need more marketing to help people understand their benefits and how to meet their needs.
With a comprehensive distribution design and single point of contact, our team simplifies processes and manages timelines. They also optimize the cost of transportation, installation, and commissioning by utilizing standardized designs. This approach is a win-win for all stakeholders, including investors, project managers, and operators.
4. Cost
E-houses help to reduce construction and installation costs by consolidating power and control equipment in a single structure. In addition, they allow for easier maintenance and relocation when the need arises. It helps to increase efficiency and improves safety. In addition, the e-house is tested before shipping, including all its components, which minimizes risks in the field. It helps reduce project delays and boosts productivity.
Modular e-houses are an effective solution for many projects and applications. From industrial facilities to energy plants, they can provide the necessary flexibility to meet any requirement. They are easy to use and can be installed quickly with little disruption. Additionally, they are modular and scalable, allowing additional units to be added as the facility expands or changes.
Moreover, the e-house is easy to transport. That makes it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete structures. They are also more durable and weather-resistant than conventional concrete buildings.
The prefabricated nature of an e-house allows for a significant reduction in construction-related emissions and disturbances to the surrounding environment. It is an essential factor for sustainable development. Additionally, e-houses are built in a controlled factory setting, which reduces construction costs and ensures that the structure is fully functional upon delivery.
In addition to reducing construction costs, the E-House helps to improve power efficiency. The compact design of these units makes them a more environmentally friendly solution than traditional substations, reducing the amount of land required and lowering energy consumption. It is an essential step towards sustainability goals for the power industry.
Final Words
Another benefit of the e-house is its ability to be located close to the main loads, reducing the size and length of power and control cables. In turn, this lowers energy costs and reduces transmission losses.
While the benefits of an e-house are considerable, it is essential to maintain them regularly to prevent problems. Proper maintenance can help avoid operability loss, fluid leakage, and material degradation, leading to costly repairs. Some recommended steps include inspecting fastener tightness, checking for water intrusion, and examining the floor for deflection.
See Also: Recovering From Water Damage: Tips For Coping With The Aftermath
