King Tutankhamun’s new Giza home gets power distribution, control and HVAC by ABB

The Grand Egyptian Museum, which is being envisioned as an architectural masterpiece, is spread over 120 acres of land and borders the timeless Great  pyramids of Giza (illustrated). 

 

Indeed, the overall framework for the museum’s layout and design is a set of visual axes that emerge from the pyramids and lead to the site of the museum. The GEM’s main aim is to pay homage to over 100,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts, including the iconic and very beautiful golden mask of King Tutankhamun.

 

ABB was awarded the GEM project by the Orascom Construction / BESIX joint venture to furnish the complete electrical package. This includes an Extended Automation System 800xA to manage the power, transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, ring-main units, low-voltage panels, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and retractable supply post panels, installed for the first time in Egypt. 

 

HVAC drives – also by ABB - will be installed in pump and fan applicators, including commissioning and start up.

 

ABB says that its fully integrated System 800xA has been designed to extend the reach of traditional automation systems - beyond control of the process - to achieve the productivity gains necessary to succeed in today’s business markets. 

 

In this application, it will monitor and control all electrical equipment included in the scope. It will provide an interface between the medium-voltage switchgear and generators to synchronise operations and deliver quick and simple fault finding techniques to maintain a continuous power supply during black outs. 

 

System 800xA is suitable for a wide range of projects around the world, including the UK.

 

This museum’s project scope includes engineering, procurement, manufacturing, supervision on installation, training, commissioning, system programming and system start-up, in addition to project management service. 

 

 

Unlike other Egyptian museums, the GEM is to have its own state-of-the-art conservation center. ABB’s energy efficient electrical drives will ensure that the HVAC system is able to maintain an optimal environment in which to preserve the museum’s valuable historical monuments and treasures. 

 

Other parts of the project include the main energy center, conference center, museum building, food and beverage halls, children’s entertainment areas and a ticketing building, all of which are within ABB’s remit.

 

Commented Naji Jreijiri, manager for ABB in Egypt and Central Africa: “We are very proud that ABB has been given the opportunity to supply power and automation technology and expertise to one of the most prestigious tourist attractions in Egypt.” 

 

Let us hope that, despite Egypt’s current political turmoil, when it opens, this new museum will find a ready audience of tourists, which it will greatly deserve. Let us hope too that it will not be looted or damaged, which has already occurred in Syria and Egypt. For example, centuries-old glass and porcelain pieces were smashed to powder, a priceless wooden prayer niche was destroyed and manuscripts were soaked by water from broken pipes when a car bomb wreaked havoc on Cairo’s renowned Islamic Art Museum only two weeks ago. The 19th-century building had just undergone a multimillion-pound renovation.

 

For more information about System 800xA, go to: www.abb.co.uk/product/us/9AAC115756.aspx