Together with TKH and Hitec Power Protection, Eaton has installed an ultramodern, safe, and sustainable electrical energy supply in the Gaasperdammertunnel, which at three kilometres, is the longest land tunnel in The Netherlands.
Under the name of HEAT, Hitec, Eaton, and TKH created a unique engineering combination, specifically for this project. The three manufacturers – each with their own specialism – joined forces and participated in the design of client IXAS from the start of the engineering phase. Thanks to this early participation, it was possible to integrate the technical installations optimally into the infrastructure. Eaton has equipped the Gaasperdammertunnel with FMX and Eaton Xiria SF6 -free medium voltage installations, flexible systems that can be expanded any time. For this project, Eaton designed 90 low voltage distributors, seven medium voltage switching installations and six transformers, as well as providing the logistics and installation. The electrical energy – 10,000 volts – goes through medium voltage installations, the distribution network, and transformers to low voltage main distributors, after which the energy is further distributed to sub-distributors.
Unlike most systems, FMX and Xiria installations do not use SF6 greenhouse gas. Instead, they switch using an environmentally friendly vacuum technology. This is ideal for underground industries, such as tunnels, because emissions of toxic gases are prevented in the event of an emergency. In addition, a system has been designed that performs optimally with the lowest possible energy consumption, thanks to facilities such as LED lighting and high-efficiency transformers.