ABB to build substations for Gold Coast Light Rail Project

ABB has won an order to build six substations for GoldLinQ, Queensland’s first light rail system.

Stage One of the Light Rail network connects the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The 16 stations will be serviced by 14 light rail vehicles of 45 m each in length.

An artist's impression of a GoldLinQ station. [Image courtesy of GoldLinQ]

The network, scheduled to commence passenger services in 2014, is anticipated to reduce transport greenhouse gas emissions by 114,000 tons in 10 years.

ABB will construct six traction substations rated at 11 kVAC/ 750 VDC for the first stage of the network. The substations will be preassembled and tested in the factory. Comprising a transportable outdoor building equipped with technologies, the substations will include rectifiers, DC switchgear, SafePlus medium-voltage switchgear, dry-tape rectifier and auxiliary transformers, leakage current monitoring systems and auxiliary equipment.

To power the light rail vehicles, the transformers will step down the voltage from the public grid and the rectifiers will convert AC into DC. Operational safety will be enhanced through features like fully enclosed busbars to prevent accidental contact.

Bombardier Transportation awarded ABB the order to build the substations, which includes the design, engineering, supply, erection and commissioning of the substations. ABB expects to complete the project by 2014.

“The technologies deployed will facilitate efficient distribution of electricity to ensure reliable operation and high performance of the new rapid transit system,” said Axel Kuhr, Country Manager for ABB in Australia. “ABB has a good track record of providing innovative solutions for the rail industry that deliver long-term benefits to communities.”