Netherlands Data Centre Enclosures

ADE Power has successfully delivered a bespoke elevated modular switchroom for a major UK industrial facility as part of a wider programme to modernise critical high-voltage infrastructure.

Central to the project was the use of ADE Power's proven Skid & Lid construction methodology, enabling electrical equipment installation and enclosure manufacturing activities to progress in parallel. Combined with a purpose-designed elevated support structure and integrated building services, the solution provided the customer with a fully engineered environment for critical 11kV infrastructure while supporting programme efficiency and long-term operational reliability.

The Challenge

The customer required a highly bespoke modular switchroom capable of housing critical 11kV infrastructure while supporting extensive cable routing beneath the structure. The project formed part of a major infrastructure upgrade, replacing ageing oil-filled switchgear with modern vacuum switchgear to improve safety, reliability and maintainability across the facility.

A key requirement was the use of a Skid & Lid construction approach to support programme objectives. The project team needed a solution that would allow enclosure manufacturing and electrical equipment installation activities to proceed simultaneously.

In addition, the switchroom needed to accommodate a substantial package of high-voltage and auxiliary equipment while providing safe access for installation, inspection and future maintenance. Extensive underfloor cable entry and routing requirements also needed to be incorporated into the design without compromising accessibility or operational performance.

The Solution

ADE Power engineered a bespoke elevated modular switchroom supported by a purpose-designed structural steel substructure. The elevated arrangement created a dedicated cable-basement area beneath the enclosure, providing the space required for extensive cable routing while maintaining safe access for future inspection and maintenance activities.

The complete package included:

• Bespoke modular switchroom enclosure
• Structural steel support framework
• External access platforms and stairs
• HVAC systems
• Internal and external lighting systemsi
• External access platforms and stairs
• Power distribution systems
• Cable containment and management infrastructure
• Earthing and bonding systems
• Fire detection and security systems
• Factory testing and project documentation

Rather than relying on standard containerised dimensions, the entire solution was engineered around the customer's equipment layout, cable management requirements and installation strategy.

Accelerating Delivery Through Skid & Lid Construction

A defining feature of the project was ADE Power's Skid & Lid methodology.

The enclosure was manufactured as two principal elements:

• The structural skid, supporting the switchgear and associated electrical equipment.
• The enclosure lid, comprising the completed building envelope and integrated building services.

This approach allowed the electrical equipment manufacturer to begin installing and integrating critical equipment onto the structural skid while ADE Power simultaneously continued fabrication, fit-out and testing activities on the enclosure canopy at its Yorkshire manufacturing facility. By allowing these major workstreams to progress concurrently, the project benefited from:

• Reduced overall programme duration
• Earlier access for switchgear installation and integration.
• Improved accessibility for large equipment installation
• Reduced programme risk through parallel working.
• Greater flexibility during factory fit-out activities
• Improved coordination between mechanical, electrical and structural disciplines

The methodology provided a practical solution to the project's programme and installation challenges whilst ensuring quality remained controlled throughout the manufacturing process.

Designed Around Critical HV Infrastructure

The completed switchroom was designed to house a comprehensive package of critical electrical equipment, including:

• 11kV switchgear
• SCADA and control systems
• UPS equipment
• Battery systems and chargers
• Associated distribution equipment

The elevated structure and carefully planned cable-management arrangements ensured the enclosure could support substantial cable entry requirements while maintaining an organised, safe and accessible operating environment.

Integrated Building Services

To create a fully operational electrical environment, ADE Power incorporated a complete package of integrated building services.

The switchroom included HVAC systems designed to maintain suitable operating conditions for sensitive electrical equipment, alongside lighting, small power distribution, cable containment, fire detection, security systems and earthing infrastructure.

By delivering these systems as part of a single coordinated package, ADE Power ensured the enclosure was ready to support the customer's operational requirements upon installation.

Project Benefits

This project demonstrates several key advantages of ADE Power's Skid & Lid methodology and bespoke modular approach:

• Parallel enclosure manufacture and equipment installation
• Reduced programme durations through concurrent workstreams
• Earlier access for switchgear installation and testing
• Improved access for large-scale equipment integration
• Reduced project risk and installation constraints
• Extensive underfloor cable routing capabilityParallel enclosure manufacture and equipment installation
• Purpose-designed solution engineered around customer equipmentReduced programme durations through concurrent workstreams
• Fully integrated building services package
• Safe and maintainable operating environment for critical HV infrastructuren
• Long-term reliability and operational flexibilitys

Conclusion

This project demonstrates ADE Power's ability to deliver highly bespoke modular switchroom solutions engineered around both the customer's equipment and programme requirements.

Combining structural steel engineering, specialist building services and electrical integration expertise, the project provided the customer with a fully engineered solution that supports improved safety, reliability and long-term maintainability of critical high-voltage infrastructure.

By combining an elevated structural design with its proven Skid & Lid construction methodology, ADE Power enabled critical electrical installation activities and enclosure manufacturing works to progress simultaneously, reducing programme risk while delivering a fully integrated environment for modern high-voltage infrastructure.

The result is a robust, future-ready switchroom that supports the safe, reliable and efficient operation of critical electrical assets while showcasing the benefits of a collaborative, programme-driven approach to modular construction.