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4.7.2. Campus Business Continuity Programme
• Braamfontein Generator capacity upgrade OPCBCOA_TO1 The generator capacity upgrade project for the University’s Braamfontein Campuses (East and West) generator stations includes the increase of total combined generator capacity from 7.5MVA to 12.5MVA. This upgrade serves to address the existing generator capacity shortfalls as well as accommodating expected increased demand from new infrastructure developments. The upgrade further enables the consolidation of bulk electrical supplies for buildings adjacent to the Braamfontein Campus which currently have independent council supplies to ultimately ensure these buildings have access to the generator stations. The project’s original scope has been completed, with the additional two 2.5MVA diesel generators successfully installed and commissioned. The additional scope to repair the existing generator silencer units (six units in total), which have deteriorated over time due to rain ingress, have also been completed. Photographs of the newly installed generators are included to the right. • Substation upgrade This project involved the internal building refurbishment of main distribution substations across the Braamfontein and Parktown Campuses, managed together with Substation Medium Voltage Switchgear Replacement Programme. Both the switchgear replacements (34 units in total) and substation refurbishments have been completed. Final snagging and additionally identified minor reticulation improvements are in progress and is expected to be completed by end of September 2021. A few examples of the new switchgear and external miniature substation units installed are illustrated (pictures below).
• Cultural Precinct electrical ring main connection This project, involves the integration of University precincts in Braamfontein, which currently have separate council electrical supplies, into the University’s bulk electrical network on the Braamfontein Campus. This aims to ensure all Braamfontein precincts have access to the centralised backup generator systems as well as reducing the number of individual utility accounts thereby reducing operational and financial management thereof. The implementation of this project was dependent on the final completion of the Braamfontein campus generator capacity upgrade project referred to above, as this integration will ultimately increase the demand on the existing generator services. The first phase of the project which involves the new supply integration, via the newly installed external miniature substation unit for the Cultural Precinct on the South East section of the Braamfontein Campus East, is now complete. Photographs of the new installation are shown above.
