Beneath Melbourne CBD’s roads and footpaths lies an engineering marvel: the intricate electrical infrastructure powering the city. Consisting of a maze-like labyrinth of sub-transmission powerlines, substations and underground tunnels, this is a world that goes largely unseen by the hundreds of thousands of workers, visitors and residents that move through the city each day. 

On one of Balpara’s most recent LiDAR projects, our team captured this rarely seen environment through a series of incredible 3D laser scans. 

The Project – The Celestial Avenue Zone Substation Upgrade, Melbourne, Victoria 

The Celestial Avenue (WA) zone substation provides power to a portion of Melbourne’s central and eastern CBD. Supplied at 66kV via sub-transmission lines originating from West Melbourne terminal station and Brunswick terminal station, the substation consists of two 66/11kV 20/27 MVA transformers and one 66/11kV 20/30 MVA transformer.   

For transformers of this type, the average time for the onset of critical degradation is typically 60 years, however when taking into account the impact of duty, this reduces to 54 years. Celestial Avenue’s number one and two transformers are currently 56 years old. Following a condition-based risk management analysis, it was determined that these transformers will reach their end of life within next five years. 

Balpara’s Involvement 

As a result, Citipower is replacing the current transformers with CP-2 type power transformers and requested Balpara’s 3D laser scanning services to ensure correct and safe excavation and installation of the new assets. 

By scanning the above ground area, Balpara’s team was able to confirm the clearance by which the old equipment could be removed and the new transformers installed. Scanning was also completed outside the building to evaluate the clearance for transportation, and throughout the underground tunnels to assist in design of the electrical routing. 

Furthermore, with the aim of improving the new transformer’s lifespan, it was decided to reposition two radiators in order to make better use of the natural airflow and avoid the use of forced ventilation. To determine the best design for the new radiators, Balpara was responsible for scanning the oil tank to evaluate the best positioning. 

This is just one of the many survey services that Balpara provides to utilities. 

Take a look at the result of Balpara’s point cloud in the video above.