An electrical fault protection project that enhances safety for workers and the public near trolley bus overhead wires has seen Wellington Cable Car Limited (WCCL) join the finalists in the IPENZ New Zealand engineering excellence awards (NZEE).
NZEE judges described the WCCL trolley bus overhead protection (TBOP) project as “an example of New Zealand engineering at its best.”
WCCL operates and maintains 80km of Wellington’s trolley bus overhead electrical network on behalf of Greater Wellington regional council.
The aim of the system is to provide high levels of electrical safety protection in the event of an incident. These can be caused by vehicle accidents, extreme weather, and high loads travelling through the capital city’s streets accidentally touching the contact wires.
It consists of a number of electrical protection cabinets located at key points around the network that continuously monitor and protect network sections against short circuit, over-current and earth faults.
WCCL chief executive officer Simon Fleisher says the TBOP system is an example of Kiwi ingenuity and resourcefulness.
“The DC protection system is very unique. WCCL designed, manufactured, assembled and then tested the system here in Wellington. It’s certainly one of a kind.”
Wellington city council’s transport and urban development committee chair Andy Foster, says it was a complex project where everything from the design to the manufacture and assembly of the components was undertaken in house.
“I’m thrilled the team from WCCL has been recognised as finalists, it’s a huge thing, they’re so enthusiastic and passionate about the project,” notes Foster.
The winners of the IPENZ New Zealand engineering excellence awards will be announced on 28 November 2014 at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.
