We contribute to Avesta Lillfors Power Plant being future-proof

Erik Dahlén, construction manager at AFRY, says that AFRY was trusted by Fortum to carry out a complete replacement of the control system and electrical peripherals:
− We chose to collaborate with Jernbro for the demolition of old equipment and installation of new at Avesta Lillfors Power Plant. Jernbro has been an important partner in planning and implementing the project on site. The work has been challenging and many complex difficulties have been solved together under constant time pressure. Jernbro has contributed its expertise in assembly and installation in a very convincing way.

Peder Eklund, project manager at Fortum agrees:
– The implementation and cooperation with Jernbro has been carried out in a good and safe way.

− An important first step was to replace the station’s existing lighting system. The old fluorescent tubes were replaced with energy-efficient LED lamps throughout the facility, says Robert Lindström, project manager at Jernbro.

− The most extensive work was the preparations for replacing the power plant’s electrical and control equipment. Jernbro’s assemblers marked out new cable routes and carefully put away existing cabling because the station was in operation during the preparatory work, says Erik.

After the power plant’s generators had been shut down, Jernbro could begin the intensive and tough work of the shutdown period. For six weeks, several assemblers worked both inside and outside the switchgear disconnecting old electrical cabinets and sensors and moving everything out.

This was followed by the work of installing new electrical cabinets and sensors as well as connecting large amounts of cable ends to cabinets, boxes and external devices. The power plant’s two generators are built in parallel with each other and the 400 volt switchgear serves pumps for both aggregates. It made assembly more difficult as they had to be changed at the same time. The switchgear’s two transformers were also replaced, which handle voltages from 11,000 down to 400 volts.

− High security has been central, especially given the risks associated with old facilities. We have had close cooperation with Fortum and AFRY on safety measures and together we have come up with the best way to maintain a high level of electrical safety and personal safety. We have carried out extensive checks and risk assessments to minimize the risks. Before the work on changing the transformers, we went through several checklists, for example, says Robert.

In addition to project managers, assemblers for interior and exterior assembly, electricians and mechanics under Jernbro’s auspices, Jernbro’s hydraulic department and sheet metal workshop in Avesta have also helped.

In conclusion, Robert says:
−  I am proud of the effort that we at Jernbro have made, such as good planning, good assembly work, that the project was completed on time and that we stood up and resolved the concerns that arose. The project’s success is obviously based on good cooperation and good coordination at Jernbro’s unit in Avesta, where we have many skilled and safety-conscious fitters in all professional categories.

Avesta Lillfors Power Plant is now equipped for the future, with modernized control systems and switchgear that are more reliable and less prone to breakdowns. Through the extensive work, Jernbro and AFRY have contributed to securing the power station’s electricity production for the next 20 years, which will play an important role in society’s growing energy needs.

Some facts about the Avesta Lillfors power plant and the work Jernbro carried out:

•  The plant has an average annual production of 125 GWh, which corresponds to the average energy consumption of approximately 6,200 villas
• 2.8 tonnes of old cabling was demolished
• 600 new cables were pulled out, the total length of which was 9,000 m
• 2,900 cable parts were labeled and connected