The new ElecLink converter substations situated at each end of the Channel Tunnel have undergone a series of tests while the installation of the Tunnel cabling system is completed.
ElecLink is a 1 GW electrical interconnector between the United Kingdom and France via the Channel Tunnel.
The new ElecLink converter substations situated at each end of the Tunnel have undergone a series of tests between October 2020 and March 2021. With a total surface area of 13,000 m2 in the UK and 22,000 m2 in France, each substation contains four 320-ton transformers.
Several thousand security systems have been successfully tested. The tests have been carried out by the Siemens and ElecLink teams in collaboration with Eurotunnel, National Grid, the Eurailtest electromagnetic compatibility (CEM) experts, The French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport, Development and Networks (IFSTTAR) and Eurostar. tested in the substations.
"We also took the opportunity to verify the integration into Eurotunnel's railway system and to demonstrate, through electromagnetic radiation measurements, the safety of the converter and its integration into the railway environment," said Pierrot Loch, ElecLink link completion Manager.
"The next step will be the power transfer test between the two converters in the UK and France and the associated networks, once the DC cable is installed," added Loch.
The substations are on stand-by while the installation of the Tunnel cabling system is completed.
