Built-in-Place Substations Beauty and Brains at the Right Price ― TriMet's Traction Power Substations Evolve to a Higher Level

摘要

Light rail traction power substations (TPSs) do not have to be unsightly and hidden in the most remote recesses of the project. The large painted metal boxes surrounded by cyclone fence that have become the familiar norm for many projects are being replaced by built-in-place buildings in Portland, Oregon, where the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) and the community are concerned with aesthetics and have made the TPS an important and prominent design element. The general design, construction, costs, contract packaging, advantages and disadvantages, and features of the TriMet built-in-place substation buildings are discussed, and they are compared to similar packaged units. Built-in-place TPSs are far more likely to be accepted by their neighboring community. This acceptance allows them to be an important part of the architectural design of the stations, platforms, and other design sensitive locations. Field constructed TPSs using built-in-place buildings are a cost effective alternative to packaged traction power substations. Built-in-place TPS substations can offer more working space around equipment and better access to equipment, compared to packaged substations.