The 110 KV Hybrid substation at the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, has become fully operational. The new substation will cater to the power demand for the smooth running of the runway lighting, instrument landing system, escalator, conveyer belt and air conditioner at the airport. The highly modified substation was set up at a cost of around Rs 22 crore as part of an effort to ensure better service to the passengers and airline operators, said the CIAL officials.
An imported Plug and Switch System (PASS), costing around ` 4 crore, is the major speciality of the substation. The system, operating with fully-automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition method, ensures uninterrupted power supply.
As of now, the utility, cargo and terminal substations are functioning through this system. Since these are connected to each other through the ring main system, even if there is power failure in one line there will be supply from another.
The two transformers for the system, priced at ` 4.25 crore, have been built by TELK. The power connection for the substation is from the Kalamassery-Chalakkudy feeder line. For this purpose, 11 towers have been set up within a distance of 2 km. The CIAL had paid about `3.5 crore to the Kerala State Electricity Board for the substation. It has been established considering the power needs at the airport for the next 15-20 years.