Meadows Maintenance Complex Substation Design

The primary substation was considered the most important traction power substation facility in the NJ TRANSIT system. The substation provides 55 kV service for the traction power system and 13 kV power to the maintenance yard and the rail operations center, the command and control center for all train movements statewide. The facility required replacement with new state-of-the-art equipment and protection schemes to improve system reliability and support continued rail operations.

GFT provided design, engineering, and procurement services for the replacement of the substation. The new design consists of a 230 kV, six-bay, 18-breaker gas-insulated substation (GIS) enclosed in a new building.

The separate secondary substation was designed to be fed from the GIS to provide 13.2 kV power to switchgear at the maintenance yard and rail operations center. The protection and control system was programmed using IEEE 61850, providing an innovative control system that improved system reliability, saved rack space, and reduced hazard risk and costs.

The 230 kV system powers a 55/27 kV traction power substation through five 230/55 kV transformers, providing adequate power for rail operations. Equipment and buildings were located above the 500-year floodplain to provide enhanced system resiliency in a coastal environment.