Redundant MV Control Systems for Critical Pilgrimage Infrastructure
Project Overview
The Pedestrian Tunnel Haram Project was developed to support millions of pilgrims by creating a safe, efficient, and fully powered underground passageway within the sacred Haram complex in Mecca. IPU SA was contracted to engineer and commission a comprehensive MV power control system to maintain uninterrupted energy across tunnel facilities, ensuring operational reliability during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Clients & Partners
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Client: Abunayyan Trading Co.
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Location: Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Completion: Q1 2025
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Technology Partners: Schneider Electric, ComAp, GE
Products & Solutions Provided
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MV Synchronization Control Systems
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Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)
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Programmable Logic Controllers – Schneider Hot-Standby PLC System
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GE886 Protection Relays
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Dual-Substation Generator Integration
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Redundant Master Control Logic
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Source Transfer System (STS) for voltage continuity
Technical Highlights
|
Component |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Generators |
6 x MV generators (3 per substation) |
|
Control System |
Fully redundant SCADA + Master PLCs |
|
Synchronization |
Redundant sync logic with HMI interface |
|
Protection |
GE886 relays with isolation and fault protection |
|
System Integration |
Schneider MV switchgear + full ECU control |
Challenges & IPU SA Solutions
|
Challenge |
IPU SA Solution |
|---|---|
|
Need for 100% power uptime during Hajj |
Dual synchronized substations with real-time failover |
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Real-time load balancing across substations |
Load sharing with automated sequencing logic |
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Safe and centralized control of remote assets |
SCADA-driven monitoring with secure access layers |
Key Outcome
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Zero unplanned downtime across tunnel energy systems
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Seamless backup generator coordination and switching
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Fully redundant control and protection logic installed
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Integrated HMI for local diagnostics and test modes
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IEC-compliant commissioning and documentation delivered
Project Media
