Powering the world’s largest mirrored structure with smart control and stability.
Project Overview
Maraya, located in AlUla’s Ashar Valley, is a globally recognized architectural marvel and the largest mirrored building in the world. As a high-profile venue for concerts, events, and cultural gatherings, uninterrupted power and electrical stability are mission-critical. IPU SA was contracted to engineer and commission a custom MV Synchronization Control System that also manages shunt reactor logic to mitigate high capacitive reactance caused by the site’s extensive cabling.
Clients & Partners
-
Client: NESMA & Partners
-
Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
-
Completion: December 2022
-
Technology Partners: Schneider Electric, ComAp
Products & Solutions Provided
-
MV Synchronization Control Panels
-
MV Generator Control Integration
-
Reactive Power Compensation Logic
-
ComAp-based control for shunt reactors
-
Load balancing and power quality stabilization
-
Local and remote HMI for real-time operations
Technical Highlights
|
Component |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Network Complexity |
High-reactance due to long cable runs |
|
Reactor Control |
Intelligent management of shut reactors via PLC/SCADA logic |
|
Power Coordination |
Synchronization of MV generators for load distribution |
|
Stability |
Protection logic to prevent system failure under harmonic stress |
|
Operator Interface |
Real-time diagnostics via SCADA and touchscreen HMI |
Challenges & IPU SA Solutions
|
Challenge |
IPU SA Solution |
|---|---|
|
Excessive capacitive reactance from large cable network |
Installed and programmed shunt reactor control for compensation |
|
Risk of generator capacitor failure under reactive loads |
Dynamic logic to adjust for live harmonic and load shifts |
|
High sensitivity to downtime during events |
Redundant control and protection layers for guaranteed uptime |
Key Outcome
-
Optimized generator performance through reactive power control
-
Enhanced system stability despite complex cabling layout
-
Zero performance degradation under full load conditions
-
Delivered system meets Maraya’s world-class infrastructure standards
-
Reduced operational risk for public events and exhibitions
