New design for sustainable Enel Primary Substation

Enel Global Infrastructure Networks is looking for a new design and architectural concept for the construction of a new and innovative sustainable building system dedicated to primary substations.

Abstract

Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks is looking for a new design and architectural concept for the construction of a new and innovative sustainable building system dedicated to primary substations. The new sustainable Enel Primary Substation must have innovative features in terms of design, materials and construction, incorporating principles of sustainability within a circular design approach; the substation must fully integrate in and garner the acceptance of the environmental and social contexts it is installed in.

The new design must allow the observance of the technical and safety regulations currently complied with as well as maintaining the full functionality of the substation and equipment installed inside.

 

OVERVIEW

Primary substations are infrastructures dedicated to the interconnection between high voltage and medium voltage in the electrical system and can be built in different environmental contexts whenever energy demand makes a primary substation needed. Therefore, primary substation can be inserted in urban contexts, both in the city center or peripheral quarters, or in rural environments belonging to different natural contexts (countryside, seaside, mountains etc.).

Integration of such an industrial facility in different environments can be critical and requires reconciling sustainability and technical aspects.

Enel is committed to a sustainable business model, with a marked acceleration on decarbonization that foresees becoming zero-carbon within 2040. This approach is adopted by all the Group’s businesses and leverages on circular economy as the way to boost the Net Zero through sustainable material, modularity to extend useful life, circular processes across and beyond the value chain, starting from the design and procurement phases up to production and end-of-life management.

To maximize the value creation and to ensure full implementation of each solution, a sustainable by design approach must be applied. This means starting from the context analysis and from the identification of all solutions to avoid or minimize environmental and social impact, in order to guide the design of the architectural concept dedicated to primary substations.

For questions about the challenge and your proposal, contact InfoChallengeEGIN@enel.com.

Description

THE CHALLENGE

The purpose of this challenge is the creation of new sustainable architectural concepts dedicated to primary substations. The primary goal of the challenge is the creation of a sustainable architectonic modular system that allows a high degree of versatility and replicability, a necessary requirement to adapt the buildings and architectural elements to the different contexts of use present in the territory. This system must be able to house all the required electrical equipments of the Primary Substations and at the same time shall improve the visual, functional and spatial impact of these installations and their surrounding areas.

Researching architectural concepts in relation with the natural and anthropized contexts where they are inserted means aiming to combine innovative formal research, technological skills and performance of components and materials with the lowest possible ecological footprint.

The desired result does not relate to a mere mimesis with the local landscape, rather, to the ability to integrate electricity assets with the natural and social environment, promoting a process of open dialogue that is capable of accompanying the energy transition.

With the redesign of the primary substations, parts of the sites occupied by the actual buildings, electrical infrastructure or local generation, will be released for new uses, and opened to the local communities as public spaces, green areas, playgrounds, charging stations etc.

In conclusion, the interventions - also of an innovative nature - must be inspired by key concepts, such as: industrial architectural innovation; eco-sustainable and socio-cultural development, environment-territory integration, business-territory relationship; corporate identity and image; communication of corporate values.

The proposed strategy of intervention must be innovative and focused on the key concept that is leading this transition of Enel towards a sustainable business model: the Grid Futurability.

In Enel's Grid Futurability® vision grids are at the center of an urban ecosystem and will have to became more and more inclusive and participatory platforms, fostering the engagement and interaction of all stakeholders, as well as unlocking new opportunities in terms of innovative business models, services and shared value. Furthermore, grids must truly be sustainable, adopting a circular-economy approach implies introducing as many sustainable and recyclable raw materials as possible to maximize their economic value and reduce their environmental impact, as well as CO2 emissions from assets.

The jury that will evaluate the proposal will include representatives of EGI&N and a number of high-level personalities from universities, institutions and the design and architecture field.

 

CONTEXTS OF USE

Given the great variety of contexts to which the primary substations have to relate, the challenge is proposing four case-study sites where to apply the proposed architectural concepts and strategies. These sites have been chosen as examples of four different contexts of use. In each site the reorganization of the technical areas will free up a portion where the competitors are asked to propose new programs with the appropriate architectural elements to reinvent a relation between the stations and the context.

1. INDOOR PRIMARY SUBSTATION

The key factors for the primary substations suitable for urban contexts of large municipalities are:

• The areas hosting the primary substations might be small in size due to the high cost of land and the lack of availability of space in urban areas.
• All the different sections of the substations must be inserted within a single building (indoor solutions).
• Technical equipment is of wide size due to the high demand for electricity that characterizes urban contexts. The architectures must therefore be adapted to the existing equipment.
• The lines that conduct electricity to the primary substation are located underground, thus occupying no space in the intervention area.
• Architectural variations deriving from specific local urban regulations are possible.

In Annex B1, the competitors will find drawings and pictures of a specific site where to test and deploy the proposed architectural concept. This is a real context provided to facilitate the realization of the proposal; however, the creation of a project capable of adapting to multiple contexts of use is still required. The areas indicated are intended as purely representative and have no connection with the current Enel work program.

In the Annex B1 the competitors will find a “As is” layout and pictures of the existing situation. The “To Be” layout has to be used for the application of the proposed architectural concept for the station and the available areas.

2. SEMI-INDOOR PRIMARY SUBSTATION

The key factors for the primary substations suitable for semi-urban (small municipalities) or peripheral contexts are:

• The areas hosting the primary substations are average in size, and in some cases have to cope with the high cost of land in semi-urban areas. The medium-voltage sections must be inserted inside buildings (indoor solutions) while the high-voltage sections and transformers can remain outside the buildings (outdoor solutions).
• Technical equipment is wide size due to the high demand for electricity that characterizes industrial contexts. The architectures must therefore be adapted to the existing equipment.
• The lines that conduct electricity to the primary substation are located above ground, thus occupying space in the intervention area. The lines can be shielded by architecture but not by buildings (outdoor solutions).

In the Annex B2, the competitors will find drawings and pictures of a specific site where to test and deploy the proposed architectural concept. This is a real context provided to facilitate the realization of the proposal; however, the creation of a project capable of adapting to multiple contexts of use is still required. The areas indicated are intended as purely representative and have no connection with the current Enel work program.

In the Annex B2 the competitors will find a “As is” layout and pictures of the existing situation. The “To Be” layout has to be used for the application of the proposed architectural concept for the station and the available areas.

3. OUTDOOR PRIMARY SUBSTATION

The key factors for the primary substations suitable for rural contexts are:

• The areas hosting the primary substations can be (usually but not necessarily) of large size thanks to the affordable cost of land in rural areas.
• The medium voltage sections must be inserted inside prefabricated containers (indoor solutions) which do not require particular works on site, preferring the transportability/logistics aspects. The high voltage sections and transformers can remain outside the buildings (outdoor solutions).
• Technical equipment is of smaller size due to the low demand for electricity that characterizes rural contexts. The architectures must therefore be adapted to the existing equipment.
• The lines that conduct electricity to the primary substation are located above ground, thus occupying space in the intervention area. The lines can be shielded by architecture but not by buildings (outdoor solutions).

In the Annexes B3 and B4, the competitors will find drawings and pictures of two specific sites where to test and deploy the proposed architectural concept. These are real contexts provided to facilitate the realization of the proposal; however, the creation of a project capable of adapting to multiple contexts of use is still required. The areas indicated are intended as purely representative and have no connection with the current Enel work program.

In the Annexes B3 and B4 the competitors will find a “As is” layout and pictures of the existing situations. The “To Be” layout has to be used for the application of the proposed architectural concept for the station and the available areas.

It should be noted that Annex B3 refers to a rural coastal site, while Annex B4 refers to a classic inland rural site. The whole design of the two substations must take into account the differences between these two contexts.

 

DESIGN FEATURES

The competitors are asked to design architectural solutions for the visual impact of the technical area and at the same time rethink the relation between the primary substation and the context, proposing new programs and arrangements for the space available from the reorganization of the technical areas. The proposals should reimagine the primary substations as a whole, with a design consistent throughout all its components, from the buildings of the technical area to the fences surrounding them, to the elements serving the new programs. The features of this new design should be:

1. Project modularity and replicability

The proposals must be modular, scalable and adaptable both in their construction elements and in terms of their visual and stylistic features; their size and complexity will change according to the context of use and the type of associated electrical infrastructure. The architectural modules provided can be chosen and used based on the type and category of the intervention area, ensuring their replicability in any envisaged context. It is therefore important that the distinctive characteristics shared by the proposed architectural variants emerge clearly and are appropriately highlighted.

Underground or semi-underground solutions have to be avoided.

2. Visual and sustainability impact

“Technical Area” is defined as the area of the Primary Substation destined to be occupied by structures, buildings, equipment, devices essential for the main functionality of the installation.

The proposed architectural solutions for this area shall improve the visual impact of buildings and equipments, through the use of specific materials and patterns for the facades and possibly adopting envelopes to shield the volumes and integrate the structures in different contexts and landscapes. The variation of aspects of the Technical Areas between day and night has to be taken into account.

The position and the dimensions of the openings of the buildings as drawn in the “To be” drawings cannot be changed.

Outsiders are allowed into the Technical Area only occasionally and always under the supervision by Enel personnel.

3. Communication

The proposed architectural projects shall be able to:

• Promote an open and innovative image of Enel and communicate the strategy and commitment of the Group within the energy transition framework, specifically through Enel’s vision of the networks of the future: sustainable, resilient and participatory.
• Communicate Enel's vision and commitment to Primary Substations in transforming these important assets of the electricity grid into visible symbols of the change taking place within the energy sector and fostering their positive impact through a harmonious dialogue with the different environmental contexts. It is possible to provide communication elements such as monitors, projectors, etc… positioned on the external surfaces of the architectures to transmit information related to the substation, corporate content or of public interest.

4. Sustainable materials and renewable energy

The use of sustainable materials in project proposals, both in Technical and Development Areas, as well as the inclusion of green energy sources integrated in the plant dedicated to internal uses, are required.

Specifically, the inclusion of photovoltaic panels within the proposal as well as proposing sustainable materials and net-zero approach to the use of resources, material and machinery is mandatory.

The materials and technologies proposed must, in any case, allow for immediate feasibility and be suitable for the sector and the context of application envisaged.

To avoid the excessive increase of temperature inside the buildings, solutions effective to screen the buildings and to dissipate the internal heat during summer are required, for example through the choice of materials suitable for the purpose.

It is possible to foresee the recovery of rainwater from horizontal surfaces not subjected to possible contamination. The rainwater recovered can be reused inside the station area for ordinary maintenance operations or for the irrigation of green areas available to the public.

Designers must consider the criteria of circular economy and sustainability as strategic design drivers for the development of the infrastructure according to ENVISION methodology (see Annexed documents with the self-assessment table and ENVISION self-assessment manual).

Please apply the self-assessment ENVISION methodology to provide and accompany the proposal with an estimated positive impact scoring (based on the ENVISION scoring system) represented by the infrastructure proposed in terms of sustainability as a whole (please see annex C).

5. Innovative initiatives for Development Areas

"Development Area" is defined as the space available for uses exceeding the essential functionality of the installation and where can be allowed the design of new spaces/buildings intended to host innovative initiatives also usable by users external to the plant (community). For example, spaces that can host activities and services in favor of social inclusion and community engagement such as information totems, drinking water distribution points, cabinets for the collection of items purchased online, car/bike sharing points etc. can be allowed.

The new spaces must have characteristics of sustainability, flexibility and reversibility. It is possible to include proposals relating to the design of green areas, located within the "Development Area".

6. E-mobility promotion

Within the so-called "Development Area" spaces, the inclusion of services in favor of e-mobility will be positively evaluated. In particular, a space used for the installation of a recharging system for electric vehicles (EVSE) may be provided (as a suggestion and not binding).

It will therefore be possible to clearly identify and reserve these spaces for the use of plug-in electric vehicles only.

7. Social inclusion

Within the so-called "Development Area" spaces, the inclusion of services in favor of social inclusion will also be positively evaluated, such as activities revolving around community engagement and the fostering quality of living. It will therefore be possible to clearly identify and reserve these spaces for these uses.

8. Lighting

It is possible to include sustainable, functional and decorative lighting proposals (powered by photovoltaic panels) relating to the areas subject to the challenge, possibly providing a day and night lighting scenario. It is possible to use natural light for the internal lighting of the architecture, taking into account the need for shielding sunrays to avoid an excessive increase in heat inside the structures.

 

DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

The architectural projects must take into account the layouts given as documentation in the Annexes, respecting the technical functionality of the equipment and safety distances.

Presence of an underground earthing grid, usually exceeding the “Technical Area” for safety reasons shall be taken into account.

1. Access and routes

Several vehicles may pass through the plant for both loading/unloading and maintenance activities. It is therefore necessary to ensure that traffic is not compromised by the installation of new works or barriers.

2. Fencing

It is necessary to provide the installation of fences along the perimeter of the area. Fences will perform both safety (anti-intrusion, shatterproof, etc.) and integration functions into the context of installation (shielding, redevelopment, etc.). A hole not exceeding 5 cm in diameter (IP1), and a minimum height of 2.70 m is required (CEI 61936 standard).

3. Bands of respect and maintenance

It is necessary to respect safety distances from the most critical equipment both to avoid safety risk and to avoid the construction of works that may hinder ordinary and extraordinary maintenance. In particular, access to High Voltage sectors, High/Medium Voltage transformers, when positioned outdoors, and the handling of cranes. These distances will be treated and better defined during the eventual executive phase of the project.

4. Volumes

As far as the volumes of the buildings are concerned, deviation is possible, upon compatibility with the minimum requirements established in Annexes.

Additional volumes with non-industrial destinations can be evaluated only outside the “Technical Area”.

5. Heat

The technical equipment in operation produces heat. As previously described avoiding the excessive increase of the temperature inside the buildings shall be taken into consideration. In particular, in the warm season, there is a need to shield off the external heat and dissipate internal heat for instance through proper choice of materials.

 

SDGs

This Challenge provides contribution to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
• SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Challenge rules

This Challenge is reserved to engineers, architects, designers, startups, scaleups and SMEs, industrials incorporated in any country, acting both as natural and/or legal persons.

Please note that:

1. the employees of Enel Global Infrastructures & Networks and of the other Companies of the Enel Group; and
2. the individuals who are involved in the organization and management of the Challenge or admitted to the Open Innovability® Portal back office, as well as the spouses, partners and relatives up to the fourth degree of the individuals listed under (1) and (2) above are not eligible for participation in this Challenge. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to verify with the members of his/her kinship or spouse or partners (or with regard to his/her team members’) whether any of them is connected in any way to the Challenge or the Open Innovability® Portal and request (by e-mail to InfoChallengeEGIN@enel.com), if necessary, any additional information to EGI&N to fulfill such obligation.

By applying to the Challenge, the Applicant shall represent and warrant that it is eligible to participate in the Challenge according to the provisions of the present CTC. Moreover, the Applicant shall represent and warrant that:

1. all the information contained in the Proposal is true, accurate and complete and it will maintain and update the Applicant’s information to keep it true, accurate, current and complete;
2. has viewed and accepted the privacy policy of the Platform;
3. has not breached any laws in the country of residence regarding the legality of registration and participation in the Challenge;
4. in case of natural person, he/she is at least 18 years old;
5. in case of representative of a business or other entity, it is authorized to enter into this CTC on behalf of that business or entity;
6. to the best of his/her knowledge, is not in a position of conflict of interest with the subject matter of the Challenge and with any component of the evaluation team;
7. the Proposal does not: (i) violate the rights - including, but not limited to, copyrights, trademark rights, patent rights, trade secrets or privacy rights - of any third party; (ii) prominently feature any trademarks or logos;
8. it releases and undertakes to hold harmless EGI&N and all the companies of Enel Group from any and all liability or any injury, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the Challenge and/or the implementation of the activities related to the Challenge.

EGI&N reminds all Applicants that Enel Group has adopted and adheres to the principles set out in Enel’s Ethics Code (available at https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/governance/sistema-di-controllo-interno/codice-etico-enel_2021.pdf), the Zero Tolerance Plan against corruption (available at https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/sustainability/plan_of_zero_tolerance_2018.pdf), the Enel’s Human Right Policy (available at https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/sostenibilita/diritti-umani/human-rights-policy_december2021.pdf), the Organizational Model pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/01, as subsequently amended and supplemented, (available at https://www.enel.com/content/dam/enel-com/documenti/investitori/governance/sistema-di-controllo-interno/modello-231.pdf).

The Applicant hereby confirms to refer to the same principles adopted by Enel Group. The Applicant also acknowledges that Enel Group has adopted the Enel Global Compliance Program, which was drafted taking into account the main international conventions against corruption (i.e., Bribery Act; Foreign Corrupt Practice Act etc.) and which shall be adopted by all non-Italian subsidiaries of the Enel Group.

EGI&N reserves the right to reject any proposal that does not comply with these Terms and Conditions. If the Challenge is won by an Applicant not meeting the cited requirements, the Applicant will lose the right to the Award.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND AWARD

Proposals will be submitted exclusively online through the Platform.

The Applicants are requested to submit their Proposals in English or Italian. Proposals submitted by any other means or in any other language will not be considered.

The Applicants are further requested to disclose whether they have participated with the same or substantially similar proposal in any other challenge promoted on the Open Innovability® Platform.

Proposals shall be submitted in a single stage and shall include the following sections:

1. A written description (only text, no images, or drawings) on A4 vertical document, containing the following content:

1.1 Description of the design principles and elements of the proposed architectural solution with an explanation of how the Applicant proposes to address the requirements listed in the challenge brief.

1.2 An overview of the materials and technologies of the design proposal.

1.3 An overview of the technical and economic feasibility of the design proposal.

1.4 The compiled ENVISION scoring system table.

1.5 Description of how the Applicant proposes to address the sustainability requirements.

1.6 Confirmation of adherence to all the requirements or declaration of the requirement not respected.

2. For each of the 4 case-study sites:

2.1 3D visualizations (rendering) walkthrough of the proposed architectural concept and development areas.

2.2 Technical drawings with all maximum dimensions, plans and elevations in dwg and pdf format.

The Applicants can upload up to 3 file of 25Mb each.

 

EGI&N will recognize:

• to the Applicant selected as winner of the Challenge an amount of 40,000 euros;
• to the Applicants who will be selected for the conclusion of option award an amount of 10,000 euros.

 

Source / contact: New design for Enel primary substations | Open Innovability