Qirion deploys a container shelter at high-voltage locations

The energy transition is accelerating

The electricity network in the Netherlands needs to be adapted over the next ten years. This means, among other things, that a large substation must be expanded and reinforced. A major task for grid operator Liander, which has engaged Qirion for this work. One of the technical project leaders at Qirion is Leroy van Tol. He and his colleagues encountered the problem that there is often limited space at high-voltage locations to create a covered workspace and storage area. Leroy: “I was looking for a solution for the limited space we sometimes have at high-voltage locations. A workshop container is too small and a fabric hall is too large.”

• Searching for a solution

• Newly developed product by Kroftman

• A solution that fits the need

• Second container shelter in development

• A successful collaboration

Searching for a solution

In addition, safety is extremely important in high-voltage environments. Leroy was also looking for a temporary solution, as the work is of a temporary nature. During his search online, he came across Kroftman: “The container shelter from Kroftman initially did not appear to be suitable for this environment. The wind and snow load capacity were insufficient."

I was also looking for a container shelter that we could rent. At the time, purchasing was the only option at Kroftman.” Despite his reservations, Leroy still decided to contact Kroftman. “I presented our problem to Kroftman. They responded very positively right away and saw opportunities for collaboration. Kroftman thought along with us and adapted the design of the container shelter so that it did meet our safety requirements. Kroftman also saw potential in a rental solution.”

Newly developed product by Kroftman

In response to Qirion’s request, Kroftman has developed a unique and fully equipped container shelter for rental, featuring:

Extra safety straps in the cover with dedicated fixing points

To further increase safety, Kroftman has added extra safety straps to the roof cover, each with its own fixing points attached to the container. Should anything go wrong with the structure, these dedicated fixing points ensure that nothing can be blown into the substation.

• Welded fixing points

  Unique to the rental containers are the welded fixing points. No other rental container offers this option. These welded fixing points are included in the structural calculations.

• Welded gutters

  The rental containers are equipped with welded gutters, preventing water from entering the covered area.

• Flexible layout through the rail system

  Our containers can be flexibly arranged thanks to the rail system on the side walls of the container. During an ongoing project, it is easy to install or remove storage fittings and/or a workbench while the containers remain in place.

• Modular expansion with additional shelters

  Fixing points have been applied on both sides of our containers, making it possible to expand modularly. For example, by adding an extra container with a shelter.

• Containers with a welded grounding point

  The welded grounding point increases safety and ensures that, in the event of a short circuit, escaping current is safely conducted into the ground.

• Roll-up system for the shelter

  The shelter features a practical roll-up system at the front, allowing you to easily open and close it.

• A unique electrical installation

  Equipped with a certified installation with a 32-amp power supply and a fuse box. Interconnecting the containers is possible. There is a built-in, thermostat-controlled heater to prevent condensation. The container includes interior and exterior lighting with a switch inside, as well as a 32-amp connection outlet at the workbench.

• Kroftman takes care of the installation

  Our installers bring their own tracked boom lift. Installation is carried out safely, including the use of a box section on top of the container to which the installers can secure themselves. Once our installers are finished, the container shelter is immediately ready for use, what we call plug and play.

Solution that fits the need

Leroy: “At the beginning, there were quite a few doubts among managers. Two containers with a ‘tent’ as a shelter. When they heard ‘tent’, they didn’t immediately think of a solid and safe workspace. Especially given our work with high voltage, you have to take safety concerns seriously. And be able to demonstrate that the container shelter met the safety requirements.

In the end, all stakeholders within the organization agreed with the proposed construction. The people on site, who are often cautious about something new, are also satisfied.” So can we say that this was the right solution for Qirion? “Absolutely. I now have a solution that fits my needs exactly,” says a satisfied Leroy.

Second container shelter in development

A second container shelter for Qirion is currently in development. Leroy: “We can deploy this modular container shelter at various high-voltage locations. Generally, we always have a small strip of land available somewhere. Precisely because it is modular, you can easily expand it. The energy transition is far from complete, and we expect to start working at more smaller locations and to use this unit more frequently. We currently have it installed at a high-voltage location, but it is certainly interesting for other companies where safety is also very important and where there is no space for a fabric hall.”

A successful collaboration

Within Qirion, it has significantly improved the way projects are executed. Leroy: “From my first contact with Kroftman to the moment we put the container shelter into use, more than 18 months passed. That makes sense, given the great importance we attach to safety. The time investment was more than worth it.

We can now provide the necessary space for our people more often and more effectively to do their work properly. Thanks to the rental model, we also handle public funds responsibly. I am therefore very pleased that I entered into this collaboration with Kroftman. If I had to describe the collaboration in two words, I would say: constructive and powerful.”