At the Warsaw data centre campus, the client needed to move from a temporary utility-fed 15kV supply to a permanent 20kV supply without compromising live operations. The upgrade was not a simple changeover; it required a coordinated strategy across upstream utility infrastructure, on-site MV distribution, downstream protection and the live load environment.
Ethos supported the design and coordination of the permanent MV power supply connection from a neighbouring 110kV/20kV HV/MV substation to the campus. The team developed the site distribution transition from 15kV to 20kV, including the switchover strategy, installation of new 20kV MV cable infrastructure between the HV/MV substation and on-site substations, and reconfiguration of the MV ring network, including the normal open point strategy and staged energisation sequence.
A key focus was ensuring that the upgraded network could be safely integrated into the live campus. Ethos coordinated MV protection studies, relay reconfiguration and CT/VT upgrades, while also addressing associated LV protection upgrades and Arc Flash studies arising from increased fault levels. The protection philosophy was aligned with the upstream HV/MV substation design so that system parameters, switching procedures and operational controls worked together.
The project also required careful planning around phased isolation and re-energisation across multiple live data centre loads. Dual-rated MV equipment supported the migration between 15kV and 20kV systems, reducing disruption and enabling a controlled pathway to the permanent supply. By combining design coordination with practical sequencing, the project reduced delivery risk, supported future campus capacity and created a robust basis for ongoing mission critical operations.
