• Automation and control: programmable logic controller (PLC) cabinets, relay protection panels, and the EMCS. • Reliable power: UPS sys - tems and DC battery banks for critical control and protection circuits. • Power quality improvement: Capacitor banks, static var gen - erator (SVG). • Other custom equipment: Any other customer-specified equipment, such as metering panels or specialised local con- trol stations, can be integrated. Core technical systems E-house implementation requires seamless integration of several
Internal interlock
Busway & cable tray
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
MV & LV switchgear
Supplier
RTU (Remote Terminal Unit)
Design, manufacturing & project management
Electrical installation
Figure 1 Typical e-house composition
stresses, ensuring no structural damage, deformation, or water/gas leakage during service and transit. Structural calculations and design documents should be prepared and certified to meet project and local regulatory requirements. In most jurisdictions, the structural design of the e-house should be reviewed, verified, and stamped by a local registered professional structural engineer to con- firm compliance with safety, strength, and serviceability requirements at the installation site. Its key components include: • Base frame and flooring: A robust steel base frame, often with an integrated cable trench or floor, forms the founda - tion. The flooring is typically anti-slip chequered plate or composite panels. • Internal and external wall panels : These are typically insu - lated, sandwich-type panels that provide thermal efficiency, weather protection, and acoustic damping. The external fin - ish is designed for durability in industrial environments. • Support columns and roof structure : The steel frame - work provides structural integrity for lifting and stacking, if required. • Access facilities : This includes external access ladders or stairs, internal walkways, and operating platforms for equipment like transformers. • Integrated auxiliary systems : The structure is designed to seamlessly incorporate HVAC units, lighting fixtures, fire alarm devices, and security systems. Electrical equipment A significant advantage of the e-house is its ability to accommodate a comprehensive and customised range of electrical equipment, all pre-integrated by a single supplier. This typically includes: • Power distribution : Power transformers (oil-immersed or dry-type, both can be installed inside the e-house with dedicated compartments, fire protection, and oil contain - ment for oil-immersed units), MV/LV switchgear, and MCCs. • Motor control and drives: Variable frequency drive (VFD) cabinets and soft-starters.
engineering disciplines into a unified, functional whole. These core technical systems are the key differentiator from simply placing equipment in a prefabricated shelter, including: • Electrical engineering: This involves meticulous equip- ment selection, short-circuit and load flow calculations, protection coordination studies, and the integration of all systems into a cohesive electrical network. • Structural engineering: Specialised calculations ensure the structure can withstand static in-service loads (equip - ment weight, wind, snow, seismic) and, critically, dynamic stresses during lifting, transportation, and on-site reloca- tion. The thermal insulation properties of the panels are also calculated. • Environmental control: HVAC systems are precisely sized and selected to maintain the required temperature and humidity range for all internal equipment, ensuring longevity and operational reliability, regardless of external ambient conditions. • Safety systems: This includes the design and selection of fire detection and suppression systems (for example, very early smoke detection apparatus (VESDA), inert gas, or water mist) that comply with project-specific and interna - tional codes. Gas detection systems may also be integrated. • Environmental protection: Engineering for integral sealing, corrosion resistance (using specialised coatings like C5-M for harsh environments), and dust-proofing (often with positive pressure systems) to protect sensitive equipment. • Connectivity: Design of internal/external cable termina - tion technology, including interfaces for incoming power and outgoing field cables via cable glands, marshalling boxes, or bus duct connections. • Quality assurance: Development and execution of an integrated Factory Acceptance Test (iFAT) procedure. This allows the owner to witness the complete, fully operational system functioning as one unit before it is ever shipped, de-risking site commissioning. The e-house (see Figure 2 ) offers a multitude of
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PTQ Q3 2026
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