Construction of the New National Capital continues to be accelerated. One thing that is being prepared is the electrical installation for the Presidential Palace.
No half-hearted, electricity at the Presidential Palace in IKN will have a concept state of the art of technology based on environmentally friendly, beautiful electricity supplies and supported by smart technology.
PT PLN calls it a green electricity system and claims to be the most advanced in Indonesia and even Southeast Asia.
PT PLN revealed the integrated state of the art of technology concept, guaranteeing reliable electricity without flickering.
Electricity for the Presidential Palace will be supplied by 4 substations backed up by generators with a capacity of 4 x 2,000 kilovolt amperes (kVA) and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) of 8 x 400 kVA which can operate continuously
Meanwhile, to maintain the beauty, equipment in the form of transformers, UPS and generators will be planted in the ground to a depth of approximately 10 meters. Even though it is underground, all the equipment is guaranteed safe.
Likewise, the cable arrangement will use an underground cable network. So it maintains beauty without having cables in the air.
The underground electricity system has been implemented at the Jakarta Presidential Palace since August 1 2023.
Advantages of Underground Power Cables
Underground electrical installation networks are starting to be widely used in urban areas because they do not disturb the beauty of the city. Apart from that, underground cables are more sophisticated because they are weather resistant, in the form of lightning strikes and disturbances from animals such as birds.
However, underground cables have weaknesses. One of them is that installation costs are more expensive and if damage occurs, it will be permanent and you will have to replace the entire cable.
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of underground electricity as quoted from various sources:
1. Weather Resistant
Cable installations that are buried underground will make the electricity network more resistant to the risk of damage due to bad and extreme weather.
Such as scorching heat, strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning strikes. Including safe from other disturbances, for example being hit by a tree, hit by a vehicle or an electric cable being damaged by birds.
2. Minimal Magnetic Radiation
Underground cable installations are given additional protection because they are in the ground so they have a smaller impact of magnetic radiation compared to overhead cable installations.
3. More durable
Underground electrical installations are more durable because their lifespan is three times that of overhead lines.
4. Aesthetically Superior
The existence of electrical cables underground , will make the surrounding area look neater and more beautiful.
5. Cheaper Maintenance Costs
Underground electricity maintenance costs are cheaper because there is no need to paint electricity poles.
6. No Land Acquisition
Disadvantages of Underground Power Cables
Here are some of the disadvantages of underground electrical cables:
- Construction investment costs are more expensive than air ducts.
- The price of power cables is more expensive.
- If interference occurs, the damage is generally permanent and requires cable replacement.
- Not flexible to network changes.
- The time and cost of repairing the problem is longer and more expensive.
- When a short circuit disturbance occurs, finding the point of disturbance is not easy.
- Cannot avoid flooding, pressure from tree roots and soil instability.
- Usage costs are greater or more expensive.
Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of overhead power lines include easier installation but are vulnerable to bad weather.