800xA electrical control system for Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Monitoring and control of electrical equipment to maintain continuous power supply and optimal environment

Share this page

Image credit: Dinoa Leisure via Flickr

ABB has been given the opportunity to supply power and automation technology and expertise to one of the most prestigious tourist attractions in Egypt.

The largest archaeological museum in the world

Envisioned as an architectural masterpiece, the GEM is spread over 48.6 hectares (120 acres) of land and borders the timeless Giza pyramids. In fact, the overall framework for the design is a set of visual axes that emerge from the pyramids to the site of the museum.

The museum will pay homage to over 100,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts including the famous golden mask of King Tutankhamun.

Main facts

Industry Buildings and facilities
Customer Orascom Construction / BESIX JV
Country Egypt
Solutions

800xA Electrical Control System


Unlike any other museum in Egypt, the GEM will have its own state-of-the-art conservation center.

Complete electrical package

ABB was awarded the GEM project by the Orascom Construction/BESIX joint venture to furnish the complete electrical package including an Extended Automation System 800xA to manage the power, transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, ring-main units, low-voltage panels, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and retractable supply post panels, installed for the first time in Egypt.

ABB heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) drives will also be installed in pump and fan applicators including commissioning and start up.

“We are very proud that ABB has been given the opportunity to supply power and automation technology and expertise to one of the most prestigious tourist attractions in Egypt,” says Naji Jreijiri, manager for ABB in Egypt and Central Africa.

Maintaining continuous power supply

ABB’s fully integrated System 800xA will monitor and control all electrical equipment included in the scope. It will provide an interface between the medium-voltage switchgear and generators to synchronize operations and deliver quick and simple fault finding techniques to maintain a continuous power supply during black outs.

The project scope includes engineering, procurement, manufacturing, supervision on installation, training, commissioning, system programming and system start-up, in addition to project management service.

Maintaining optimal environment

Unlike any other museum in Egypt, the GEM will have its own state-of-the-art conservation center. ABB’s energy efficient electrical drives will ensure the HVAC system is able to maintain an optimal environment in which to preserve the museum’s valuable historical monuments and treasures.

Other parts of the project include the main energy center, conference center, museum building, food and beverage halls, children’s entertainment areas and a ticketing building, which are all within ABB’s remit. 



Learn more

Press release
More on System 800xA
Select region / language