In May, Aliança Energia started the general maintenance of the 34.5kV collector substation and Connection Bay, interconnected to the electrical system at 230 kV, at UFV Sol do Cerrado, in Jaíba (MG). A critical and planned activity, carried out annually, which marks the plant’s operational calendar as it is the only opportunity to completely de-energize a structure, ensuring the continuity of the plant’s operation.
The interventions were carried out at night, right after the end of power generation, starting in the late afternoon and ending at 5 am. This operating model is necessary because the plant operates exclusively during the day. During the activity, actions were carried out in all the main electrical assets, including transformers, circuit breakers and other equipment of high relevance to the plant’s electrical system.
Aliança Energia had five maintenance pairs, made up of technicians and assistants, who work in a coordinated manner throughout the execution. To access elevated points and hard-to-reach areas, lifting platforms were used, ensuring more safety and efficiency at each stage.
The entire activity was supported by intensive planning. Over two months, about four hours per week were dedicated to preparation, in addition to three weeks focused on reviewing operational procedures and 48 hours of specific training with the teams involved. Annual electrical tests and complementary tests were also carried out on the main transformers, always focusing on the mechanical and structural integrity of the equipment. Each intervention was recorded individually by equipment and circuit, ensuring full traceability and detailed control of all actions.
All this planning and operational effort has a clear objective: to ensure the reliability of the plant, avoid impacts on energy generation and ensure the safety of all employees involved.
According to Letícia Silvano, Operation and Maintenance Engineer at Aliança Energia, the general maintenance of the substation represents a fundamental milestone for the entire team. “This is a period of 28 intense and challenging days, marked by daily shutdowns and resumptions of generation, which require great dedication and collective effort. Efficient execution, always aligned with health and safety practices, reinforces the team’s commitment to excellence. In addition, this moment promotes integration between all areas and provides a rich exchange of knowledge, further strengthening the union and competence of the team.”
Overall substation maintenance is critical to ensuring plant reliability, safety, and operational continuity. By concentrating all interventions in a planned shutdown period, it is possible to:
- Identify and correct wear and tear before it evolves into critical failures.
- Reduce the risk of failure in equipment such as transformers and circuit breakers.
- Prevent fires and failures caused by deterioration of insulation or dirt buildup.
- Avoid unscheduled interruptions in power generation.
- Ensure the integrity of assets and the safety of employees.
In addition, a sixth team remains dedicated to ensuring the resumption of operation at dawn, ensuring that the plant is ready to restart generation without impacts.
This work demonstrates Aliança Energia’s attention to people’s safety and the continuity of the operation, contributing to an increasingly safe and reliable performance for all.
