A stone's throw from Piazza Venezia, right in the heart of the city, Campidoglio area: the location of our project works for more than a year - and yet, only a few people have noticed, aside from the actual workers.
Located at several points around the capital city of Italy are high-voltage substations operated by the electricity distribution company ARETI, which is part of the ACEA group. These substations, thanks to transformers, convert electricity so that it reaches citizens' homes at low voltage - to power washing machines or ensure lighting for garages. Streets, squares, historic buildings, and monuments depend on these substations , as do traffic lights, businesses, downtown stores, and even the seat of the Italian Senate (Senatorial Palace pictured).
Cefla Engineering has recently completed an important technical and structural project with a view to improving fire safety on the Astalli Substation, a station that in different forms has been in the same spot since 1911. To prevent the spread of possible fires, calcium silicate fireproof compartments had to be built. In addition, we needed to ensure effective ventilation of the spaces and smoke disposal capacity. We also took care of the lighting of the rooms, the fire detection system and the extinguishing systems using inert gases.
The project had to deal with several critical issues: the cramped premises, which are three floors below ground. It meant having to find a solution for smoke outlet via a duct leading to the roof of the building. Then there were architectural issues connected with working inside a historic building in downtown Rome.
Nonetheless, and most importantly, we were able to complete the works without ever interrupting, over a whole year, the supply of electricity to residents and users in the area.
Docufilm link: https://youtu.be/FggT-9EKGDc
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