Samyan Smart City buries cables to enhance energy solutions

The Samyan Smart City project in central Bangkok is advancing, with significant efforts focused on relocating overhead power and communication cables underground, according to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA).

Last month, overhead cables along Chulalongkorn Soi 12 leading to Banthat Thong Road, and near the King Rama VI Monument close to Lumpini Park, were removed. This initiative aims to eliminate urban eyesores, as stated by Rachain Unwet, the assistant governor for distribution system service at MEA.

The undertaking is a result of a collaboration between MEA and Chulalongkorn University that began in June 2019.

Rachin noted that officials plan to enhance smart energy management in the area by improving the electricity supply, installing a battery energy storage system (BESS), and developing a smart grid.

A BESS works alongside electricity generated by solar and wind power ensures a stable supply of electricity despite the intermittent nature of these renewable sources.

The development of a smart grid in Samyan Smart City aims to better manage electricity production, sales, and consumption. This system will allow for the collection and analysis of consumer behaviour data.

Samyan Smart City encompasses 1,153 rai of land bordered by Banthat Thong, Rama IV, Henri Dunant, and Rama I roads.

The project’s development is overseen by Property Management of Chulalongkorn University (PMCU) and was initially funded in 2017 by the Energy Conservation Fund. This fund also supported other smart city projects, including Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus in Pathum Thani.

PMCU reported that rooftop solar panels were installed at a car park near Block 28 in Chulalongkorn Soi 5 as part of the smart energy development.

BCPG, the renewable power generation arm of energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation, was contracted to develop a district cooling system for the project, which helps save energy, according to Niwat Adirek, president and chief executive of BCPG.

Samyan Smart City also promotes smart mobility by providing battery-operated shuttle buses for students and other individuals in the area, PMCU confirmed.

A section of Chulalongkorn Soi 12 has also been beautified by burying overhead power and communication cables underground, reported Bangkok Post.