Case Study: Bespoke Control Room Consoles for National Grid
National Grid are responsible for the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales. They play a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy they use. It's their job to ensure electricity is transported safely and efficiently from where it's produced to where it's needed. Technology desking worked with National Grid to upgrade the control room furniture in eight control centres.
National Grid dual desktop control room desks
Why Were Technology Desking Chosen?
TD were selected because of their long experience in custom console design. National Grid required a specific desk size and shape to fit the layout of their control rooms.
Key Challenges
National Grid work 24 hrs a day, seven days a week, to provide their services. Technology Desking had to design ergonomic consoles that helped operators' focus and comfort. The workstations required features that make users' lives easier.
This was a large-scale project across eight sites around the UK. Each site had up to 30 desk positions.
The control room operators used larger than average monitors. Technology Desking needed to equip the consoles to support these. The workstations also had to accommodate up to 8 PCs per user. Easy access to IT equipment was a necessity.
National Grid’s control rooms had video walls, so desks needed to be designed in a curved configuration allowing all operators a good view of the screen.
They also required bespoke infill storage cabinets shaped to fit between the curved desks.
National Grid wanted to upgrade to dual surface desks with electronic height adjustability.
National Grid dual desktop control room desk with bespoke infill storage cabinets
Solutions
TD designed two different sizes of custom curved consoles for National Grid. These had dual-surface desktops to meet the control rooms' functional requirements. The desks have a primary surface for users and a second surface to support monitors.
The consoles had curved rear doors to allow easy access to IT equipment from the back of the workstation.
We designed and installed four different types of infill storage cabinets between the consoles. These were angled or wedge-shaped. They gave lots of configuration options allowing more flexibility for space planning.
Flip-up technology links desktop socket units were installed. These allow more desk space and help keep desktops uncluttered.
TD installed two-tier 'SmartArm' monitor arms to support the multiple screens used by operators. These had special mounting brackets for larger monitors.
National Grid dual desktop control room desk with varying monitor arrangements
Ergonomic design for comfort and focus
Ergonomic design is a vital feature of National Grid's control room desk setup. Dual surface desktops are height adjustable for comfortable working. Operators can set their ideal setting on each surface, which is especially helpful in a control room setting. Desks are used for long hours or shared between different users. Operators can easily adjust the desktop height for either sitting or standing.
The dual surfaces desks have a separate surface for monitors. They allow greater flexibility in the number of supported monitors and the support systems used. The level of functionality is higher. It's ideal for operators who spend long shifts at their workstations.
National Grid dual desktop control room desk with central desktop power/data units
Accessories to make control room life easier
Technology Desking provided SmartArm monitor mounts. SmartArm is our flat panel monitor mounting system. If National Grid's control rooms need to make changes over the years, SmartArm can adapt. We designed the system to meet changing monitor specifications and configurations. Users can add new monitors without disrupting existing ones, which is ideal for layouts with multiple screens.
SmartArm features quick and easy monitor removal, fine height adjustment and total flexibility. In addition, operators can set monitors in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Our Technology Links solution provides desktop power. Control room operators work in a pressurised environment and must access equipment easily. Desktop PC power and data outlets allow this. As a result, there's no need to reach awkwardly under the desk to access sockets. Technology Links also enables PCs to be changed in seconds for rapid swap-out and moves.
Pop-up TechnologyLinks desktop power/data module
Technology Desking fitted National Grid's consoles with flexible LED task lighting. This type of lighting gives operators control over the brightness and angle of light in their workspace. In addition, we incorporated the task lighting into monitor arms, helping keep the consoles clutter-free.
Smartarm monitor arms in two tier configuration with attached LED task lighting
Conclusion
Technology Desking's design team took into account National Grid's bespoke design requirements. They created a custom solution that fitted the floorspace National Grid had available. The workstation layout also accommodated specialised equipment. Consoles were designed to high ergonomic standards to maximise operator comfort and focus.
Recently completed National Grid control room
Are you looking to upgrade your control room? Technology Desking create tailored solutions for your unique requirements. Whether it's a slight tweak or a custom solution, we will always meet our principles of ergonomic design and technology management. Check out our range here.