The Value of Power System Studies for Construction Projects
An inside look at what type of study is best for a particular application as well as how it can help you arrive at the safest and most cost-effective solution.
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Pioneer Power Group was contracted by a client to produce a series of studies for new electrical equipment which would be installed downstream of existing equipment. Three studies were to be completed:
Typically, Pioneer Power Group creates a utility transformer model to establish the available fault current in an overall system. In order to calculate this, access is required to the existing equipment upstream of any new equipment to be installed. This however wasn’t a typical situation, and our engineering team was told we would not have access to the existing equipment upstream. While this was an unexpected complication, our team took it in stride and started developing other ideas that could work.
Shortly after the team completed an assessment of project solutions, we reached out to the client and explained the solutions generated and discussed the pros and cons of each. Every option was detailed to the client with step-by-step discussions of project implications. From these collaborative meetings, a few ideas emerged – including the use of an infinite bus assumption at the panels, securing information on the existing equipment from the contractor that was responsible for equipment installation and determining whether an existing fault current study had been done previously. In addition, through our teams’ great efforts we were successful in locating an earlier study with fault current information.
After reviewing the earlier study published on the upstream equipment, our team decided to use the fault current data therein to build conservative assumptions. Based on the assumptions, the engineer was able to extrapolate the data necessary to proceed with the coordination, short circuit and arc flash studies for the new installation.
By applying the assumptions, the Pioneer Power Group team was able to model the new system in order to evaluate the new electrical equipment. Using this approach, the new equipment was set up without being overly conservative, yet well within the safe limits of a worst-case-scenario.
Fortunately, Pioneer Power Group has experience helping clients that do not always have control over the information available to them. Using innovative solutions, creative and rapid problem solving, a wealth of knowledge coupled with the right attitude, we can create accurate assumptions for your location and drive projects to deliver a successful outcome.
An inside look at what type of study is best for a particular application as well as how it can help you arrive at the safest and most cost-effective solution.
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A Pioneer Power Group Professional Mentorship Symposium – Presented to the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh (PittSWE)
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