Overview
A Midwestern power company serving multiple states through nearly 30,000 miles of power lines and 13,000 miles of natural gas systems, is in a quest to provide 100% renewable energy to their customers. Wind energy is a growing source of power for our client and now accounts for more than 60% of their generation capacity.
To help support their growing renewable energy portfolio, PFES managed a $17M project for our client which included the installation of a new interconnection substation and a new collector substation for a large onshore wind farm.
As part of the project, two 34.5kV-345kV 200MVA transformers and a 345kV ring bus with three breakers were installed, coordinated with the adjoining utility, and upgraded line relaying at the remote end substations.
Our Approach
PFES managed the project’s scope from the initiation phase through the contractor’s design of the interconnection substation, the collector substation, and the remote end line relaying. We also oversaw construction of the substations and the remote ends as well as directed substation terminations. Additionally, we handled construction means and methods, approvals, weekly team reporting, monthly project reporting, project executive leadership meetings, maintenance, and closeout of the project files.
The project was successful with the implementation of field observations which were used to confirm compliance with design specification and construction installation standards, and the project achieved the required In-Service Date (ISD) without any safety accidents and/or injuries.
Major Project Tasks:
- Created project estimates, budget and applied for funding
- Coordinated with the client and utility
- Ensured adherence to the project schedule
- Replaced line terminals and upgraded relaying at the remote end substation
- Buried fiber optic cable for relay and SCADA communication
- For the interconnection substation:
- Design and site preparation for ground grid, yard rock, security fencing in the yard
- Below grade control ducts, manhole systems, foundations, etc.
- All substation structures and equipment including bus supports, dead end structures, switch stands, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, arresters, lightning masts, shield wires, and circuit breakers
- 345kV three-breaker ring bus with connections to two substations
- 345kV SSVT for station service
- Control enclosure for indoor systems and equipment
- Install relaying, SCADA and communication equipment
- For the collector substation:
- Design and site preparation for ground grid, yard rock, security fencing in the yard for the collector substation
- Below grade control ducts, manhole systems, foundations, etc.
- All substation structures and equipment including bus supports, dead end structures, switch stands, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, arresters, lightning masts, shield wires, capacitor banks, and circuit breakers
- Two 34.5kV 18-unit switchgear
- Two 34.5kV-345kV transformers
- Two 345kV circuit breakers
Critical Success Factors:
- Completing the project by In-Service Date (ISD) accommodates the interconnection customer’s request to MISO for one interconnection point and complies with the MISO interconnection process
- Fulfilling requirements in the Generator Interconnection Agreement with the interconnection customer and provides reliable service
- Executing the work described in the project scope without any significant additions
- Ensuring all work is performed safely, following proper switching procedures and safety guidelines
- Completing the work without any environmental incidents or unintended outages, in accordance with the schedule and within the authorized expenditures
The Perfect Partner for Substation Construction
Our team consists of industry heavyweights that bring substantial expertise to the table for our clients. We partner with you to reduce risk and uncertainty in your capital projects, delivering initiatives on time with significant cost savings while meeting industry and safety standards. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
