Case Study | Utility Engineering
SMART GRID INTELLIGENT DISTRIBUTION DESIGN
Tangibl completed a series of design deliverables for the implementation of an advanced 13kV loop scheme for a large distribution utility in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. The purpose of our client’s program was to increase circuit performance as measured by outage and frequency duration by 1) inter-building solid-dielectric vacuum reclosers with single-phase tripping capability in existing 13kV loop circuits, 2) replacing existing oil and vacuum reclosers with the same type and kind as the new reclosers, 3) integrating the protection and control of the loop at the substation utilizing optical fiber, digital microprocessor relays and make-before-break sectionalizing and reclosing schemes.
Tangibl’s original scope of work included a field review to identify recloser locations and make ready requirements for ADSS fiber optic cable installation in the power space on aerial distribution pole lines in the client’s most urbanized operating divisions and extensive permitting support for highway and railroad crossings. Our scope of work was expanded at client request to include substation control house (inside plant) engineering support, specifically from the fiber optic termination point in the control house relay rack to the “Point of Entry” (POE) or demarcation point “as-left” by the operating division engineering staff. Optical fiber runs were primarily aerial, but also included underground runs from certain substations in lieu of aerial runs, and underground runs at major highway crossings.
Tangibl’s original deliverable set included the preparation of recloser design drawings, fiber design drawings, construction bill of material for certain 13kV loop circuits in the client’s program and permitting deliverables. The deliverable set was expanded at client request to include detailed isometric representation of recloser installations, ADSS fiber optic cable slack loops, transitions to main line riser poles or “dips” and additional “make-ready” pole-top construction details. Also included were reference drawings, composite work orders, termination details to connect fiber optic cable to ALS equipment and joint-pole-ownership documentation. Tangibl provided field support for the construction of the advanced loop scheme and prepared final drawings to represent as-built conditions in the field.