Case Study

Switchgear Replacement Study and Implementation

Challenge:

The units and switchgear for our client’s power plant had been in service for over 60 years, were nearing their end of life and presenting reliability concerns. Our client wanted to install upgrades to the 4kV switchgear and needed to know all of their options to get the project approved and funded.

Solution:

Valdes Engineering Company prepared a study that included three different options for our client and prepared specifications for the switchgear and related hardware. The packages were issued for budgetary bids and total installed cost (TIC) estimates were prepared for two of the options and submitted in a final report. To support the TIC estimates, Valdes also provided the following documents, Revised single-line and three-line diagrams, Conceptual general arrangement of switchgear and typical switchgear door layouts, Specification for switchgear replacement breakers and bus rerating, Specification for switchgear replacement doors with new relays, Cost estimate (+/- 10% accuracy), and Project schedule.

Impact:

The results from this study were used as a cost-effective starting point for switchgear upgrades on five additional units for our client. Valdes was subsequently awarded and performed the detailed engineering for the switchgear replacement on a total of five units for our client.