Electrical Distribution System Modernization
Olympic College, Bremerton, Washington
Over the past two years, Olympic College has had three major faults occur with the campus electrical power distribution system (EDS). These failures have occurred primarily because of the age of the equipment and wiring within the system. Olympic College requested Washington Engineering to perform a complete review of the existing system and to provide recommendations for improving system reliability and recommendations to extend the capability of the system to accommodate the growth anticipated over the next ten years.
In the performance of this review, Washington Engineering:
- performed a record review of existing as-built drawings for the system and developed a system diagram showing the existing conditions
- performed field investigation to verify the routing, capacity and condition of existing equipment
- developed a long range load projection based on the Olympic College Ten Year Master Plan
- met with the electrical utility provider, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), to discuss the reliability of the existing service and future demand requirements
- developed a long range system schematic and associated cost projections for implementation
Key Project Features:
- Electrical Engineering Study
- Life-Safety Recommendations
- Schematic Design
- Budget Projections
Olympic College facilities are supplied power from a 15kV underground campus distribution system which was constructed in the mid-1970's. The system interfaces with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) at a single connection point located on the east side of the campus near the heat plant. The existing cabling is cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) which was installed in the mid-seventies. This cabling is susceptible to water damage, and at OC, a large percentage of the cabling and associated load break elbows are located in vaults which contain 3-5 feet of water. The existing distribution system was installed without a neutral and the single phase transformers are connected to the ground. The switchgear located in the Heat Plant is antiquated and hard to reconnect after a power failure. The switch does not meet the current fault duty requirements of the utility connection. The transformers in the Heat Plant are antiquated and in need of replacement. Most of the buildings on the campus are served with 480 volt, 3 phase power, however, four major buildings are currently served only with 208 volt single phase power. The existing system does not conform to current code requirements because there is no neutral installed for the single phase transformers.
After review of available information, calculation of long term demand and discussions with PSE on reliability of the feeders in the OC area Washington Engineering developed a plan for system improvements. The improvements identified fall into two distinct categories; Category I items are considered to be essential to upgrade the safety and reliability of the campus power distribution loop and Category II items are desirable improvements which should be implemented as budgeting permits.
Washington Engineering provided a configuration schematic for use in planning acquisition of new cabling, switchgear, transformers, metering equipment and various other components.
Washington Engineering provided budget level cost estimates for complete modernization of the campus electrical distribution system. Based on 1999 Pricing, a cost of $1,025,000 is anticipated for complete accomplishment of the EDS upgrade.
