A Power Reliability Improvement Study for large scale facilities and manufacturing plants with a focus on optimizing system operations, enhancing reliability, and improving safety aspects will need to cover various aspects of the high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) systems in various substations and power distribution systems. Here’s a suggested scope of work that addresses the critical areas for this study:
1. Initial Assessment and Data Collection
- Site Survey & Data Gathering:
- Review existing HT & LT systems including the substations, transformers, switchgear, and distribution network.
- Collect operational data, such as load profiles, outage history, and equipment failure rates.
- Review historical system reliability data (e.g., SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI) and identify key areas of failure.
- Review current safety protocols, maintenance records, and operational procedures.
2. System Design & Operational Review
- Evaluation of HT & LT Systems:
- Assess the overall electrical network design, including layout and topology of the HT & LT systems.
- Identify bottlenecks, single points of failure, or areas where the ring main provision can enhance reliability.
- Review and assess the rating, sizing, and condition of transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, and cables.
- Evaluate current load distribution across the system and verify whether existing equipment is operating near capacity.
- Ring Main Provision Feasibility:
- Analyse the feasibility of implementing a ring main unit (RMU) configuration for HT & LT systems.
- Evaluate the impact of the ring main provision on system reliability, fault isolation, and operational flexibility.
3. Reliability Improvement Strategy
- Power System Optimization:
- Propose modifications to existing HT & LT distribution systems for better load balancing, fault tolerance, and energy efficiency.
- Recommend alternative operational strategies (like load shedding, demand response, or peak shaving) to optimize reliability.
- Redundancy & Backup Systems:
- Analyse existing backup systems, including generators and UPS, and recommend upgrades where necessary.
- Propose enhanced redundancy measures such as additional transformers, feeder protection schemes, or alternative supply sources.
- Equipment Upgrade Recommendations:
- Identify obsolete or underperforming equipment and recommend suitable upgrades.
- Suggest suitable automation and monitoring systems (e.g., SCADA) for real-time fault detection and predictive maintenance.
4. Protection System Evaluation
- Protection Scheme Assessment:
- Review the current protection schemes, including relays, circuit breakers, and isolators.
- Identify protection gaps and recommend relay coordination and selectivity improvements.
- Arc Flash Study:
- Conduct an arc flash risk assessment and suggest appropriate mitigation measures (e.g., protective equipment upgrades, fault current limiting devices).
5. Safety Enhancement
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation:
- Perform a risk assessment of electrical hazards in the HT & LT systems.
- Identify potential fire hazards and recommend improvements in fire protection systems (like automatic fire suppression, smoke alarms).
- Electrical Safety Protocols:
- Review and update safety procedures for operations and maintenance staff.
- Recommend physical design modifications (such as barriers, enclosures, or access controls) to enhance operator safety
6. Energy Efficiency and Power Quality Analysis
- Energy Losses & Efficiency:
- Analyse losses within the substations and distribution network (transformer losses, cable losses).
- Recommend measures to minimize losses (improving transformer efficiency, power factor correction).
- Power Quality Improvement:
- Evaluate voltage regulation, harmonics, flicker, and frequency stability in the system.
- Propose solutions to mitigate power quality issues, including harmonic filters, voltage regulators, and power conditioning equipment.
7. Contingency Planning & Disaster Recovery
- Emergency Power Systems:
- Assess the adequacy of existing emergency power systems for ensuring uninterrupted operations during outages.
- Propose strategies for faster fault detection, isolation, and restoration in case of emergencies.
- Black Start Capability:
- Review the plant’s capability to recover from total power failure and propose enhancements to the black start process.
8. Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Financial Feasibility & ROI:
- Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed system enhancements, considering capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and potential savings from reduced downtime.
- Provide a detailed roadmap for implementing reliability improvement measures based on financial viability.
9. Implementation Plan & Recommendations
- Phased Implementation Strategy:
- Develop a phased approach for implementing the recommended modifications, taking into account budgetary constraints and operational downtime minimization.
- Vendor Evaluation & Procurement Support:
- Provide technical specifications and assist in evaluating vendors for necessary equipment upgrades (e.g., transformers, RMUs, switchgear).
- Training & Capacity Building:
- Recommend training programs for operational and maintenance staff for efficient operation and handling of upgraded systems.
10. Final Reporting & Documentation
- Detailed Report Submission:
- Provide a comprehensive report detailing the study’s findings, recommended modifications, and potential reliability improvements.
- As-Built Drawings & System Diagrams:
- Update system drawings and documentation reflecting any physical or operational changes proposed during the study.
This study will ultimately enhance the plant’s power reliability, reduce downtime, improve safety, and ensure a more resilient power system.
