Watson Creek Substation
Watson Creek Substation
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Project Name | Watson Creek Substation
Owner | Altalink
Client’s Name | Burns and McDonnell
Location | near Jasper, AB
Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | November 2019 to June 2019. The project was completed in 8 months and on time.
Market Sector | Utilities
BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)
This project was initiated to improve system reliability by interconnecting AltaLink and ATCO systems through a 138 KV to 69 KV connection via two transformers.
The single biggest challenge involved the confined workspace, which impacted our ability to stage and execute the deliverables to our usual degree of efficiency. In addition, the station expansion had to be meticulously coordinated to accommodate ATCO and Kinder Morgan outage availability.
Once on-site, we also discovered that the fill beneath the pad (constructed previous to our involvement) used aggregate that was larger than the AltaLink specification.
ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)
There were extensive reporting and documentation requirements on this project. ICONIC’s rigorous project management processes allowed us to meet the client’s request for daily, weekly and monthly submittals. The scope included:
1. Watson Creek 104S expansion
- Construction of 530L to an interconnection point with ATCO Electric’s 6L530
- Installation of foundations, structures, protections, and cabling
- Installation of two (2) 138/69 25 MVA auto transformers
- Installation of circuit breakers, bus, motorized and manual disconnect switches, and motor operator addition
- Commissioning and testing
2. Cold Creek 602S & Bickerdike 39S
- Change relay settings
- Addition of alternative group settings for a bypass switch close condition between 615L and 847L
- Recommissioning as necessary
RESULT / SOLUTION
Due to the restricted space, the ICONIC team was required to change our standard processes – working sequentially rather than concurrently. The depth of our field staff allowed us to cross-shift, and quickly return to the baseline schedule. ICONIC’s earthworks operators and laborers pitched in to help us hit ISD.
Subcontractor management and communication was critical for the overall success of the project. ICONIC’s ability to adapt to any circumstances allowed us successfully complete this project on-time, with no significant incidents.
Windcharger Battery Energy Storage Project
Windcharger Battery Energy Storage Project
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Project Name | Windcharger Battery Energy Storage Project
Owner |
Client’s Name | TransAlta
Location | Summerview, AB
Date / Project Timeline / Delivery | March 2020 to August 2020
Market Sector | Renewable Power, Battery Energy Storage
BACKGROUND (Pre-Project Commencement)
ICONIC was the electric contractor for this project, which utilized TESLA battery technology and has a nameplate capacity of 10 MW with total storage capacity of 20 MWh. The Project is situated next to the Summerview Wind Farm substation on previ¬ously disturbed lands.
The TESLA Megapack batteries provide various operational strategies to support Alberta’s electrical grid. These applications focus on the delivery of sustainable energy, renewable generation smoothing, system voltage and capacity support, as well as grid frequency regulation.
ACTION (ICONIC’s Scope & Delivery)
This project involved the installation of nine TESLA Megapacks to create a 10 MW / 20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (referred to as “WindCharger”).
Each group of three Megapack units was connected to the grid through one pad mount transformer. The total three pad mount transformers were connected together in daisy chain and then to Summer¬view II 34.5 KV bus. ICONIC’s full project scope included:
- Construction of road and highway approach
- Site earthworks and perimeter fencing
- Foundations
- Underground collection to the pad mount transformers
- Underground transmission to the substation
- Integration into the existing interconnecting substations
RESULT / SOLUTION
This was a successful and high-profile project for ICONIC. It allowed us to demonstrate our core competencies and value as an integrated power and earthworks partner to TransAlta and TESLA. As a result of our collaboration, ICONIC has signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) to provide maintenance and support across Canada for TESLA.