Challenge
The power requirements on this base were unique, requiring conjoined but separate 50- and 60-Hertz plants and distribution systems. Due to the base’s unique power systems, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sought a solution to its growing power shortages.
Solution
WSP designed, constructed, operated and maintained a customized solution that joined the two power plants operating at different frequencies. The project included:
- A 9.6 MW installed 50-Hertz plant servicing Australian and other facilities at 11 kV with 10 Cummins QSK60 gensets.
- A 6.3 MW installed 60-Hertz plant servicing U.S. facilities at 13.8 kV, comprised of seven DFLE 1500 gensets.
- Cummins PowerCommand® power management system for both plants.
- 11-kV primary distribution with 11 power switching centers (PSCs) and 28 substations.
- 13.8 kV distribution with eight PSCs employing S&C Vista equipment, 30 substations and one 60-50 Hertz frequency converter.
- 9.6 kilometers combined underground distribution length.
- A 50,000-gallon fuel storage and supply system servicing both plants.