Reliability is key to
research efforts
Electrical System and Reliability Strained by Increased Demand:
Growth at The University of Texas at Austin campus, and the related increase in demand for power, was straining the university’s electrical system and threatening its level of reliability. This posed a critical problem because annual research funding exceeds $380 million, and investment in this research grows into $1.4 billion in business activity per year, creating more than 20,000 new jobs across Texas. A power surge or power outage had the potential to wreak havoc on this vital research. The University opted to upgrade its Harris Substation to ensure that it would consistently provide reliable electrical service. A Texas CEC firm was entrusted to provide a feasibility study, conceptual design and detailed design, and to provide construction administration for the complete upgrade of the main substation.
On-Campus Site Poses Size, Security Challenges:
Designing a complex project on a small site in the middle of a crowded campus posed significant challenges. There was limited access to the site and staging area, activities between separate general contractors for The University and Austin Energy required coordination and safety and security concerns existed. These issues, coupled with the absolute requirement to provide continuous service throughout construction, called for technical expertise, good communications and comprehensive coordination and management techniques.
Three Levels of Redundancy Provide Power To UT In All Scenarios:
The final plan called for construction of a Gas Insulated Substation, a rare but emerging
technology that could successfully be configured on a small site. Maintaining uninterrupted service required seven different construction phases, and the upgrade now provides three levels of redundancy in the power supply and excess generating capacity. State-of-the-art satellite technology provides the capability to coordinate time on all the equipment, aiding in
troubleshooting and locating problems, thereby minimizing down time.
Trusted Engineering Partner Delivers Value:
The Harris Substation is likely the most compact such facility in the world and provides an unprecedented level of reliability for a research institution. In the event of a statewide catastrophe causing blackouts, UT has the flexibility to maintain 100 percent electrical service to its facilities, and potentially could provide emergency power to the surrounding community and nearby medical facilities.
*The engineering services expense of a construction project typically is one of its
least costly components. Yet that independent disciple is critical in controlling
overall cost and quality. Trust (Look to) the engineering company professionals
to assure quality and true bottom line value in construction.