Background
Client: Leading UK-based Waste Management Group
Industry: Renewable Energy
Location: UK (9 Sites)
Client Overview
Our client, a leading energy-from-waste company operates nine strategically located Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs) across the UK. Their operations are pivotal in converting waste into renewable energy, contributing to the UK’s ambitious sustainability goals. Maintaining the safety and reliability of their power systems is critical to their operations.
This case study highlights the key services provided to the client, including arc flash and protection coordination studies. We will also explore the key findings from one of their sites based in Scotland.
Project Scope:
EPS undertook an in-depth analysis of the electrical power distribution systems across the client’s nine ERFs in the UK. The client engaged EPS after company-wide changes to their protection devices and we were tasked with assessing their high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) systems for:
- Protection Coordination and Discrimination
- Arc Flash Energy Calculations
- Switchboard Risk Assessments (Arc Flash)
- Short Circuit Levels
Methodology
- Data Collection:
To accurately assess the current state of the client’s assets, our power system engineers gathered extensive data from site surveys and pre-existing electrical drawings and records. - Modelling and Simulation:
EPS then used specialist modelling software, ETAP to simulate the client’s different power system network configurations and explore them in a controlled environment, under various operating conditions. - Analysis and Reporting:
Our detailed assessments and power system modelling unveiled many insights and areas for improvement, facilitating the development of effective strategies to ensure reliability and safety across the client’s various facilities.
Energy-from-Waste Facility: Scotland
Key Findings and Recommendations
- Short Circuit Analysis:
EPS modelled all LV busbars and protection devices above 100A, including motors over 30kW, to ensure that all circuits and protection devices were properly sized for various operational scenarios. We recommended replacing some devices found unsafe to reduce downtime and injury risks during short circuit faults. - Protection Discrimination Assessment:
Our electrical engineers used digital twin software to analyse HV settings and existing LV protection settings. Full discrimination was achieved for critical loads such as ID fans and feedwater pumps, as well as between circuits and bus couplers during transformer maintenance. Upon our analysis, we recommended refining HV relay settings and LV protection settings, reassessing transformer protection trip settings, and upgrading the feeder breaker trip units. - Arc Flash:
EPS also conducted an arc flash analysis based on the proposed low-voltage protection changes, including recommending what PPE to wear for each switchboard task and activity. Our recommendations to enhance safety measures included updating isolation procedural documents. We strongly emphasised comprehensive arc flash mitigation strategies rather than solely relying on arc flash PPE for protection during incidents following in accordance with the HSE Hierarchy of Control Measures.
Conclusion
EPS’s efforts contribute to a broader initiative, focusing on safeguarding the integrity and ensuring the efficiency of the entire distribution network. Implementing our recommendations ensures uninterrupted operations, significantly reducing the risk of equipment damage, injuries to personnel, and nuisance tripping stemming from short-circuit faults.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today at enquiries@engineeringpowersolutions.co.uk or 01642 987240 to safeguard your electrical infrastructure and minimise downtime and injuries.
