Saving Time Money: A Case Study of a Texas Utility's Experience Utilizing a Customized Factory-Built Substation Approach for its Standard Outdoor Open-Air Distribution Substation

摘要

This paper will demonstrate the process one Texas-based investor-owned utility, Texas-New Mexico Power Co. (TNMP), utilized to convert its standard outdoor, open-air distribution substation from an on-site constructed facility to a factory-built product, customized to its unique requirements. The paper will address the project objectives established by the utility at the outset in order to clearly define success. The paper will describe, in detail, the collaborative approach used by the utility and the substation manufacturer, DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations (DTPS), from concept phase through the detailed design phase of the project. This collaborative approach ensured all key stakeholders' concerns were addressed not only in the design, but also in the final on-site assembly of the substation modules. This paper will highlight and explain how the substation manufacturer's design team utilized 3D modeling tools during the interactive design process to pre-diagnose and resolve numerous "last mile" constraints, such as shipping restrictions and site rigging availability. The case study will conclude with an itemized listing detailed cost assessment, the impact this factory-built substations approach had on the substation's completion schedule, lessons learned, and overall successful project outcome.