2020 – SaskPower Boundary Dam Phase Shifting Transformer Pad & Grounding

2020 – SaskPower Boundary Dam Phase Shifting Transformer Pad & Grounding

Client: SaskPower

Duration of the Work: 4 Months (Sept – Nov, Mar)

Area of Work: Piling, pile caps, concrete foundations & pads, electrical grounding grid.

Comments: All work is being executed within a 230kV switch station. Piling and pile caps for various electrical equipment and ~200 m3 concrete pad for a new phase shifting transformer.

Grounding grid system complete with ground rods and CAD welds for the pad and all piles.

Key Quantities:

Piling: 90 Concrete piles varying in diameter from 600mm – 900 mm and varying in depth from 9 m – 15 m

Concrete: ~ 300 Cubic Meters

Grounding: ~ 1,500 Lm of ground grid and 60 ¾” Sectional CCS Ground Rods (3.1m)

Key Challenges: Executing the work within a high voltage operating switch station in a remote region. Facing harsh winter conditions and the potential for high voltage, arc flash and control of hazardous energy. These were overcome by meticulous project planning that included:

  • Executing safely by utilizing daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Field Level Hazard.

  • Assessments (FLHA) along with our quick report system.

  • Hundreds of Job Cards – Tron’s custom pre- planning deliverable to remove restraints.

  • Drug & alcohol screening.

  • Control of Hazardous Energy and Arc Flash Training.

  • Providing all staff relevant and pertinent training certifications prior to mobilization.

  • Recruitment of a highly skilled and relevantly experienced supervisory and craft workforce.

Outcome of Project: Successful Delivery and Turnover.

Greg Miller