Project
In the western region of Xingtai in Hebei, China, a Longquan 220-kilovolt substation is being built to resolve power supply issues. The CNY 94.7 million project was challenging, however, due to its location in a rugged topographical area that included elevation differences up to 11 meters. To meet these design challenges, Hebei Huizhi Electric Power Engineering Design was tasked with carrying out comprehensive, collaborative 3D design to generate accurate construction deliverables.
Solution
The team realized that traditional workflows would not be possible on a project of this size and complexity. Therefore, rather than use a siloed approach with 2D deliverables, Hebei Huizhi Electric Power Engineering Design utilized digital substation design and engineering applications to model different discipline components. This practice helped create an accurate design that would accommodate all the elevation differences. To improve organization, access, and communication of information, the team establish an open, connected data environment that would house all project information. Team members worked within a construction management platform to deliver a coordinated substation design that would help the construction team visualize and plan its phase of the project.
Outcome
Working in a connected data environment and using clash detection, the team extracted accurate material and engineering quantities directly from the 3D models. The improved visibility of these deliverables streamlined decision-making and increased understanding of the design intent, shortening the design cycle by 10%. The organization’s connected digital design solution optimized design to save CNY 92,000 in construction and installation costs while also helping them meet its construction benchmark date. When completed, the substation will improve the regional power grid structure and relieve the load on adjacent substations.
Software
The project team used Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, OpenUtilities Substation, STAAD, and OpenBuildings Designer to develop the 3D design of the new substation. SYNCHRO allowed the team to connect the BIM model of the substation with the schedule plan, showing how the construction would progress over time. ProjectWise provided the platform for the project’s connected data environment while Navigator was used for clash detection for the substation design.
Project Playbook: Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, OpenUtilities Substation, LumenRT, MicroStation, Navigator, OpenBuildings Designer, OpenPlant, OpenRoads, ProjectWise, ProSteel, ProStructures, STAAD