This project involved the design, installation and integration of a 10 MVA/8.5 MW biomass steam powered generator into the medium voltage lumber mill power delivery system.

The existing mill created significant volumes of wood chips and sawdust from the milling of logs into dimensioned lumber. The existence of the wood waste created an opportunity for the mill to burn the residual wood waste and create steam to use in the drying kilns and power to drive a steam driven power generator thus saving energy by reducing purchases of electricity to run the mill and purchasing fossil fuel to operate the drying kilns.

The mill complex was located approximately 18 miles from the nearest 34.5 kV utility substation and service was transformed to 12.47 kV at the mill  interconnection to establish an onsite 12.47 kV power delivery system.

In 2015, the client added a steam powered turbine generator to reduce energy cost, enhance electric system reliability, reduce and provide a market for waste wood for area loggers. RLC was hired to advise and assist with the planning, design and integration of the generator electrical and control systems. We conducted a site visit in order to create several as built control cabinet drawings. We also performed additional site investigations to resolve electrical issues in conjunction with the utility. Our engineers reviewed utility data and obtained power monitoring data to analyze and identify root causes for events that occurred. Our team guided the interconnection application and study process, served as owner’s electrical engineer, and facilitated the commissioning of the medium voltage switchgear and control systems. RLC directed the energization and initial synchronization of the system and created final record drawings for the generator installation.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

• Compiled interconnection application for generator addition.
• Evaluated onsite switchgear and transformation for compatibility with generator addition.
• Identified and evaluated multiple interconnection options.
• Reviewed generator system vendor installation drawings and calculations.
• Designed medium voltage structures and cable riser systems to facilitate interconnection.
• Facilitated commissioning of protection, control and communication systems.
• Created Record drawings detailing generator installation.