Caltech Facilities Newsletter Caltech Electric Grid Modernization Update Richard J. Bravo, Senior Electrical Engineer California Institute of Technology 1200 East California Boulevard, M/S 0-66 Pasadena, CA 91125 rjbravo@caltech.edu (626) 395-2155
Caltech Facilities is continuing the Caltech Electric Grid Modernization with the replacement of 2,400-volt switchgears from the early 1960s. This electric grid modernization will be performed in multiple phases, as described below. Accomplishments: 1) In Phase 1, electrical substation #1 and #2 transformers were replaced. These transformers were from the early 1960s and supply power to a vast number of Caltech buildings. 2) Replaced an oil leaking 17,000-volt switch and more than 5,000-feet of cable from the 1930s. 3) Provided protection to the 17,000-volt circuits feeding Satellite Plant with resettable fault interrupters (RFI). 4) Relocated Substation#1 17,000-volt switches from an adjacent pedestrian area to an enclosed safe area where malfunctions can be properly contained. 5) Replaced “T-Bodies” with actual “17,000-volt switches.” Switches will provide redundancy because circuits now can be sectionalized during emergency or abnormal conditions. 6) Replaced 3 protection relays at substation #3 due to premature failures. T-Body
SWITCH
Fig. 1 (left) T-Body, (right) Typical Switch where multiple inputs can be switchable.
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