Critical protection panels to safeguard energy future

Challenge

AGL Torrens, located 18km from Adelaide CBD, is the largest power station in South Australia and the largest natural gas fired power station in Australia.

An essential component of any station’s electricity generation and transmission is in its protection panels.

As power generation and control is inherently high risk, the sector must routinely upgrade its infrastructural hardware and software.

In keeping with these standards, AGL Torrens sought to upgrade its protection panels. The station contains four generating units: B1, B2, B3 and B4, each containing four protection panels. With B3 already completed in a previous project, AGL awarded the B2 upgrade to SAGE Automation. SAGE delivered the B2 upgrade with fault free testing, reliable documentation and labelling, and no downtime for commissioning.

This secured SAGE the subsequent panel upgrades contracts for B1 and B4.

Solution

All panel upgrades included: 

• Project management and delivery from design,
  procurement, manufacture and commissioning
• Ability to deliver fault free start up on time
  CAD drafting, drawing and supply of final
  documentation
• High voltage electrical design
• Electrical panel manufacture, assembly and testing x12
• Risk mitigation planning and management
• Safety management
• FAT and SAT testing
  
  

Technology and hardware:

• 42RU swing frame IT Panels
• Protection relays (SEL, MICOM)
• Test link racks
• Network switch with RJ45, fibre and serial ports
  
  

Outcome

SAGE upgraded B1, B2 and B4 unit’s protection panels in three separate projects.

Of note, SAGE engineers completed intensive electrical design up-front including drawing arrangement for fabrication, detailed wiring diagrams, an update of existing connection drawings and labelling schedule.

In addition, SAGE built a total of 12 protection panels in its South Australian Manufacture facility.

These panels are designed and fitted with the latest technology fit for high voltage electrical currents. This engineering and manufacture expertise helped the team deliver a fault-free startup with zero downtime.