As part of Powerco’s protection upgrade programme, Tenix was responsible for the design and build of transformer AVR and protection upgrades across a range of substations in the Western region. The key challenge with these projects was integrating new protection equipment into the existing sites. Everything also needed to be carefully identified and clearly detailed in the plans in order to keep confusion to a minimum during installation. Thus allowing the project to run as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

The design work at each site included a site visit to establish the state of the existing equipment and drawings in order to develop the most practical approach in terms of installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. The existing relays were generally replaced with SEL 387 relays for differential protection and SEL351 overcurrent and earth fault protection. E-Berle Reg-DA were the preferred AVR.

Edison put a lot of focus and attention into ensuring all the interface points were clearly identified and carefully considered the best way to integrate the new equipment.  This included spending time on site and working with technicians and the release planner before it was committed to a design plan.  The result significantly reduced outage time. The installers were able to smoothly affect the change-over directly from the installation specification and drawings rather than having to figure connection points out during the installation process.

“Tenix engaged Edison to carry out the design for several projects. From our perspective the delivery of the design drawings is excellent, the drawings were done in a professional manner, clear and concise, easily interpreted by our technical teams.  The team at Edison are a pleasure to work with ensuring delivery in a timely manner to ensure the project timelines are met. Would recommend to anyone.”

Garry Hawkins, Tenix