Engineering Projects

230kV Line
PowerComm performed the survey, transmission design and construction support for this 38-mile, 230 kV project. PowerComm was also responsible for the routing of the proposed line and the community outreach program for the project. Included in the scope of work was surveying, coordination of the underground exploration, permitting, transmission engineering and construction support. The 38-mile route was a combination of road right-of-way and easement.

115kV Line Rebuild
This project involved the design and permitting to support the rebuild approximately 6.7 miles of 115kV transmission line. A LIDAR survey provided the basis of the model created in PLS-CADD. All structural analysis was performed in PLS-POLE. Structure types included H-frames and single concrete pole designs. Modified client framing standards were prepared to accommodate framing transitions. Braced post insulators were used as required by span lengths. Permits were provided for various interstate and railroad crossings. Drawings were created in AutoCAD.

Urban 230kV Line
This project involved the route assessment permitting, design and project management of five (5) miles of new 230 kV transmission line. The total project duration (design and construction) was approximately 8 months. This ‘fast-track” project included the route review for general conditions and constructability as well as the development of land rights and easement documents and survey and design of the line including structures, guys, anchors, foundations, clearance checks and permits for the route. The plan and profile sheets and clearance checks were developed using PLS-CADD. The structures were modeled using PLS-POLE.

Mid-Atlantic 14.5 Mile 230KV Line
This project created a line 14.5 miles in length, forming a critical connection between substations in key customer load centers. It involved the construction of three new line segments, rebuilding of existing adjacent circuits and tying into existing transmission circuits. The structural design consisted of a combination of steel H-frames, self-supporting steel structures and double-circuit steel H-frame rebuild. The existing section of transmission line included an overhead ground wire replacement with fiber optic shield wire for a continuous fiber optic cable along the new transmission line. The line design included structure utilization checks, load tree drawings, caisson foundation design, clearance and galloping checks, sag-tension charts, switch removal and transfers, guy and anchor designs, non-standard drawing creation and permitting for an Interstate exit ramp crossing and river crossing. PowerComm was also responsible for the review and approval of the fabrication drawings for the self-supporting structures, including a prominent 140 ft., aboveground, bundled conductor, double circuit 90° dead-end. Project management, bill-of-materials, pre-bid activities, construction support and as-built drawings were included in the scope of services. The plan and profile sheets utilized high-resolution aerial imagery, and were created using the latest versions of PLS-CADD and MicroStation software interaction. Existing affected plan and profile drawings for adjacent circuits were modified utilizing IRAS B software. Structures were modeled using PLS-POLE and foundations designed utilizing MFAD.

230kV Interconnect
This project consists of complete permitting, engineering, procurement and construction of two new 230 kV tie lines that will connect a generating station to the interconnect utility. The scope of project involved design and construction of two 3-mile, 230 kV transmission lines. Numerous underground conflicts required intensive co-ordination with utility agencies. PowerComm designed the two lines, coordinated efforts to resolve underground conflicts, provided engineering support, and submitted complete permitting information.

138kV Line Rebuild
This 138kV line rebuild project involved engineering, procurement and construction for the rebuild of an existing 138kV wood pole transmission line within an industrial plant site. The line connects the utility substation to a co-generation substation within the plant. The design consisted of the installation 85 ft. concrete poles, restringing of existing conductor and replacement of existing porcelain insulators with polymer insulators. It included foundation design, clearance checks over existing buildings and pipe racks, and guy and anchor design. PowerComm procured the material, managed the construction subcontractor and provided continuous onsite engineering and construction support. The construction was completed safely and successfully within a narrow one-week outage period and involved hot-stick work to attach the conductor jumpers to energize the line. Plan and profile drawings utilized aerial imagery, and were created using the latest versions of PLS-CADD and AutoCAD software interaction. Structures were modeled using PLS-POLE and foundations designed utilizing PLS-CAISSON.