Recommendations for architecture optimization
MV & LV architecture selection guide
Recommendations for architecture optimization
These recommendations are intended to guide the designer towards architecture upgrades which allow him to improve assessment criteria.
On-site work
To be compatible with the “special” or “critical” work-site time, it is recommended to limit uncertainties by applying the following recommendations:
- Use of proven solutions and equipment that has been validated and tested by manufacturers (“functional” switchboard or “manufacturer” switchboard according to the application criticality),
- Prefer the implementation of equipment for which there is a reliable distribution network and for which it is possible to have local support (supplier well established),
- Prefer the use of factory-built equipment (MV/LV substation, busbar trunking), allowing the volume of operations on site to be limited,
- Limit the variety of equipment implemented (e.g. the power of transformers),
- Avoid mixing equipment from different manufacturers.
Environmental impact
The optimization of the environmental assessment of an installation will involve reducing:
- Power losses at full load and no load during installation operation,
- Overall, the mass of materials used to produce the installation.
Taken separately and when looking at only one piece of equipment, these 2 objectives may seem contradictory. However, when applied to whole installation, it is possible to design the architecture to contribute to both objectives. The optimal installation will therefore not be the sum of the optimal equipment taken separately, but the result of an optimization of the overall installation.Figure D26 gives an example of the contribution per equipment category to the weight and energy dissipation for a 3500 kVA installation spread over 10000m².
- Installation is operating at 50% load on average, with 0,8 power factor
- Site is operating 6500 hours per years : 3 shifts + week ends with reduced activity at night and week ends and full stop 1 month per year for site maintenance and employees holidays.
- Power consumption is 9,1 GWh
- Reactive power is 6,8 GVARh. This reactive power will be invoiced in addition to power consumption according to local energy contract.
