Substations are critical in the safe delivery of reliable and affordable power, power transmission and distribution, generation interconnections, switching or AC/DC conversion. We take a comprehensive approach to developing your substation project, applying our broad experience with an understanding of power industry infrastructure to deliver intelligent solutions.
What You Need to Know About Substations
The substation market is changing right before our eyes. Every month we see new technology deployed on the grid that is improving safety, accuracy and efficiency.
Our innovative and intelligent substation design platforms allow teams to provide maximum value for your projects. We are a leader in the power industry, advancing the use of 3D modeling and applying intelligent substation design. Our capabilities also include substation designs that address both function and aesthetics, applying sustainable and environmental principles. Using virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) tools, we help you visualize and understand your project before construction begins and mitigate risks before any shovel hits the ground. These models, built using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or ground-based laser scanning, can be verified against preconstruction 3D models to validate adherence to drawings and specifications. Laser scanning can also strengthen accuracy of models of existing substations to give you a head start on updating designs.
Whether you seek to improve service reliability, decrease substation wiring or move toward a standards-based approach for substation communications, we assist with IEC 61850 integrations. Our experience with IEC 61850 scheme design, testing and implementation helps to smooth transitions.
The Burns & McDonnell Advantage
Whether you are considering a rebuild or a greenfield project, we have the design, construction, and project and program management skills to deliver. Our flexible project delivery methods will provide the missing piece to meet your needs. Our offerings include everything from studies and detailed design to complete engineer-procure-construct (EPC) delivery contracting.
Our substation solutions address the specific challenges faced by investor-owned utilities, development companies, municipal and cooperative utilities, and federal or military site connections. We plan, design and build the generation connections that tie renewable, commercial and industrial sites to the power grid. We work with you to address every component, from completing environmental impact and land acquisition studies before the project begins to startup and commissioning when you’re ready to power up.
Helical Piles: Advantages in Cost, Schedule and Durability
Through our self-perform prefabrication and construction services, we offer an integrated helical pile foundation option for substation projects to add value for you. This program delivers exceptional quality by maintaining design, prefabrication and installation within our team of professionals.
Helical piles are a faster and safer solution for substation projects — with a lower total installed cost — enabling you to deliver power to the grid ahead of schedule. Made of carbon steel with optional galvanizing, they can be installed in any weather and within most environments. Embedded deep underground, they create a durable platform and solid foundation that can withstand the loads of industrial power plants, substations and transmission line structures. Helical piles also offer a mostly spoils-free installation process, resulting in less excavation, concrete and expensive off-site trucking.
Specialists in Substation Security
Your critical substation assets need to be protected. The evolving regulatory environment means you need to maintain a comprehensive, context-appropriate security plan. Our integrated team helps you make informed security decisions, guiding you through the physical, electronic and cybersecurity considerations. We put you on the right path to successful implementation.
Our partnership with you goes beyond the requirements of NERC CIP-014. We help you achieve compliance for critical infrastructure protection while evaluating any security assets that may not be covered by regulations but are important to your operations.
