Safety programs for second largest underground hydro generating station in the world

Arc Flash Hazard Assessment - Churchill Falls Generating Station

Churchill Falls operates 11 turbines with a combined rated output of over 5000 megawatts of power and is the second largest underground hydro generating station in the world. Generating stations are much safer today, but the potential for arc flash hazards still exists. So, we worked with Churchill Falls to assess their potential for arc flash incidents and implement mitigation strategies to improve its electrical safety program.

Our team completed onsite audits of the electrical distribution system for the facility and used the collected data to accurately model the electrical systems. The model calculated fault levels and was used to evaluate the electrical protection coordination at all high voltage, medium voltage, and 600-volt switchgear.

Next? An arc flash hazard assessment study was conducted using the same electrical system model, and was carried out on the medium voltage and 600-volt busses using calculations prescribed to standards. We reported the results of the arc flash study along with subsequent recommendations, including labeling information for all electrical equipment energized at 600 volts and above.

To provide plant management and electrical trades with critical safety information, our team also held presentations of arc flash hazards that included a summary of the study results.