Networks
Engineering

ECONOMIC TECHNICAL OPTIMIZATION OF EXISTING NETWORKS

Since networks constitute the main business of Distribution and Transportation companies, extensive knowledge is needed so as to be managed efficiently in compliance with the requirements imposed by Quality Standards.

For the networks optimal expansion studies, typical load conditions need to be simulated for different situations, analyzing a range of different likelihood of occurrence scenarios. During the simulations, bottle necks are identified and the benefits of their removal are evaluated in order to calculate the expected value of the losses and the not served energy costs involved in each investment decision.

For the electric network case, the main tools used are power flow calculation programs, by which the systems operation characteristics are determined for a group of specific loads. QUANTUM uses specifically developed software that allows the accomplishment of these studies with high level of accuracy, providing reliability in terms of the solution as well as versatility. Additionally, it provides the links with the most frequently used programs by companies for network management with (Neplan, Milsoft, PSS, etc.), data base administration (Access), spreadsheet calculation (Excel), and graphical processing systems (AutoCAD).

Quantum has developed several studies of engineering, among the most outstanding ones:

• Investment Planning.
• Losses Studies.
• Network Planning.
• Network Due Diligence.
• Technical & Economic Feasibility.

DESIGN OF NEW LINES AND TRANSFORMER STATIONS

During the network technical-economic optimization process it is frequently needed to add extensions or new sections of line and/or new step-down stations.

For these jobs, Quantum has a highly specialized team of professionals, trained not only to carry out the preliminary studies that enable the pre-feasibility of the work to be assessed, but also to develop the pre-projects of the possible alternatives for comparative analysis, as well as the executive project, proposal of contract division, tender documents, technical specifications and plans for the chosen solution. This enables the customer to put the execution of the work out to tender, during which we provide all the necessary technical and legal support, from bid study and engineering detail review to project management, inspection, testing and acceptance of the work.

Prior to the design of the new work to be built, our professionals, in agreement with the customer, set the design criteria for the development of the work. Special attention is paid to the flexibility and reliability of the installations and good maintenance possibility. In addition, they should comply with all the current local and international legal provisions and technical and safety standards, as well as the applicable environmental conditions.

As regards the control and operation of the new works, the design becomes considerably important in order to fit that of existing installations (telecontrolled or attended, etc.).

Quantum helps its customers in the processes of expanding their installations in TRANSMISSION LINES (HV and EHV), DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS (MV and LV), TRANSFORMER AND MANEUVER SUBSTATIONS and PUBLIC LIGHTING SYSTEMS, in one or more of the following project stages:

• Prefeasibility of the work.
• Pre-projects.
• Comparative analysis of alternatives.
• Executive project.
• Proposal for contract division.
• Tender documents.
• Technical specifications and solution plans.
• Technical and legal support during execution of the work.
• Bids study.
• Engineering detail review.
• Project Management.
• Inspection, testing, start-up and acceptance of work.