Transmission, Distribution, Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC) Program

Type of Client: Utility Project
Region: Midwest
Services: Engineering for relay settings, substation, and transmission line design.

The project challenge was to coordinate scoping, design, and cost estimation for TDSIC on multiple projects, while ensuring accuracy and coordination across various teams and deliverables. Commonwealth’s solution was to implement a comprehensive project management approach. This involved clear communication and coordination among the substations, relay settings, and transmission teams to ensure alignment of scope, design, and cost estimates.

Substation

This project included scoping, designing, and estimating Level 2 construction costs for TDSIC work, and preparing procurement packages, bid documents, and providing construction support. Projects ranged from 345 kV to 69 kV, and included replacing CBs, switches, CCPDs, and establishing new fiber connections in existing stations. Our scope encompassed civil/structural, physical electrical, protection and control, and relay settings design and all were completed within tight deadlines to meet funding approval requirements.

Relay Setting

Created settings files for newly installed lines, breakers, transformers, and feeders. Concurrently, we reviewed existing short-circuit models for accuracy and updated multiple logic diagrams and line relay settings files to ensure proper coordination with the new equipment. Commonwealth's deliverables for the TDSIC projects included new/updated relay settings files, MathCAD basis documents, an updated ASPEN OneLiner model, a change log for all modified existing relays, and a series of new/updated logic diagrams. Software utilized included ASPEN OneLiner, MathCAD, AcSELerator Quickset, and SEL Compass.

Transmission

The transmission team was tasked with identifying poly wire on multiple circuits. We then engaged a preferred contractor to model existing conditions for Grade B construction, ensuring accuracy and adherence to client design methods. Updating material in the client’s "GTech" space, we designed the circuit and generated bill of materials for construction lists and time estimates. Using this data, we compiled a Level 2 estimate as required by the TDSIC program.