The purpose of this exercise was to ascertain the existing loads to provide data to aid our client’s feasibility studies to provide future accommodation blocks at these sites. The data will be used for the purposes of deciding future utility provisions.
Others parties had looked at the initial meter readings but these are recorded in KWh’s. In addition, where ‘’Elster’’ type smart meters are present, total VA demand has been recorded; however, readings from this type of visual survey only give an indication of site load and are generally averaged over a period thus missing peak figures. They also don’t provide an indication of load profiling depending on the time of day.
To enable more detailed assessments we have facilitated the installation of temporary data logging equipment on the main incoming supply points to provide detailed electrical load information which includes recording real time Amps, Volts, PF, kW, kVA and maximum demand at regular intervals throughout the day and night over a one month period.
In order for the safe installation of the logging equipment shut downs were required which also involved the isolation of UPS and standby generator.
Whilst on the sites we undertook further works including surveying the electrical distribution to include the incoming service capacity available from the electrical supply company (DNO), as well as details of the incoming cable size and fuse ratings and the outgoing ways of the main electrical switchgear to record CPD size, number of poles, details of what they serve, whether it is usually on or off, no of spare ways / associated frame size, spare CPDs in the panel, sizes of sub main cables out of the panel and availability of replacement CPD’s.
