AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
John E. Joyner III, P.E.
Matthew W. Kundrot, P.E.
3 October 2012
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
“Net Zero” Objective Considerations:
How is “Net Zero” Achieved?
•
By reducing Operations and Maintenance costs (Energy)
•
By producing energy from the airfield environment
… topic for another day.
How is this Accomplished in a Low Bid Environment?
•
By improving understanding of airfield electrical system design
•
By improving project scoping and contracting relative to
airfield electrical system design requirements
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
2
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Base Utilities Electrical Distribution Overview:
Definition of Electrical Power
Power = Voltage x Current (Watt = Volt x Amp)
Two Electrical Power Delivery Modes
Constant Voltage – Voltage remains constant and
the current fluctuates based on the load demand
(Typical voltages – 120, 208, 240, 277, 480)
Constant Current – Current remains constant and
the voltage fluctuates based on the load demand
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
3
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples of Constant Voltage Based Systems:
Air Handling Systems
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Boiler Plants
Chilled Water Plants
Conveying Systems
Domestic Water Distribution
Emergency Power Generation
Fire Suppression Systems
Food Service Equipment
Industrial Systems
Medical Systems
Power Distribution
Refrigeration Systems
Sanitary Drainage Systems
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
4
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples of Constant Current Based Systems:
Airfield Electrical Systems
. . . . . . . Very few others due to strict performance requirements
(an aircraft hydraulic control system which operates at
4,000 psi provides a good analogy)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
5
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Scoping Disconnect:
95% + of all electrical projects on a military installation are
constant voltage based.
Understandably, the project methodology associated with
these systems is often applied to the airfield electrical system.
However, what is desirable in the “constant voltage” world is
often counterproductive in the “constant current” world of the
airfield electrical system. The misapplication of design
methodology can result in energy waste and unsafe working
conditions for maintenance personnel.
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
6
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
SOLUTION: Improve the Project Scoping Process
1) Review the components of the airfield electrical system and
understand the corresponding stakeholder requirements.
2) Explain the most common type of disconnects associated
with airfield electrical system projects
3) Illustrate how scoping an airfield electrical system project
from an O&M perspective supports the mission and the
concept of “Net Zero”
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
7
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS - Pavement Lighting
(Runway/Taxiway Edge Lights, Touchdown Zone Lights, and Centerline Lights)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
8
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS – Airfield Signs
(Taxiway Guidance Signs, Runway Hold Signs, Distance Remaining Signs)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
9
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS - Approach Lighting
(REILs, ALSF-1 & ALSF-2, PAPI)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
10
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS – Lighting Control
(Touch Screen, Monitoring Capability, Configured for Mission Operations)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
11
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS – Power Equipment
(Stand Alone and Switchgear Cabinet Constant Current Regulators)
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
12
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Five Main Scoping Disconnects Associated with
Airfield Electrical System Projects:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Repair by Replacement of Fixtures – LED Lights, Signs, etc.
Replace in Kind – Constant Current Regulators
Minimize the Number of Constant Current Regulators
Ignore the Input of Operations and Maintenance Personnel
Utilize Inexperienced Design & Construction Personnel
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
13
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#1a. Repair By Replacement - Airfield Signs:
Pro:
Con:
An old airfield sign is replaced with a new sign
Solution:
Benefit:
Develop an Airfield Signage Master Plan
The sign is placed and/or labeled incorrectly.
Improvement dollars are only spent once
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
14
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Andrews AFB Example Sign Plan
Insert Andrews AFB Sign Plan Images here
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
15
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#1b. Repair By Replacement - Airfield Lights
Pro:
Replacing incandescent fixtures with LED fixtures will
decrease power consumption by 50%
Con: Existing cable and transformers are deteriorated and
“leaking power” therefore NO energy savings.
Solution: Assess condition of cable and lighting infrastructure
and replace in “usable” sections.
Benefit:
Long term cost reduction and improved controls
resulting in further energy savings.
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
16
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples of Airfield Lights –
Insert pictures of old NAS Pensacola and NAS
Corpus Christi lighting fixtures here
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
17
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#2. Replace in Kind - Constant Current Regulator
Pro: Equipment procurement, no engineering required
Con: Existing equipment is oversized
Solution: Assess the airfield electrical system from a load
demand perspective. Replace the system
configuration, not just the system components
Benefit:
Decreased operations and maintenance costs
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
18
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples Regulator Replacement –
Insert pictures of old NAS Oceana and NAS
Corpus Christi CCR’s here
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
19
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#3. Minimize the Number of Current Regulators
Pro: Lower number of constant current regulators to maintain
Con: Increased operations and maintenance costs
Solution: Design airfield lighting system configuration from
an operations perspective
Benefit:
Improvement in safety and a reduction in operations
and maintenance costs, operational impacts, and
energy consumption
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
20
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples of Minimizing the Number of
Constant Current Regulators
Insert pictures of old NAS Oceana, NAS Corpus Christi,
and MCAS Yuma CCR’s here
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
21
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#4. Ignore Input from O&M Personnel
Pro: Decreases contracting and design time
Con: The contractor determines what’s best for mission support
Solution: Proper project scoping with end users conducted by
personnel familiar with airfield electrical system design
Benefit: Increased mission support plud decreased project
and O&M costs
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
22
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples Ignoring Input from O&M Personnel:
Insert pictures of NAS Patuxent River and Lackland AFB
Airfield Electrical Vaults here
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
23
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
#5. Utilize Inexperienced D&C Personnel
Pro: Decreases contracting and design time
Con: The contractor determines what’s best for mission support
Solution: Utilize Design and Construction personnel which
have experience in airfield electrical system work
Benefit: Increased mission support plus decreased project
and O&M costs
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
24
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Examples of projects executed by
Inexperienced Design and Construction
Personnel
Insert pictures of airfield electrical system projects
executed by inexperienced design and construction
personnel
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
25
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Successfully Executing Airfield Electrical
Projects in a Low Bid Environment
Traditional Design-Bid-Build
Design-Build
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
26
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Successfully Executing Airfield Electrical
Projects in a Low Bid Environment
Traditional Design-Bid-Build
• Require that design and construction personnel have
experience in airfield electrical system projects
• Solicit input from stake holders on all projects
• Scope projects from an “Asset Management”
perspective
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
27
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Successfully Executing Airfield Electrical
Projects in a Low Bid Environment
Design-Build
• Require that design and construction personnel have
experience in airfield electrical system projects
• Evaluate proposals on total project cost, not just
construction cost
• Utilize IDIQ contractors to improve accountability
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
28
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Summary:
1) Prepare a Master Plan for infrastructure replacement prior to
fixture replacement; replace infrastructure in usable units
2) Replace Constant Current Regulators based on Load
3) Configure System from an Operations Perspective
4) Solicit the Input of Operations and Maintenance Personnel
5) Utilize Experienced Design & Construction Personnel
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
29
AIRFIELD ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Innovations in a Low Bid Environment
Questions?
MILITARY
DESIGN
GROUP
Delta Airport Consultants, Inc
10-3-12
Net Zero through Emerging Technologies
30