BART-Traction Power Substation Replacement Program 15EK-210, 15EK-110, 15EK-120 Packages, Oakland, CA

Traction Power Substation Replacement Program

AVA’s Role: Anil Verma Associates, Inc. (AVA) reviewed submittals from the traction power substation equipment manufacturer, Powell Electrical System, and assisted and advised BART staff regarding procurement activities and related technical issues. AVA managed coordination with other project team members and BART staff in support of the three contract packages and served as Lead Engineer for the San Leandro site (ASL) and the portable substation at 7th/Maritime serving the Oakland Vent Structure (KTE). AVA also performed site surveys, provided on-call engineering services based on industry best practices, and applied the latest BFS standards and applicable codes and regulations.

Description: BART’s original traction power substation equipment had been in operation since 1972. As service frequency increased and longer trains were introduced, the traction power system was required to support greater electrical demand. The Traction Power Substation Replacement Program upgraded the existing equipment with modern microprocessor-based protective relays and a reliable, robust fiber-optic communications system that enabled remote monitoring of substation equipment. The replacement program included new 34.5 kV/747 V rectifier transformers, 1,000 V rectifiers, 1 kV DC switchgear, AC bus and cable enclosures, DC equipment houses, batteries, battery chargers, programmable logic controllers, AC and DC control panels, associated transfer-trip and emergency panels, and 34.5 kV AC and 1 kV DC traction power cables.