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ESB NETWORKS LTD
February/March 2014 • www.esb.ie/em
Geospatiai Information System (GIS) upgrade project
In 2012 ESB Networks Asset Management initiated a new project, upgrading the current GIS (Geospatiai Information System) solution. The current system, DFIS, has served ESB Networks well as a stable and reliable application over two decades, but is now nearing its end of life.
WHAT IS GIS IN ESB NETWORKS?
The existing Geospatiai Information System (GIS) in ESB Networks has three major components:
- DFIS (Distribution Facilities Information System) is ESB Networks core GIS.
- GeoDART is a tool used for de signing additions/alterations to the 38KV/MV/LV network infrastructure. As well as enabling the production of construction drawings, site acquisition drawings, planning applications, wayleave applications etc. for the business, it is also the primary source of data for updating DFIS.
- FRAMME Webview which is a read-only internet browser application which enables interrogation, viewing and printing of asset information/maps.
WHY AND WITH WHAT ARE WE REPLACING OUR CURRENT GIS?
Many elements of the GIS components of DFIS are running out of support. A number of potential business opportunities are effectively on hold awaiting the capabilities of a more modern GIS infrastructure.
The replacement GIS will provide flexibility when viewing and printing information and provide a state of the art application for all users. It will also be an open system that can be flexible enough to support future ESB Networks requirements (SMART, Mobile etc.) and be industry compliant.
The GIS upgrade Project is now at the end of the build stage with the replacement of DFIS, FRAMME Webview and GeoDART with a new suite of applications from Intergraph called G/Technology which all sit on the one platform. As well as replacing the current functionality we will also enhance our current interface with ARM (Asset registration and maintenance), SynerGee (Network planning application), creating an interface with ISU to show MPRN locations on the GIS, upgrading the interface with OMS to include 38kV, building an interface with Connect-master (telemmunications system), upgrading our interface with IWM (Integrated Work Management) and creating an outward facing portal for DB4UD (dial before you dig) service for construction contractors.
WHO IS INVOLVED AND WHEN WILL IT BE DELIVERED?
The GIS upgrade project has utilised the extensive knowledge within Asset Management, along with expertise from ITS and our Integration Partner Intergraph and are now nearing completion of the build phase. Staff from within ESB Networks are invited to supplement the project team to undertake the rigorous test elements and prepare training programmes for the designer and viewer staff prior to go live in September 2014.
This geospatiai information supports a wide range of critical business processes:
- MV Network Model to ESB Net work Operations Management System (OMS)
- 'Dial-Before-You-Dig'Mappingservices
- 38KV and MV Network Models to the SynerGEE application (plan ning application in Asset Manage ment)
- Design facilities (GeoDART) ena ble the production of Construction, Easement, Wayleave drawings
- GIS internet browsing facilities (Web Browser/FRAMME Web view)
- Linear network model to the ARM production of MV and LV Network Diagrams.
WHAT THEY SAID... Frank Giblin, System Operations Support Manager, ESB Networks
The GIS also stores electrical network connectivity and phasing information upon which the Operations Management System depends. The integrity and timeliness of this data is critical to the continued safe operation of the electrical network.
Denise Byrne, Business Process, Data and Cost Manager, ESB Networks
Central Site is responsible for updating and maintaining ESB^s Networks records on the current IT system/ Geographical Information System known as DFIS. This in turn feeds into FRAMME Webview, OMS and GeoDART. Network Designers throughout ESB Networks use GeoDART to create and print their designs for construction crews. These design files know as datasets are then sent to Central Site to be recorded onto the master model, DFIS. MV Network diagrams are produced directly from DFIS.
In order to create Schematic Diagrams, staff in Central Site input the Network updates to DFIS and then must record these updates to a second system. With the introduction of the new GIS system this process will be streamlined so that Central Site will only need to record those changes on one IT system. Datasets from the designers at design and construction stage will be available sooner to view on the master model to all users. This will enhance planning for switch outs.
Ryebrook Enabling Works Project
RYEBROOK 110KV STATION, a dedicated customer station, is the sole feed into the Intel complex in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Ryebrook is connected via the HOkV network to Corduff and May-nooth stations. In total, six HOkV / MV transformers, owned and operated by Intel, are fed from Ryebrook.
Intel are expanding their facility in Leixlip, as due to site constraints it is not possible to expand the existing station using Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) technology, therefore a new Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) station is required.
The site of the new GIS station is traversed by four HOkV underground cables feeding the customer's transformers (the other two transformers are fed via overhead connections). In addition, the two overhead line feeds from the transmission network (Maynooth-Ryebrook and Corduff-Ryebrook) cross the site. The project required all the existing infrastructure to be removed from the site before any construction works could commence on the new GIS building.
In November and December 2013 the Maynooth-Ryebrook HOkV overhead line was diverted around this site via an underground cable. The cables feeding three of the customers transformers were also removed. By the end of January 2014 the Corduff-Ryebrook HOkV line and the remaining transformer cable crossing the site will have been removed from the site. This marks a significant milestone for the overall project. The site will then be handed over to Intel's civil works contractor who will be responsible for the construction of the new GIS building and ancillary works.
The diversions to the underground cables posed a particular technical challenge to the project. As the existing HOkV cables are no longer in use in ESB Networks, special transition joints to join the existing older HOkV XLPE cables to the new XLPE cables had to be procured.
The overhead aspect of the project involved terminating new High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductor onto the new Line/Cable interface towers. In addition, the earthwire for both overhead line circuits was altered. At all times one of the HOkV feeds into Ryebrook had to be maintained, posing a challenge for the H V Lines team as they would be working close to a live HOkV overhead line. A special work method was developed to carry out this element of the works safely.
Some modifications to the existing station infrastructure were also carried out. The PLC protection system on both overhead lines was modified.
A feature of this project was the excellent team work shown by all involved. Ryebrook station feeds one of the largest employers in the state and it was critical that the works were delivered on time. Over a short period, two HOkV lines will have been un-dergrounded and four HOkV underground cables will have been diverted which is quite an achievement. Special thanks to all working on the project including HVD&C Stations Lines and Cables and Contracted Projects teams, ESB Networks, ESB International Design teams and Commissioners and ESB Telecoms and EirGrid.
Jason Bowes ‘Cycles AGAINST SUICIDE’
23-YEAR-OLD Jason Bowes from Kildare is an ESB Network technician in TOD. Jason is planning to take part in the ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ for 2014 which starts in Dublin on April 28th and continues around Ireland returning to Dublin on May 11th -1,400 km later.
EM asked Jason why he took on this task. “Unfortunately we have all been affected in some shape or form by suicide and I feel that together we can make a difference. All the sponsorship I raise will help the charity Cycle Against Suicide to run many programmes to raise awareness and help save lives such as Student Engagement Programmes for 2nd and 3rd level students; a Bootcamp Programme to help people all over the country to get fit and to promote physical fitness and good mental health. The Charity's motto is ‘Together, shoulder to shoulder, we can break the cycle of suicide in Ireland’.
“All the sponsorship I raise will hopefully help to save lives. I hope by taking part in this cycle that I can show people it's okay not to feel okay,” explains Jason. ?
If youwouldliketosponsorJason please click on www.mycharity.ie/event/jaybos_2week_14OOkmcycle or alternatively by calling or texting him personally on 0872830693.
