Utility & Power

DMD have undertaken many projects involving power distribution planning and design for residential subdivisions, small and large commercial developments, and industrial developments. Furthermore, we have undertaken both underground and overhead utility distribution designs for clients in accordance with BC Hydro and other utility standards.

DMD typically undertake designs and prepare plans, specifications and estimates along with construction services for both primary and secondary power distribution systems. This typically includes detailed load calculations for the site, transformer and switching size and placement, sizing of feeders and routing, design of underground ducting system including pads, vaults, manholes and pull boxes, design of 12kV and 25kV overhead distribution systems including both overhead and underground feeds to buildings and other devices.

On utility planning and system design DMD staff have previously worked for BC Hydro in the Distribution Engineering group and as such have created models of distribution networks using CYMDIST™ software to calculate circuit loading and voltage drops, perform distribution feeder load flow and load growth studies, perform switching optimization, contingency analysis and scenario planning, as well as fault current profiling for fuse and protection coordination. In addition, DMD have undertaken specific system improvement projects, including field investigations and engineering studies.

DMD staff have worked with the Distribution Engineering team at BC Hydro, and used Spatial Intelligence (SI) software to create feeder maps for both planning purposes, and to visually examine and identify erroneous issues that exist in the BC Hydro Distribution Analysis and Design (DAD) database.

Typical project include:

Port Royal, New Westminster

Port Royal is a multi-phase 50 acre planned community in New Westminster, BC. It boosts parks, a wide variety of residential homes, commercial development and waterfront amenities.

Working for the developer Aragon Properties we have developed a design defining loads, transformer locations and general power distribution strategy, liaised with City of New Westminster electrical group, prepared plans, specifications and estimates for primary and secondary power distribution, prepared costs estimates and undertook various construction services.

For more information please visit the project web site at www.portroyalhomes.ca

Marshall Springs Resort

Marshall Springs is a unique resort and spa just south of Merritt, BC. The development features 178 homes developed in 6 phases along with a resort/spa building.

Our role included all power distribution for the private development from a BC Hydro source outside the development.

Specific elements undertaken by DMD included investigation and developing multi-phase distribution concept, defining electrical loads for the site, develop metering strategy, preparation of electrical power distribution, data and telephone drawings, coordination with BC Hydro, preparation of costs estimates, preparation of installation contract documents, coordination with contractors, review of technical submittals and inspections.

For more information on thie development see www.marshallsprings.com

East Fraserlands - Vancouver Largest New Waterfront Development

East Fraserlands is situated on a 129 acre waterfront parcel of land in the South East corner of Vancouver, between Boundary and Kerr, on the Fraser River. The project masterplan is based on the principals of new urbanism and features a well-planned mix of townhomes, low and mid rise apartments and high rise towers. Also planned are plenty of great shops and services, large anchor retail stores and a community plaza, all situated in the heart of the community just a few minutes walk for residents. With these exceptional new community amenities along with significant green space, a new community center, school and sports fields, East Fraserlands will be a landmark community and one of the premiere places to live in the Lower Mainland. As it develops over the next 25 years, 13,000 residents will be able to enjoy living in the East Fraserlands community.

The East Fraser Lands Project developer WesGroup / Parklane Homes selected DMD to undertake electrical, lighting and signal design. To date DMD have worked with WesGroup to developed lighting concepts, define site electrical loads, undertaken power distribution conceptual designs, worked with BC Hydro, defined power distribution, electrical, lighting and traffic signal requirements. DMD role will continue as the project moves forward.

For more information please visit the project web site at www.parklane.com

Brae Island Campground - Retrofit of Major Large RV Park / Campground

The GVRD owns the Brae Island Campground which comprised over a hundred campsites which featured electrical hook-ups. The campsite required expansion to meet the growing demand (50 new sites added). In addition existing electrical systems were overloaded and prone to failure. Through a competitive selection process DMD were selected to undertake electrical and communications designs to suit the new campground layout. DMD first undertook an inventory of what existed and assessed the condition of the existing electrical and communications systems. Most equipment was deemed to have reached the end of its service life. DMD then developed a conceptual design and cost estimate.

Once accepted by GVRD staff, DMD staff then prepared plans, specification and bid documents for the supply and installation of new electrical and communications system. The electrical and communications system featured the design of a new overhead 12kV power line and communications systems around the perimeter of the park. The overhead lines fed new service kiosks where power and communication were fed underground to building and specially designed RV posts. Communications included Shaw cable and Telus phone lines and well as an fiber optic Ethernet system link various building. The system was designed to accommodate current and future needs. The electrical and communications system construction cost was approximately $800K.

Transmission Power Line Impacts Study

As new communities develop additional overhead transmission lines are required to feed power. Power providers have requested these overhead transmission be adjacent to or in established Highway right-of-ways. This report studied the effects and impacts of installing transmission lines in the proximity of highways and reviewed common types of support structures.

The DMD team researched practices used through North America and calculated impacts including corona inception, radio interference, audible noise, electric and magnetic fields using transmission line design software. Standards of the Worker Compensation Board (WCB), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and BC Hydro were reviewed and fully elaborated on. The final report included an executive summary with final recommendations.

Effects of High Voltage Transmission Line in Proximity of Highways

Cowichan Commons Commercial Development, Cowichan, British Columbia

Cowichan Commons in a $90M commercial development which features 500,000 sq/ft of tenant space located on 43 acres. Anchor tenants include major retailers such as Canadian Tire, Rona, Wal-Mart Super Centre, Home Depot and the Future Shop. For this project DMD designed the primary and secondary power distribution systems for the entire site. Work involved defining building loads and coordinating with BC Hydro, civil designers, tenants, the developer and architects; locating and sizing transformers, switches, ducting and vaults; and preparing plans and specifications. We also provided ongoing technical support thru construction. Challenges overcome included ongoing development redesign to suit changing tenants, working with numerous stakeholders and designing a system with the required level of redundancy while at the same time minimizing costs. One specific challenge was the project was constructed in phases so equipment had to be designed and located to accommodate the requirement of both current and future construction.

Shape Properties Parallel Markeplace Development, Abbotsford, British Columbia

Parallel Marketpalce in a commercial development which features 135,000 sq/ft of tenant space located on 11.5 acres. Anchor tenants include major retailers such as Thrifty Foods and the Bank of Montreal. For this project DMD planned the primary and secondary power distribution systems for the entire site. Work involved defining building loads and coordinating with BC Hydro, civil designers, tenants, the developer and architects; locating and sizing transformers, switches, ducting and vaults; and preparing plans and specifications. Challenges included located a new overhead primary power line beside an environmentally sensitive area.

Simon Fraser Bridge, Prince George

The Simon Fraser Bridge is a deck truss bridge on Highway 97, spanning the Fraser River. It was originally a two-lane bridge, completed in 1963. It carries approximately 22,000 vehicles per day. In 2009, a $50M project to twin the bridge was undertaken. The new bridge carrying two lanes of northbound traffic is approximately 400 meters in length, whereas the two lanes of southbound traffic are directed across the original bridge. DMD undertook all electrical design including a major BC Hydro duct bank across the bridge. DMD prepared plans to BC Hydro standards along with specifications and estimates. Challenges which were overcome included dealing with thermal expansion of ducting on the bridge, routing ducting around bridge supports, running conduits thru abutments, transitioning the ducts into the dirt off the bridge, designing cable pulling vaults on the bridge.

Sea Island Business Park, Sea Island (YVR), British Columbia

The Sea Island Business Park is major commercial development being considered in the proximity of Vancouver International Airport. The tentative development features a possible 1,000,000 sq/ft of high rise office building space. The development would be constructed in up to six phases over the next 20 years. For this project DMD undertook a conceptual design of the primary power distribution system including drawings and cost estimates. We worked closely with BC Hydro planners and engineers to design and establish a radial feed system with strategically located switching kiosks to provide a high level of reliability.

Civic Stadium, Bellingham, Washington

The stadium, built in 1961, with an addition in 1971 and a major renovation in 2006, has covered seating for 4,000 spectators and lights for night use at major college and high school sporting events. DMD undertook design of primary and secondary power replacement to suit total upgrade of the stadium electrical system. We designed a 12kV/25kV primary and 480VSecondary distribution system and an 800A main service including developing specifications for transformers, switches, vaults, conduits and conductors. The primary power system was owned by the City of Bellingham so our work included all elements of design.

Starfire Sports Indoor Soccer Center, Tukwila, Washington

Starfire Sports Complex is a sporting facility in Tukwila, Washington, on the banks of the Green River, near Seattle. It is operated by the non-profit corporation Starfire Sports. At the time of its opening, CEO Chris Slatt believed it to be "the largest synthetic-turf soccer complex in the U.S." DMD undertook all electrical design. As the site existed we had to first assess the condition of the electrical utility distribution which had been abandoned at the site and design a new 12kV/25kV primary and 480V secondary distribution system integrating new and existing systems. DMD located transformers and switches and designed numerous services up to 1200A main service to local utility standards.

Western Washington University Primary Power Distribution, Bellingham, Washington

With an enrollment of 13,000 students, Western Washington University is a major university located on Bellingham Washington. DMD designed a 12kV primary and 480VSecondary distribution system including developing specifications for transformers, switches, vaults, conduits and conductors on the campus. As the university distribute there own power around the campus so DMD undertook all required electrical design.

Woodlands Redevelopment (Victoria Hill), New Westminster, British Columbia

Located in the City of New Westminster this 60 acre redevelopment includes a mix of low and high rise residential and commercial/retail. For this project DMD undertook a conceptual design of the primary power distribution system including drawings and cost estimates. We worked closely with the City who is their own power distribution electrical utility. Our work included planning and design working closely with the developer and the City staff.

Russ Baker Way Development, Sea Island (YVR), British Columbia

The Russ Baker Way Business Park is major commercial development being considered adjacent to the existing BCIT Aerospace Campus located off Russ Baker Way on Sea Island. The tentative development features a possible 550,000 sq/ft of commercial building space. For this project DMD prepared a conceptual design report for the primary and secondary power distribution system including cost estimates.

 

Contact DMD

DMD & Associates Ltd

• #12-17358 104A Ave.
• Surrey BC  V4N 5M3
• Canada
• Tel: +1 604-589-9010
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080
• Fax: +1 604-589-9012
• Email: info@dmdeng.com
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• Lynden WA  98264
• USA

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• Chandler AZ  85248
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