Learn How ETAP Helps in the Analysis of the Power Distribution Networks in Mission-Critical Areas: Airports and Data Centers

Use of software tools like ETAP helps to deliver, execute and complete the project within the stipulated time in an efficient and correct manner to be successful and sustain the reliability for projects. Libraries help us to update on all products including cables, protective devices, dynamic models etcetera.
By R. Balakrishnan, VP and Head Mep Design at Larsen & Toubro

This case study examines the analysis of power distribution networks in mission-critical areas, such as data centers and airports. With its various analysis modules, ETAP is used for Network Analysis, including load flow and Short Circuit Calculations, to ensure that load shedding and voltage drop remain within permissible limits. The primary focus in data center design is calculating and ensuring safe distances for maintenance staff.

Larsen & Toubro Limited is an Indian multinational company engaged in Engineering, Procurement, Construction Projects (EPC), High-Tech Manufacturing, and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer-focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for over eight decades. They are engaged in core, high-impact sectors of the economy, and their integrated capabilities span the entire spectrum, from design to delivery.

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Year: 2022

Ensuring accurate calculations and profound studies for large critical electrical distribution networks

Challenges

  • Modeling the distribution network according to the designed data center or other facilities. Every design needs a new electrical model.
  • Ensuring electrical system reliability, redundancy, and critical data availability.
  • Calculating electrical system performance by checking load flow, short circuits, transformer load, motor starting, relay coordination, and harmonic impact.
  • Software should provide calculation of transformers, cables, and grounding sizing to ensure electrical system performance.
  • Flash hazard analysis must be provided as the most critical issue in the data center to ensure operator safety.
  • Design must meet national standards at every process step, from design through construction to the operation phase.
  • Conducting feasibility studies with scenarios using electrical and mechanical equipment in the digital model to mitigate the effects of possible failures.

Which solutions did they choose?

Selected applications

They chose the full ETAP game of software with Arc Flash, Load Flow, Short Circuit, and ETAP Digital-Twin Modeling as the first solution to analyze, calculate, and set recommendations. 

ETAP ensured compliance with all electrical standards for electrical designing and electrical calculations.

Why do they use ETAP?

Main Customer Benefits

  • Using reliable Software in Design to sustain in the dynamic Construction Industry where changes are inevitable.
  • Accessing the immense possibilities in one coherent, multitasking ETAP software specialized for electricity to design quickly.
  • They are promoting Digital modeling as a leading solution, utilizing large and open electrical engineering libraries with grid systems, transformers, switchboards, switchgear, busbars, batteries, UPS, PV, cables, protective devices, and dynamic models, among others.
  • ETAP enables the management of large designs like data centers, airports, or factories with large numbers of buses.
  • Ensuring electrical system safety by using all electrical calculations and dimensioning in one ETAP software with visualization of the arc flash incidents in the model.
  • The software supports the designer and operations manager in building a safe and accident-free environment. It utilizes Arc Flash Study tools to manage safety procedures, including PPE and danger area labeling.
  • A reliability study for data centers enables the collection of essential indicators, such as CAIDI (Customer Average Interruption Duration Index) and ASAI (Average Service Availability Index), among others.

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

Arc flash analysis is an essential module of ETAP that many projects do not carry out. Safety in a project, both for operation and equipment, is critical. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for operators in the designated electrical equipment areas is also essential.
By R. Balakrishnan, VP and Head Mep Design at Larsen & Toubro

Most importantly, all these projects undergo numerous changes from concept to completion due to technological advancements, as well as changes in client and end-customer requirements. ETAP software plays a vital role in managing such significant changes within a minimal time and can be used to re-study them instantly.
By R. Balakrishnan, VP and Head Mep Design at Larsen & Toubro



Videos

Analysis of power distribution network in Mission critical areas – Airports & Datacenters

ETAP Power System Software, with its various analysis modules is used to validate the design of  Larsen & Toubro Construction – Buildings and Factories projects in airports, data centers, hospitals, office buildings etc. Network Analysis, such as Load Flow and Short Circuit Calculations, ensure load shedding and voltage drop within permissible limits, Transformer Sizing Analysis is utilized to meet standard requirements. Cable Sizing and Cable Pulling Modules, along with UG Thermal Analysis modules, validate cable routing at various underground locations. These tools allow for easy planning and approval at the initial project stage. On Safety and Protection – STAR curves help to find the correct protection and selectivity for prestigious projects with critical operations such as airports, data centers, office buildings and hospitals, to ensure smooth power flow without interruptions. Arc Flash Modules help us to quickly create & define Arc Flash Labels, as well as PPE requirements. Ground Grid Analysis is used for effective and economical earth mat design and sizing. Reliability Assessments are part of the design process to ensure the AIDI and CAIDI reliability metrics. Harmonic Analysis, for the sizing of active and passive filters allows for fine-tuning of filter design at the right locations.


Solutions


Packages/Products