Ames National Laboratory

Client Need 
Ames Laboratory required a study to evaluate the condition of the electrical systems in Wilhelm Hall and Metals Development, two buildings located on the campus of Iowa State University.  The existing electrical infrastructure in both buildings was well maintained, however, replacement and upgrades were required due to age, condition, or location. Ames Laboratory required assistance with development of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to modernize the equipment.
Approach 
BBS electrical engineers began the process with existing building drawings and one-line drawings to identify key pieces of equipment to be surveyed and inspected as part of the study.  Building walkthroughs and meetings with facility electricians were completed to update existing documentation. Key electrical infrastructure, including 5kV switches and data center UPS’s, were examined and documented. Building power outages were scheduled to allow BBS engineers to document internal panel conditions and record key information from overcurrent protective devices. 
Solution 
Following BBS’s surveys, inspections, and investigations, the existing floor plan and one-line diagrams were updated.  The deficiencies were recorded and the construction of a computer-generated model of the electrical system was completed. Arc-Flash calculations were completed and labels installed to identify hazards on existing equipment.  To conclude the study, a CIP was generated to correct the identified deficiencies and modernize outdated equipment. An initial statement of probable cost associated with the design and implementation of the recommendations was included in the CIP.