VA Medical Center Generator Upgrades PORTLAND, OR

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this job was to upgrade the existing 480V emergency distribution system with a new 15KV system.

VALUE DELIVERED

During the preconstruction phase of this project, Dynalectric teamed up with Schneider Electric to provide a variety of solutions that saved nearly 30 percent on the cost of electrical installation.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Dynalectric Company-Oregon provided design assistance along with electrical installation and start up services.

SOLUTIONS

• Installed five 1500KW diesel standby generators at 12.47KV output.
• Installed 15KV-paralleling switchgear and loop feeders to five existing substations on the PVAMC campus.
• Decommissioned existing 480V paralleling gear and generators.

BACKGROUND

Since this project took place in a fully operational hospital, the work that Dynalectric performed needed to be phased in—an effort to avoid the loss of emergency backup capabilities. Consequently, emergency loads were cutover from the old system to the new system at the midway mark of the project, at which point Dynalectric decommissioned the old generators and gear and connected the last of the new generators.

The Portland VA Medical Center (PVAMC) is a 303-bed consolidated facility. The medical center serves as the quaternary referral center for Oregon, Southern Washington, and parts of Idaho for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Portland VAMC is located atop Marquam Hill on 28.5 acres overlooking the city of Portland. In addition to comprehensive medical and mental health services, the Portland VAMC supports ongoing research and medical education, including nationally funded Mood Disorders and Hepatitis C Resource Centers.
www.portland.va.gov/about/index.asp

OPERATING COMPANY:
Dynalectric Company-Oregon

CLIENT:
Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR:
Schneider Electric

PROJECT SCHEDULE:
1 year

		Design/Build
		Bid Build
		New Construction
		Retrofit/Renovation
		Electrical Construction
		Mechanical Construction
		Facilities Services
		Consulting Services