34kV Feeder Project, University of DE

University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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The University of Delaware required a stable and reliable electric feed to serve their new central chiller facility. It was determined that a dual line service would be required to maintain the level of reliable service demanded by the University. read more

34kV Feeder Project, University of DE

The University is presently served by the City of Newark municipal electric.  The projected long-term load of nearly 30 MW prohibited service from the City’s 12.47kV distribution system.  The preferred solution was service at 34.5kV from the City’s sub transmission system.

The 3405 line work required the total reconstruction and upgrade of the existing 600A line to 1200A.  The approximate 1 mile line included a section of underground comprised of parallel 1000 kcmil aluminum 35kV cable, a substantial length of 477 kcmil ACSS high-temperature overhead line, and a shorter section of 397.5 ACSR line.  The existing line poles were replaced with larger poles to allow for the larger conductor and/or overbuild circuit. 

The 3414 line was a totally new 600A circuit originating from a new circuit breaker at the City’s main substation.  Due to the lack of public right-of-way, easements were needed for a private property crossing and a CSX railway crossing.  The selected path would not lend itself to overhead construction so an underground crossing of both easements was necessary.  Since the rail crossing prohibited the use of trench construction, a nearly 600’ horizontal directional drill casing pipe and conduit system was designed.  The carrying plant was comprised of an 18” casing pipe containing two 6” inner ducts.  The remainder of the feeder was an overhead design.