FAA AIRFIELD POWER SYSTEMS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT

Project Details

CLIENT
SACHS Electric

LOCATION
U.S. (Nationwide)

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires electrical maintenance on more than 38,000 existing installations across the country. The Sachs Electric-Woolpert team was selected for a five-year, open-ended contract to change airfield electrical distribution systems in airports, resulting in uninterruptible power supply system replacements; generator system replacements; and building panel board system upgrades for existing radar, NAVAID and control tower facilities.

Sachs Electric used Woolpert’s designs to provide turnkey solutions for making maintenance upgrades at existing facilities. These solutions required the use of FAA drawings and standards which were modified for each individual installation. Woolpert also applied specific upgrades to the facilities as they exist within the boundaries of the various FAA program cost centers.

Woolpert employed progressive design methods, including the advanced use of SKM systems analysis (three-phase, single-phase and DC system modules) to ensure that tripped breakers did not compromise aircraft operations or aviation functionality during landing or airborne activities. The use of SKM analysis provided arc flash analysis, short circuit analysis and overcurrent protection systems coordination. This project also showcased the various regions of the FAA, the connections between these regions to the central program offices and the many levels of contact involved in FAA administrative coordination.