Ensuring Safety with Backup Power for Caltrans Tunnel
Global Power Supply (GPS) provided a reliable backup power solution for the Caldecott Tunnel, ensuring safety and operational continuity. The project involved deploying advanced power systems designed to meet the tunnel’s specific needs. GPS’s solution guaranteed that the tunnel’s operations could continue without interruption, even during power outages. This case study highlights GPS’s expertise in delivering critical power solutions that prioritize safety and reliability for essential infrastructure.
Challenge
Implement a backup power solution for the Caldecott high-traffic tunnel in Oakland, CA as quickly as possible to combat expected PSPS power outages.
Solution
Global Power Supply provided an engineered solution including in-stock 2500 kW generators, switchgear, emissions control kits, and customized site-specific enclosures.
Caltrans Nocal 2x2MW Tunnel
After devastating wildfires caused by downed power lines across the state of California, energy provider PG&E rolled out a new program aimed at reducing the potential for further wildfire instances. The new program, called Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), works by shutting off power to certain regions of the state during extreme high wind events. The PSPS program has had a huge impact on the need for backup power for all types of industries throughout the state, and one of the most critical is transportation infrastructure.
Loss of power to high-traffic tunnels, which rely on the grid to power their ventilation and lighting, could have a devastating impact on traffic, business, and safety for all those who pass through or near tunnels in their commute. In order to ensure the safety of daily commuters, it has been vital for tunnel operators to implement backup power solutions as quickly as possible.
Caltrans Caldecott Tunnel Construction
In April of 2020, Bentancourt Bros Construction reached out to GPS through their website to inquire about some of their in-stock 2500 kW backup diesel generators. Bentancourt Bros was looking for a solution for their customer, Caltrans, in their pursuit of a backup power solution for the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland, CA. One of GPS’s backup power experts, Jeme Turcios, responded right away, and they immediately began discussing GPS’s history in dealing with installation projects of this scope. Further preliminary discussions followed with Dave Bentancourt (President Bentancourt Bros Construction) addressing the BOM, pricing, design, and delivery schedule. GPS was then brought into discussions with all of the parties, including Caltrans, MTU, ASCO, and Johnson Thermal.
GPS was able to provide the first round of pricing and quotations within 10 days from when Bentancourt Bros first approached them. From there, additional engineering conversations fine-tuned the specifics on the switchgear, emissions control kits, and enclosure designs. After six weeks of collaborative meetings, design, engineering, and detailed quoting, GPS was awarded the project by Bentancourt.
The combination of the scope of this project, California permitting, along with the location caused some significant logistical challenges. The generators would be placed on a bridge on one end of the Caldecott Tunnel, providing limited space to accommodate such large equipment. Even after initial production was approved, design changes to enclosures were needed to meet the complex installation challenges.
At A Glance
The Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland, CA needed to implement a backup power solution as quickly as possible. Global Power Supply installed an end-to-end backup power solution including diesel generators, switchgear, customized enclosures, and emissions control kits to meet EPA and BAAQMD emissions requirements.
Highlights
- Caldecott Tunnel, Oakland, CA
- (2) 2500 kW MTU Gensets
- Custom Enclosures
- UL-142 Subbase Fuel Tank
- Tier 4 Final Emissions Control
- ASCO Paralleling Switchgear
- Vertiv Liebert 80 kVA UPS
Due to this project being in California, there were local and state EPA and BAAQMD emissions requirements. These can be complex and time-consuming issues to resolve. Fortunately, GPS has many years of experience in projects like this one. GPS’s production team worked closely with Bentancourt and Caltrans through every step of this process to ensure a smooth delivery, installation, and testing. GPS also worked closely with MTU, ASCO, and Johnson Thermal in designing the custom solution for this unique application. Delivery of all equipment was made in March of 2021, almost 11 months after initial discussions. Startup and load testing were done in early June of 2021. Delivery and installation of a project of this scope is a true accomplishment for all parties involved. GPS’s team managed to successfully execute the project during the onset of Covid, battled increased and uncertain health and safety requirements, PPE, supply chain issues, and manufacturing delays.