BGIS

CLIENT

BGIS

SERVICE

Metering

LOCATION

NSW

TIMELINE

8 weeks

PROJECT INFORMATION

The project involved the installation of electrical metering equipment across 11 sites, including courthouses and public facilities at Muswellbrook, Tweeds Head, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Parramatta Local Court, Sydney West Trial Court, Woy Woy, Wyong, Fairfield, and Bankstown.

The objective was to enable detailed energy monitoring and management through the installation of sub metering and split-core current transformers (CTs) of varying specifications, meter screens, wireless connections, and voltage and current acquisition modules.

OBJECTIVES & PRIORITIES

Fit for Purpose
(compliant)

Cost
Savings

Quality
Workmanship

Fast Response
Deadlines

INSTALLATION DETAILS

Muswellbrook Courthouse:

Challenges included the non-feasibility of normal hours work, the requirement for the installation of a new metering DB, and specific CT and cable requirements for various distribution boards (DBs).
Solutions involved utilising wireless connections for water meters and flexible split-core CTs for easier installation without circuit interruption.

Tweed Heads:

Addressed space constraints and accessibility issues for new metering DB installations, opting for strategic placement to minimise disruption and cable length.
Utilised TF-55 split-core CTs across essential, non-essential, and HVAC systems.

Tamworth Courthouse:

Confronted with the necessity of wireless connections due to the geographical separation of metering points.
Adopted a two-pronged metering strategy to avoid disrupting critical services, like the police station.

Coffs Harbour:

Focused on integrating metering for essential and non-essential services with the challenge of an extensive cable run to the Electric Vehicle Charging DB.
Implemented TF-55 CTs and planned for out-of-hours work to minimise operational impact.

Sydney West Trial Court and Others:

Projects varied significantly, from leveraging existing metering infrastructure to complete system overhauls requiring innovative solutions for cable management and CT installations.

TECNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
& CHALLENGES

Across sites, a diverse range of CT models and sizes were required to accommodate varying cable sizes and amperage ratings, from TR/iTR-10 for smaller circuits to TF-200 for high-capacity needs like chillers. Each site presented unique challenges, such as space constraints, the need for wireless connections due to structural limitations, and the requirement for out-of-hours installations to avoid disrupting courthouse operations.

SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS

The project team implemented several innovative solutions:

The use of split-core CTs to facilitate easier installation without power disruption.
Strategic placement of new metering DBs to accommodate space constraints and minimise cable runs.
Adoption of wireless connections for difficult-to-reach areas, reducing the need for extensive cabling.
Coordination of installation activities during out-of-hours to minimise impact on daily operations.

CONCLUSION

The BGIS metering upgrade project stands as a testament to the complexities involved in upgrading infrastructure across varied sites with unique challenges. Through careful planning, technical innovation, and a focus on minimally invasive installation practices, the project successfully enhanced the energy monitoring capabilities across all sites, paving the way for improved energy management and operational efficiency. This case study highlights the importance of adaptability, technical expertise, and proactive problem-solving in the successful execution of large-scale infrastructure projects.