Sub12 Reliability Project
Overview
The City of Tallahassee is pleased to announce the Sub12 Reliability Project. As the population in Tallahassee continues to grow and more businesses migrate to our area, the City is committed to providing clean reliable services to enrich the quality of life of everyone who calls Tallahassee home. This project will provide increased reliability to the current system and will provide power to Substation 12 if a storm or other event impacts the current transmission feed. Sub12 Reliability Project is set to begin construction in the summer of 2017 and start commercial operation in the summer of 2018. As the #1 Public Utility in America, the City of Tallahassee Utilities places a high priority on keeping its customers informed and involved. For you convenience, this webpage will provide key details about this project and hopefully answer some questions you may have about how this project may impact your lives.
Project Updates
As of July 19, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- completed structural foundations;
- continues structural work:
- installing remaining HVAC partition;
- continues mechanical work:
- installing one remaining Engine Hall HVAC systems @ grade;
- Installing Generator ductwork and crossover platform;
- continues electrical work:
- installing conduit / tray throughout as necessary;
- pulling cable (approximately 95% complete);
- working terminations throughout (approximately 95% complete);
- completed cable testing;
- continues above ground piping work:
- completed testing piping systems;
- installing fire protection piping;
- completed cooling water flushing;
- continues siding and roofing work:
- installing Engine Hall roof;
- installing Engine Hall siding;
- finishing Engine Hall interior walls;
- continues architectural work, including but not limited to, installing doors;
- completed underground piping systems;
- conducting preliminary walk-down of systems with City, and City's consulting engineering on- site field staff.
- suspended site and road work until later date due to traffic on Medical Drive and road improvements scheduled by TMH.
- City continues work pertaining to the generator step up (GSU) transformer transformer/ auxiliaries and completed GSU Oil and Vacuum fill.
- City executed testing services agreement.
- TMH continues sewer and road improvements associated with their construction that's underway. Detours have been established where needed.
As of June 15, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- continues structural work:
- only two small truck unloading slabs remaining; and
- gathering pricing for Gas Metering Slab Extensions;
- continues mechanical work:
- finalizing Stack Girt Installation (sag rods);
- began HVAC partition Installations;
- continued painting Engine Hall structural bolts;
- set Lube Oil & Urea tanks on foundations; and
- installing Engine Hall HVAC systems @ grade;
- continues electrical work:
- installing conduit / tray throughout as necessary;
- pulling cable (approximately 75% Complete);
- working terminations throughout;
- moved batteries into Battery room
- installing lighting fixtures; and
- fabricating and installing tubing tray / instrument installation;
- continues above ground piping work:
- installing large bore and small bore piping and supports throughout at Tank Farm; and
- testing piping systems;
- continues siding and roofing:
- completed Electrical Building;
- completed insulation of SCR's;
- installing Engine Hall roofing underway; and
- installing drop ceiling in the Engine Hall;
- continues architectural work, including but not limited to, hanging wall board and painting inside Electrical Building.
- continues Underground/Sitework:
- finalizing storm system testing/turnover and working on final grade, site aggregate and road work.
- Installed all but two of the front privacy fence panels.
- City continues work pertaining to the generator step up (GSU) transformer transformer/ auxiliaries and completed GSU Oil and Vacuum fill.
- TMH continues sewer and road improvements associated with their construction that's underway. Detours have been established where needed.
As of May 23, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- continues structural work:
- pouring Lube Oil foundation walls and housekeeping;
- finalizing Stack steel installation;
- building support steel on Engine Hall roof;
- completing installation of generator step up transformer grating; and
- beginning painting Engine Hall structural bolts;
- continues mechanical work:
- installing Charge Air Ductwork; and
- installing Engine Hall HVAC systems @ grade;
- continues electrical work:
- installing conduit throughout;
- pulling cable to generator step up transformer and Generators, etc.;
- working terminations;
- installing lighting fixtures;
- fabricating tubing tray / instrument installation;
- starting HVAC Units in Electrical Building; and
- installing 480v Switch Gear and Control Panels;
- continues above ground piping work, including but not limited to, installing large bore and small bore piping and supports throughout and testing piping systems;
- continues siding and roofing:
- completing Electrical Building;
- completing SCR's with exception of removable tops;
- beginning Engine Hall roofing; and
- beginning installation of the drop ceiling in the Engine Hall;
- continues architectural work, includes framing and hanging wall board in Electrical Building.
- City continues work pertaining to the generator step up transformer transformer/ auxiliaries.
- TMH continues sewer and road improvements associated with their construction that's underway.
- Detours have been established where needed.
Starting this Monday, May 7th, the General Contractor will be installing the metal roof to the Engine Hall. To secure the roof Casey craft will be using a power actuated tool that shoots fasteners into the steel. This process sounds like a .22 caliber pistol being fired. This work will be performed throughout the week and sometimes in rapid succession. Casey's safety officer has contacted Tallahassee Police Department to inform them that this work will be going on at the project site.
As of April 12, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- poured truck unloading foundation on 4-3-2018;
- poured gas metering foundation on 4-16-2018;
- continued with structural work:
- completed Electrical Building structural steel;
- began prepping stack for girt steel installation;
- continued electrical work:
- installation of Engine Hall, Electrical building, SCR and Radiator cable trays;
- continued lighting conduit and light installation;
- continued grounding installations;
- continued above ground piping work, including but not limited to, natural gas piping, Wartsila piping and CWS/CWR piping;
- continued underground utility work, including but not limited to, completion of the storm water sewer test, installing FW tie-in to City Main, prepping east roadway and installing aggregate at site.
City continued assembling GSU transformer auxiliaries.
TMH continues sewer and road improvements associated with their construction that's underway. Detours have been established where needed.
As of March 12, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- poured Electrical Building foundation on 3-3-18;
- continues Engine Hall work including, but not limited to, completed bolt-up of steel; installing light fixtures and installing cable tray; beginning handrail and grating installation;
- continues structural foundation work including, but not limited to,
- Black Start Generator foundation
- West HVAC foundation
- Balance of plant pipe and cable tray supports in Radiator/SCR area
- continues equipment installation and alignments
- continues installation of engine access platforms in all areas
- City's Gas Department completed the gas line installation necessary to fuel the generators at the Substation 12 site.
As of February 7, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- The two Wartsila 9.3 MW natural gas-fired generators were delivered to the City of Tallahassee's electric utility Substation 12 (Sub12) and placed on the foundations. Due to the enormous size of the generating units, which arrived in Tallahassee by rail and weigh approximately 310,000 pounds each, they were delivered by a push-and-pull truck that is approximately 300 feet in length and supported by 18 axles with eight tires per axle. See the below link to the video for the delivery of the first generator. Photos of the two generators placed on the foundation at the site are attached to this status update.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- completed installation of the retaining walls (sheet piles) using a low noise method. The Subcontractor has demobilized;
- completed stack and SCR steel erection and began engine hall building steel erection;
- completed the concrete pour for the radiators on February 6th;
- completed the concrete pour for the circuit breaker pad and electrical building bank on February 1st;
- continued electrical work, including but not limited to, completion of switchyard/Generator Step Up (GSU) transformer/electrical building duct bank installation and continued working on grounding grid;
- continued mechanical work, including but not limited to, assisting with two engine installations, setting equipment and beginning work on miscellaneous equipment and platform installations inside the engine hall building.
- Beginning on February 12th through February 16th MEDICAL DRIVE FROM CENTERVILLE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED as the City's Gas Department performs the gas line installation necessary to fuel the generators at the Substation 12 site. CENTERVILLE ROAD AT MEDICAL DRIVE will be closed on February 17th and February 18th to continue this work. CENTERVILLE ROAD AT MEDICAL DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED on February 24th and February 25th to finalize the tie in and complete paving of the roads. Traffic will be detoured while this work is being performed until it is completed. Medical Drive can be accessed via Surgeons Drive if necessary.
As of January 24, 2018: Generators being delivered
- The first of two natural gas-fired generators are scheduled to be delivered to the City of Tallahassee's electric utility Substation 12 (Sub12) located off Centerville Road near Betton. The two generators will provide backup power to the substation as needed including during storms.
- Due to the enormous size of the generating units, which arrived in Tallahassee by rail and weigh approximately 310,000 pounds each, they will be delivered by a push-and-pull truck that is approximately 254 feet in length and supported by 12 axles with eight tires per axle. It is anticipated to take more than 8 hours to transport the first unit from the railyard near Roberts Avenue and unload it at Substation 12.
- To minimize traffic impacts, the first unit will be moved during the evening hours beginning between 9 and 10 p.m. Working in coordination with law enforcement, the contractor has arranged for a delivery route that starts at Roberts Avenue and proceeds to Mabry Street, then takes Pensacola Street to White Drive. Traveling north on White Drive to Tennessee Street, the truck will head east on Tennessee Street to Magnolia Drive where it will turn onto Miccosukee Road. From Miccosukee Road, the truck will proceed north on Surgeons Drive to Medical Drive. A map of the planned route can be found below. Crews have been preparing for the transport which could require raising utility lines and trimming tree limbs along the delivery route.
As of January 16, 2018: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- continues mechanical layout of engine components at engine foundation and started on fire protection equipment;
- continues prepping the site for forming and pouring equipment foundations; Placed approx. 70 cubic yards for the remainder of the engine hall floor slab at 5 AM on 1/13/18;
- continues installation of retaining walls (sheet piles) using a low noise method;
- continues installation of underground piping for storm water and ductile piping for the truck unloading area. Installation of the fuel gas piping at the building foundation is complete and fabrication of the west- side fuel gas piping continues;
- began installation of equipment support steel, including epoxy anchors; start assembly of air intake filter support steel;
- completed installation of embedded steel angle for the engine hall floor trench; complete remaining rebar and expansion joint material installation;
- commenced work on switchyard drilled piers;
- continues coordination with Wartsila on Engine Delivery plan and schedule. The delivery schedule for the two Substation 12 reciprocating engines has changed due weather conditions (snow and ice on roads) to Jan 24, 2018 through February 2, 2018. Efforts are being taken to minimize traffic impacts; however, Medical Drive and Surgeons Drive will be closed for a period of time while the heavy haul load is being moved from the unloading area to the project site;
- continues inventorying equipment and materials received from the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc.; 28 connex received from Wartsila.
- Casey Industrial Inc., the Contractor, supports the community and donated food left
over from a Christmas lunch to The Kearney Center. Casey employees also generously gave $1,445.00 to Christmas Connection in Tallahassee to make a difference for families in need in our area.
As of December 15, 2017: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction continues.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- continues site work, drainage and yard work;
- continues civil and structural work. This includes prepping the site for forming and pouring equipment foundations. On December 6, 2017 an industrial milestone was achieved. The Engine Generator foundation pour was completed;
- continues installation of underground piping for storm water and ductile piping for the truck unloading area. Installation of the fuel gas piping at the building foundation is complete and fabrication of the west- side fuel gas piping continues;
- plans to form the Generator Step-Up (GSU) transformer duct bank the week of December 18th.
- continues coordination with Wartsila on Engine Delivery plan and schedule. The delivery schedule for the two Substation 12 reciprocating engines is scheduled during Jan 19, 2018 through Jan 27, 2018. Efforts are being taken to minimize traffic impacts; however, Medical Drive and Surgeons Drive will be closed for a period of time while the heavy haul load is being moved from the unloading area to the project site;
- Will start the installation of the sheet piling December 18th using a low noise method. This work will continue into January 2018.
- Casey Industrial Inc., the Contractor participated in the community and presented a donation of $5000 to United Way of the Big Bend.
As of November 20, 2017: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction commences.
- Casey Industrial, Inc., the General Contractor:
- has started the prep work for pouring foundations for the equipment at the Substation 12 Reliability site. This work began in November and will continue into 2018. The pours are being scheduled in the early mornings, when possible, to minimize impacts to traffic;
- will be starting construction on the storm water upgrades;
- will start the installation of the sheet piling in December 2017 using a low noise method. This work will continue into January 2018;
- A purchase order with Structural Steel Services, Inc., supplying the structural steel for the project, has been issued.
- A purchase order has been issued to Moffitt Corporation, Inc. to furnish the specialized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design and equipment. This includes non-standard industrial HVAC equipment such as engine air handling units equipped with silencers for the engine hall roof vents.
- A purchase order has been issued to AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to continue the noise mitigation study.
As of October 20, 2017: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction commences.
- Berkel and Company Contractors, Inc., has completed installing the auger cast grout piles and demobilized.
- A Contract with Casey Industrial, Inc., for the General Contractor- Replacement Project, which includes the Substation 12 Reliability project, has been executed. The Contractor has mobilized and started doing earthwork activities and will begin installing the sheet pile retaining wall in October 2017.
- A Contract with Structural Steel Services, Inc., supplying the structural steel for the project, has been executed.
- An RFP for the Building Siding was issued and one response, considered non-responsive, was submitted. Staff is considering other procurement options.
- An RFP for the Pre-Engineered Buildings was issued. No proposals were received. Staff is considering other procurement options.
- An IFQ for the HVAC system for the electrical buildings has been issued, and will be opened and evaluated in October, 2017.
- A Contract for the Engine Hall specialized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design and equipment has been executed with Moffitt Corporation, Inc.
- The Contract for the two 9.3 MW reciprocating generator engines was executed on December 12, 2016 with the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc. The generator engines will be delivered in January 2017.
- In addition to the City project, TMH has a large construction project underway in the area and TMH will be beginning road improvements on Medical Drive in the near future. Upgrades to the storm sewer on Medical Drive are planned also. TMH has requested that the City share the following update about work about to begin.
- Medical Drive Closure:
Improvements are being made to Medical Drive, which extends from Miccosukee to Centerville Road. These improvements include widening the road and installing a sidewalk. This project, which will take place in five phases, is estimated to take seven to nine months to complete (depending on weather).
Phase 1 of the project will begin on Monday, September 25. During this phase, Medical Drive will be closed from the intersection of Medical Drive and Miccosukee Road to the parking deck entrance. Patients and visitors entering the Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center and/or the Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women's Pavilion will be re-routed to Medical Drive by way of Centerville Road or by way of Surgeons Drive from Miccosukee Road.
Proper detour signage will be in place prior to the start of this project to help redirect traffic. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our overall patient and visitor experience.
- The City will be working closing with TMH to mitigate construction impacts to businesses, residents and citizens during the project's construction.
As of September 20, 2017: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue. Construction commences.
- Berkel and Company Contractors, Inc., the piling contractor for the auger cast grout piles needed to support the reciprocating generator engines and other associated equipment, commenced piling production on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The work was completed on September 20, 2017 and the contractor will be demobilizing from the site shortly thereafter.
- A contract with Casey Industrial, Inc., for the General Contractor- Replacement Project, which includes the Substation 12 Reliability project, is being negotiated and is expected to be fully executed in September. The Contractor is expected to begin mobilizing late September. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018.
- A Contract with the Structural Steel Services, Inc. supplying the structural steel for the project is expected to be fully executed in September.
- An RFP for the Building Siding has been issued. One proposal was received and will be evaluated by staff.
- An RFP for the Pre-Engineered Buildings has been issued. No proposals were received. Staff is considering other procurement options.
- A contract for the Engine Hall specialized heating, ventilation, and air Conditioning design and equipment is currently being negotiated with Moffitt Corporation, Inc.
- The Contract for the two 9.3 MW reciprocating generator engines was executed on December 12, 2016 with the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc. The generator engines will be delivered in December 2017.
- In addition to the City project, TMH has a large construction project underway in the area and TMH will be beginning road improvements on Medical Drive in the near future. TMH has requested that the City share the following update about work about to begin.
- Medical Drive Closure:
Improvements are being made to Medical Drive, which extends from Miccosukee to Centerville Road. These improvements include widening the road and installing a sidewalk. This project, which will take place in five phases, is estimated to take seven to nine months to complete (depending on weather).
Phase 1 of the project will begin on Monday, September 25. During this phase, Medical Drive will be closed from the intersection of Medical Drive and Miccosukee Road to the parking deck entrance. Patients and visitors entering the Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center and/or the Alexander D. Brickler, MD Women's Pavilion will be re-routed to Medical Drive by way of Centerville Road or by way of Surgeons Drive from Miccosukee Road.
Proper detour signage will be in place prior to the start of this project to help redirect traffic. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our overall patient and visitor experience.
- The City will be working closing with TMH to mitigate construction impacts to businesses, residents and citizens when City project construction begins and progresses.
As of August 24, 2017: Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue.
- Berkel and Company Contractors, Inc., the piling contractor for the auger cast grout piles needed to support the reciprocating generator engines and other associated equipment, will be mobilizing their crew and equipment on-site with plans to commence piling production on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The contractor will be working 10 hour days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and work on Saturdays due to the Labor Day holiday. Work is anticipated to last approximately 3 weeks.
- Proposals were submitted by the three Phase 3 pre-qualified respondents to the General Work Construction (GWC) RFP. The proposals have been evaluated and staff submitted a recommendation of award. The City anticipates the GWC mobilizing toward the end of September 2017 after a contract is executed. Agreements with TMH have been executed for a primary and secondary laydown area for the GWC.
- A contract with the vendor supplying the structural steel for the project is being executed.
- Rental mobile office trailers for the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc. and City staff have been set up at the project site.
- An RFP for the Building Siding has been issued. Proposals are due September 12, 2017.
- An RFP for the Pre-Engineered Buildings has been issued. Proposals are due September 19, 2017.
- The Contract for the two 9.3 MW reciprocating generator engines was executed on December 12, 2016 with the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc. The generator engines will be delivered in December 2017.
As of June 2017: Site work is basically complete. Engineering continues. Procurement activities continue.
- Negotiations are underway with Berkel and Company, Inc. for the Auger Cast Grout Piles needed to support the reciprocating generator engines and other associated equipment. Work is anticipated to commence in July and last approximately 3 weeks.
- The General Work Construction (GWC) RFP has been issued to the Phase 3 pre-qualified respondents; Proposals are due July 6, 2017. The City anticipates the GWC being on site toward the end of August-early September 2017 timeframe.
- RFP for Structural steel has been issued. Proposals are due June 28, 2017.
- Rental Mobile Office Trailers for the equipment supplier, Wartsila North America, Inc. and City will be delivered and set up inside the existing Substation 12 switchyard and on the Substation 12 project site by the end of June, 2017.
- The City is continuing to work with TMH for equipment laydown and construction parking areas.
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Site Map
Map area outlined in red is a general representation of the project site. Please click on the image below to see the high resolution pdf.
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Sub12 Reliability Project Compared to Other Sites
Images below show the approximate distance from the Sub12 Reliability Project site to nearby residences compared to the approximate distance from residences located near similar project sites in other cities. Please click on the image below to see the high resolution pdf.
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Construction Schedule
2017 - Construction is set to begin in the summer
2018 - The facility is scheduled to be in commercial operation by summertime
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Benefits
Redundancy
These units provide redundancy (back-up generation) to Substation 12, which is radially fed, which means it only has a single transmission line that provides power to the substation. If the single transmission line feeding the substation is lost, the critical customers served by the substation would lose power.
Reliability
Increased Reliability for Critical customers (Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Tallahassee Police Department, other medical facilities near the Substation). This will ensure they are operational during a major outage.
Efficiency
The units selected by the City are highly efficient and only utilize natural gas. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. In addition, these units will be equipped with air emission control equipment, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and Carbon Monoxide (CO) catalyst that meet Best Available Control Technology (BACT) standards for removal of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Renewable
These units will also support the long term goal of moving towards more renewable (solar and wind) resources on the City's electric system.
Emissions
Since these units are part of a larger replacement generation project that is designed to replace older less efficient generating units, the overall environmental impact will be the reduction in emissions from the City's generating fleet.
Environment
The project will continue the City's long term commitment to reducing the environmental impacts associated with generating the electricity to meet customer demands.
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Major Equipment
1. Generator Engine
The Electric Utility has selected two engine-generators manufactured by Wärtsilä for this site (Model 20V34SG). Each generating set is a Wärtsilä four stroke reciprocating engine connected to a generator. The Wärtsilä engine is a lean-burn four stroke natural 20 cylinders gas engine that is spark-ignited. The Wärtsilä generating set is a fast start and high efficiency generators even at partial load. It is ideally suited for emergency backup power and to support solar generation. |
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2. Emission Control Module
Each engine has its own selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system for the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and an oxidation catalyst system for the reduction of carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds. The engine computer management system also monitors and manages the SCR to make sure the proper amount of ammonia/urea is fed to the catalyst at proper catalyst bed temperature to achieve the regulatory emissions reductions. |
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3. Cooling Radiators
The engines are cooled by closed-loop cooling systems that do not emit to the atmosphere. The systems consist of large outdoor radiators with cooling fans. The turbo-charged compressed air/fuel mixture is after-cooled with outdoor radiators and cooling fans to keep intake charge temperatures low. This facility will be equipped with ultralow-noise radiator to minimize operating sound. This closed loop cooling system allows for very low usage of water and waste discharge. |
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Noise Level
The City is aware of the potential noise concerns for this type of facility and is committed to designing the facility to address the noise issues.
The major noise sources are the generating units themselves. The engine generators will be housed in a specially designed building to reduce noise when the engine/generators are in operation.
In addition, the City will be using other noise reduction devices in the project such as inlet air silencers, exhaust silencers, and ultra-low noise radiator fans. Based on the noise studies performed to date, the facility located directly across Medical Drive, which is much closer than residences in the area, will see a noise level of less than 55dB at the front door. Other residential areas will experience even lower noise levels.
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Noise Study dB Contour Map
This is a noise study dB contour map prepared by AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (URS Corporation). Please click on the image below to see the high resolution pdf. The dB map shows the noise level to be less than 50 dBs for those residences closes to the project site.
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Distribution Feeders
The below image shows the distribution feeders from Substation 12 and the areas that are served by this Substation. This project is to increase reliability and provide redundancy for Substation 12, which is radially fed, which means it only has a single transmission line that provides power to the substation. If the single transmission line feeding the substation is lost, critical customers served by the substation will lose power. It will not prevent loss of power due to limbs on the distribution lines, squirrels or other distribution line events. Please click on the image below to see the high resolution pdf.
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Substation and Transmission Line Map
The below image is a map of different substations and transmission lines near the Sub12 Reliability Project site. Substation 12 is radially fed, which means it only has a single transmission line that provides power to the substation and that transmission line is from Substation 4. An alternative to installing the two reciprocating generator engines at Sub12 would be an additional loop to feed this substation, which would entail a second transmission line from a different substation, such as Substation 19 or Substation 2. Installation of an new transmission line would require land acquisition and tree clearing in addition to high voltage lines running (in/around/near) neighborhoods. The cost of the alternative far outweighs the cost of this project and is not a viable option. Please click on the image below to see the high resolution pdf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Sub12 Reliability Project?
This is a project to install a reciprocating engine generator facility at the City's Substation 12. This facility will be situated on City-owned property on Medical Drive. The project will utilize clean natural gas-fired reciprocating engine generators and will be equipped with advanced air emission reduction technology and will meet all applicable air emissions standards.
- Why is it needed?
These technological advancements in the power generation industry have come at an important time, as the number of critical customers in the surrounding area continues to grow. These customers include Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH), Tallahassee Police Department, a number of nearby medical facilities, and some of the residences and businesses of the surrounding neighborhoods. Substation 12 is radially fed, which means it only has a single transmission line that provides power to the substation. If the single transmission line feeding the substation is lost, the critical customers served by the substation would lose power. This project will provide increased reliability to the system and will provide power to Substation 12 if a storm or other event impacts the current transmission feed.
In addition to the reliability benefits, these units will continue the City's long term commitment to improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impacts associated with generating the electricity to meet customer demands. These units will also support the long term goal of moving toward more renewable (solar and wind) resources on the City's electric system.
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Are there any other options?
The alternative would be an additional loop to feed this substation, which would entail a second transmission line. Installation of an new transmission line would require land acquisition and tree clearing in addition to high voltage lines running (in/around/near) neighborhoods. The cost of the alternative far outweighs the cost of this project.
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What type of generating units will be installed?
The Electric Utility has selected two engine-generators manufactured by Wärtsilä for this site (Model 20V34SG). These natural gas-fired reciprocating engine-generators will be capable of producing up to a total of 18.6MW of electricity.
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How will the fuel be supplied to these engines?
Natural gas will be supplied to these engines from the existing gas pipe located on Centerville Road.
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How are these units different than the other generating units that the City owns and operates?
The Electric Utility currently owns three types of units:
- Conventional Steam Turbine-Generator Unit
- Simple Cycle Gas Turbine-Generator Units
- Combined Cycle Units (combination of the two style units mentioned above)
The above units are turbine driven generators. The Sub12 Reliability project generators will be reciprocating engines, similar to an internal combustion engine in an automobile, except they will be the size of a locomotive.
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What will the new units look like?
The engine/generators will be installed in a building and will be designed to reduce noise when the engine/generators are in operation.
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How noisy will these units be?
Noise will be kept to a minimum. The engine generators will be housed in a specially designed building to reduce noise when the engine/generators are in operation. In addition, the City will use other noise reduction devices in the project such as inlet air silencers, exhaust silencers, and ultra-low noise radiator fans. Based on the noise studies performed to date, the facility located directly across Medical Drive, which is much closer than residences in the area, will have a noise level of less than 55dB at the front door. A 55dB noise level is similar to what a modern refrigerator might sound like when it is running. Other residential areas will experience even lower noise levels.
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How would the environment be affected?
The units selected by the City are highly efficient and only utilize natural gas. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. In addition, these units will be equipped with air emission control equipment, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and Carbon Monoxide (CO) catalyst that meet Best Available Control Technology (BACT) standards for removal of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Since these units are part of a larger replacement generation project that is designed to replace older, less efficient generating units, the overall environmental impact will be the reduction in emissions from the City's generating fleet. The units will be constructed to ensure that they meet or exceed all air emissions limitations, in order to provide for no impacts to human health or safety.
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How long will construction last?
Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2017, with the units achieving commercial operation by the summer of 2018.
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What will be the local impacts during construction?
The main impacts are expected to be those associated with typical commercial construction. There will be material deliveries and typical construction activities. Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) will have construction projects going on in the area during the same time that the City's Substation 12 Reliability Project is underway. The City of Tallahassee and TMH have partnered to keep the residents, businesses and offices in the impacted area informed of the projects. At times during construction, traffic passing through the area may be detoured.
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Once installation of the generating equipment is complete, how many people will be working at these sites?
There will be no additional staffing required as a result of the addition of these units. The units will be maintained and remotely operated by Electric personnel. The site will be routinely inspected or monitored by Electric personnel.
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What type of fuel will these units burn?
These units are designed to burn the same clean burning natural gas that is utilized by the citizens of Tallahassee in their homes.
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Will there be any odor emitted from the natural gas-fired reciprocating engine-generators?
No. Since the engines are natural-gas fired, there will be no detectable odor.
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What type of lighting will be installed at the project site? Will it be on at night?
The facility will only have that exterior lighting that is required for safe and secure operations. The lighting will be designed to minimize, to the extend practical, the impacts from the lighting.
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Are there other units like the units planned at the Sub12 Reliability Project site already operational in the United States?
There is over 2,700 MW of capacity of Wartsila reciprocating generator engines installed at 61 locations across North America. Within Florida, a similar sized unit is being installed adjacent to University of Florida Shands Hospital.
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How much is the cost for this project?
The current project budget is $30 Million for the Substation 12 Reliability project. This is part of a larger $118M Replacement Generation project approve by the City Commission.
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Is this project being driven by the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) project?
This project will provided increased reliability to critical customers including TMH, Tallahassee Police Department, a number of nearby medical facilities, and parts of the surrounding neighborhoods. While TMH will benefit from this project, the site is not being constructed for this sole purpose. In addition to the reliability benefits, these units will continue the City's long term commitment to improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impacts associated with generating the electricity to meet customer demands. These units will also support the long term goal of moving towards more renewable (solar and wind) resources on the City's electric system.
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What is the life span of the generator/engines?
30 years
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How does this project impact the City's Electric Utility's carbon footprint?
The City of Tallahassee's Electric Utility system carbon footprint will be reduced since these units are part of a larger replacement generation project that is designed to replace older less efficient generating units. The overall environmental impact will be the reduction in emissions from the City's generating fleet. The units will be designed to ensure that they meet or exceed all air emissions limitations which are designed to provide for no impacts to human health or safety.
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At what speed do the engines run?
720 rpm
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What is the zoning for this project site?
The project site is zoned GO-2 Governmental Operational District.
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Are there permits required to operate this site?
In addition to the standard City Growth Management permits, the project will require an air permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Under FDEP rules, the air permit will be considered a minor air source.
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Will this project increase sales of electricity for the Electric Utility?
The project, in and of itself, will not increase the sales of electricity for the Electric Utility. It is a part of a larger project to ensure that the City's Electric Utility is prepared to meet the electrical demands of its electric customers.
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Are there other phases planned at this Medical Drive location for the Sub12 Reliability project?
No. There are not any additional units planned at the Sub12 Reliability Project site. There is a replacement generation project moving forward that includes installing four 18.6 MW units at the Hopkins Generating Station.
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What engineering firm is designing this project and how many other projects with this technology have they done?
Sargent and Lundy, LLC. (S&L) located in Chicago, IL. is the engineering firm designing this project. The firm's experience with reciprocating internal combustion engines is extensive. For practically every new generation project they have completed (combined cycle, coal fired, nuclear), reciprocating engines have been added for the purpose of black start, which is the process of restoring an electric power station or a part of an electric grid to operation without relying on the external transmission network. These types of applications are in the hundreds. A list of recent reciprocating internal combustion engines projects of new unit design and engineering for larger reciprocating engines with the names of Clients is available upon request.
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Is this project included in Blueprint 2000?
No. This project is not included in the Blueprint 2000 projects.
Site Plan GA Drawing
The below Site Plan GA drawing was developed for this project by Sargent & Lundy, the City’s engineer on the Sub12 Reliability project. The drawing shows the planned location of equipment, structures etc. related to this project. There may be some modifications to the plans as this project is finalized.
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