Vale Canada Limited
High Falls No.1, one of Vale’s oldest generating stations in Sudbury, Ontario, was built in the early 20th century.
The station’s electrical equipment had surpassed its life expectancy. BESTECH was engaged to extend its operational life by 30 years, ensuring compliance with safety, efficiency, and environmental standards.
SCOPE
BESTECH was tasked with completing detailed engineering to advance the project to construction. The engineering efforts focused on upgrading the 69kV substation, generator building, and 5kV switchgear line-ups, alongside related infrastructure. This scope involved designing electrical, civil, and structural components; developing new protection and control schemes; conducting grounding grid and lightning protection reviews; and replacing outdated protection and control systems for the generators and distribution.
The team also conducted short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies, provided a constructability review, and prepared demolition packages for the existing infrastructure. Additionally, the project included the integration of SCADA and RTU systems for improved monitoring and control.
OUTCOME
The rejuvenation of High Falls Generation Station featured a successful transition to upgraded infrastructure, enhancing operational longevity by 30 years. The project elevated the station to modern safety, efficiency, and environmental standards, reducing concerns about operational viability. By modernizing critical components, BESTECH ensured the station’s reliability and performance while lowering maintenance costs and environmental risks.