Vale Canada Limited

Power System Studies
2019
Power Systems

Under a three-year contract with Vale, BESTECH conducted power studies at various North Atlantic sites, including hydroelectric stations like High Falls and Wabageshik Falls, mine sites such as Frood and Stobie, and critical infrastructure at the Smelter and Tailings facilities.

The goal was to assess and enhance the electrical system’s safety and reliability.

SCOPE

The power studies included an analysis of the existing electrical systems at each site, focusing on short circuit calculations, protective device coordination, and arc flash studies. BESTECH used advanced techniques to identify risks and inefficiencies in the electrical distribution and protective systems.

Each study resulted in a detailed report that met Vale’s standards, including arc-flash labels with QR codes for safety information. The reports addressed code compliance issues and coordination concerns, providing tailored recommendations.

OUTCOME

The studies offered Vale insights into the safety of their electrical systems. BESTECH’s recommendations included strategies to reduce incident energy, improve coordination among protective devices, and upgrades to enhance fault tolerance. These inputs helped Vale prioritize safety improvements and system upgrades, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. The implementation of these recommendations is expected to improve the safety and reliability of Vale’s power infrastructure.