Wilbarger County, TX
ECI/EPCS provided the design, procurement, construction and testing associated with the high voltage substation and transmission scope of work for the Western Trail Wind Project.
Western Trail is a 367-megawatt wind generation facility located in northern Texas and is Ørsted’s largest onshore wind project to date. The substation and transmission line were designed and built to accommodate an additional 263 MW of generation interconnecting into the Western Trail Substation. The high voltage 345-34.5 kV substation included (4) 345 kV switches, (2) 345 kV breakers, (1) 345/34.5 kV 100/133/167 MVA transformer, (1) 345/34.5 kV 156/208/260 MVA transformer, (8) 34.5 kV breakers with integral grounding switch, and (2) 34.5 kV capacitor bank bays with 16.2 MVAR cap banks.
The transmission gen-tie line includes almost 18 miles of overhead single-circuit 345 kV transmission line using 2-bundle 1272 kCM ACSR “Pheasant” conductor and single OPGW with no additional shield wire. This line uses delta braced post configuration for tangents and vertical configuration for running angles and dead-ends. Guying support was utilized at most angle and dead-end locations, with the remaining being self-supporting structures on concrete pier foundations across the rolling hills of Witchita and Wilbarger County, Texas. EPC Services Company provided full onsite construction management and procurement services in support of this project.
- Key Facts and Highlights:
- Design/build of 34.5-345 kV substation and 18 miles of 345 kV transmission line.
- Created in support of 367-megawatt wind facility.
- Provided onsite construction and procurement support.