How UBC used ETAP for realtime monitoring and to plan for distribution equipment upgrades for their campus

The project at the University of British Columbia (UBC) involved replacement of all the high-voltage electrical distribution equipment that powers the majority of the campus. The use of ETAP design software enabled the easy integration of real-time substation monitoring, as it already incorporates the digital twin concept.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the province and is one of the most respected research-intensive universities in Canada. UBC has two main campuses: the Point Grey Campus in Vancouver and the Okanagan Campus in Kelowna. UBC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional degrees in areas such as medicine, law, and engineering. It is recognized for its robust research programs in fields such as oceanography, neuroscience, and sustainable development. UBC also maintains a strong international presence, with partnerships and exchange programs in place with universities worldwide.

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Year: 2021

Efficient planning for system upgrades and transition to operations

Challenges

This project, which emerged from a feasibility study conducted earlier, will replace all the high-voltage electrical distribution equipment that powers the majority of the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus.

  • Substation – Campus Main Utility
  • Reliability – Old MV Switchgear
  • Safety – Remote breaker operation & Simulation
  • Efficiency – Data analysis

Why did they choose ETAP?

UBC's use of ETAP design software enabled the easy integration of real-time substation monitoring, as the software already incorporates the digital twin concept, facilitating a seamless transition from design to operation. As a result of the business relationship of Schneider Electric and  ETAP, UBC chose to integrate Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Power Operation with ETAP for a complete simulation and analysis solution. 

  • As an Early Adopter of ION Enterprise/PME, UBC was able to provide feedback on this new offer
  • UBC was long-term customer using ETAP software and Schneider Electric equipment
  • Local presence and support was essential and highly valued

Products used:

  • ETAP Power Simulator, for power system modeling and simulation, and the development of a unified electrical digital twin
  • EcoStruxure Power, using the ETAP Digital Twin for real-time operations

Benefits

  • Future-proof solution based on the latest industry standards
  • Operational efficiency using a single-pane view of the overall Electrical Control System
  • Single vendor simplification using Schneider Electric hardware & software
  • Interoperable with third-party equipment (e.g., SEL)
  • Cybersecurity-integrated solution

Equipment Upgrade List

Schneider Electric medium voltage switchgear:

ION9000 + SEL protection Relays
GPS clock – Time Synch
EPO (PME) & PQ Performance
ETAP Design, Simulation & Predictive Analysis

University of Columbia Sign at Campus in Vancouver

University of Columbia Sign at Campus in Vancouver

Substation at University of Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

UNY Substation at University of Columbia, Vancouver, Canada


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