Mission Critical, High Capacity, Redundant Power Supply from Multiple Power Grids
A Central Hudson Gas and Electric sub-station located on the property's periphery presently serves the main campus. The sub-station is redundantly served by two (2) 115KV Transmission lines connected to Central Hudson's 115KV Transmission System. One of the substations can deliver up to 90MVA on a first contingency basis, i.e., there can be a complete shutdown from one of the two transmission lines without affecting TechCity. We are directly on the statewide high capacity electrical grid.
The main campus is served by four (4) underground feeders to double ended switch gear lineups that radially serve secondary unit sub-stations located throughout the facility. Because of this radial design, individual campus buildings have unsurpassed power reliability. The redundant design of the electrical feeder system negates the need for an extensive emergency generating systems. We do have and monitor small emergency generators distributed around the campus that run the employee safety systems like elevators and emergency lighting if required. The site was ranked First in a National Powerline Disturbance (PLD) study that measured compliance to the Computer Business Equipment Manufactures Assocation (CBEMA) curve. Since IBM was typically testing up to $1 billion (US) worth of computers at a time, this was required.
To put this amount of redundant power capacity into nonelectricial engineering perspective, for example, the TechCity building #25 has six times more electrical power than that supplied to a Manhattan office building for normal tenant needs. At TechCity building #5N, the power capacity is over ten times the norm. That same Manhattan building, however, would only be on one power transmission line, not two. If that one (1) grid fails, you must have a backup generator. If you need a location for a backup datacenter post 9/11, you should consider the TechCity safety and low cost of direct access to multiple high capacity power transmission lines not just a large backup generator. This is what IBM did and why it built this massive electrical capacity into the site.
Power Systems Overview
The primary utility company is Central Hudson Gas and Electric (CHG&E) and the Utility substation is called the Lincoln Park substation (LPS). This is located 1200 feet south of building 031 (you can walk to it) and is served by two (2) -115 KV tranmission lines from opposite directions.
The substation includes:
Primary KV system protective equipment
Two (2) -20/26/33 MVA transformers serving 15KV metal enclosed distribution switchgear busses.
Bus 1 supplies TechCity busses 1 and 2.
Bus 2 supplies TechCity busses 3 and 4.
All 15 KV distribution is done via underground cable.
One additional identical transformer with bus tie breaker normally set to open, serving the local Kingston community.
The TechCity electrical distribution systems is rated 40 Megawatts first contingency (with all major components out of service).
Dual 15KV feeders and duplex switches feed sixty (60) on site load centers. An active preventative maintenance program exploits this to limit shutdowns and to resolve service quickly in the event of need. In addition, all critical secondary busses may be connected to alternate sources. 480 volt and 208 services are utilized.
The public utility provides excellent service. Current transmission line and switchyard protective practices and preventative maintenance are enhanced by frequent reviews by owner and utility personnel.
Metering for billing purposes is performed by CHG&E at the Lincoln Park substation. Rate classification is 115 KV large Power Service (which provides the largest available regulated discounts on power).
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