E-House for Oil Sands mining site

Value proposition

Main drivers

• Distribute power around the mine site at medium voltage levels. Power distribution (up to 36 kV switchgear for surface mining and up to 5 kV for SAGD) and motor control equipment must provide maximum voltage, continuous current ratings and interrupting ratings.
• The use of multiple high horsepower variable speed drives generates high levels of total harmonic distortion. Harmonic mitigation equipment is required to eliminate unwanted harmonics, thus minimizing downtime and energy consumption (which, in turn, reduces energy consumption surcharges where applicable).
• Heavy power usage requires power monitoring and metering systems to identify opportunities for optimizing energy usage and predicting/avoiding power outages.

Value proposition

• Integrate major power and control equipment into prefabricated electrical buildings (PEBs) to facilitate equipment installation and commissioning.

Differentiation factors

• Schneider Electric partners with civil, mechanical and electrical companies to custom-fabricate PEBs. These "powerhouses" provide HVAC, lighting, security and motor control for Oil Sands mining operations. They contain Schneider Electric switchgear and motor control centres.

Solution architecture

Main characteristics

• Schneider Electric offer a broad range of power distribution and motor control equipment to maximize SAGD and surface mining operation uptime.

• Power monitoring and metering systems integrate the supervision and monitoring of electrical equipment into the DCS environment to help maximize facility uptime and identify opportunities for saving energy. The PowerLogic System Manager Software allows the user to plot historical trends, accurately allocate energy usage, and view power line harmonics.