To keep the power supply steady as Cangzhou grew, Cangzhou Tongxing Electric Power Design needed to design and build a 110-kilovolt substation, though it also needed the capability for adding circuits in the future. They sought a digital solution to meet the tight schedule and overcome complex construction environment, but the software would also need to meet the 3D design standards of the State Grid of China.

The organization selected Bentley applications to help them meet all project goals. The software helped designers in each discipline collaborate, as well as eliminate any potential clashes. They shortened the time needed for design and improved the overall quality of the substation. They also incorporated all structural and operational data into the model itself, making handover easier and supporting operations and maintenance. Using the software, the designers met national standards and are supporting China’s goal of a Digital State Grid.

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer, ProjectWise, ProStructures, STAAD

To help meet an increasing power load and improve the reliability of the local power grid, Hunan Guodian Ruichi Electric Power Survey and Design was tasked with establishing a 220-kilovolt substation. Officials required them to provide a 3D design for the facility. Though digitalization would improve the modeling process, they needed software that would help all disciplines collaborate to meet the deadline.

Already familiar with Bentley applications from a previous project, the organization determined that the software could help meet all project requirements. Each discipline worked together and instantly checked the rationality of the model layout. They created a reality model of the site in relationship with its surroundings, ensuring an environmentally friendly design. The optimized substation model reduced cabling length by 4.3% and steel use by 19.4 tons. Additionally, the ability to create a modular design reduced construction time by 32 days.

Project Playbook: Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, OpenRoads, OpenUtilities Substation, ProStructures, STAAD

Part of the world’s highest altitude power and transmission project, the Saga substation is a 220-kilovolt, large-scale outdoor station that will eliminate the power shortage in the Ngari region, enabling seven counties in Tibet to have access to the connected power grid. The project presented complex geographical conditions and a poor working environment, compounded by requirements that the plant design comply with the local Tibetan architecture style. To overcome these challenges and manage multiple engineering disciplines, the team needed collaborative BIM technology.

They selected Bentley’s open 3D modeling applications, including OpenUtilities Substation and OpenBuildings, to perform coordinated design, effectively reproducing the local architectural style and supporting digital construction of the power grid. Using LumenRT provided an interoperable visual platform for multidiscipline field reviews and an interactive virtual reality scene that enabled construction disclosure without additional conversion software. Bentley’s integrated digital solution saved nearly one month in the construction schedule and over CNY 2 million.

Project Playbook: LumenRT, OpenBuildings, OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads Designer, OpenUtilities Substation, ProStructures

To free up space in a dense environment, officials decided to move overhead power lines underground. SPAC was tasked with planning the installation of four HVAC 225-kilovolt links, fiber optics, grounding, and supporting equipment within a new 2.8-kilometer tunnel up to 45 meters below the surface. In addition to determining how to install cables and equipment in a deep, confined area, they had to integrate their work with existing infrastructure and connections. To stay on schedule, they sought a BIM methodology.

They discovered that OpenBuildings could help them overcome the project challenges. In addition to modeling the cable system, the open nature of the application helped them incorporate designs made by stakeholders with third-party modeling software. With a federated model, they detected and resolved 53 clashes, defined the construction schedule, and reduced risks to workers. All contributors now have a clear vision of how to best carry out the project.

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenPlant

Shijiazhuang Sky Electric Power Construction was tasked with developing a nine-in-one energy complex, including a substation, 5G base station, data center station, charging station, wind power station, photovoltaic power station, energy storage station, smart experience hall, and shared battery swapping station. However, they only had a footprint of 4,334 square meters to build on, compared to 7,000 square meters for typical 110-kilovolt substations. They needed intuitive 3D design software to arrange and connect all substation elements.

Shijiazhuang Sky Electric Power Construction determined that they could clearly visualize the entire project with Bentley applications. Modeling each element in 3D helped them determine how to effectively place them in the tight footprint and detect and resolve any quality problems or risks, increasing quality control by 27%. Using the model to optimize the construction schedule is estimated to shorten the construction time needed by 43% or five months.

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBuildings, SYNCHRO 4D

As part of an initiative to enhance the Florianópolis power grid, developing an addition to the Desterro Substation doubled as a conceptual project for L2 Engineering. In the process of designing and delivering the substation, contractor Julio Frois Engenharia wanted to study the necessary resources when developing a new production process, and then adapt the design for asset management. To meet the project’s ambitious goals, they sought to create a 3D model.

Julio Frois determined that they could combine the work of different design disciplines into a unified digital twin that includes electrical equipment, connections, and concrete structures by using Bentley applications. Teams worked collaboratively on individual model elements and viewed the impact of potential options in real time, helping to catch errors and optimize the design. The ease of use helped reduce design time by 40%, and SYNCHRO helped them plan construction stages. The model is now used for continued asset management.

Project Playbook: iTwin Design Review, OpenBuildings, OpenPlant, OpenUtilities, SYNCHRO 4D

When the government of India mandated GIS mapping and network accessibility updates for city gas distribution facilities to improve utility reliability, Genesys faced challenges in transforming staff experiential knowledge into an accurate, geo-referenced diagram that supported future expansion. They proposed a unique mobile mapping solution, but needed open, integrated technology to develop a web-based GIS platform that enabled real-time consumer and asset data updates.

Genesys selected Orbit 3DM to view and process mobile LiDAR point clouds and panoramic imagery, covering more than 300 kilometers and comprised of approximately five terabytes of data. Integrating OpenUtilities, they developed a web-based, open-source gas network map for real-time insight into consumer metrics and utility asset operations. By digitalizing the network, they enabled intelligent operational management and maintenance projected to generate an additional 10% to 15% of revenue annually.

Project Playbook: MicroStation, OpenUtilities, Orbit 3DM, Pointools

As power consumption rapidly grew in Guangzong, Xingtai Power faced the urgent need for a new electrical substation. They tasked Xingtai Electric Engineering with designing the 110-kilovolt substation, which includes three transformers and transmission lines. The organization needed to ensure high quality, so they turned to 3D design. However, their designs also had to incorporate all technical data and help guide the construction process.

Xingtai Electric Engineering determined that they could meet all needs of the project with Bentley applications. All disciplines collaborated in the same design environment, which streamlined data sharing and improved design quality. By working with accurate models of all equipment, they adjusted the size of the distribution device room to save 3% in costs, and detecting and resolving clashes during design shortened review time by 50%. The completed model is now helping refine the construction schedules.

Project Playbook: Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, ProStructures

iForte is a provider of data solutions in a wide variety of fields. As part of their services, they operate fiber optic networks throughout Jakarta. The organization needs to continue providing fast, reliable service to their clients, even as technology progresses. Therefore, they determined that their network needed improved data conversion speed. They examined potential solutions, but many of them were proprietary platforms that would have required them to hire dedicated engineers.

iForte learned that they could easily convert data with Bentley’s OpenComms. Since OpenComms can accept data from any source, they can design fiber optic networks on their preferred formats. Not only can the application support design in a digital twin environment, but the unified environment also reduced planning and analysis processes from eight hours to two hours, as well as reduced errors. iForte converted 8,000 kilometers of fiber optics into OpenComms and created a digital twin of the entire system.

Project Playbook: OpenComms

Making Indonesia 4.0 is the nation’s roadmap for embracing emerging technologies to increase economic activity, manufacturing, exports, and employment. To support that initiative, Linknet needed to improve data migration for its fiber optic networks into intelligent environments. Traditional forms of data transfer were slow and often caused input errors. Therefore, they needed a fast, reliable solution to support Indonesia’s initiative.

Already a user of Bentley applications, Linknet determined that the software could help them improve data migration for 5,000 kilometers of fiber optic networks. They inputted data twice as fast as previously used methods. Additionally, making seamless data transfers eliminated the need for correcting data, saving significant resource hours. Linknet can not only support Making Indonesia 4.0 and improve service to their customers, but they can also more easily expand their fiber optic network throughout the Indonesian archipelago.

Project Playbook: Bentley Expert Designer Communications, Bentley Inside Plant, MicroStation, OpenComms

When Shijiazhuang required a new, 100-kilovolt substation to support growing its power needs, Hebei Electric Power Company decided to make it a pilot project for BIM design and comprehensive energy demonstration. They tasked Hebei Huizhi Electric Power Engineering Design with using BIM methodology, as well as improving quality and safety and integrating the design into the surrounding environment. Their first choice for design software could not meet the design and construction requirements, so they sought a better solution.

They determined that Bentley applications could help them create models, lay out cabling, and understand the full environmental impact of the project on its surroundings. They detected and resolved clashes, guided the construction process, and facilitated operations and maintenance. By working in a collaborative environment, they shortened the design time by 30 days and reduced costs.

Project Playbook: Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, MicroStation, OpenBuildings Designer, OpenUtilities Substation, ProSteel, ProStructures, STAAD

Baoding Jida Electric Power Design planned to establish a new, 110-kilovolt substation but determined that their standard substation design needed an update. For the new version, they wanted to increase the station area and add an auxiliary room and a battery room to improve operations and reliability. Due to the complexity of the new elements, they needed to go beyond 2D drawings and use 3D design.

After weighing their options, they determined all elements of the updated substation could be modeled with Bentley applications. While drafting the digital model, they pinpointed clashes and determined how to remediate them. For example, they determined a cabling tunnel did not meet national standards, so they increased the tunnel depth from 2.5 meters to 3 meters. Eliminating the need for rework saved 2% in costs and improved efficiency by 5%. Simulating the work schedule improved construction efficiency by 10%.

Project Playbook: Bentley Raceway and Cable Management, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Designer, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, ProStructures