Macro was an integral part of an engagement awarded to KEMA Consulting in November 2007 to assist Brookfield Power Corporation (BPC) in developing a National System Control Center (NSCC) architecture to allow for coordinated monitoring and control of all their generating assets across the North American continent. The proposed architecture included a Canadian National System Control Center located in Gatineau, Quebec and a U.S. National System Control Center located in Marlborough, MA. This system architecture would allow for the consolidation of remote operations control in a single location for each country, and would provide required reliability and support for BPC’s future growth strategy.

The primary goals of this study were to develop preliminary designs and layouts for both the Canadian and US National System Control Centers. Major tasks included the assessment of operational functions of all Control Center staff and how they interact, the evaluation of BPC’s future needs and growth, an assessment of potential BPC control facilities in both Canada and the US, and the development of recommended configurations for both the Canadian and US facilities that will be best suited for BPC’s needs. The designs were based on concepts and industry standards that will provide a safe, functional, and efficient work environment for BPC’s operations personnel. In addition, each NCSS included space for additional personnel and equipment as an emergency backup. The preliminary design included anticipated electrical loads, heat/air conditioning loads, and defined the emergency power system requirements. The preliminary design requirements and conceptual layouts where then provided to an Architect as the basis for completing the final design of the facilities.

Continuing with this project, Amtrak selected Macro to prepare an extensive technical procurement document for the CETC Replacement System. The new project also includes proposal evaluation and technical support during construction.

Macro performed a design study for a new control center facility located near IID’s current control facilities in El Centro, CA. The study involved an assessment of IID’s current operations and their future needs and growth; development of site selection criteria and evaluation of potential control center sites; determination of the user’s facility needs related to computer and communications support systems; and development of a conceptual control center design including support facilities. The conceptual design included ergonomic, architectural, mechanical, and electrical requirements for the new control facility, including operator workstations and a projection display wall.

In the following phases of this project KEMA, in conjunction with the project architect, will incorporate this conceptual design and specific facility design requirements into the final design of the Control Center. KEMA will develop the bid documents, participate in bid evaluations, and act as IID’s construction manager through the construction and commissioning of the new facility.

Macro designed a new control center located in Chelan Power’s Technical Center in Wenatchee, WA. The design involved an assessment of Chelan Power’s current operations and their future needs and growth, an evaluation of the new control center site, and development of a conceptual control center vision including associated support facilities.

The conceptual design included ergonomic, architectural, mechanical, and electrical requirements for the new control facility, including operator workstations and a projection display wall. Chelan Power’s project architect incorporated this conceptual design and specific facility design requirements provided by our sister firm, KEMA Consulting, into the final design of the Tech Center. Based on the conceptual design, Macro developed procurement specifications for workstation consoles that would house display and communication equipment for the Chelan operators, and the projection display wall that will depict the entire Chelan County region. This effort included the design of typical screens to prove that the entire electrical network would fit into the allocated wall space. During the final design and construction stages for the Control Center, Macro assisted the design and project management teams in developing the final design, reviewing the Architect's and Engineer's design documents, responding to technical questions, reviewing the contractors submittals, and participating in the construction progress meetings.