AGL Torrens Island Power Station Upgrade - Sturdie Electrical Team

When devastating storms interrupted power supply to South Australia in 2016, and existing back-up generators failed to start, major Australian electricity provider, AGL turned to Sturdie’s electrical team to upgrade its aging diesel power backup systems, without interrupting the ongoing operations of the co-generation plant.

The project

The decommissioning of two old back-up generators, and the design, engineering, supply and installation of new units, including associated switchboards and componentry.

The challenges

• Aging infrastructure. The existing back-up generators, and much of the surrounding infrastructure, were installed in the 1960s. This required extensive investigation into what could and could not be retained in the new works, and how they would be integrated
• Maintaining operation. The two new generators, and their network infrastructure had to be installed and tested with minimal disruption to the operations of the main A and B Station generators on Torrens Island.

The approach

Sturdie’s electrical division sought the input of specialist engineers to conduct studies, while technical specialists identified the most effective solutions for supply of appropriate generators and their installation.

The solution

• Electrical engineering studies. A specialist engineer conducted arc flash and discrimination studies. 
• Installation planning. In-house teams investigated and planned the most effective ways to install and test all required equipment and infrastructure while minimising any interruption to power generation from the main generators. This included cable scheduling and termination diagrams.
• Supply and installation. Sturdie decommissioned and removed old generators and materials, and supplied, installed and tested two new generators – including one new 1250 kVA generator, as well as emergency switchboards, load bank test boards and interfacing equipment.

The outcome

Emergency power generation reliability and capability at the Torrens Island Power Station – Adelaide’s primary electricity generation plant – has been increased, providing greater electricity certainty to residents and industry in South Australia.