Building 38 houses the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest biomedical library, and also supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology.  WFT performed electrical engineering services for three design build infrastructure projects:

Network Transformer & Switchgear Replacement

2015 WASHINGTON BUILDING CONGRESS CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNER

Special utilities upgrades were designed with a project intent to increase electrical system reliability through primary feeder upgrades, replacement of the network transformer, reconfiguration of the existing spot network array from a two-source to a three-source system, and replacement of secondary equipment necessary for the new configuration.  Two new medium voltage (oil filled) network transformers and associated switchgear were configured in a three-source spot network arrangement.  Carefully orchestrated, phased transitions were necessary for two equipment block movements, the transition from liquid to dry-type transformers making way for new switchgear and from existing switchgear to the new equipment.

General Contractor:  NTVI

Emergency Generator Replacement

The facility was deficient of a permanent standby generator capable of supporting essential and non-essential systems.

The emergency generator system originally consisted of a 130kW, 480/277V diesel generator, automatic transfer/bypass isolation switch, 480/277V emergency distribution panel 4172EDP1 and associated panels.  The generator had been removed as it no longer functioned and has been temporarily replaced by a backup roll up generator. This project scope included system analysis, design, acceptance testing and commissioning for the addition of a permanent 230KW packaged emergency generator and the provision of select emergency/optional equipment branch distribution systems through the use of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).  Each ATS was to operate on a staggered transfer system, through the implementation of a select and coordinated time delay scheme utilizing in-phase monitoring, inhibit to commit, and inhibit to transfer features thus minimizing transitions. Some existing loads that were integrated into the emergency portion of the system support active critical loads.  A comprehensive “sequence of transition” was developed, coordinated, and carefully scheduled with the facilities group as well as all building stake holders.

General Contractor:  Olgoonik Management Services LLC

Data Center UPS System  

2013 WASHINGTON BUILDING CONGRESS CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNER

The replacement of the UPS system serving Building 38A’s data center was completed as Phase 1 of a two-phase design build procurement.  The scope included design and installation of a new 500 KVA UPS system (two 250 KVA UPS modules capable of operation in N+1 mode), along with the option of an additional 250 KVA unit to total 750 KVA, and the option of paralleling distribution output switchgear.

General Contractor:  Olgoonik Management Services LLC