Pumping Plants Condition Assessment & Arc Flash Analysis

RH2 conducted a system-wide evaluation of 19 irrigation pumping plant facilities for the Roza Irrigation District, assessing 480-volt and 2,300-volt electrical systems including transformers, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), and protective equipment. The pumping plants, originally constructed between 1948 and 1972, include a wide range of equipment types and design standards.

RH2 modeled each facility, along with 33 kV distribution power lines, and completed a comprehensive arc flash analysis. The analysis included recommended circuit breaker settings to reduce arc flash incident energy and improve electrical safety at each site.

A key component of the capital improvement plan evaluated the operational and cost impacts of converting existing 2,300-volt systems to 4,160-volt equipment or, alternatively, standardizing facilities to 480-volt systems. The analysis also considered pump and motor replacement options, with and without variable frequency drives (VFDs), and assessed resulting load impacts across 63 miles of 115 kV distribution line.