Portland Wind Farm - Pacific · PDF fileThe Portland Wind Farm Bushfire ... Mr. Duncan Alexander ... clearance works hold current qualifications and experience approved by Energy Safe

Portland Wind Farm

Bushfire Mitigation Plan

Pacific Hydro

PHA.OPS.08.006

PORTLAND

BUSHFIRE MITIGATION PLAN

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Version: 11.0Authorised by: Darren Sexton Last reviewed: 01/07/2012 To be reviewed by: 30/06/2013

https://sharepoint.pacifichydro.com.au/sites/auspacops/Document%20Library1/PHA.OPS.08.003%20Challicum%20Hills%20Bushfire%20Mitigation%20Plan.docx

Table of Contents

1. Overview............................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Contact Information ............................................................................................................................ 3

3. Description of Assets ......................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Wind Tower (including Nacelle) .............................................................................................. 4

3.2 (Kiosk) Integrated Grid Connection Transformer and Switchgear............................................ 5

3.3 Cape Bridgewater/Cape Nelson South Substations ................................................................ 5

3.4 P3C Substation ...................................................................................................................... 5

3.5 Overhead Line ....................................................................................................................... 5

4. Preventative Strategies ...................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Wind Tower (including Nacelle, Integrated Grid Connection Transformer and Switchgear) ..... 6

4.2 Substations/Switchyards ........................................................................................................ 6

4.3 Overhead Line ....................................................................................................................... 6

5. Works Program .................................................................................................................................. 7

6. Operations at High Risk Times ........................................................................................................... 7

6.1 In the event of fire .................................................................................................................. 7

6.2 During a Total Fire Ban .......................................................................................................... 7

6.3 During the Fire Danger Period ............................................................................................... 7

7. Investigations ..................................................................................................................................... 7

8. Public Awareness of the Plan ............................................................................................................. 8

9. Performance Measures ...................................................................................................................... 8

10. Prescribed Times of Inspection .......................................................................................................... 8

11. Prescribed Form of Notice of Inspection ............................................................................................. 9

12. Pacific Hydro Policy on Assistance Provided to Fire Control Authorities .............................................. 9

13. Management of this Plan .................................................................................................................... 9

14. Appendices ........................................................................................................................................ 9


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1. OverviewThe Portland Wind Farm Bushfire Mitigation Plan has been developed with the objective to identifypossible electrical causes of fire and to reduce the likelihood and consequences of these throughthe implementation of various preventative measures.

The Plan has been produced to fulfil the requirements of the Electricity Safety (Bushfire Mitigation)Regulations 2003 (Version 003) whereby a new plan must be prepared and submitted to EnergySafe Victoria before the 1st July of each year.

The land on which the Portland Wind Farm is established consists of grassed pastures and is usedpredominantly for low density sheep and cattle grazing. There are trees within the boundaries ofthe wind farm however there are none in close proximity of the turbines or substations and alloverhead lines are kept clear according to Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations2010.

The farms associated overhead lines are located on both road reserve and provate lands. Thevegetation along the overhead lines is a mix of trees and low lying grass and shrubs.

Pacific Hydro recognises that there are multiple ‘at-risk’ electrical assets, not solely electric lines,located at the Portland Wind Farm where fire could originate from, including;

The wind turbine nacelle,

The (kiosk) Integrated Grid Connection Transformer and Switchgear adjacent to each windturbine,

The Cape Bridgewater (CBW) and the Cape Nelson South (CNS)substations,

The P3C substation adjacent to the Alcoa Portland Aluminium Switchyard, and

The 45km of (some single and double circuit) overhead line between the P3C, CNS and CBWsubstations.

Further description of these assets and there management can be found in Section 3 & 4.

2. Contact Informationa. The name, address, and telephone number of the specified operator:

Pacific Hydro Pty Ltd

Level 11, 474 Flinders Street

Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

(03) 8621 6000

b. The person responsible the preparation of this plan is:

Mr. Duncan Alexander

Operations Engineer




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Phone: (03) 8621 6322

Mobile: 0433 124 949

c. The person responsible for carrying out the plan is:

Mr. Danny Halstead

Wind Farm Supervisor




Phone: (03) 5521 1791

Mobile 0407 563 725

d. In case of an emergency contact should be made with:

Mr. Danny Halstead

Wind Farm Supervisor




Phone: (03) 5521 1791

Mobile: 0407 563 725

Powercor Control Room 1800 061 204

3. Description of Assets

3.1 Wind Tower (including Nacelle)

The wind turbines are approximately 70 metres high and comprise of a fully enclosed thick walledsteel cylinder. The towers are tapered and approximately 5 metres in diameter at the base.

The nacelle on top of the tower contains the electrical generator and includes lubricating andhydraulic oils.

In the unlikely event that a fire was initiated within the tower, the fire should be contained within thetower itself. A significant failure of the wind turbine has the potential to initiate a fire. There areelectrical, thermal, speed and vibration interlocks that shutdown the wind turbine before a failurehas the potential to develop. In the unlikely event that a fire was initiated in the nacelle there is apotential for debris to fall and initiate a grass fire.


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3.2 (Kiosk) Integrated Grid Connection Transformer and Switchgear

The 690V/22kV high voltage step up transformers and the switchgear is fully enclosed with a SF6insulant is located on a concrete foundation adjacent to the base of each tower.

The likelihood of ignition of fire from the transformer is minimal and mostly limited to overheating orelectrical breakdown within the unit.

3.3 Cape Bridgewater/Cape Nelson South Substations

The Cape Bridgewater substation is contained within a fenced enclosure and is fully covered withcrushed rock. There is a single step up transformer 22/66kV filled with a large quantity of oil. Thistransformer is mounted on concrete footings and surrounded with wall bunding to stop spreadingof oil or fire. Ignition of fire from the transformer is possible but it is unlikely to spread, and is likelyto be limited to overheating or electrical breakdown within the units. The other components insidethe substation buildings such as batteries, and battery chargers are fully enclosed and thelikelihood of fire is minimal.

The overhead lines within the substation are the 66 kV conductors before the main transformer.The conductor length within the substation is in the order of 20 metres and has been spaced sothat the conductors cannot clash. The area under and in the vicinity of the 66 kV conductors iscovered in crushed rock, minimizing the possibility of igniting any flammable material. The highvoltage switchgear used is fully enclosed with a SF6 insulant.

3.4 P3C Substation

There are two main step up 66/220kV transformers both filled with large quantities of oil. Thetransformers have been separated to industry standard to prevent fire spreading between the twotransformers and the building, all contained within the substation compound. All transformershave been mounted on concrete footings and surrounded with wall bunding to stop spreading of oilor fire. Ignition of fire from these transformers is possible but it is unlikely to spread, and is likely tobe limited to overheating or electrical breakdown within the units. The other components inside thesubstation buildings such as batteries and battery chargers are fully enclosed and the likelihood offire is minimal.

The P3C substation is contained within a fenced enclosure and is fully covered with crushed rock.The overhead lines within the P3C substation consist of both 66 kV and 220kV conductors andbus bars. The 66kV is the incoming line from the wind farms while the 220kV interconnects into theAlcoa Portland Aluminium Switchyard.

The overall conductor’s length is in the order of 100 metres and has been spaced so that theconductors cannot clash. The high voltage switchgear used is fully enclosed with a SF6 insulant.

3.5 Overhead Line

There is approximately 45km’s of 66kV overhead line that runs from the Cape Bridgewater andCape Nelson South substations to the P3C substation at Cape Sir William Grant and is strictlymanaged by the Electric Line Clearance Plan. The overhead line assets include wood poles, SteelCross Arms, 66kV Insulators, Bare overhead conductor, Optical Fibre Cable and Ground Stays.

4. Preventative StrategiesIn accordance with Regulation 5, Section (h) and in line with Pacific Hydro’s plan objectives thestrategies to be adopted for the prevention of fire ignition from overhead lines, substations andwind turbines are detailed in this section.


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4.1 Wind Tower (including Nacelle, Integrated Grid Connection Transformer andSwitchgear)

The Tower bases and kiosk transformers adjacent to the bases of the turbine are routinelymaintained at yearly intervals. Weed spaying is performed on an as needed basis.

4.2 Substations/Switchyards

Quarterly housekeeping inspections of substations and transformers are performed by personnelcontracted by Pacific Hydro to ensure they are clear of vegetation. In addition prior to theDeclaration of the Fire Danger Period (DFDP) action shall be undertaken to ensure that:

There is no vegetation growing within the Wind Farm Substation and Switchyard (eg, weedspraying),

The Substation guttering is checked and cleared of all debris, and

The area around the CBW/CNS and P3C Substations shall be slashed if required to minimizethe amount of flammable material within 5 metres of the Substations.

As soon as practicable after the declaration of the fire danger period an audit shall be undertakento ensure the substations are clear of any vegetation and that the surrounds of all substationsremain clear of any significant vegetation for a distance of 5 metres from the structures.

The substation equipment has additional routine maintenance performed in accordance with thesites Maintenance Plan which has activities such as inspection, thermal imaging, service andrefurbishment that vary from monthly to 25 yearly intervals.

4.3 Overhead Line

The Portland Wind farm Electric Line Clearance Plan details the asset inspection and vegetationclearance program for the overhead line. In summary, Powercor Australia (‘Major ElectricityCompany’) is contracted to perform the annual pre-summer line vegetation inspection andclearance that is conducted prior to 1 December or the DFDP.

In addition the routine works program for the overhead line consists of;

An annual patrol of the Overhead lines for defects and potential failures prior to the DFDP;

2.5 Year limited inspection for specifically identified assets (not planed prior to the first 5 Year fullinspection); and

36 month full inspection in accordance with Regulation 5, Section (j) and Regulation 8‘Prescribed standards of inspection’ (not planed prior to the first 5 Year full inspection).

The auto reclose is currently suppressed on the power line and the line is inspected prior to re-energising after faults.

In accordance with Regulation 5, Section (k) the Agreement between Pacific Hydro and PowercorAustralia requires that personnel completing the vegetation line clearance inspection andclearance works hold current qualifications and experience approved by Energy Safe Victoria. Inaccordance with Pacific Hydro’s Wind Farm Health, Safety and Environment Plan, Pacific Hydrorequests these training records and receives them from Powercor prior to the inspections takingplace. The Pacific Hydro Wind Farm Supervisor is on site at the commencement of the inspectionsto ensure that the qualified personnel perform the works and may remain to audit any worksperformed.


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The asset inspection and vegetation line clearance reports identify and prioritise any rectificationwork required on the assets or vegetation around the electrical lines. The rectification work isprogrammed according to the priorities given with high priorities completed before the DBFP.

Thermal imaging of the power line is performed as required.

A trial of new pole insulators has recently taken place with the intent of replacing the remaininginsulators on 210 of Pacific Hydro’s privately owned poles in the coming months as part of aCapital improvement program. This work was undertaken when it was found that the quality of theoriginal pole insulators was found to be unsatisfactory. As a result the overhead lines have beeninspected at greater than the annual intervals indicated above for potential defects and failuresover the past 12-18 months.

5. Works ProgramIn accordance with Regulation 5, Section (i) the routine preventative strategies previouslymentioned for the Wind Tower, Substations/Switchyards and overhead line are recorded asindividual works in the Maintenance Plan and tracked through the use of Pacific Hydro’scomputerised maintenance management system WTG Service.

6. Operations at High Risk Times

6.1 In the event of fire

In the event of fire which prevents the safe operation of the HV overhead line, the line will be de-energised to minimise further ignition sources.

Where the fire is in the area but presents no risk to the safe operation of the overhead line, theoverhead line will continue to operate with the auto reclose suppressed.

6.2 During a Total Fire Ban

During a time of total fire ban Portland Wind Farm and the associated overhead line will operate inaccordance with normal operating practices (auto reclose suppressed).

6.3 During the Fire Danger Period

The Portland Wind Farm will be operated in accordance with normal operating practices(autoreclose suppressed) during the Fire Danger Period.

Early in December or before the DBFP, the bushfire mitigation actions will be audited by thePacific Hydro Wind Farm Supervisor, referred to in Section 2 (c) of this document, to ensure thatthey have been carried out in accordance with this plan.

7. InvestigationsElectrical faults are recorded on Pacific Hydro’s ‘Electrical Event Report’. For faults or incidentsrequiring investigation, Pacific Hydro’s ‘Defect Report’ and ‘Root Cause Analysis’ processes areutilised. These processes ensure that incidents are properly investigated and actions taken toreduce their likelihood of re-occurring.


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8. Public Awareness of the PlanPacific Hydro’s overhead line Operations & Maintenance contractor, Powercor Australia, isresponsible for processes and procedures for enhancing public awareness including theresponsibilities of the owners of private overhead electric lines in relation to mitigation of bushfiredanger.

The approved Bushfire Mitigation Plan is available at Pacific Hydro’s Website for the generalpublic. They can also get a copy of Bushfire Mitigation Plan at the responsible persons office.

9. Performance MeasuresThe work shall be reviewed annually as initiated by the computerised maintenance managementsystem. Performance is monitored by the closure of maintenance work orders related to bushfiremitigation which have a due date, or are required to be done, prior to the 1st December or beforethe DBFP each year, whichever is earlier.

The Pacific Hydro Bushfire Index is calculated as follows:

Bushfire Index = ÷

Works include all routine asset maintenance and vegetation clearance scheduled and remedialworks.

An updated bushfire index for all Pacific Hydro sites is sent to Energy Safe Victoria before the 1December each year.

The current ‘outstanding works’ for Portland is as follows:

There are no outstanding/overdue works for this site

The ‘works required’ include:

Line Vegetation assessment

Line Vegetation pruning/clearing

Monthly Substation Inspections (CBW, CNS and P3C)

3mth Substation Inspections (CBW, CNS and P3C)

6mth Substation Inspections (CBW, CNS and P3C)

Therefore:

Bushfire Index = 0 ÷ 5 = 0

10. Prescribed Times of InspectionIn accordance with Regulation 7 of the Act:

All serviceable poles are inspected within 1 month of the prescribed time of 36 months

All limited life poles shall be inspected within 1 month of their 2.5 year cyclic inspection date.


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11. Prescribed Form of Notice of InspectionFor the purposes of section 83B(2) of the Act, the prescribed period within which notice to theoccupier of the land is to be given before inspection of a private electric line is carried out will bebetween 21 and 45 days notice before the inspection.

12. Pacific Hydro Policy on Assistance Provided to Fire Control AuthoritiesPacific Hydro will allow access to and assist fire control authorities in the investigation of fires at ornear our electrical assets.

13. Management of this PlanIn accordance with Regulation 5, Section (n) there are a number of processes and proceduresused by Pacific Hydro to manage this plan including:

Monitoring the implementation of the plan is performed by the computerised maintenancemanagement system WTG Service which records any required scheduled or unscheduled worksincluding the vegetation assessment listed in this plan.

Identification of any deficiencies in the plan or the plan's implementation relies on the person’scarrying out this plan to provide feedback to Pacific Hydro management.

Monitoring and auditing the effectiveness of any performed works including theinspections/pruning/clearance carried out under the plan is performed by the ‘MaintenanceImprovement Form’ procedure. Asset performance and condition audits are performed every 3years by Pacific Hydro’s corporate operations team as part of the company’s asset managementframework.

Improvement to the plan and the plan's implementation if any deficiencies are identified isperformed via the “Change Management” procedure and annual reviews of this plan.

Training necessary for persons assigned to perform functions under the plan is stipulated underthe O&M agreement between Pacific Hydro and Powercor.

Monitor and audit the competence of the persons assigned to carry out inspections under theplan is performed by the “Maintenance Improvement Form” procedure and requirements underthe contracted services.

Outcomes from Electrical Event, Defect or Root Cause Analysis Reports are reviewed as part ofthe annual review of this plan and any learning’s are fed into this plan.

14. AppendicesIn accordance with Regulation 5, Section (g).

(A) Portland Wind Farm Overhead Line – Site Layout

(B) Cape Bridgewater Site Layout showing the location of the electric lines, CBWsubstation and the wind turbines

(C) Cape Nelson South Site Layout showing the location of the electric lines, CNSsubstation and the wind turbines


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Appendix A: Portland Wind Farm Overhead Line Site Layout


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Appendix B: Cape Bridgewater Site Layout


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Appendix C: Cape Nelson Site layout


Documents

Portland Wind Farm - Pacific · PDF fileThe Portland Wind Farm Bushfire ... Mr. Duncan Alexander ... clearance works hold current qualifications and experience approved by Energy Safe