Wilkes-Barre Direct Operations Center Switchgear Replacement

Henry Adams was tasked by the General Service Administration to design the replacement of two Medium Voltage Substations at the Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center (WBDOC). The GSA-owned facility manages and supports the Social Security Administration (SSA) nationwide data and customer service operations. The building is an approximately 265,000 SF, four-story steel frame structure with all stories above grade.

This project aims to replace the building’s two double-ended substations that have reached the end of their useful life. Parts have become obsolete within the existing switchgear as determined in a previous study completed.

Substation 1 was reduced from 2000/2666KVA fan-assisted cooled transformers with 4000A main and tie circuit breakers to 1500KVA ambient air-cooled transformers with 2500A main and tie circuit breakers. This substation feeds the building’s general loads consisting of lighting, mechanical systems, receptacles, elevators, etc.

Substation 2 was reduced from 750/1000KVA fan-assisted cooled transformers with 1600A main and tie circuit breakers to 750KVA ambient air-cooled transformers with 1200A main and tie circuit breakers. This substation feeds the building’s data center and Power Distribution Units spread throughout the building including a central 250kW/275kVA UPS. This entire substation is backed up by an existing 825kW/1031kVA Diesel Generator.

Each Substation consists of two non-fused Medium Voltage Interrupter Switches, two cast coil Dry-Type Transformers, and a Main-Tie-Main UL1558 Switchgear lineup with feeder breakers.

Henry Adams was the prime A/E on this contract and was responsible for the electrical design. Delta Engineers/Architects and RLB were sub-consultants on the design who assisted with Division 01 specifications and cost estimating services respectfully.