Presentation Transcript

Slide 1: 
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN FOR HIGH RISE BUILDING Powerline Review Center,
Inc.

Slide 2: 
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN for HIGH-RISE BUILDING These buildings distinctively
differ from industrial buildings for manufacturing with regards to electric utilization equipment
installed and the number of floors. The latter are mostly single or two-storey structure due to
operational requirements and constraints. Exceptions are the taller silos for stockpiling of
materials or finished products. hotels / condominiums or their combinations. The definitions as
to number of floors and areas vary from one party to another. commercial establishments
general offices High – rise buildings normally refer to occupancy for:

Slide 3: 
General Lighting & Power 1 – HIGH RISE BUILDING POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS:
sewage ejectors pumps / drainage water sprinkle (fire suppression) potable and non-potable
water supply 4. Water Pumps conveyors, dumbwaiters, others elevators and escalators 3.
Transport System heaters for humidity control blowers and fans ventilation air-conditioning for
temperature control 2. Heating, Ventilation & Air-conditioning (HVAC) System power for
appliances and office machines light for general illumination, seeing tasks, decorative features,
hallways and stairways, others

Slide 4: 
5. Communication System Note: The latter items could be integrated into the building
automation system as may be provided in the design. noise masking and acoustics, others sound
reinforcement and video facilities background music and paging fire suppression and alarm
system intrusion and hold-up control system 8. Auxiliaries Terminals CPU and peripherals 7.
Central Computer System garage and freight entrance and exit for pedestrians 6. Automatic
Doors Intercom PABX telephone system

Slide 5: 
2 – HIGH-RISE BUILDING SYSTEM COMPONENTS A high-rise building electrical system
is composed of hundreds of components, designed and assembled into a safe, functional power-
delivery system. In figure 2.1 shows a typical building electrical system riser diagram, where
the building’s electrical system is connected to the utility system. Here, it is a pad-mounted
transformer, but in other cases it might be a bank of transformers mounted overhead on a utility
pole (for a demand less than 1,000 kVA). The underground service connects the utility system
to building’s main distribution panel (MDP). Located within the MDP is the main building
over-current device, or main disconnect, as well as individual over-current devices for the
system components connected to the MDP. The MDP may also contain provisions for utility
metering, as well as instrumentation for the measurement of system voltage and current.

Slide 6: 
The main disconnect device can be either a circuit breaker or a fused switch. This main device
often contains special circuitry for sensing low-level faults (i.e. ground faults for more than
1,000 Amp main), which otherwise might escape detection. The MDP might be thought of as
the electrical nerve center of the building. It is normally located near building exterior wall and
as close as possible to the utility transformer to minimize the cost of main service feeders. Thus,
all components of the system must be chosen carefully based on design requirements and must
function safely, under normal operating conditions and also under abnormal conditions, such as
short circuits.

Slide 8: 
3 – POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM The franchise utility power company serves at nominal level
of 230/115-volt, single- or three-phase, two-, three or four wires depending on the type of load
and as long as it does not exceed 1,000 kVA. For extremely large service entrance current,
multiple conductors may be used. Likewise, multiple protective/disconnect devices not
exceeding six (6) may be connected in parallel for the service entrance (as stated by P.E.C.).
The size of the load center depends on the proposed connected load and allowances for future
growth of the establishment; its configuration, on the other hand, depends on the requirements
and available facilities of the utility company. For establishment of greater than 1,000 kVA
load, as most commercial and industrial consumers, the power company requires a load center
unit sub-station and serves power at primary line distribution level of 13.8 or 34.5k Volts or
whatever potential level available in the vicinity.

Slide 9: 
The major components of the load center are: Usually in large installations with private load
centers, the practice is to use 208/120-volt for general lighting and power, and 460-volt for
motors. This appears to be the more economical and practical arrangements. 3.1 – Utilizing
Voltage For lighting and appliances, 460-volt line can likewise be used but availability of
fixtures for such potential may not be easily procured, i.e. 265-volt ballasts for fluorescent and
convenience outlet with built-in unit transformers of 50 to 100 VA, 460-230/115-volt ratings.
Three-phase electric motors are normally dual-voltage, i.e. 460/230 volts and using the higher
460-volt rating will result in half-as-much ampere draw, hence smaller wires, lower circuit
breaker rating (although higher voltage) and smaller starter unit. (4) Metering equipment (3)
Low-voltage switchgear; secondary side (2) Power transformer section (1) High-voltage
switchgear; primary side

Slide 10: 
For total load of 1,000 kVA or less, the power supply is 208/120-volt or 230/115-volt only. In
some cases, and for temporary construction power, the power company would serve 460-volt
for use of construction equipment, subject to their requirements, rules and regulations. Should
the customer enterprise be required to provide its own load center unit substation, several
options are available, again subject to approval of the power utility company. 3.2 –
Configuration of Load Centers

Slide 11: 
OPTION – 1 : High-voltage supply line from power company transformed to utilization voltage
of 208/120-volt for general lighting and power, and 460-volt for motors using two separate
power transformers as shown in fig. 3.2(a).

Slide 12: 
OPTION – 2 : High-voltage supply line from power company transformed to 460-volts; general
lighting and power fed by the 460-volt line through a unit dry-type transformer, 460-208 / 120-
volt, as shown in fig. 3.2(b).

Slide 13: 
OPTION – 3 : Similar to Option – 2 “except” several units of smaller units of smaller dry-type
transformers are distributed in the areas or floors for general lighting and power system; these
unit transformers are fed by 460-volt line or lines from the load center as shown in fig 3.2 (c).

Slide 14: 
Any of these configurations will serve the purpose of transforming the incoming high-voltage
line from the utility company to acceptable utilization equipment level. The final choice of the
desired system is normally dictated by costs and equipment availability. Power transformers are
either dry-type or oil-immersed. While a “fail-safe” system could not be adopted due to its
prohibitive cost, still some degree of flexibility and reliability of the system can be reasonably
reached. 3.3 – Load Center Flexibility & Reliability The load center can be split into two (2)
equal or identical units to serve the likewise equally, as far as practicable, divided electrical
loads. In cases of failure of any of the major components of either unit, the remaining half is
still operational. System selectivity can be attained, either on the primary or secondary sides or
both, by using “tie-breaker”. The common disadvantage of all of the above load center
configurations is its inflexibility. In cases of breakdown of any of the main components, i.e.
high or low-voltage switchgear mains, or the transformer itself will result in total system shut-
down.

Slide 15: 
Properly coordinated interlocking system should be provided between the tie and main breakers
to prevent accidents. The load centers described in the proceeding paragraph will be served on
two (2) separate ends and thus termed “double-ended” unit. Customarily, the power company
serves this type of load center from two (2) separate distribution feeder lines to further enhance
the system’s selectivity. Figure 3.3 shows the one line diagram of a typical “double-ended”
system as adopted from Option 3. The same can be done for both Option 1 and 2.

Slide 17: 
Note: The interlock, mechanical/electrical, will prevent putting “ON” the tie-breaker until either
of the main breaker is “OFF”; metering CT’s and PT’s are to be installed in both the high-
voltage incoming lines 1 and 2. The power requirements of the building can be sufficiently
supplied by the power company at acceptable level, continuity and characteristics. There are,
however, instances when the power may be interrupted due to the system fault or deficiencies,
some of which are inherent in the power transmission and distribution. Longer interruptions will
greatly inconvenience the building occupants and may even be dangerous to life and limbs.
Losses in terms of unproductive man-hours and business opportunity may also substantial. 4 –
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM The suggested solution, other than the self-contained
battery-powered emergency lights, is a stand-by diesel engine-generator set or sets. It is not
economically sound, and probably poor engineering practice, to provide 100% back-up or
stand-by power because of the tremendous costs of the generator set or sets to be used in
relatively short time of main power interruptions.

Slide 18: 
The more essential loads of the building are to be supplied with emergency power in cases of
main power failure. Normally, these are the following: Power transfer to stand-by generator can
be done manually by double-throw transfer-switch or automatically by automatic-transfer-
switch (ATS). For the latter, it is necessary that the feeder/s or line/s serving the essential loads
should not include the non-essential facilities. Separate emergency lines and panel boards will
be provided exclusively for the purpose. A typical one-line diagram is shown in fig. 4.1 as
adopted from fig. 3.3. Stairways’ and hallways’ lighting for safety purposes Rooms or suites of
top executives Computer system One or two elevators to be used by physically handicapped
Water pumps and fire pumps Counter areas for public transactions

Slide 20: 
The system operates as follows: Voltage level and time setting as mentioned may be adjusted to
the desired level of the user, but instant transfer from main to stand-by power is not possible
since it will require sometime for the generator voltage to build-up. The ATS could also be
programmed to automatically “exercise” or operate the generator at no-load for 15-minute,
twice-a-week periods in order to keep the set and auxiliaries in good running conditions. When
main power is restored to its rated level, the ATS instantly transfer the load back to the main
power feeder; after 1 or 2 minutes of main power stabilized conditions, the generator set
automatically stops; When main power voltage dips to 70 to 80% of nominal value, the ATS
automatically starts the generator and build- up same to its rated output voltage; after 20
seconds of such power condition, the ATS automatically transfer the emergency feeder mains to
generator;

Slide 21: 
For uninterruptible power supply as may be required by computer hardwares and the like, a
different equipment configuration is necessary. It is discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.
Computer hardware and operations require controlled environment as to temperature, humidity
and dust for satisfactory performance. The same is true for its electric power supply. Power
Supply for Computer System On power interruptions, the time-lag for the emergency generator
to build-up and supply power through the ATS is a way beyond the recovery time of the
computer. Hence, the computer will shut-down, will have to be reset and re-started. If the
computer is on a long-batch run schedules, it may be necessary to re-run the batch (viz.
program) from the start. There is also the possible errors and damages to the computer
hardwares and softwares which may prove very costly. Power hits and dips which is normal
occurrences in AC power system are sometimes beyond the tolerable limits of the computer.
Some hardwares can not tolerate power disturbance of more than 1/5 of a cycle of the normal
60 Hz power. While specially designed automatic-voltage-regulators (AVR) may serve the
purpose, the problem will be in the response time to correct the abnormalities, not to mention
actual power interruptions.

Slide 22: 
The recommended conditioned power system for computer is the “uninterruptible power
supply” system or UPS. In the country most UPS are static type. A typical block diagram is
show in fig. 4.2.

Slide 23: 
The rectifier-charger, fed from emergency feeder thru “RCB” breaker, supplies the D-C bus.
The battery is charged and at the same time supplies power to the inverter where D-C power is
inverter to A-C output for the computer load. Charging of the battery is appropriately
controlled. When power is interrupted, the floating battery will supply D-C bus such that the
inverter will not suffer any power stoppage; the battery bank is normally rated to supply power
for 10 to 15 minutes, time enough to build-up and put on the line the emergency generator. The
battery bank composed of 100 to 150 industrial type-heavy duty units, each with a rated
terminal voltage of 2 to 2 ½ Volts for higher capacity units. Hits and dips will not be reflected
in the A-C output lines as this is absorbed in the rectifier / charger only; the UPS in effect,
filters the power to the computer. In cases of power supply and system infirmities: The output
feeder line to the computer is protected by the inverter circuit breaker “ICB”.

Slide 24: 
There are several supplies of imported and locally manufactured UPS who can assists the users
in selecting the configuration most suited to their respective purposes. Several options of
Redundancy features are available to enhance the reliability of the system. When the UPS itself
fails, the static-transfer switch “SS” will automatically transfer the output to the by-pass line;
the transfer is of the make-before-break operation that the A-C output will not detect the switch
made; Manual transfer to the by-pass line can also be made thru the commercial circuit breaker
“CCB”. A rotary type combination of an A-C motor-driven-alternator and stand-by diesel
engine prime mover with “flywheel” is another configuration of a UPS system as shown in fig.
4.3, this is sometimes termed as “dynamic UPS” system. The flywheel stores and supplies the
rotating power (i.e. kinetic energy) for the alternator before the stand-by prime mover assumes
the A-C motor drive functions in cases of power failure. This is similar with the principle of
rotating regulators in maintaining the speed of a D-C generator.

Slide 26: 
5 – FEEDER : NUMBER & SIZES Feeder line can either be bus way (bus bar trunking) or
insulated conductors or combination of both. The former is more versatile, neat in appearance
but decidedly more expensive Bus ways are very popular especially for high ampere capacity
lines. It can carry up to 7,000 Amp as compared against wires of 540 Amp maximum per set.
There is no limit placed in determining the number of feeders, its maximum load and hence its
corresponding circuit protection. This is decided by the individual’s perception as regards to
flexibility, functionality and economy. All feeder runs will terminate in the low-voltage
switchgear and will be protected with appropriately rated circuit breakers or fuses. (see fig. 5.0)
Bus ways, however, should not be used in highly corrosive atmospheres as in battery rooms, in
concealed locations, and where it may be subjected to serve mechanical injury as in hoist ways.
For these cases, only insulated conductors in rigid steel conduit will suffice.

Slide 28: 
5.1 – Consideration in the Design of Feeders and Protections While a single feeder may
sufficiently supply several areas or floors or loads, so the scope of it affects in cases of
breakdown. The same principle could be adopted for air conditioning, elevators, pumps and
other motor loads The idea is to minimize areas affected by a single feeder breakdown; and so
forth; if the floor is sufficiently large, it may even be divided into zones and fed from different
feeders. Feeder III - to serve 6th, 8th, 10th … Feeder II - to serve Basement, 2nd, 4th Feeder I -
to serve Ground, 3rd, 5th floors Flexibility For the general lighting and power system of a high-
rise building, some designer distribute the loads among several feeders, example:

Slide 29: 
Conveniently Available Sizes of Bus ways or Conductors A set of feeder breakers, say 10 units
of 1,000 Amperes each, another set of 10 units of 500 amperes each and so forth will require
lesser number of replacement units in stocks as compared against numerous feeders of
substantially different sizes of breakers. Minimized Number of Replacement Breakers in Stock
to Reduce Inventory Carrying Costs While multiple bus ways or conductors can be used to meet
desired current-carrying capacity of the line, there should be some limit to this multiplicity for
practical purposes in handling and where building spaces are restricted. for example, three or
more sets of large sized conductors can not be conveniently terminated in a single receiving or
originating lugs or breaker terminal.

Slide 30: 
Allowable Voltage Drops in the Conductors for motors, owing to its starting current and
occasional overload runs, the sizes shall be computed as follows. branch circuit wires for
lighting, heating, and similar loads should have a capacity of not less than 125% of the load
supplied with over current protection not exceeding the capacity of the conductors or 150% of
the rating of the load; it is considered good engineering practice if the capacity of the conductor
is not less than 150% of the load supplied. Note: The sizes of feeder and branch circuit wires
are based on the connected load, allowances for future growth, demand factor and diversity
factors. The following can be used as reference for this purpose: for branch circuits the
allowable voltage drop not exceeding 3% at the farthest outlet of power, heating and lighting
loads. While for both feeder and branch circuits to the farthest outlet the allowable voltage drop
not exceeding 5% to provide reasonable efficiency of operation.

Slide 31: 
Single motor load Use: 3 - 125 mm² or 250 MCM THW Cu wire @ 225 Amp capacity in 65
mm ø or 2 ½ inch ø rigid metal conduit (RMC) Size of conductor = 125% of 180 A = 225 A
Example: A 150 hp, 3-phase 440-Volt squirrel cage induction motor with auto-transformer
starter and full load ampere draw of 180 Amp. 150 to 200% for bigger motors with reduce
voltage, wye-delta or autotransformer starters. 250 to 300% for smaller motors, less than 7 ½ hp
with full-voltage or across-the –line starters. Approximately it will be: Where the multiplier M
% value depends on the type or class of motor as well as the starter or controller to be used,
Size of circuit breaker protection = M% times motor full-load ampere Size of conductor =
125% of motor full-load ampere (FLA)

Slide 32: 
Size of circuit breaker = 150% of 180 A = 270 A Example : Given a group of motors with their
corresponding full-load ampere (FLA) and other loads being supplied by several feeders
referring to fig. 5.1, provide the appropriate size of main feeder conductor and rating of circuit
breaker for protection. Assume 3- phase, 460-volt, 60 Hz supply. Group of motor and other
loads From the tables, it shows the approximate sizes of conductors and circuit protection for
different sizes of electric motors. Note that the equivalent rating for safety switch is slightly
higher than those of the circuit breaker. Use: 300 AT, 400 AF, 3P, 500V circuit breaker
Slide 34: 
Size of conductor = (125% full-load ampere of highest rated motor plus full load current of
other loads) x demand factor Where computed load exceeds the maximum available wire size,
multiple or parallel runs can be used. Voltage drops should also be computed to determine the
propriety of the selected size of conductors; Note: 325 mm² (700 MCM) wire with 425 Amp
capacity may be sufficient, but the next bigger wire is chosen to allow for future growth. Use: 3
- 400 mm² or 800 MCM THW Cu wires @ 485 AMP capacity in 100 mm ø or 5 inch ø rigid
metal conduit (RMC) = 383 Amperes = [125% of 180 Amp + 27+14+65+27+27+ (75,000/ 3 x
460)] x 80% (assume an 80% demand factor refer to P.E.C. for the provision this item)

Slide 35: 
Size of circuit breaker protection = (highest motor breaker rating plus full-load ampere of other
loads) x demand factor Ideally, load centers and panel boards should be located on the center of
the loads to be served to save on wire runs and to minimize line voltage drops. However most
of the time the designing architect, for aesthetic purposes, has the final decision on the matter. 6
– LOAD CENTER, PANEL BOARDS or SWITCHGEARS The size of feeder conductor
should be maintained through-out. It should not be reduced, say at point “x” regardless of the
reduced current beyond the said point-of-tap. Such reduction in conductor size may be allowed
if appropriately sized breaker is installed to serve as protection for the reduced line. The
exception are for runs not exceeding 25 feet and within sight, provided that the reduce line
capacity is not less than 1/3 of the main run capacity. Use: 500 AT, 600 AF, 3P, 500V ACB =
443 Amperes

Slide 36: 
The electrical engineer should, however, strive to locate the panel boards at point where the
farthest load to be served is within 30 meters. Otherwise, larger sized wires may be necessary to
compensate for the voltage drop. Panel board mounting of motor starter units may also be
involved. b) Power distribution panels a) Lighting & appliance panels They are generally
classified into two categories: A panel board consists of a metal enclosure containing bus bars
to which circuit breakers or fused switches are attached. The interior space of the housing
provides sufficient physical space for safe installation of the circuit conductors to their
respective over current devices (see fig. 6.1). In general panel boards and switchgear are used as
control protection points for groups of feeder or branch circuits serving the electrical loads in
building area, usually a floor or a section of the floor. Panel boards, Switchboards &
Switchgears

Slide 37: 
A switchboard & switchgear, on the other hand are free standing assemblies of switches, fuses
and circuit breakers, which serve as locations for larger over current devices, or as main
distribution panels for an entire building. Switchboards are physically larger than panel boards,
due to the size of the over current devices involved, and are design to provide the necessary
space for installation of larger cables (see fig. 6.2). c) Cubicle (with number of compartments
less than that required for metal-clad or compartmented switchgear, usually having partition. b)
Compartmented (with one or more non-metallic partitions) a) Metal-clad Other types of metal-
enclosed switchgear are: Main metal-enclosed switchgear for commercial, industrial, and public
buildings is invariably located in the basement, and housed in a separate well-ventilated
electrical switchgear rooms. There is no clear distinction made between the terms
“switchboard” and “switchgear”, although often high-voltage equipment (above 600 Volts) is
referred to as switchgear. When molded case circuit breakers are utilized in a switchboard it is
often known as building type switchboard.

Slide 40: 
7 – SUGGESTED STEPS in BUILDING WIRING DESIGN Prepare an electrical load estimate
based on areas of the building and other pertinent data; for office buildings, the P.E.C. has
information on the estimated general illumination load, some other books can furnish data for
other loads. An estimated load of 0.1 kilowatt per square meter of habitable area may be used to
countercheck the estimated load. Determine from other designers the exact electrical rating of
all equipment, viz. HVAC, plumbing elevators and escalators, kitchen and others; the electrical
designer may be asked for comparative characteristics of these equipment as regards the
electrical supply. Consult the local company as regards the point of service entrance, service
voltage, metering equipment and other requirements for power connections; the same should be
done for the telephone system.

Slide 41: 
Determine the location and estimated sizes of the different electric supply equipment such as
load center, switchboards, electrical panel board, rooms or enclosures; this will enable the
architect to allocate spaces for these equipment. This estimated space requirements could be
checked and adjusted as may be necessary after the completion of the detailed plans. Assign
circuitry for all lighting and power system to appropriate panels including emergency lines, and
compute panel loads. Design the lighting system, using either the lumens or point-by-point
methods, after due consultation with the architect and lighting designer as to the type of
luminaires, ceiling and wall finished. For clarity of the plans, the lighting design which is
mostly a reflection of the ceiling is separate from those of power layout showing the floor plans.
A separate sets of plans may be prepared for auxiliaries, viz. fire alarm, hold-up and burglar,
paging and background music, noise masking and the like.

Slide 42: 
Check and coordinate with other trades, architectural structural, VAC, mechanical, plumbing,
others to minimize conflicts in the work execution. Prepare riser or one line diagram to include
main distribution panels, load centers, switchboards or switchgears and other service
equipment. Compute feeder, sub-feeder sizes and all protective equipment ratings. (the latter
may belong to the project management team or the construction manager)

Slide 44: 
Table – 1: Typical Molded Case Circuit Breaker Frame Sizes, Trip Settings and Interrupting
Rating

Slide 45: 
Typical Interrupting Rating (r.m.s. symmetrical Amperes)

Slide 46: 
Standard Ampere Ratings for Low Voltage Fuses

Slide 47: 
Distribution Switchgear (Construction, Performance, Selection & Installation) By : R. W.
Blower Philippine Electrical Code (part I & II) By : Institute of Integrated Electrical Engrs. Of
the Phils. Inc. Design & Analysis of Building Electrical Systems By : J.H. Mathews Electrical
Wiring Commercial – based from NEC (6th ed) By : R.L. Smith & S.L. Herman R e f e r e n c e
s : Prepared by: ROMEO QUISTO, PEE#3004