Power transmission and distribution

CIMA+ works in cooperation with private and public utilities to develop the 5–20 year planning study of their distribution systems, for existing generation and future growth plans. The work includes:

• Analysis and development of distribution operating maps, system models and transformer and feeder loading.
• Identification of system losses.
• Equipment and conductor sizing.
• Voltage optimization.
• Any other infrastructure upgrade required to supply the 5–20 year forecasted loads.

For the past decade, CIMA+ has been designing and performing non-linear structural analysis as part of all distribution and transmission projects for various utility companies. Future standards will include new and more stringent requirements for the analysis of pole structures, namely a mandatory non-linear analysis of T&D wood, steel, concrete, and composite structures. Our expertise in this field allows us to offer the following:

• Workshops to better understand the difference between non-linear and linear structural analyses.
• Software analysis in accordance with non-linear structural analysis requirements of standards, before utility companies commit to buying the software.
• Reviewing and adapting public utility companies’ overhead standards to match new mandatory non-linear structural analysis requirements.

Many North American public utility companies have developed programs to “harden” their distribution systems in order to protect them against the increasing effects of severe weather such as heat waves, hurricanes, ice storms, etc. Most programs consist of enhanced vegetation management and construction standards. After a severe weather event, resiliency measures are combined with hardening to re-start / reboot the distribution system as soon as possible.

CIMA+ has leading-edge expertise in the design and review of electrical distribution standards for aerial and underground distribution networks. Our strength comes from everyday experience with a large variety of utilities and industry standards.

CIMA+ provides assistance to utility companies for the implementation of their networks, including, drawings for construction, analysis, and approval of detailed engineering, and joint use requests submitted for overhead and underground networks.

Our comprehensive and varied experience with this type of project allows us to quickly adapt to each client’s standards, design methods and calculation tools, such as Simpas, PLS-CADD and SPIDACalc.

CIMA+ has delivered numerous projects for the conversion of overhead and underground electrical networks for public utilities. They involve a pre-engineering evaluation (pole line assessment) to assess the existing network condition and identify the components that need to be replaced or modified, prior to voltage conversion.

Our team has carried out several relocation projects for road authorities, cities, and public utility companies, among others. As network relocations often take place in congested areas, and involve multiple stakeholders, projects of this magnitude can be challenging. Designing a new pole line not only requires technical skills, but foresight in order to avoid conflicts with gas and telecommunications equipment, storm sewers, streetlights, sidewalks, landscape, bus pads, retaining walls, environmentally sensitive areas, etc.