Client: Space Force (sub to Vertex)
Location: Eareckson Air Station, Shemya, Alaska
Scope of Work:
- Design-build construction
Brice designed and delivered a modern SCADA system to replace the existing legacy Johnson Control System. The modern SCADA system provides historical logging/command recording, redundancy, and compatibility with future monitoring points throughout the Cobra Dane radar facility at Eareckson Air Station, Alaska.
For the Metasys control system, Brice replaced the legacy Johnson Controls Metasys with a redundant programmable logic control (PLC) based system, integrating HMI hardware and software functionality from the Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger (ACHE) modernization, the upgraded the AHU cooling coils and replaced pneumatic controls with electronically actuated equipment. The new facility management system (FMS) offered monitoring and controls, historical logging/command recording, redundancy, and compatibility with future monitoring points.
For the 480V Breaker System, Brice replaced the existing 480V Westinghouse DS-416 motor-operated breakers with a modern solution that included power metering and microprocessor-based trip units, tying them back into the SCADA system for monitoring and control. Arc flash sensing capability was added to reduce hazards for onsite personnel, which was also integrated into the SCADA system for alarming.
We also replaced AHU-1 and AHU-2, including reconstruction of connections to facility ductwork and removing the exterior intake hood to prevent the facility from exposure to the Shemya weather. This involved replacing deteriorating components and switching from pneumatic controls to electronic controls and switches. AHU-1 and AHU-2 were then incorporated into the new FMS. Temperature settings and alarming for the facility AHU’s can be adjusted or monitored from the FMS.
As part of the design process, we conducted two site surveys. Site Survey #1 was conducted to prepare for reverse planning and system requirements review with the prime contractor and the government. We performed field verification of subsystem components and configurations, with discrepancies documented and presented during the Site Survey #1 presentation. Site Survey #2 was conducted in preparation for the initial design TIM, with findings and discrepancies. Verification of draft SIIP, Commissioning Plan, and Drawings took place during site survey #2.
Brice participated in a virtual meeting following Site Survey #1 and provided updates to the integrated master schedule. System Requirements Review support was provided, ensuring traceability to the SDR, as well as Initial Design TIM support. Brice ensured hardware met technical requirements, compatibility with COBRA DANE Radar systems and avoided end-of-life components. Software Design and Development focused on meeting technical requirements, compatibility with COBRA DANE Radar hardware, and continuous support of equipment configuration settings in an open format for future upgrades.
Brice wrapped up this mission critical project with commissioning, training, and training support.
Performance Highlights
- Successfully performed the scope of work without disruption to ongoing operations at the facility. Throughout project planning and execution, we coordinated actively with USAF and the prime contractor to avoid conflict
- Completed the project on time, on budget, and without safety incidents, despite various project complexities associated with working on a remote island with complex weather and logistics as well as limited historical documentation of the facilities to inform the design process