PennVet Utility Master Planning

In an initial project, Precis developed a utility master plan for upgrade of the electrical service and power distribution system for the 700-acre School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center Campus, which is world renowned for its large-animal hospital and research centers. The master plan included options and conceptual design for replacement of the existing campus utility 34kV single circuit with two new redundant 34kV electrical service circuits to the campus from PECO, the local utility company. The plan outlined phased replacement of the existing 4,160-volt electrical distribution, which was then replaced and upgraded to 34kV with a new double-ended 34kV substation with automatic throw-over and a campus-wide 34kV loop. New site underground duct banks for the 34kV distribution were planned for and provided around the entire campus for existing and future connections to individual building substations and large loads. New site underground duct banks for the campus IT systems, including fiber optic trunks, were planned for and provided around the entire campus for existing and future connections to individual buildings and the main data center.

In a subsequent phase of work, Precis performed a complete facilities condition audit for all 45 campus buildings and provided a report compiling all building data, systems information, recommendations, and estimated costs for maintenance upgrades to help the school project maintenance spending over a 10-year period. Precis continues to provide the university with engineering services in support of equipment replacements and system upgrades identified in this report.

Most recently, Precis updated the utility master plan with an enhanced focus on mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems in support of, and to resolve, potential conflicts with several major new construction and renovation projects planned for campus.

Aerial photo © Halkin | Mason Photography