CASE STUDY
GEOTHERMAL DRILLING DRIVE LINE UP
THE CHALLENGE
The client required a complete power and control solution for a drilling application, including the design and integration of SCR and MCC E-Houses capable of powering and controlling multiple DC drives and associated rig equipment.
The challenge was to design, engineer, and integrate a fully functional system within strict dimensional constraints for easy mobile transport within Japan, while ensuring reliable power distribution, seamless drive and PLC communication, quick field connections, and a system that could be rapidly deployed and easily maintained in demanding operating environments.
The client required a compact, fully integrated electrical power and control system to support critical drilling operations. The solution needed to fit within strict dimensional constraints while delivering reliable power distribution, advanced drive control, and quick-connect capability for rapid deployment in the field.
Each SCR must be able to control any of the high horsepower motors for drilling operations through a series of assignment contactors. Purpose of the Gear is to power and control all the motors necessary for Geothermal Drilling Operations.
- It is a total of 2 E-Houses
- 1 – MCC E-House
- 1 – SCR E-House
Delivery: Ship from Houston to Japan
CLIENT OVERVIEW
- Industry: Power Generation
- Focus: Survey wells, production wells, and injection wells for supplying high pressure high temperature steam to geothermal power generation, which has attracted growing attention in recent years as a renewable energy.
SOLUTION & RESULTS
NSA designed and delivered a turnkey system consisting of custom SCR and MCC E-Houses integrated with Siemens DC drives, PLC and HMI controls, and a 2,500A, 600VAC main bus system. The units were engineered with quick-connect plug panels, environmental controls, and complete factory power-up and functional testing to ensure readiness before delivery.
The integrated design improved operational visibility, system reliability, and ease of maintenance, while the modular E-House configuration and quick-connect plug panels reduced installation time and simplified field connections.
As a result, the client received a turnkey electrical system ready for rapid deployment, enabling faster project startup and dependable operation of critical drilling equipment.
NSA'S SOLUTION
NSA provided a fully engineered, turnkey electrical solution that included both system design and hardware integration. Key elements included:
- Complete electrical design and engineering, including schematics, functional design specifications, PLC programming, and full documentation.
- Custom-built SCR and MCC E-Houses designed to fit within the client’s dimensional requirements.
- Integration of DC drives, PLC and HMI control systems for drive monitoring, control, and fault reporting for real-time data, loading, and troubleshooting.
- A 600VAC main bus system rated for 2,500A and 65kAIC, including surge suppression and ground fault detection.
- Plug panels with rear access and Appleton connectors to enable quick field connections for motors, control consoles, and instrumentation.
- Environmental and operational support systems including HVAC units (sourced for design and maintenance with Japan in mind), lighting, and power distribution panels.
- A driller’s control console for operational control.
- Full factory power-up and functional testing to verify wiring, communication, and system performance prior to delivery.
CONCLUSION
The result was a fully integrated, pre-tested power and control package that simplified field installation, improved system reliability, and provided operators with clear control and diagnostics. NSA’s solution reduced commissioning time and enabled the customer to bring critical drilling equipment online faster and with greater confidence.