GE

Digital Energy

Electrical Balance of Plant Solutions

for Power Generation

g imagination at work
Today’s Environment
Todays power plants, whether heavy duty gas turbines, a distributed mobile “power plant on wheels”, or a remote wind farm, are becoming increasingly
complex, especially when connecting different disparate systems seamlessly together. This is resulting in increasing industry challenges including:

Demand Management Emergency Power

Supplementing power to the grid for peak Support during natural disasters due to
shaving or managing seasonal demands. unpredictable global weather patterns as well as
support in politically volatile regions of the world.

Constraint Management Regulatory Environment

Overcoming generation constraints with Rapidly changing regulations, standards and impact
increasing demand. on grid stability due to a variety of power generation
sources on the grid.

Back-up Power Power Quality

Supporting maintenance, overhauls, or Managing changed network load profiles, larger
outages at power plants. switched or dynamic loads, missing or overloaded
interconnections.

Rural Demand Energy Savings

Population growth in large cities creating Reduce production cost through energy savings and
increase in electrification of rural areas. increase process efficiency.

With one of the largest installed base of turbine generators in the world, coupled with more than a century of experience delivering innovative, high voltage
solutions in generation, transmission, and distribution networks, GE helps utilities solve these challenges with its versatile and robust suite of solutions for
Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) applications offering best-in-class manufactured products with engineering and installation services.

Providing a broad range of solutions to suit customer’s specific EBoP requirements, GE’s solutions are designed with scalability in mind to support a large scope
of projects ranging from heavy duty turbine generation to hydro pump storage, renewable wind and solar applications.

GE provides simplified and streamlined commercial offerings for EBoP systems, providing customers with a single, “1-stop shop” approach eliminating project
and logistical complexities of multiple vendor projects. 

Partnering with customers to define the project scope and vision, along with shared success metrics, is GE’s top priority in all Electrical Balance of Plant system
implementations. Offering full system lifecycle support, from project conceptualization to post installation, GE ensures customers are supported for the long-term.

GE’s EBoP System Offers Utilities: Industry Leading Design and Integration Tools
Completed plant and application reference designs to enable rapid
Extensive Experience in Project Implementation & technical and commercial responsiveness, combined with industry leading
Integrated Equipment Manufacturing visualisation tools utilized for planning and design, resulting in increased
reliability and accurate scoping, reduction of unnecessary cost and labor,
Deep domain knowledge and manufacturing excellence in electrical
and reduced commissioning cycle time.   
equipment , technology, and project execution and project delivery
integrating complex generation and electrical plant systems resulting in • 99% record of on-time installation during project execution
streamlined, on-time and on-budget execution. • 50% fewer change orders than industry average resulting in better cost
• 60-day fast-cycle execution capability for GE Distributed Power EBoP accuracy and reduced overall project cost
projects*
• 1500+ complex generation and transmission project implementations Impeccable Safety and On-Site Management Record
• Executed nearly 10% of all wind farm integration projects in North GE’s rigorous and best-in-class quality and process standards provide and
America
promote a safe and secure work environment ensuring systematic project
execution, on-time completion of deliverables and the highest level of
on-site safety.

• Over 3.6 million hours of on-site project implementation without a

*
Subject to configuration workplace accident

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GE’s Capabilities
GE's EBoP solutions work seamlessly across an extensive range of Providing local project and engineering support in different languages, GE
applications and power generation types ranging from distributed to brings a wealth of international experience to its customers. GE ‘s dedicated,
renewables and hydro pump storage to thermal power, ensuring optimal and highly-qualified, engineering teams drive consistency and local
performance and unprecedented reliability in delivering power from the knowledge to ensure the needs and localized requirements of customers
source of generation out into the grid. are achieved, addressing both business and technical objectives, ensuring
project success.
Offering an extensive range of full project lifecycle capabilities from studies,
complete design, installation and commissioning for a complete Electrical With more than a century of designing, developing and manufacturing
Balance of Plant solution, GE ensures an integrated and reliable electrical products for the electrical grid, GE’s manufacturing centers of excellence
system. With deep domain knowledge, an impeccable safety record and are located globally and are specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with
manufacturing excellence in electrical equipment, technology and complex ISO® 9001 certification.
project installations, GE delivers on-time and on-budget EBoP project execution.

Full Scope Capabilities

With experience gained from implementing more than 1,500 complex generation and transmission projects
around the globe, GE can deliver Electrical Balance of Plant solutions that include GE equipment, fully engineered
packages, as well as complete Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects. GE manufactures
electrical equipment and technology for complex generation and electrical plant systems, and provides a full scope
of solutions from the generator terminals to the connection to the transmission grid.

Project Management and Control

The GE project team represents unsurpassed worldwide power system engineering capabilities, comprehensive
system design expertise, and unequalled project management experience, provided within a defined and proven
project management methodology and long history of highly successful projects. GE’s core strengths in each of
these areas enables the delivery of highly reliable solutions that fully meet customer’s specific system requirements.

Engineering Services
GE’s Engineering Services include comprehensive system analysis to develop an optimal and cost effective
technology solution based on customer requirements. The scope of services include load flow analysis, project
feasibility and justification reports, detailed protection and automation designs, and testing and commissioning
plans. GE’s engineering teams use industry leading visualization tools for planning and design, providing customers
a robust and fully executed system with high quality and reliability.

Service and Warranty

GE is committed to outstanding customer service and has a global network of field engineering offices, maintenance
facilities, and certified local partners to ensure faster, more competent responses to your service needs. GE provides
an array of services from standard tests and evaluations to emergency repair services. A 24-hour, multi-lingual call
center is available for all customers, and a “direct-to-field” option is available for mission critical installations. GE’s
service contracts and warranties are designed on a contract by contract basis to maximize the flexibility and value
for our customers.

Power Generation Expertise

GE has one of the largest installed base of turbine generators in the world, coupled with over a century of experience
delivering innovative, high voltage solutions in generation, transmission, and distribution networks. GE works
collaboratively with customers to drive growth and progress, anticipate energy needs of the future, and power a
cleaner and more productive world.

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GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant Offering Summary
GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant systems cater to many types of project Renewable Generation
requirements including supplying equipment, engineered packages, and full
Offering solutions for both wind and solar
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) implementations.
renewable generation applications, the
GE designs and manufactures innovative, durable and robust electrical system is modular and scalable in design,
equipment for the complete energy value chain ranging from generation to integrating best-in-class GE components
transmission to distribution networks. GE has extensive project, application for a complete end to end system. The
and industry experience as well as strong relationships in the energy sector, system is compromised of relays, meters,
delivering complex integrations of generation and electrical plant systems communication hardware, HMI to SCADA
resulting in streamlined execution delivering, on-time and on-budget projects.  integration, and a pre-packaged control building connected to the
substation. The implemented solution reduces testing, commissioning and
GE's EBoP systems work seamlessly across a broad range of applications
maintenance for customers.
and power generation types including distributed power, renewable
generation and thermal power.

Distributed Power Thermal Power

Providing proven, pre-defined, modular GE provides an integrated system with
systems for distributed power generation complete monitoring and control of the
applications, GE’s solutions are designed for power plant for thermal power generation
both scalability and flexibility and designed applications. This includes all electrical
to meet utilities needs for distributed power aspects of a plant from power generation,
including temporary and emergency power. power quality, evacuation to switchyard
GE’s distributed power solution includes full control. The system is engineered using
end-to-end components from transformers and switchgear to protection reference designs resulting in higher efficiency, flexibility, reliability and
and control and cabling systems. GE offers a 60-day fast-cycle execution in quicker return on investment.
line with customer readiness.

Typical EBoP Components

Distributed Power AERO Trailer Mounted Example

Power Train Auxiliary Systems High Voltage Substation

Motor Control Center MV Switchgear LV Switchgear Step Up Transformer Disconnect Switch

MV Switchgear Motor Control Center Distribution Transformer Busbar, HV protection Breaker

Electrical

Generation Protection   Busbar/MV protection Motor protection Transformer Monitoring Surge Arrestors

Power Control Module SCADA Communications Communications

(PCM)
Power Control Room MV Disconnect switch SCADA
(PCR)

Full Scope Engineering and Design – Electrical Systems

Installation, Commissioning

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Electrical Balance of Plant for Distributed Power Applications
GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant offering for temporary and emergency power
is a scalable and flexible system that is modular and pre-designed with rapid
60-day cycle execution capabilities subject to customer readiness. The
system includes elements of the power plant from the generator terminals
to high voltage grid connection.

The EBoP system can be delivered as a fully engineered equipment package,

a fully engineered, procured and constructed solution, or installed as
individual components to meet customer’s specific requirements.

Major components of GE’s solution include: Key Benefits

• Decreases project costs, such as engineering designs, due to modular
• Generator Step up Transformers • HV Arresters, Insulators
and predesigned system
• Current and Voltage Transformers • Protection & Control
• Increases reliability with proven plant reference designs
• Gas Insulated Switchgear • Networking Connectivity
• Minimizes inefficiencies and streamlines processes, delivering accurate
• High Voltage Circuit Breakers • Systems Engineering scoping due to equipment and system studies
(LT/DT) • Project Management • Enables quicker return on investment facilitated by fast generation of
• High Voltage Disconnect Switches • Cabling Systems electricity, within 60 days depending on customer readiness

Application Example for Distributed Power

Auxilary Systems High Voltage Substation

• Switchgear • Collector Bus

• PCR Control Building • Generator Step Up Transformer (GSU)
• Aux Transformer • Circuit Breaker
• Surge Arrestor
• Dead End Structure
• Disconnect Switch & PTs
•

Power Train

• Motor Control Center

• Generation Protection
• MV Switchgear
• Power Control Module (PCM)

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Electrical Balance of Plant for Renewable Generation Applications
GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant offering for wind and solar applications is Major components of the solution include:
modular and scalable in design and integrates best-in-class components
• Modular control building with • GSU Power Transformer
for a flexible and standardized system meeting the specific requirements
protection, control, metering and (generator step-up)
of both developers and utilities. The system includes the collector system,
communications panels • Integrated SCADA system
grid interconnection substations and the transmission line connection to the
utilities electrical network. • Medium and High Voltage • Optional monitoring and
switchgear diagnostic systems for
Providing a broad range of products and services to meet customer’s
• Capacitor banks transformers and breakers
specific project requirements, GE’s solutions range from high voltage
switchyard equipment to systems hardware and design and engineering
services. GE’s engineering services capabilities include system studies, civil, Key Benefits
electrical, protection and control engineering, control building and panel • Minimizes inefficiencies and streamlines processes, due to system
assembly and on-site installation and testing. planning and studies
GE utilizes proprietary engineering tools to optimize the design and • Optimizes configuration of the substation consistent with customer
configuration of the collector circuits and provides turnkey SCADA solutions requirements resulting from rigorous and accurate scoping
required for the integration of the power plant into the grid, including the • Reduces costs, increases flexibility and provides standardization by
HMI screens for providing status and controls with the option of remote utilizing industry leading design tools for ease-of-integration in design,
control and diagnostics. procurement and installation
• Reduces testing, commissioning and maintenance actions, due to
modular system design

Application Example for Wind Application

Pre-Packaged Control
Building
• Relays
• Meters
• Communication Hardware
• HMI/SCADA

Pad Mounted Transformer

Collector Substation

• Collector Bus
• Generator Step Up (GSU)
• HV Circuit Breaker
• Surge Arrestor
• Dead End Structure
• HV Disconnect Switch & HV PTs
•

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Electrical Balance of Plant for Thermal Power Applications
GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant offering for thermal power uses a Key Benefits
reference design and includes the electrical aspects of a power plant
• Faster return on investment facilitated by on time COD (Commercial on
from power evacuation to control. The integrated system is scalable,
Date)
flexible and is designed to respond to customer’s requirements, whether
as a fully engineered equipment package, a fully engineered, procured and • High reliability enhanced by proven design, which is compliant with
constructed solution, or installed as individual components. international standards
• Complete monitoring and control of power plant electrical systems
GE’s solution can be tailored to meet project specific needs, compliance
enabling better visibility and maintenance
to codes and standards and local requirements. The GE solution brings
together the vast GE Turbine fleet expertise coupled with the EBoP portfolio • Seamless installation and commissioning due to integrated system
with optimized interfaces
Major components of the solution include:
• Increases visibility and maintenance due to complete monitoring and
• High  Voltage  Equipment • Generator Protection control of power plant electrical system
• Medium and Low Voltage • Generator Step up Transformers • Smoother project execution due to single coordinating design and
Electrical Equipment including construction entity assuring coordination among all designs and systems
• Auxiliary Transformers
Motors, Drives, Protection and
Control Systems • Power Metering Systems

• Monitoring and Diagnostic • Communications Systems

systems for starters/exciters, • Plant Control System
drive systems transformers, • Power Quality Systems
and motors

Application Example for Thermal Plant Applications

Electrical BOP for Power Generation

Auxiliary Systems

• MV / LV Switchgear
• MCC’s
• Motors & Variable Speed Drives
• Static Frequency Convertor (SFC)
• Static Excitation Equipment (SEE)
• Motor Protection
• Communications

High Voltage Switchyard

• HV Switchyard Equipment
• Communications
• SCADA
• Protection & Control

Thermal Power Evacuation

Electrical & Control Rooms
Equipment
• Distributed Control System (DCS) • ISO Phase Bus
• MV/LV electrical distribution equipment • Gen Circuit Breaker
• MV Feeder protection • Gen Step Up Transformer
• Power quality analyzers • Auxiliary Transformers
• MCC’s & UPS • Transformer monitoring
• Telecommunications • Protection & Control equipment
•

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GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant Core Components
Complete Range of HV Primary Equipment
Transformers Circuit Breakers
GE offers a wide range of transformer solutions for the GE offers a full range of Live and Dead Tank HV Circuit
utility, industrial, commercial, residential, and energy Breakers. Based on proven technology, advanced
markets. These products and solutions feature flexible, manufacturing and testing capabilities, our circuit
reliable, and robust designs to support a wide range of breaker solutions offer the breadth to meet the needs
applications. of an extensive range of applications.

Gas Insulated Switchgear Instrument Transformers

GE provides high performance, compact and flexible GE’s ITI™ products are designed to enable the
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) solutions for high to protection of equipment and minimize the loss of
ultra-high voltage power transmission and distribution product flow. This includes current and voltage
networks. Supporting a voltage range of 72.5 up to transformers, test switches, control switches, lockout
800kV, GE has delivered more than 20,000 bays around relays, three phase voltage monitors, ground fault
the world. detection systems, and power control components.

Disconnect Switches Surge Arrester/Insulators

GE offers a flexible range of disconnect switches with GE provides lighting arresters/insulators to meet
voltage ratings from 126 – 800kV including both customers’ system reliability requirements. Our
horizontal and vertical configurations. With advanced products cover both IEEE and IEC markets from
mechanisms, GE disconnect switches delivers the medium voltage (34.5kV) to ultra high voltage (1100kV),
reliability and operational performance required by for both AC and DC application, and offer both
these critical assets. Utilizing state-of-the-art porcelain and polymer housed products.
manufacturing processes and materials.

Integrated Intelligent Controls

Digitized Substation Transformer Monitoring & Diagnostics
GE can deliver primary equipment with integrated GE offers a wide range of solutions that monitor,
digital communications. The Multilin™ HardFiber system manage, detect and diagnose transformer issues to
digitizes analog signals from primary assets utilizing IEC optimize substation assets. Online monitoring of
61850 communications, reducing total life costs of transformer oil with composite gas or multiple gas
protection and control through labor and resource Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), allows asset owners to
optimization. This factory-installed solution reduces the be notified of developing conditions that could lead to
amount of labor-intensive, individually terminated unscheduled outages. Our advanced prognostics and
copper wire connections with pre-terminated copper proven modeling capture and analyze critical
and fiber optic cables. transformer data.

Electrical Protection & Control Industrial Strength Communications

GE uses substation hardened Multilin protection and GE's solution set of secure and ruggedized wireless
control relays to provide comprehensive protection, devices, fiber optic multiplexers and Ethernet switches
control, automation, and monitoring of primary provide customers with a means to reduce the time
substation equipment . With fast deterministic and labor associated with substation construction and
execution of programmable automation logic, expansion. GE integrates a range of technologies, from
extensive I/O options, and integrated peer-to-peer cellular to private, and licensed to unlicensed, to
communications, Multilin devices ensure optimized support customer needs for secure private, public and
asset performance for maximum power system hybrid communications networks.
availability.

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Medium & Low Voltage Products
MV/LV Switchgear & Motor Control Centers Auxiliary Transformers
GE offers medium and low voltage switchgear and GE offers a wide range of auxiliary transformers,
motor control centers which can meet the most characterized by proven technology, application
demanding requirements for high current applications flexibility, lower installations costs, operating efficiency
up to 6400A down to MCC applications for a few kW. GE’s and environmental acceptability designed for use in
switchgear is suited to provide control and protection for most demanding and diverse environments and in all
cables, transformers, capacitors and motors. applications requiring reliable electrical power.

Busways MV/LV Circuit Breakers

GE offers a comprehensive range of busways designed GE offers a wide range of MV/LV circuit breakers which
to international standards, that address the can be applied in controlling and protecting electrical
requirement of the global market with outstanding equipment in power plants and substations. All
levels of electrical installation performance. products conform to IEC 62271 standard and can be
installed as a fixed or withdrawable application.

Drives & Motors Solar Inverters

GE offers a comprehensive range of drives and motors GE provides a complete range of central inverters
that comply with global standards. GE drives and based on a modular and compact approach,
motors are designed and manufactured to operate specifically designed for the solar industry. GE has
efficiently and reliably in challenging applications and extensive experience designing and installing more
severe environments where reliability and ease of than 26 GW of converters for the renewable energy
maintenance is critical. industry, and decades of experience in controls for a
wide range of utility applications.

Variable Speed Drives Static Frequency Convertor/Static Excitation Equipment

GE’s Variable Speed Drives (VSD) solutions for auxiliary GE‘s static frequency converters (SFC) enable a soft
power plant systems such as pumps and fans adjust starting system for gas turbines with generators
quickly to the required plant output and are designed running as motors, and help to enhance process
to improve operational flexibility during low and peak performance. SEMIPOL compact units, a combination
demands. They can help to reduce production cost of a SEE and SFC offer space and cost saving design.
through energy savings and increase process
efficiency.

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GE’s Project Management and Execution GE‘s Global Capabilities
Based on years of global experience and several deployments across Offering engineering excellence to design and deliver complete Electrical
multiple applications and industries, GE has dedicated projects teams Balance of Plant projects, GE tailors its solutions to meet each customer’s
working in partnership with our customers to ensure successful system requirements and needs.
implementations.
GE‘s dedicated engineering teams are located in regions around the world
Each Electrical Balance of Plant project, from the supply of an equipment and bring a wealth of international experience to every project. Customers
only package, to an engineered equipment package (EEP), to a full Engineer, benefit from GE’s local systems subject matter experts who are able to drive
Procure, Construct (EPC) system, is assigned an experienced and dedicated and comply with regional/local requirements ensuring customers business
project team. and technical objectives are met.

With an average 24 years experience and access to industry leading

project training tools, and processes, GE’s project managers excel at project
execution meeting on-time and on-budget customer requirements.
Post Installation Service
GE’s commitment to customer satisfaction is a primary goal – just because
GE’s engineering teams have advanced internal design tools that provide the project is complete, our job is not done. A primary responsibility is
customers with the most robust and proven designs with a focus on quality continued support of the implemented system throughout its lifecycle.
and reliability.
GE has an extensive network of field engineering office locations and service
GE’s Energy Consulting works with customers to understand the overall centers around the world capable of responding immediately to urgent
system and project objectives. Through comprehensive analysis and studies situations that may arise once the equipment is placed in service.
the team develops the optimal, most cost effective technology solution
based on customers requirements.

GE’s Professional Services Process and Key Activities

GE’s project management approach follows a well-established set of processes and procedures, that have resulted in high on-time delivery.

GE has the people, process and rigor that customers require for the planning and execution of complex projects, including defined processes for the definition,
analysis, design, implementation and post service support that is required for successful projects. Below is an overview of GE’s proven planning, execution and
services methodology.

Definition Analysis Design Implementation Support &

Services

• Customer System • Project Feasibility and • Project management • Procurement • Final Documentation
Planning and Studies Justification plan and detailed • Complete safety and and Training
• Load Flow Analysis • Preliminary System schedule site execution plan • Finalize Maintenance
• Transmission Planning Requirements • Detailed HV design • Site mobilization and and Services Plan
Studies • Guide form Project • Detailed protection construction • Spares Verification and
• Impact Studies Specification design • Customer Project Planning

• Initial Sub Synchronous • Preliminary Schedule • Detailed automation Communication Plan • Formal Lessons Learned
Resonance (SSR) and Scope of Work design • site testing and • Establishment of
Planning • Business Case and • Project reviews commissioning Warranty
• Reliability and Economic Budgetary Estimates • Testing and • Customer acceptance • Customer closeout
Analysis • Technical regulations commissioning plans • Final Documentation • Customer feedback
and standards study • Detailed documentation • Customer Support
• Quality plan • Component contractor services option
specifications including analytics
• Customer
communications

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GE's Manufacturing Centers Of Excellence
GE designs, manufactures and tests to the highest standards in the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing
industry at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. GE has an excellent
• State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities
track record in safety and is dedicated to the research, application and
development of an extensive range of technology solutions for customers in • All manufacturing sites are ISO 9001 certified
the utility and energy industries. • Robust product technology
• Advanced 3D platforms provides robust and reliably designed products
• Quality inspections for purchased and outsourced materials
Exceptional Quality and Reliability
• ANSI® and IEC® certified products available The manufacturing centers of excellence for GE’s Electrical Balance of Plant
systems are located in Bilbao (Spain), Calgary (Canada), Chicago (USA),
• Third-party product certifications, including KEMA®, CESI® and other
Markham (Canada), Mexico, Salem Virginia ( USA) and XIAN, China.
internationally recognized testing facilities
• Multiple checkpoints in the production, assembly and inspection process
yield high quality products
• Secondary cross-inspections by certified technicians
• On-site GE quality engineers

GE’s High Voltage Power Equipment is designed and

manufactured in accordance with the GE Digital Energy
Sourcing Quality guidelines at our facilities in Xi’an,
China. Our design systems and manufacturing facilities,
and those of our partner XD Electric, are certified under
the requirements of:

ISO 9001:2008, ISO14001:2004, OHSAS18001:2007

GEDigitalEnergy.com 11
For more information about
GE's Electrical Balance of Plant Solutions visit
GEDigitalEnergy.com/EBoP

GE Digital Energy

+1 877-605-6777
+1 678-844-6777
gedigitalenergy@ge.com

GEDigitalEnergy.com
ISO is a registered trademark of the International Organization for Standardization.
ANSI is a registered trademark of American National Standards Institute, Incorporated.
IEC is a registered trademark of Commission Electrotechnique Internationale.
KEMA is a registered trademark of DNV.
CESI is a registered trademark of the China Electronics Standardization Institute.

g
GE, the GE monogram, ITI and Multilin are trademarks of General Electric Company.
GE reserves the right to make changes to specifications of products described at any time without
notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
imagination at work Copyright 2014, General Electric Company.
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