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Program Data Report: Power Systems

Program Data for: Power Systems

Name		[F11] Power Systems
Description		The Power Systems program addresses five major areas: engine generators (EG), uninterruptible power systems (UPS), direct current (DC) power systems, grounding and lightning protection systems, and electrical wiring distribution systems. The program has been expanded to meet requirements mandated by public law and Executive order for facility accessibility and structural/nonstructural seismic reinforcement of occupied Federal buildings. Engine generators supply both primary and standby electrical power for National Airspace System (NAS) facilities. FAA Order 6980.10 mandates replacing EGs that are more than 20 years old; 93 percent of existing EGs have exceeded their expected 20-year life cycle. The project replaces obsolete engine generator systems through a competitive five-year, no-options-requirements contract. The replacement generator systems are commercially available. The contractor provides depot maintenance. The new generator systems use a mixture of propane and fuel-efficient diesel engines to reduce fuel costs. Maintenance costs are also reduced because the contract provides parts. New equipment entering the NAS increasingly relies on integrated circuit (IC) microprocessor technology, which is adversely affected by electrical power fluctuations. This equipment is critical to NAS operations and requires reliable, stable power sources. FAA Order 6030.20E mandates that all critical NAS facilities have continuous, uninterruptible power sources. FAA Order 6950.25 outlines procedures for justifying the uninterruptible power systems used to ensure reliable, stable power quality at critical NAS facilities. Requirements are coordinated with regional offices and sponsoring organizations to generate implementation priorities. UPS and other power distribution equipment acquisitions use improved, cost-effective General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contracts. The reduced power requirements of microprocessor-based equipment permit using DC power systems. Some NAS facilities use lead-acid battery systems as backup power sources. These power sources are deteriorating and do not comply with current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The FAA must replace these lead-acid battery systems to comply with environmental law and maintain reliable, stable backup power. This project replaces existing battery and small (10 kilovolt-amps or less) EG systems. Requirements and specifications for direct current backup power sources are being developed to generate a competitive request for proposal (RFP). This RFP will lead to a contract similar to the EG procurement. The DC systems procured will be compatible with microprocessor-based equipment currently being installed in NAS facilities and will comply with EPA regulations. In some facilities, grounding systems are not adequate for modern electronics and have deteriorated with age. These grounding systems must be surveyed and repaired or upgraded to ensure proper operation of NAS equipment. This project ensures proper operation of the next generation of high-speed electronic devices planned for installation in the NAS in accordance with FAA Standards 019 and 020. Electrical wiring distribution systems in some older facilities do not meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. This violates Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and raises potential legal issues for the FAA. This project funds regional efforts to modify and upgrade NAS facility electrical distribution systems.
Functional Area		Facility
Sponsor Organization		AOA-1