Here at Nor-Cal, we understand that our submittal “pictures” are worth much more than a thousand words. Submittals, or “drawing packages,” refer to all typical documents that include drawing packages, IP list, SCADA points list, Plant Control Narrative, equipment manuals, HMI screenshots, FAT/SAT plans, and reports as they relate to the SCADA system and equipment that it interacts with. Since submittal packages are highly impactful to the projects Nor-Cal supports, it is important to understand what to expect at each phase of the process. Nor-Cal generally supplies 4 phases of submittals: 90%, Issued for Construction (IFC), As-Shipped, and As-Builts.
What do we need to succeed?
Since the SCADA is used to control and communicate with the balance of plant (BOP) equipment, we at Nor-Cal need a certain level of information to begin our submittals. Most often, SCADA submittals begin after the 60% electrical drawings for the plant are completed. These provide the plant design, electrical single line diagrams (SLDs), and fiber drawings necessary to supply information for the SCADA system design to comprehensively begin. Since SCADA systems are customized for each site, all documentation will be completed on a per-project basis, and receipt of current site information is vitally important to Nor-Cal’s ability to generate accurate submittals.
90%:
This first drawing phase typically includes the bill of materials (BOM), the layout of the SCADA rack, field network enclosures, and MET stations, the system block diagram, a port map (if SLDs are available), and a loop diagram. This package may also include the thermal calculations and power requirements for sizing the HVAC and power supply. At this stage, most information is supplied for reference and feedback from the owner and builders, is generally adjusted in the next phaseof drawings.
The BOM displays the full list of all equipment that Nor-Cal is supplying, including manufacturer and part numbers. The proposal will have already provided the initial version of the BOM, and the 90% drawings will provide a closer look with more details for review.
The layout portrays the initial physical design of the equipment assembly and includes diagrams depicting wiring diagrams and power distribution.
The block diagram shows how equipment connects and communicates. This diagram is also useful as a reference for what cables are needed, including those not supplied by Nor-Cal, and to see which devices are in Nor-Cal’s scope of work or are supplied by others.
The port map gives more detail on which ports from which devices will connect to SCADA and field equipment. Port maps are supplied for equipment such as root switches, Ethernet switches, firewalls, PLCs, and the network-attached storage device.
The loop diagram provides more information on field equipment/feeders that will connect to the SCADA system. These diagrams are tied back to the port map to show the connections.
This is also the stage in which preliminary factory acceptance test (FAT) and site acceptance test (SAT) plans are received. Once the 90% drawings are ready, the customer will review them and make comments for Nor-Cal to incorporate into the drawings for the next phase.
IFC:
The IFC submittal stage will include those updated versions as well as additional details that can be determined by this stage of the project. New documents will be added, including the IP address list, the Plant Control Narrative, and a preliminary OEM manual.
The IP address list includes all IP addresses for equipment according to the owner’s preferred IP schema. This list requires input from others working on the project, as it will also include field equipment such as inverters, trackers, and substation IEDs, depending on the required network design.
The Plant Control Narrative provides a visual guide to the control narrative and communication pathways that the SCADA will provide with other site equipment. This document provides a site summary as well as a brief description of how the system will monitor and control the site based on what was discussed during the 90% phase.
With a finalized version of the BOM, Nor-Cal can begin putting together the OEM manual. The preliminary OEM manual consists of product datasheets, safety datasheets, and manuals for all the OEM products Nor-Cal uses in its SCADA rack.
After receiving customer approval of this set of drawings, production of the SCADA rack will begin, and the FAT can take place once that is completed. The FAT is an important part of the SCADA design process and includes the first generation of the first points list. The points list is a consolidated list of data points that the SCADA system will contain and interact with. A major subset of these points is then historized in a local site historian. Upon completion of the FAT, further submittal documentation will be updated, and the equipment will be shipped to the project site.
The updated submittal documentation will be sent upon equipment shipment, which includes the revised IP list, SCADA points list, and Plant Control Narrative. This stage of documentation also includes preliminary HMI graphics and screenshots.
As- Shipped:
Any of the updates that are captured during the fabrication and testing process are reflected in this deliverables stage. This ensures the documentation matches what has been built, configured, and shipped to the site.
As-Builts:
The final stage of submittals is the As-Builts. This final package is completed after the SAT and comprises the fully updated and finalized version of all previous documents, including the SCADA points list, IP address list, HMI screenshots, OEM manuals, block diagrams, control narratives, and layouts. Also included are the FAT and SAT reports, as well as passwords, site credentials, and software keys for turnover to the owner. If applicable, this package will also include calibration certificates. The fully assembled As-Builts submittal package is then included in the SCADA job book to be provided for the project.
What if?
What if you need additional phases or information at an earlier time in the project? Nor-Cal is happy to supply 30% and/or 60% drawing phases if requested. What is important to understand about including extra design phases is that the additional effort adds cost to the budget and extends the project execution timeline, and those extra phases will be accurate only to the extent that Nor-Cal has received complete site information, i.e., extra design phases may also mean that Nor-Cal will complete drawings before all the necessary information is received, which often results in the preliminary packages containing less information than the standard 90% drawings set would. Drawings can take up to 10 business days to complete, and then time will be taken by the project owner and builders to review each submittal package. Therefore, it is important when adding design phases to make sure the schedule can account for this time and that they truly add value to the process.
Sometimes, information is requested at earlier stages than it would typically be provided. For example, the SCADA points list might be requested with 90% drawings, or the HMI screenshots might be requested before the FAT is completed. Generally, Nor-Cal tries to include information in submittals as soon as it is available. In the examples given, SCADA point lists are often not available earlier because not all the site information is available, and the HMI is not complete and tested to share at earlier stages. However, this does not necessarily mean it is not worth requesting. Communication is key at all project phases, and even if site-specific information is not available, it may be possible to provide reference information or other samples.
Submittals are vitally important to completing a successful project and present an opportunity to work as a team with Nor-Cal to make the most out of your SCADA. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the design process and what Nor-Cal can offer to your site.
Partner with Nor-Cal Today to align your project’s timelines and ensure a seamless, accurate SCADA submittal process from engineering to As-Builts.