When it comes to safeguarding vital infrastructure, precision and proven expertise are non-negotiable. W5 Engineering delivered exactly that for Trans Bay Cable, implementing a state-of-the-art seismic monitoring system to protect their critical assets in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Challenge
Ensuring the resilience of crucial power transmission infrastructure against seismic activity.
Our Solution
A comprehensive, turnkey seismic monitoring system deployed across key sites, demonstrating W5 Engineering's end-to-end capabilities from hardware to data analytics.
Project Highlights – What We Delivered:
Advanced Sensor Deployment:
- (14) High-Resolution multi-axis MEMS Sensors: Strategically placed at transformer sites and on blast walls to capture minute seismic events.
- (4) Wireless DS-WIFI Modules: Ensuring seamless data transmission across diverse locations, even with significant distances (verified up to 400 ft coverage per unit!).
Robust System Integration & Computing:
- (4) Industrial-Grade PCs: Pre-loaded with industry-leading DEWESoft X and OPNET software for powerful data acquisition and analysis.
- (4) SOLAHD DIN Rail UPS Systems: Providing uninterrupted power backup for critical monitoring operations.
- 50” Supervisory Monitors: For crystal-clear, real-time data visualization, empowering immediate insights.
Seamless Connectivity:
- Expert Cabling: Full installation of armored CAT6 cable runs (approximately 500 ft per site with 14 terminations) ensuring durable and reliable connections.
- Optimized Enclosures: Preconfigured with sealed ports and external antennas for maximum system integrity and performance.
Unwavering Annual Support:
- Subscription-Based Maintenance: Ongoing system health monitoring and proactive support to guarantee continuous peak performance.
Site Overview – Where We Made an Impact:
W5 Engineering successfully implemented this sophisticated system across two critical sites:
- Transformer 1 + Blast Wall: Equipped with (4) MEMS sensors (ground, lower, upper level, and blast wall), a DS-WIFI module, and an Industrial PC.
- Control Room: Featuring a DS-WIFI module, an Industrial PC, and a 50” display for centralized monitoring and alerting.
- Transformer 2: Outfitted with (2) MEMS sensors (lower and upper levels), a DS-WIFI module, and an Industrial PC.
- Transformer 3: Outfitted with (2) MEMS sensors (lower and upper levels), a DS-WIFI module, and an Industrial PC.
- Transformer 4: Also outfitted with (3) MEMS sensors (ground, lower, upper levels), a DS-WIFI module, and an Industrial PC.
In each instance, our DS-WIFI modules demonstrated their impressive range, verifying up to 400 ft of reliable wireless coverage.
Project Scope
W5 Engineering was selected to deliver and install a turnkey seismic monitoring solution across critical infrastructure sites for a major San Francisco Bay Area Utility company. Our scope included:
Deployment of high-resolution seismic sensors:
- 11 MEMS sensors: Installed across transformer sites and blast walls
- 4 DS-WIFI modules: Wireless data transmission across two locations
System Integration and Computing:
- 4 Industrial PCs preloaded with DEWESoft X and OPNET software
- 4 SOLAHD DIN rail UPS systems for PC power backup
- 50” Monitors for real-time data visualization
Cabling & Connectivity:
- Full installation of armored CAT6 cable runs (~500 ft per site with 14 terminations)
- Preconfigured enclosures with sealed ports and external antennas
Annual Site Support:
- Ongoing maintenance and system health monitoring under subscription
Site Overview: Two Sites on contract
Transformer 1 + Blast Wall
- MEMS sensors (3x) at ground, lower, and upper levels
- DS-WIFI module and Industrial PC: WiFi range verified: up to 400 ft coverage per unit.
Control Room
- DS-WIFI module, Industrial PC, and 50” display: WiFi range verified: up to 400 ft coverage per unit.
Transformer 2
- MEMS sensors (2x) at lower and upper levels
- DS-WIFI module and Industrial PC: WiFi range verified: up to 400 ft coverage per unit.
Transformer 2
- MEMS sensors (2x) at lower and upper levels
- DS-WIFI module and Industrial PC: WiFi range verified: up to 400 ft coverage per unit.
Transformer 4
- MEMS sensors (3x) at ground, lower, and upper levels
- DS-WIFI module and Industrial PC: WiFi range verified: up to 400 ft coverage per unit.
