Focus
- Technical evaluation
- Cost analysis
- Engineering consulting
Tools used
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Engineering documentation
Key objectives
Assess technical feasibility
Analyze equipment and system requirements
Estimate project costs
Support decision-making with structured analysis
Approach
- 01
Review project requirements
- 02
Perform technical analysis
- 03
Evaluate financial aspects
- 04
Compare alternative solutions
- 05
Provide structured recommendations
Consulting scope
As a power system consultant, the work starts from the network: configuration, equipment, protection and the standards the project has to meet. As an electrical engineering consultant in Macedonia, the same review includes cost, so a technically sound option is not chosen if a simpler one meets the requirement.
Technical analysis
Key technical aspects evaluated:
- Power system configuration
- Selection of electrical equipment
- Protection systems and reliability
- Compliance with engineering standards
- System performance and efficiency
Financial analysis
Evaluation of project costs and financial aspects:
- Equipment cost estimation
- Installation and commissioning costs
- Operational considerations
- Budget planning and cost optimization
Analysis balances technical performance and cost efficiency: selection of cost-effective equipment, optimization of electrical schemes, evaluation of alternative solutions, and risk versus cost comparison. The benefit is reliable system performance with optimized investment cost.
Case study: substation equipment selection (110/35 kV)
SS Skopje 1 110/35 kV substation project.
| Parameter | Option A (standard) | Option B (optimized) |
|---|---|---|
| Transformer | 40 MVA | 31.5 MVA |
| Protection scheme | Basic (50/51) | Advanced (50/51 + 87T) |
| Switchgear | Conventional | Compact GIS |
| Estimated cost | €280,000 | €240,000 |
| Reliability | Medium | High |
Analysis: Option B provides better protection and system reliability. The lower transformer rating was optimized based on load analysis. Overall cost is reduced with improved performance.
Decision: selected Option B for an optimal balance between cost and reliability.
Financial breakdown and optimization
Estimated cost structure of the same substation project:
| Cost category | Estimated cost | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Power transformer | €120,000 | 40% |
| Switchgear | €80,000 | 27% |
| Protection system | €25,000 | 8% |
| Installation & commissioning | €50,000 | 17% |
| Engineering & documentation | €25,000 | 8% |
Equipment sizing was reviewed against real load requirements. The protection scheme was optimized to avoid overdesign. Installation costs were balanced with the project timeline.
Decision: reduced unnecessary investment, maintained required technical performance, and improved cost efficiency of the project.
Related services
Protection settings that come out of this kind of review are applied under relay protection testing and coordination. Installation design is covered under electrical installation design and testing.