INNOVATION July-August 2015

Conext Core XC-NA, Photovoltaic Inverter

The Conext Core XC-NA is a central inverter from Schneider Electric suited for large commercial applications over 500 kW and PV power plant applications over 1 MW. To ensure the inverter will support future grid requirements, it is designed with highly configurable features like Reactive Power Control, Reactive Power at Night, Power Frequency Control, and Fault Ride-Through capability. It also integrates a smart PV ground fault detection scheme to reduce fire hazard risks in grounded PV installations. The Conext Core XC-NA Series is CSA Certified to UL1741 and CSA C22.2 no.107.1 to 1000 VDC and comes with integral AC and DC switchgear that meets the requirements of NEC 690.17. The Conext Core XC-NA is enclosure type 3R rated for outdoor

applications and can be provided as part of a skid-mounted or PV box solution. Project team: Bruce Gordon, P.Eng.; Dennis Lauguico, EIT; Wieslaw Grudzinski, P.Eng.; Roger Chambers.

Richmond River Green Site ground conditions at the River Green residential development in Richmond consist of coarse grained alluvial soils and a high groundwater elevation. Aspac Holdings appointed GeoPacific Consultants and Golder Associates to design and install a combination low permeability cut-off and retaining wall to allow construction of an underground parking structure. Cutter Soil Mixing technology was used to install the 350 meter long wall to a depth of 28 meters below ground surface. H-Pile reinforcement was installed at regular intervals. The technology allowed the wall to be constructed within a very narrow footprint (650 millimeter width), as well as producing minimal noise and near vibration- free construction. Dewatering volumes during the excavation phase were noted to be very low, minimizing the risk of settlement in adjacent structures. Owner: Aspac Holdings. Engineer: GeoPacific Consultants (John Carter, P.Eng.). Construction contractor: Golder Associates (Fernando Famania, EIT; Keith MacKay, EIT).

Stratford Hall Middle Years School Stratford Hall Middle Years School houses teaching spaces, science labs, a high school-sized gymnasium, rooftop outdoor play area and administration areas. With space at a premium on this urban site in Vancouver, the building was “stacked” vertically to create a model of eco-density. The gymnasium is underground and outdoor space located on the roof. Designed with ultimate flexibility, there is one interior column supporting the second floor and roof structures. All remaining vertical structural elements are within the exterior envelope or provided by concrete stair and elevator cores. This creates flexibility in the layout with the opportunity to reconfigure it as necessary. Glass-fronted learning studios ensure views from all parts of the building while flooding the interior with natural daylight. Fireplaces on each level enhance areas for study and socialization by creating a relaxed environment. Omicron provided development services, architecture, interior design, engineering and construction.

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