Authors: Liu Jun, Chen Ming, Li Wei from China Electric Power Construction Corporation Zhongnan Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd
1. Project Background
As the hydropower industry advances, there is an increasing emphasis on intelligent 3D design, digital handover processes, and enhancing information management during hydropower station construction.
During the transition from construction to operation, owners must receive extensive data from all involved parties. However, current data transfer and reception methods remain outdated. Additionally, because different teams focus on varying aspects of asset data during infrastructure management and maintenance, communication gaps arise. Consequently, manual data screening and input are still necessary, compromising data completeness and usability, which fails to meet the demands of intensive, standardized, and process-driven management.
To address these challenges, our institute focused on the digital handover of the Taoyuan Hydropower Station project. We selected the Taoyuan Ship Lock as the pilot area and conducted research using Bentley’s AssetWise Enterprise Bridge (eB) for digital handover implementation.
2. Project Objectives
The primary goal is to utilize 3D design techniques to build a comprehensive engineering information model, enabling digital management throughout the project’s lifecycle. The objectives include:
1) Developing a detailed information model of the hydropower station based on existing design data to support visual management of facilities and equipment;
2) Creating an engineering data center that links scattered drawings, documents, and records from traditional 2D designs to 3D information models, facilitating rapid information retrieval, classification, archiving, and reducing labor and time costs;
3) Completing the three-dimensional digital handover process to lay the groundwork for full lifecycle management of the project.
3. Digital Handover Process
Centered on databases and driven by 3D models, digital handover is characterized by precision, intuitiveness, and efficiency. The main steps include:
3.1 3D Modeling Across Disciplines
During Taoyuan Hydropower Station’s construction, a 3D design approach was adopted. Various specialties collaborated using software such as AECOsim, Substation, OpenPlant, and Bentley Raceway and Cable Management (BRCM) to accurately build the station’s 3D model.
Figure 1: Assembly of the 3D Model of Taoyuan Hydropower Station
3.2 Collision Detection
Once the 3D model is assembled, collision checks are performed between components, including structures, power generation equipment, pipelines, cables, stairs, doors, and windows. Detecting and resolving clashes early reduces construction risks and improves efficiency.
3.3 Importing Basic Data
1) Collect, organize, code, and input completed models such as i-models and HyperModels of the Taoyuan Hydropower Station;
2) Gather and input project-related contracts, design materials, drawings, specifications, manuals, and other documentation;
3.4 Basic Data Processing
After import, basic data undergoes processing and decomposition, including:
1) Establishing a data model prototype within eB, covering multi-dimensional systems like system decomposition, spatial organization, work units, equipment types, materials, and personnel categories;
2) Creating correlation models linking these data prototypes;
3) Developing ledger and reporting systems.
3.5 Building the Basic Data Center
1) Implementing an information coding system;
2) Defining information collection depth and standardizing processes and rules;
3) Associating basic data with drawings to enable queries from drawings to equipment/materials and vice versa;
4) Establishing data approval workflows, quality inspections, and handover rules to control permissions and ensure data quality;
5) Enabling digital transfer of design data and documents with effective collection, quality checks, and transfer controls.
4. Project Achievements
The digital handover was initially demonstrated using the ship lock as an example (Figures 2 and 3).
Figure 2: eB Ship Lock Model Information Display Interface
Information can be classified and displayed across three dimensions: spatial, system, and engineering (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Classification and Display of Information by Dimensions
Within the system, users can conveniently access complete details about specific devices (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Device Information Stored in eB
For the Taoyuan Ship Lock digital handover model, BRCM software was used to plan cable layouts and calculate quantities.
The process starts by organizing a cable inventory table which is imported into BRCM. The software then automatically completes cable routing calculations. The 3D visualization allows easy viewing and timely correction of cable directions and paths.
Users can select bridges in the system, which highlights the 3D model location, and click on devices to view all cables passing through. Selecting a cable reveals connected equipment and bridges it traverses (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Example of Cable Laying Information
5. The Necessity of 3D Digital Handover
With the rise of information technology, hydropower industry units increasingly rely on digital tools for production. However, challenges such as information silos and redundant data construction have become evident. The digital handover process aggregates extensive project data, classifies and integrates it, and refines data relationship models according to established standards. This approach connects diverse data types, eliminates silos, and prevents duplicated efforts.
3D digital design methods offer efficiency, clarity, and intelligent management. They meet the growing demands of complex projects with short design cycles and digital handover requirements. Additionally, 3D design serves as a powerful communication tool for designers, boosting project quality and efficiency, and is essential for full lifecycle management.
Adopting 3D digital handover represents a pioneering concept in the industry:
1) It manages and applies hydropower project information throughout the entire lifecycle, breaking information bottlenecks and coordinating globally while ensuring data completeness at every stage, minimizing losses during data transmission.
2) It establishes unified definitions for data content and format, promoting universality and enabling data sharing and rapid replication.
3) It facilitates transferring standardized digital results to owners and stakeholders, significantly reducing data duplication and saving on data construction costs.
These factors underline the importance and necessity of 3D digital handover.
6. Advantages of 3D Digital Handover
Compared to traditional methods, 3D digital handover offers clear advantages:
1) Leveraging a robust database backend, it manages all structured and unstructured design data comprehensively. This includes 2D schematics, 3D equipment layouts, site and building designs, electrical and civil engineering calculations, material statistics, and construction drawings. The digital design results are handed over to construction, operation, and management teams, supporting full lifecycle project management.
2) Efficient, intuitive, and collaborative design tools optimize solutions and improve design quality.
3) Automated and accurate quantity calculations reduce project costs and enhance construction procurement management.
4) Design information is closely linked to construction schedules and subsequent operation, ensuring strong traceability and providing a solid data foundation for later digital operations.
7. Future Applications
1) Comprehensive Engineering Information Queries
Using strong data support and a complete rule system, a comprehensive query system can be developed. Users can search project details by keywords, accessing responsible units, installation and procurement information, design reports, calculations, tasks, and materials.
2) Virtual Equipment Inspections
3D digital models enable virtual inspection systems integrated with real-time monitoring, allowing fault detection and analysis promptly.
3) Construction Progress Management
Project progress and data analysis can be conducted based on basic data. Combined with virtual reality, this allows visual simulation of construction, assisting leaders and designers in plan adjustments.
4) Multidimensional Cost Analysis
The eB system enhances cost summarization and analysis capabilities, reducing workload and improving efficiency. Thanks to dynamic data maintenance and multidimensional data collection, cost analyses are more accurate and facilitate stronger cost control.
8. Conclusion
Although some hydropower stations have begun experimenting with 3D digital handover, no unified industry standard currently exists. As information technology evolves, this innovative approach will gain wider acceptance among owners and designers, representing a significant advancement in management and design methods. The promotion of 3D digital handover technology is poised to become a prevailing trend.
References:
Yu Mingguo, Yan Fuzhang. Application of 3D Digital Design in Ningdong Shandong ± 660 kV DC Transmission Demonstration Project. Electric Power Construction, 2011
Shuang Yekai. Application of Bentley 3D Factory Software in Engineering Design. Design and Research of Nonferrous Metallurgy, 2009
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