Switch gear transport that distributes electric power for fracturing operations

A switch gear transport used with a power source of electricity and one or more power consumers, the power source of electricity providing first electric power at a first voltage level, the transport comprising:

• a power source connector configured to receive the first electric power from the power source of electricity at the first voltage level;
• a plurality of circuit breakers electrically connected to the power source connector, each circuit breaker including at least one circuit breaker connector that is configured to output the first electric power to a corresponding one of the power consumers at the first voltage level;
• a black start generator configured to electrically connect to the power source of electricity and being operable to generate second electric power at a second voltage level;
• an auxiliary connector configured to receive third electric power at a third voltage level from an auxiliary power transport, the third voltage level being equal to the first voltage level;
• and
• a first transformer configured to convert the third electric power from the auxiliary power transport at the third voltage level to a fourth voltage level to start the power source of electricity.

A method for distributing electric power from a power source of electricity to power fracturing operations, the method comprising:

• receiving, at an auxiliary power source connector disposed on a switch gear transport, auxiliary electric power at a first voltage level;
• converting, at a transformer disposed on the switch gear transport, the auxiliary electric power received at the first voltage level to a second voltage level to start the power source of electricity;
• supplying, from the switch gear transport, the auxiliary electric power to the power source of electricity at the second voltage level;
• receiving, at the switch gear transport, generated electric power from the power source of electricity at a third voltage level, wherein the third voltage level falls within a range of 1,000 V to 35 kilovolts;
• supplying, from the switch gear transport, the generated electric power to a first power consumer transport at the third voltage level using only a first, single cable connection;
• and
• supplying, from the switch gear transport, the generated electric power to a second power consumer transport at the third voltage level using only a second, single cable connection.

An electric fracturing system powered by a power source of electricity, the system comprising:

• a switch gear transport configured to:
• (i) electrically connect to the power source of electricity, (ii) receive first electric power from the power source of electricity at a first voltage level, and (iii) provide the first electric power at the first voltage level;
• an auxiliary power transport configured to generate second electric power at a second voltage level that is equal to the first voltage level;
• a first circuit breaker connector disposed on the switch gear transport and configured to supply the first electric power at the first voltage level;
• a first transformer configured to convert the second electric power received from the auxiliary power transport at the second voltage level to a third voltage level, and supply the second electric power at the third voltage level to start the power source of electricity;
• a black start generator configured to electrically connect to the power source of electricity and being operable to supply electric power to start the power source of electricity;
• a first transport electrically connected to the first circuit breaker connector via a first electrical cable and configured to receive the first electric power at the first voltage level via the first electrical cable;
• and
• a data van configured to remotely control the switch gear transport via control signals, wherein the first electrical cable includes fiber optic wires to allow for communication of the control signals between the switch gear transport and the first transport.

A switch gear transport used with a power source of electricity, the power source of electricity providing first electric power at a first voltage level, the switch gear transport comprising:

• a power source connector configured to receive the first electric power at the first voltage level from the power source of electricity;
• a plurality of circuit breakers electrically connected to the power source connector, wherein each circuit breaker includes at least one circuit breaker connector, the at least one circuit breaker connector being configured to output electric power to a power consumer at the first voltage level via a first electrical cable, wherein the first electrical cable includes fiber optic wires for communication of control signals;
• an auxiliary connector configured to receive second electric power at a second voltage level from an auxiliary power transport, the second voltage level being equal to the first voltage level;
• a first transformer configured to convert the second electric power from the auxiliary power transport at the second voltage level to a third voltage level to start the power source of electricity;
• a black start generator configured to electrically connect to the power source of electricity and being operable to supply electric power to start the power source of electricity;
• and
• control and monitoring equipment configured to communicate the control signals with the power consumer via the fiber optic wires,
• wherein the switch gear transport is remotely controlled from a separate data van and wherein the switch gear transport is configured to provide data received via the fiber optic wires from the power consumer to the separate data van.

A method for distributing electric power from a power source of electricity to power fracturing operations, the method comprising:

• receiving, at a switch gear transport, electric power from the power source of electricity at a first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level falls within a range of 1,000 V to 35 kilovolts;
• supplying, from the switch gear transport, the electric power to a downstream transport at the first voltage level using only a single cable connection, wherein the single cable connection includes fiber optic wires for communication of control signals to the downstream transport;
• receiving, from a data van, remote-control signals for remotely controlling the switch gear transport;
• supplying, from the switch gear transport and based on the remote-control signals, the control signals to the downstream transport via the fiber optic wires of the single cable connection;
• receiving, at an auxiliary power source connector disposed on a switch gear transport, auxiliary electric power at a second voltage level;
• and
• converting, at a transformer disposed on the switch gear transport, the auxiliary electric power received at the second voltage level to a third voltage level to start the power source of electricity.