Denver International Airport (DEN) has been in operation for over 30 years. The Automated People Mover (APM) system has operated continuously throughout this time, consistently achieving an availability rate of more than 99.9%.

The APM system connects the Terminal to all three concourses. Only Concourse A offers an alternative passenger route via the passenger bridge, making the APM a must-ride system for accessing gates on Concourses B and C.

Due to the critical nature of the APM system and the upcoming introduction of new 300R vehicles from Alstom, DEN determined that a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the Power Distribution System (PDS) and other associated systems was necessary. Recommendations were developed to identify required tasks and their associated capital budgets.

The scope of work was to provide DEN with an assessment and recommended next steps to address the APM PDS and wayside electrical subsystems, which have not been upgraded in over 30 years. The assessment also considered the impact of the new vehicles and the interface and operation of a new Microgrid being installed solely for APM system operations. The Microgrid is a collaborative effort between Xcel Energy and DEN.