When an unexpected power outage occurred at a power plant in Ohio, Qualus was engaged to investigate the cause and develop a solution to restore operations.
The ability to resolve the issues quickly was critical to stem the loss of revenue during the outage. Our engineers and technical experts mobilized to the site and conducted a thorough forensic analysis. It was determined that the root cause of the outage was due to a defect in the C phase of the electrical system, which led to a cascade of technical failures.
To minimize operational interruptions, we deployed a temporary transformer as a stopgap measure until a more permanent fixture could be sourced and installed. At the time, the client’s standard supplier for transformers was projecting an 18-month delay due to widespread supply chain issues. To speed up the process, our team researched other solutions and ultimately identified a compatible replacement from an alternative supplier in Belgium. Despite the geographic distance, it presented a timelier solution in getting the facility back up and running.
Transporting the transformer required meticulous planning and coordination due to its significant weight. A specialized contractor assisted with sea and river transit as well as the installation of a temporary railroad track to get the transformer to the site. It also required the construction of a concrete transformer foundation and additional upgrades to electrical equipment. The Qualus team was able to seamlessly coordinate the civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines that were involved in the project, while adhering to a tight schedule.
In the end, all of the components came together on time, which is a testament to our ability to serve as an effective problem solver and trusted partner to our clients.
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