Root Cause Analysis: Mass Transformer Failures at a Mega-Scale Data Center
Areas of expertise include Electrical Engineering, Root Cause Analysis, Electrical Equipment Origin and Cause, and Coordinating with OEM on Critical Path Method of Equipment Recovery
Scenario
A massive 400MW data center campus, spanning 70 acres and 420,000 square feet, faced a major power disruption when critical transformer faults initiated a cascading failure. This rapidly forced multiple large transformers offline across the multi-building facility.
ProNet Group’s client was the owner operator of the data center and retained ProNet to conduct electrical engineering root cause analysis and review documentation regarding modifications that were recently performed on the initial transformer. ProNet’s Senior Electrical Engineer responded immediately the same day upon being contacted. After the initial inspection, the loss quickly escalated requiring multiple weeks of multi-party joint inspections and testing.
Additional Information
ProNet also created the Transformer Reword Procedure Protocol which included multiple phases such as Pre Work, Installation/Attachment/Routing, Button-Up replacement and positioning, and Recommissioning.
Outcome
Through the course of the inspections and testing, the data center client successfully commissioned the new facility with minimal delay. ProNet also delivered strategic recommendations and countermeasures to prevent future incidents, while thoroughly briefing the building maintenance team.
