ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University Facilities and Auxiliaries announced that it will conduct four power outages in order to install two new 33 MVA (megavolt-ampere) transformers. The university currently uses three 10 MVA transformers, known as OU1, OU2 and The Ridges.
"The new transformers are desperately needed because the University is running the existing ones close to capacity," said Ted Fares, Ohio University director of engineering services and technical support. "With so many new buildings set to come online, the university needs more power."
Each of the new units will be capable of single-handedly providing electrical power to the entire campus.
"The capacity of the new transformers will help the university avoid future power outages due to capacity overload or required maintenance," he added.
The first two-hour outage is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, from 3 to 5 a.m. The power load of the OU2 transformer will be transferred to The Ridges transformer. After the transfer, the first 33 MVA transformer will temporarily replace the OU2 transformer. During this transition period, electrical consumption should be minimized to avoid unscheduled power outages due to overloads on the two remaining 10 MVA transformers.
Originally scheduled for Aug. 3, the second outage has been rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 4, from 3 to 5 a.m. and will consist of transferring the university's entire power load to the newly installed 33 MVA transformer. After the transfer, the second 33 MVA transformer will be permanently installed in place of the OU1 and The Ridges transformers.
During power outage three, the power load will be transferred from the first 33 MVA transformer to the second 33 MVA transformer so that the first transformer can be installed permanently. The fourth and final outage will be used to balance the electrical power load on campus between the two 33 MVA transformers.
Buildings and facilities not affected by the power outages include: The Oasis, Konneker Alumni Center, Mill Street Apartments, HDL Center, Alden Library Annex, Bromley Hall and the West State Street Complex.
The date and times of the remaining two power outages will be announced after the completion of the second power outage. For more information, contact Facilities and Auxiliaries at (740) 593-2911.
