Pune: Unprecedented 70-Hour Engineering Feat Resolves Massive Power Transformer Breakdown
Khed Shivapur, 23rd October 2023: A 22-tonne gigantic power transformer at the Khed Shivapur (Taluka- Haveli) sub-station in the Pune circle encountered a breakdown, leading to a remarkable display of dedication by 48 engineers and employees from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Their work for customer service spanned a staggering 70 hours and included replacing the transformer twice and overcoming multiple challenges. Notably, during this period, the team efficiently provided alternative power supply to domestic, commercial, industrial, and other electricity consumers in 17 villages.
The power transformer, with a capacity of 10 MVA, located in the Khed Shivapur 33/22 sub-station under the Mulshi division, was initially shut down around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday (18th). As a result, electricity supply to approximately 5500 consumers across 17 villages was restored at 10 p.m. through alternative systems. A subsequent inspection at 8.30 a.m. on Thursday (19th) revealed the need for a transformer replacement.
To address the situation, another 10 MVA power transformer was transported from the Bhima – Koregaon original substation, which was approximately 40 km away. The technical processes were completed, and the transformer was charged. Unfortunately, on the morning of Friday (20th), this power transformer was also found to be faulty. During this period, load management was not feasible during the day, leading to cyclical load regulation for 15 high-pressure and 40 low-pressure consumers for two hours each day.
Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar swiftly made arrangements for an additional power transformer from Chandoli (Taluka- Khed). At 11.30 on Friday night, a 22-ton transformer began its journey in a heavy transport truck from Chandoli to Shivapur, a village located 60 km away. However, the journey experienced a temporary halt around 2 a.m. when the transformer shifted towards the driver’s cabin while navigating a speed bump near Bhosri. The crane was utilized to reposition the transformer, and the journey resumed at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday (21st).
At 8 p.m., the technical process for commissioning the transformer began upon its arrival at the Sivapur sub-centre. The power transformer was finally successfully commissioned at 3:15 a.m.
The 70-hour continuous service during the festive period involved not only replacing the gigantic 22-tonne power transformer twice but also testing, transportation, employing heavy power cranes, oil change, load management, and technical solutions for providing alternate power supply.
This extraordinary effort was made possible through the leadership of Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar, along with the dedicated contributions of Superintending Engineer Yuvraj Jarag, Executive Engineer Manik Rathod, Amit Kulkarni, Dhanjay Aher, Sanjay Waghmare, Additional Executive Engineer Pramod Babarekar, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Abhiraj Kodilkar, Deputy Executive Engineer Navnath Ghatule, Sachin Kale, Assistant Engineer Nikhil Kondurwar, Dipali Kulkarni, Abhijit Bhosle, Yogesh Karale, Hajimalang Bagwan, Tushar Kshirsagar, and the employees of the Shivapur and Velu branches.
It’s worth noting that Assistant Engineer (Testing) Deepali Kulkarni played a pivotal role during this remarkable effort. Deepali, along with her husband Nitin Kulkarni, was felicitated by Chief Engineer Pawar in recognition of their dedication during the program.
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