TCA Electric Rewires Hydrogen-Powered Industrial Crane in Vancouver
We love sharing our work here at TCA Electric, especially when we complete a particularly unique electrical project. Today’s Project Spotlight is certainly one of a kind, as we’re sharing more about how our team of industrial electricians helped rewire a massive hydrogen-powered crane—the first in the world to switch from diesel power to hydrogen!
As a leading industrial electrician serving the Vancouver area, our team has the experience, skill, and qualifications to complete large-scale, high-voltage projects that require specialized electrical knowledge. In today’s post, we’re sharing an excellent example of our team’s knack for creative problem-solving and large-scale project management. Let’s take a look.
Background & Client: A Major Global Shipping Company
For this project, the TCA Electric team was called in by TYCROP, a BC-based manufacturer of large-scale industrial equipment. They had been hired for a project with DP World, a large global supply chain company, to upgrade their shipping facility here on the Vancouver Harbour.
The main goal of this project was to rewire the large rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane used by the shipping facility to load and unload shipping containers on and off of cargo ships passing through the harbour. TYCROP was replacing the outdated diesel power system with a new hydrogen generator—the first such crane in the world to make this conversion.
In the past, TYCROP had worked with other industrial electricians, but they needed a new partner for this project.When they called our business line, our team was happy to help and demonstrate our ability to complete this project within the allotted timeframe. They chose us for the project and we got started!
The Project: Recabling the RTG Crane
Our role in this project was specific, but very crucial. As part of the upgrade to a new hydrogen-powered generator on this crane, the cabling throughout the machine would need to be rerouted, replaced, and removed from various sections. This was to accommodate the new generator that would be powering the crane.
The nature of this project required high-voltage expertise, including knowledge of all the proper precautions, regulatory standards, and more. As our team is well-versed in industrial electrical requirements, however, this was not an issue for us.
Maintaining the Project Timeline
Because this crane is so important in the day-to-day operations of this shipping facility, it was crucial that the project be completed within the allotted timeline. Any delays or hiccups would be a major (and costly) problem for the client, so effective project management was key to the success of this job.
As this was a high-voltage industrial system that we were working on, some specialized materials were not readily available. This had the potential to create delays during the project. However, TCA Electric was prepared for this challenge. Thanks to the relationships we have built with our electrical suppliers, we were able to get the key materials we needed at the perfect time, enabling us to finish the project on time without compromising the end date goal.
A Wealth of Industrial Electrician Talent
This project was a major undertaking that required a high degree of skill and industrial electrical aptitude from each electrician involved.
On the project management side, Brad Pace took the lead, spearheading the project and ensuring all the moving parts wound up where they needed to be. He was supported throughout the project by other project managers Warren and John, who stepped up as needed to lend a hand.
To complete the electrical work for this project, our feet on the ground were Josh, a lead electrician, and Karen, an apprentice electrician who excelled in this one-of-a-kind installation.
Impressive Results on a World-First Project
Our team came through beautifully in completing this job. A significant amount of rewiring was needed for the new system, and we also installed new explosion-proof disconnect switches for the AC and DC main circuits.
We also worked to carefully trace the cables throughout the system, eliminating all old cabling that would no longer be in use after the new hydrogen generator was installed. Lastly, we established a bonding system between the crane and the new structure of the hydrogen generator.
Throughout the project, we took steps to ensure the wiring would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing—after all, as this was the first crane to be switched over from diesel to hydrogen power, it’s now the worldwide prototype for this conversion!
TCA Electric: Top-Qualified Industrial Electrician in Vancouver
We’re incredibly proud of our entire team for completing this groundbreaking project. In helping convert this massive machine from diesel to hydrogen power, we hope to set a green example not just for Vancouver, but for the entire shipping industry. Maritime companies around the world can use this example as a prototype for their own shifts to greener energy sources, and we’re glad to be able to set the standard as a leading industrial electrician.
Whether your industrial electrical project is a major undertaking or a world-first, TCA Electric is the company to call in the Vancouver area. Reach out to our team to tell us about your project!
