Seismic Resilience of Large Power Transformers: Shake Table Test
ID: INL-25-011Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFBATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTRIdaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA

NAICS

Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing (335311)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/8eb920f83a0c4b9183bf79df4e3446d2/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy, through Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is seeking expressions of interest from industry providers to enhance the seismic resilience of large power transformers. The initiative aims to address the vulnerability of these transformers during earthquakes, which can lead to significant grid failures due to their vibration-amplifying structures. The Idaho National Laboratory is developing a low-cost bushing decoupler system and conducting large-scale shake table tests on a 230 kV power transformer at the University of California San Diego's facility, while also exploring seismic base isolation methods. Interested parties must submit their expressions of interest by June 1, 2026, in PDF format, and can direct inquiries to Bjorn Vaagensmith or Jake Gentle via email, ensuring proprietary information is marked accordingly.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Bjorn Vaagensmith
    bjorn.vaagensmith@inl.gov
    Jake Gentle
    jake.gentle@inl.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    INL-25-011 Shake Table Test EOI.pdf
    Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, acting for the U.S. Department of Energy, is issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) aimed at enhancing the seismic resilience of large power transformers. These transformers face risks during earthquakes due to their vibration-amplifying structures, potentially leading to widespread grid failures. The Idaho National Laboratory is developing a low-cost bushing decoupler system designed to prevent resonance during seismic events while testing it on a 230 kV power transformer at the University of California San Diego's shake table facility. They are also exploring seismic base isolation methods. Industry partners are invited to contribute feedback on test plans and potentially provide resources for concurrent testing. Interested parties are required to submit their EOIs by June 1, 2026, with specific guidelines on the submission format and contact points for questions. The document emphasizes the importance of marking proprietary information, ensuring confidentiality during the proposal process. This initiative reflects the government's focus on addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities due to seismic activities, fostering collaboration with industry to enhance the resilience of critical energy infrastructure.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Seismic Resilience of Large Power Transformers: Shake Table Test
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