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Complex, Electrical/Mechanical failure response and end-to-end engineering support

Haag Canada’s team of experts are always prepared to respond to complex incidents involving electrical and electronic systems and controls. Electrical and Electro-Mechanical equipment fails due to issues pertaining to maintenance, end of life, application, commissioning and in rare cases, manufacturing. Haag can analyze and establish the cause and nature of failure and provide comprehensive reporting to assist in the confident determination of responsibility.

In addition to forensic engineering services, our team provides end-to-end engineering support from design, supply chain management, professional inspection services (including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and project management through to commissioning, site supervision and startup. We have expertise in a wide array of sectors including: Mining & Metals, Oil & Gas, Pulp & Paper, Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Renewable Energy, Automotive, Electric Vehicle (EV) Platforms, Food, Medical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Commercial and Residential.

While the Electrical group supports all of Haag Canada’s five core services, the following outlines specific technologies across a wide range of technologies, including:

Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution


Electronics


Rotating Equipment


Digital control systems


Materials

Power Generation, transmission, distribution

Modern day power generation encompasses multiple energy sources, from conventional to renewables with AC, HVDC and UHV Transmission, and computerized distribution. The recent integration of alternative energy sources increases the potential of failures and critical power supply loss. This is due to new technology, requirements for on demand back-up power and the complexity of grid synchronization. The failure of these systems can impact owners, occupants, operations and production. Typical systems include:

  • Transformers
  • Switchgear, circuit breakers, contactors
  • Substations
  • Distribution systems
  • Utility systems
  • Transmission lines and infrastructure
  • Grid synchronization
  • Generators (AC/DC/Induction/Synchronous/PMG/Specialized)
  • Generators (Gas/Steam/Diesel/Wind/Tidal)
  • Generator controllers, AVR
  • Solar PV
  • Battery systems, UPS and storage
  • Renewables integration

Electronics

Today’s technology is primarily focused on achieving optimum efficiency, speed and control integrated into consistently smaller dimensions. Coupled with the requirement of complete system synchronization, this is raising the the failure incidence rate and dramatically increasing the associated hardware and software replacement costs. Another area of increasing risk is electronic variable frequency drives (VFD) and controls. These highly complex systems require a team of multi-disciplinary experts to identify the root cause(s), and in some cases, access to Haag’s network of hyperspecialized experts. Typical systems include:

  • ASD/VFD motor speed controllers
  • Soft starter motor controllers
  • Control panels / PLC
  • Instrumentation and protection
  • Automotive, EV and heavy equipment (industrial, commercial, non-commercial)
  • Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, tidal)
  • Battery charging and controllers
  • Lighting and controls
  • Circuit boards and components
  • Security and supervision
  • Industrial / Commercial / Residential (low, medium, high voltage)

Rotating Equipment

Electric Rotating Equipment is one of the most critical components of any facility, from driving main operation processes to feeding power to the entire facility. As motors, generators and controls are manufactured to increasingly higher efficiencies, the stricter harmonics, specifications and reduced physical dimensions increase the risk of failure. Material analysis and expertise plays a critical role in the evaluation process. Haag engineers have the skills and multi-discipline experience required to confidently handle complex failures. Typical equipment includes:

  • Motors/Machines (AC/DC/Synchronous/WRIM/SR/Specialized)
  • ASD/VFD motor speed controllers and drives
  • Starting and control systems
  • Filtering and network synchronization

Digital Control Systems

Digital control systems are found in all industries. Software, digital hardware and instrumentation and controls have a limited practical lifespan and necessary support, which creates a further risk of failures. Typical systems include:

  • Cybersecurity (data, computer, facility, substation)
  • PLCs, controls, instrumentation and protection
  • Distributed control systems (DCS)
  • Emergency shutdown system) (ESD)

MATERIALS

Material failures are a common issue throughout all electrical and electro-mechanical equipment and systems. With remarkable advancements in material science testing the laws of physics, there is a wider potential for failure. Typical materials include:

  • Metals
  • Concrete
  • Plastic polymers
  • Crystal – Glass
  • Ceramics
  • Biomaterials / Nano Technologies
  • Insulators and coatings

Experts

SIEEE, CFEI, P.Eng.

Director Forensic Engineering, Forensic Laboratories
Practice Lead – Electrical/Mechanical

Projects