{"id":2761,"date":"2025-08-13T07:29:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T11:29:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/?page_id=2761"},"modified":"2025-09-05T14:45:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T18:45:46","slug":"engineering-investigations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/testing-certification\/engineering-investigations\/","title":{"rendered":"Engineering Investigations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t<h1>Solutions Engineering Investigations<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<button tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Section Menu\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\tSection Menu\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/SiteNavigationElement\">\n\t\t<ul id=\"menu-engineering\"><li id=\"menu-item-1987\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/engineering\/\">Overview<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1990\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/engineering\/modeling-simulation-services\/\">Modeling and Compliance Services<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-1991\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/engineering\/power-system-studies\/\">Power System Studies<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-2796\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/engineering\/asset-management\/\">Asset Management<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-2797\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/testing-certification\/engineering-investigations\/\" aria-current=\"page\">Engineering Investigations<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-2924\"><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/engineering\/hydrogen-engineering\/\">Hydrogen Engineering<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/nav>\n\t<h2>Multidisciplinary expertise to overcome the most complex challenges.<\/h2>\n\t<p>We help our customers to overcome challenges and thrive through innovation and excellence. We offer multidisciplinary expertise to identify root causes of failures, explore opportunities for better equipment applications, and develop analytical models for transients&#8217; studies. Our Engineering Investigations services help utilities, industrial operators, and energy providers manage asset performance with confidence of achieving high reliability. We combine diagnostic testing and investigation, lifecycle modeling and analysis, and standards-based evaluations to extend and predict equipment life, reduce failure risk, and meet regulatory expectations. Whether you&#8217;re responding to an unexpected failure or building a long-term replacement strategy, Powertech delivers the technical expertise and data needed to make smart, forward-looking decisions.<\/p>\n\t<h1>Core Services<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/engineering_investigation_core1.jpg\" alt=\"Grounding Studies\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"engineering_investigation_core1\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<h3>Grounding Studies<\/h3>\n<p>grounding grids serve a dual purpose of providing currents with a safe path to earth under normal and fault conditions without exceeding the operating tolerances of station equipment, while keeping personnel safe by preventing exposure to electric shock resulting from excessive step and touch potentials. By using state-of-the-art grounding analysis software, our team can model and evaluate the grounding system for both greenfield and brownfield customer sites. We can also conduct soil resistivity and grounding measurements required for safety grounding studies.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/engineering_investigation_core2.jpg\" alt=\"Electromagnetic Induction Studies\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"engineering_investigation_core2\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<h3>Electromagnetic Induction Studies<\/h3>\n<p>Powertech utilizes state of the art 3-dimensional mathematical modeling software to study safety hazards associated to Electromagnetic fields. We can calculate the electric field density and magnetic field density in the volume of the understudied system with comprehensive details. In the case of substations, the impact of electromagnetic interference from overhead transmission lines on all existing electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, disconnect switches, transformers, insulators can be modelled.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/engineering_investigation_core3.jpg\" alt=\"Insulation Coordination\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"engineering_investigation_core3\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<h3>Insulation Coordination<\/h3>\n<p>Insulation coordination is the process of selecting the most cost-effective equipment dielectric strength and its application to avoid equipment insulation damage or affect continuity of service. Our team can perform detailed power system simulations to determine the maximum overvoltage stresses for existing and new substations, for both normal and contingency conditions at the moment of commissioning of the equipment and considering future system configurations. We can produce equipment specification sheets, including the definition of the equipment Basic Insulation Levels (BIL) and Switching Impulse Levels (SIL).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/engineering_investigation_core4.jpg\" alt=\"Point On Wave Switching\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"engineering_investigation_core4\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<h3>Point On Wave Switching<\/h3>\n<p>Random switching of power system equipment may lead to high-frequency overvoltage transient and inrush current. This, in turn, may stress the equipment, leading to rapid aging or dielectric failure. Point On Wave (POW) controllers, also known as Synchronous Switching Controllers (SSC), are high-speed microprocessor-based relays used to open and close the contacts of independent pole operation (IPO) circuit breakers (CB) at the pre-determined point on wave for minimizing the switching transients. Our team can produce POW equipment performance specifications based on interconnection requirements and our own system impact studies. We can also review POW and CB tender bids to recommend best equipment considering switching applications and the power system configuration.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/engineering_investigation_core5.jpg\" alt=\"Arc Flash Hazard Analysis\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"engineering_investigation_core5\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<h3>Arc Flash Hazard Analysis<\/h3>\n<p>An arc flash is the sudden release of energy in the form of light and heat caused by an unintended current flowing through air from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground. Such incidents can occur spontaneously when insulation is compromised, when a foreign object is accidentally dropped, bridging a pair of conductors, or when minimum electrical clearances are violated. They can result in fatal injuries to workers, destruction of equipment, and severe fire. We use sophisticated arc flash analysis software including FEM to calculate the arcing current and the incident energy resulting from an arc flash at each piece of identified electrical equipment in a power circuit according to IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E.<\/p>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tWhy Choose Powertech?\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Multidisciplinary Expertise <\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Powertech brings advance knowledge and adaptive teams to quickly setup task working teams to answer the most complex investigations.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Long Term Relationships<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>We are proud of developing long term relationships with our customers enabling efficient and customer tailor solutions.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Trusted by Critical Infrastructure Providers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>From major utilities to energy-intensive industries, we help clients manage risk, extend equipment life, and prepare for what&#8217;s next.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Single Point Solution<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Don&#8217;t spend time and money securing multiple consultants to investigate the most complex failures or performance issues, we can provide the full solution involving testing labs and modelling\/simulation capabilities with a single point solution.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/powertech-why-choose-pt-bg.jpg\" alt=\"powertech-why-choose-pt-bg\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"powertech-why-choose-pt-bg\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tHow This Applies to Your Industry\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Utilities<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Extend the life of substation assets, evaluate transformer health, and align with NERC and asset performance reporting requirements.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Electrical OEMs<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Support warranty investigations, identify field issues, and validate real-world conditions for product improvements.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Industrial Manufacturing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Prevent unplanned downtime by diagnosing degradation, failure risks, or load anomalies in mission-critical systems.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Energy (Oil, Gas &#038; Renewables)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Simulate power system behavior for renewable grid integration and offshore\/onshore fault event readiness.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Government and Public Sector<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Assess aging electrical infrastructure and ensure compliance with safety, reliability, and audit requirements.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Jorge-Hollman.jpeg\" alt=\"Jorge Hollman, Team Lead, Senior Manager &amp; Principal Engineer\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>&#8220;Our best software solutions are those developed in close collaboration with our clients-tested in the real world, and tuned to the systems they serve.&#8221;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Jorge Hollman<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>Division Manager &#038; Principal Engineer, Engineering Investigations<\/h4>\n\t<!-- \/.pp-testimonials -->\n\t<h3><b>Let&#8217;s collaborate on a smarter, more resilient grid. <\/b><\/h3>\n\t<p>From initial concept through real-world implementation, we deliver tools that meet your technical needs and operational realities.<\/p>\n<p>Contact Us About Software Services. <a href=\"\/contact\/\">Reach out today.<\/a><\/p>\n\t<strong>Jorge Hollman<\/strong><br \/>\nDivision Manager &amp; Principal Engineer, Engineering Investigations<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:engineering.investigations.website@powertechlabs.com\">email us<\/a> | <a href=\"tel:6045907500\">604.590.7500<\/a>\n\t<h4>Let&#8217;s Work Together.<\/h4>\n<p>Fill out the form here to get in touch.<\/p>\n                <form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data'  id='gform_1'  action='https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/testing-certification\/engineering-investigations\/?fl_builder&#038;fl_builder_ui_iframe' data-formid='1' novalidate>\n                        <fieldset id=\"field_1_3\"><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex'>Name:(Required)<\/legend>\n                                                    <input type='text' name='input_3.3' id='input_1_3_3' value=''   aria-required='true'     \/>\n                                                    <label for='input_1_3_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub '>First<\/label>\n                                                    <input type='text' name='input_3.6' id='input_1_3_6' value=''   aria-required='true'     \/>\n                                                    <label for='input_1_3_6' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub '>Last<\/label>\n                        <\/fieldset><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_4'>Organization\/Company:<\/label><input name='input_4' id='input_1_4' type='text' value='' class='large'      aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_5'>Email:(Required)<\/label>\n                            <input name='input_5' id='input_1_5' type='email' value='' class='large'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_6'>Phone:<\/label><input name='input_6' id='input_1_6' type='tel' value='' class='large'    aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_1'>I&#039;m interested in:<\/label><select name='input_1' id='input_1_1' class='large gfield_select'     aria-invalid=\"false\"><option value='Partnering on a project'>Partnering on a project<\/option><option value='Learning more about Powertech's services'>Learning more about Powertech&#8217;s services<\/option><option value='Learning more about Powertech's products'>Learning more about Powertech&#8217;s products<\/option><option value='Requests for information or proposals (RFIs\/RFPs)'>Requests for information or proposals (RFIs\/RFPs)<\/option><option value='Becoming a supplier or vendor'>Becoming a supplier or vendor<\/option><option value='Job opportunities'>Job opportunities<\/option><option value='Media\/press inquiry'>Media\/press inquiry<\/option><option value='Report verification'>Report verification<\/option><option value='Other'>Other<\/option><\/select><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_7'>Briefly describe your challenge or project:<\/label><textarea name='input_7' id='input_1_7' class='textarea large'      aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><p>This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms\" target=\"_blank\">Terms of Service<\/a> apply.<\/p>\n         <input type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_1' class='gform_button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='submit' value='Submit'  \/> \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_1' value='postback' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_1' id='gform_theme_1' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_1' id='gform_style_settings_1' value='[]' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_1' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_1' value='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' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_1' id='gform_target_page_number_1' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_1' id='gform_source_page_number_1' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n                        <\/form>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solutions Engineering Investigations Section Menu Overview Modeling and Compliance Services Power System Studies Asset Management Engineering Investigations Hydrogen Engineering Multidisciplinary expertise to overcome the most complex challenges. We help our customers to overcome challenges and thrive through innovation and excellence. We offer multidisciplinary expertise to identify root causes of failures, explore opportunities for better equipment [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":1464,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2761","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2761\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/powertechlabs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}