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BLOG > January 2019 > Utility Explosion Causes NY Airport Power Failure

Utility Explosion Causes NY Airport Power Failure

A Transformer Exploded At A Sub-Station in New York. The Interruption In Power Reduced The Capability Of The Airport.

Substation Supplying Airport Fails

Substation Transformer Bank
The New York Times published the Article "New York Sky Turns Blue After Transformer Explosion". On Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at approximately 9:12 pm, a loud boom was heard. It was followed by humming and a giant blue explosion. Some people who saw it from La Guardia Airport and thought it was a UFO.

The 114th precinct is about 1/2-mile away. A deputy inspector reported that he could feel the explosion in his chest. Then, the sky turned blue.

Bob McGee of Con Edison, reported that there was not any fire associated with this occurrence. Witnesses saw an arc flash when transformers tripped off the line at the substation in Astoria.
The fire department did not enter the premises because the arc flash was over when they arrived. There were no injuries. The police could not find any evidence of tampering.
 
When the transformers tripped offline, all electrical services were interrupted to all connected to the associated grid. No flights took off between 9:22 pm and 10:23 pm at La Guardia Airport. However, the emergency generators in the airport assumed the electric load. This prevented any power interruption to air traffic control.
 
Metropolitan Transportation Authority tweeted that train service was disrupted by the power failures. Rikers Island prison complex lost power for less than 1/2 hour. Power was restored and the system was stable by late Thursday evening.

The Utility Power Grid

A basic understanding of the utility power grid aids in understanding the failure. It is more effective for power plants to transfer high voltages to substations.

The United States transmits up to 500,000 volts on the high voltage grid. The high voltage from the power plant is routed through substations. The substations contain control and distribution panels and step-down transformers. These transformers reduce the voltage to pre- determined levels.

When one or more transformers trip off the line, a high voltage arc to ground can occur. Power is then interrupted to all customers the transformer serves. The time the power is out determined by the damage to the system and the availability of replacement components.

If five transformers fail and only three replacements exist in the yard, shipping can delay repairs.

Surviving Power Failures

DSC_0002-(Custom).JPGHospitals and airports are among the many industries that have critical power requirements. Industries that must maintain power for human health and safety are mandated to have backup power.
Regulations dictate the amount of backup power the facility must have. In addition, facilities such as data centers and municipalities maintain emergency generators in the event of utility failure.

Generators come in a variety of sizes makes and models. The photo to the right features a Cummins 600 kW generator in a sound attenuated enclosure.

This style system is all-inclusive, including the fuel tank. Generator output power is connected to the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and the unit is ready to supply designated power. Indoor applications employ the generator located on a skid. They must have fuel, exhaust, and intake air provisions.
 
Sound attenuated generators permanently mounted on a trailer offer the ability to easily transfer supply power to different locations on a large site. These generators are a popular option to the construction industry.

We offer a large selection of generators in all styles and sizes. Pre-owned generators can save money on initial purchases. Our low-hour pre-owned generators must pass a 31-point inspection before we place it on the ready line. Go to Inventory to view our generators. Generator Source also offers new and surplus units.
 
All generators are in-stock and we can usually arrange for shipping within 24-hours of purchase. We offer generator repair, maintenance, testing, rentals and service contracts for Colorado and Southern Wyoming, Florida and the Austin, Texas areas. We can help with temporary power through our rental services. Contact us with any generator questions.

Story Summary

What Happened?
A transformer explosion occurred at a Con Edison power substation in Astoria, Queens on December 27, 2018 around 9:12 PM. The explosion caused a bright blue light to illuminate the night sky, visible for miles across New York City.

What Caused the Blue Light?
The blue light was caused by an electrical arc flash when transformers tripped offline.
The blue color was due to the ionization of nitrogen in the air during the electrical discharge.

Was Anyone Injured?
No injuries were reported as a result of the explosion.

How Did It Affect the Area?
  • LaGuardia Airport temporarily lost power and had to halt flights for about an hour.
  • Some subway lines experienced disruptions.
  • Rikers Island prison complex briefly lost power.
  • There were scattered power outages reported in the area.
Was It Dangerous?
While alarming, officials stated there was no fire or injuries.
Air quality was monitored but no issues were reported.

How Long Did It Last?
The bright light lasted only a few minutes.
Power was mostly restored within hours.

What Was the Public Reaction?
Many residents initially thought it might be a UFO or alien invasion due to the strange blue light.
The incident sparked extensive social media coverage and speculation.
 

Diesel Blog Team | 1/7/2019 12:30:49 PM | 0 comments
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