Ski resort generator fire

[zbang]

Kirkwood ski resort powerhouse burns

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/02/BAPF1BCOBS.DTL&tsp=1

"A large building with the ski resort's power supply - six massive diesel generators - caught fire at about 2 p.m. Friday afternoon when one of the engine's exhaust mufflers overheated, igniting the roof and the other machines, Cohee said."
[..]
"The resort was able to bring in three giant generators on trucks Friday night, but there were problems connecting them to the power distribution system."

There's always more to things than the initial news reports, but I'd love to know the results of a real failure analysis, and why the connection problems. It also appears from various web logs that they may not actually have enough generating capacity to run the entire resort (inc lifts) during high winds or heavy snow.

 

[zbang]

Continuing the saga (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/03/BAKN1BD0IJ.DTL&tsp=1):
"But there was a problem. Managers soon realized that chairs were running backward or not at all, a problem caused by a faulty electrical connection with the generators, Cohee said. Kirkwood compensated frustrated skiers with two free lift tickets and promised to have all chairs running by Monday morning."

Yes, phase rotation is important.

 

[sparky=t]

Yes, phase rotation is important.[/QUOTE]

only if you are trying to get to the top of the slope!!

 

[quogueelectric]

Just ski UP the slope I dont see a problem. You would think the electrician who hooked up the generators would have understood this concept. You get what you pay for if you are lucky I guess.