Re: Discussion today with Ron re: electrical upgrade &repair

Zac, Tom, Ron and all,

I like the idea Ron outlined a lot. 

We are zoned M (for Manufacturing - like Precision Cast Parts across the 
street!  There is no such thing as an owner electrical permit in our 
zoning unless your licensed maintenance guys (direct employees) are 
doing the work.  I have discussed this with the electrical inspector.

 I am 99-44/100% sure that our provider is Portland General Electric.  
Check with Brian to be sure.

I would like to participate in any discussion that happens regarding how 
much power we will need in the future. Chet is correct in assuming some 
diversity in the loads, but we sure could have a lot of heaters running 
after the first batch of fuel is reacted and we are staging for the next 
3 processors full.  Maybe a heater full of hot water for 2 washes as 
well.  Thank goodness the pumps don't draw much.  We may need to 
consider WVO heating for the winter months to allow us to refill our 
heaters for the next batch when it's 30F outside.  I think we can get by 
on 200 amps and it wouldn't be as tight as our power is now.

Chet if you are going to lead the charge on a load estimate, I can start 
by putting together a list of what equipment I envision at full build 
out.  That will need to pass by Seth as well.  Again, understand the a 
list doesn't mean that the city has given their blessing on the plans 
(yet) but it would be worst case estimate, so no harm.  I can probably 
generate a list by this weekend - I am pulling a Pete Kramer and will be 
out of town the next couple days.

Thanks for escalating this to a high priority.

Felix

Zac Imboden wrote:
> Here are my notes from the discussion Thom and I had with Ron on site 
> regarding repairing our faulty relay and also how to proceed with the 
> electrical upgrade.
>
> From Ron, here is the process he believes we should follow to get our 
> power drop:
>
> I. The Power Drop
> 1) Find out how the site is currently zoned? Is it "owner/builder" or 
> some other classification.
> 2) Contact electric company (who is that for our site area?) and tell 
> them we want a 200 amp drop with the option to add another 200 amp 
> drop in the future.
> 3) Get Red's down to inspect our existing wiring. Find out if we need 
> to make changes to existing wiring to pass inspect.
> 4) Request Red's to apply to the city for a permit for the new drop.
> 5) Have Red's or Ron install the box (if he's willing).
> 6) City will come and inspect the box and could potentially inspect 
> our other wiring.
> 7) Once city approves, they will give electric company ok to drop power.
> 8) Schedule Electric company to come out and install the power drop.
>
> II. Relay repair for our reactor heater and thermostat
> Ron agreed to repair our broken relay and replace the connectors. He 
> believes the connectors are not the right quality for the amount of 
> time we are pulling electricity through them. Better connectors will 
> require a larger housing. He agreed to purchase these items once he is 
> sure of our reimbursement process.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> Zac Imboden
> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
> 1534 SE 35th Place
> Portland, OR
> 97214
> 971-563-2477
>
>
>