At KJ Controls, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative and efficient products tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our latest project, an extra-wide E-House for a plywood facility near Vancouver, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. Here's a closer look at how we achieved this feat to create a robust, plug-and-play solution, all from our facility in Nanaimo, BC.
The Project Scope: A Custom E-House Solution
For this project, we were tasked with designing and building an E-House that could accommodate 31 sections of Allen Bradley Motor Control Centers (MCCs) and PowerFlex 755 variable frequency drives. The E-House also needed to include a PLC cabinet and a PC workstation for comprehensive on-site control and monitoring.
Our solution? Combining two shipping containers to create an extra-wide E-House that could house all the necessary equipment and provide a spacious, well-organized environment for operators.
Pre-Wired for Efficiency
To streamline the installation process and minimize downtime at the plywood facility, we pre-wired the entire system at our Nanaimo facility. This meant that when the E-House arrived on site, it was ready to be connected and commissioned with minimal disruption to the client’s operations. By handling all the internal wiring ahead of time, we ensured a smooth and efficient installation, saving our client both time and money.
Advanced Climate Control with Mitsubishi HVAC Systems
Ensuring that the E-House maintained optimal conditions for sensitive equipment was a priority. Our team designed and installed a robust HVAC system utilizing two redundant Mitsubishi A/C units. These Mitsubishi systems are highly efficient and offer redundancy, ensuring that even in the event of a system failure, the E-House remains climate-controlled, and the equipment stays protected. This dual-unit approach guarantees uptime and safeguards the longevity of the MCCs, variable frequency drives, and other essential equipment.
Structural Innovation: A Custom Truss System
One of the unique challenges of this project was ensuring the structural integrity of the E-House, given its open design and loss of support from removing the interior walls. To address this, we designed and built a custom truss system to support the roof of the combined shipping containers. This truss system not only reinforced the structure but also allowed for easy transportation and installation.
Meeting a Tight Deadline
Projects like these often come with tight deadlines, and this one was no exception. Thanks to our dedicated team and streamlined processes, we successfully completed the E-House on time, without compromising on quality or safety. The result is a robust, reliable solution that meets the specific needs of the client and demonstrates our capability to deliver complex projects under pressure.
A Collaborative Effort
This project is a great example of what can be achieved with a collaborative approach. From initial design to final installation, our team worked closely with the client to ensure that every aspect of the E-House met their requirements. We’re proud to have played a role in supporting their operations and contributing to their success.
Looking Ahead
At KJ Controls, we’re always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible with electrical and automation solutions. Whether it’s a custom E-House or a complex control system, we have the expertise and experience to deliver innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.
If you have a challenging project or want to learn more about how our E-Houses can benefit your operations, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you achieve your goals with solutions that are built to last.
