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AFSAlameda t1_ixkqgfa wrote

Reply to comment by virdestratera in If a solar flare were to wipe most if not all technology, what plans/countermeasure could be taken to slow rebuild things like the internet? by Zak_the_Reaper

The big power transformers at major power stations take 10 years to build and need a lot of electricity to make. Rebuilding a distributed power generation network for one country would take a generation or two. By which stage civilisation has completely collapsed and with maybe a few exceptions the knowledge of how to maintain even the most basic of cohesive social groupings will have faded.

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nesquikchocolate t1_ixkvt6j wrote

Winding copper is something that can be done by hand, and with a little bit of mechanical assistance (factory running on a diesel generator), you'd be able to rewind a grid scale transformer in a few weeks.

That's assuming the solar flare somehow damaged the transformer inside, which is highly unlikely in the first place - seeing that they're fused on both the primary and secondary sides.

But please, continue spreading misinformation! The world certainly needs more hate and distrust.

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alex20_202020 t1_ixllb8q wrote

> (factory running on a diesel generator), you'd be able to rewind a grid scale transformer in a few weeks.

Do you think Ukraine is able to rebuild electrical supply "as before" after missiles' attacks even w/out spare parts?

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Remarkable_Night2373 t1_ixlvz0g wrote

They’re still actively being bombed and fighting off fascists but yeah when it’s done they will rebuild.

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alex20_202020 t1_ixlyoep wrote

They claim restoration within several hours. Do you think they can easily replace from warehouses and repair broken to re-supply warehouses to continue for long under current conditions? I'm asking you as technology guru knowing about transformers and the like.

As I been reading claims the grid deteriorates, I wonder what parts could be damaged that cannot be repaired so easily as transformers.

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Carbidereaper t1_ixl803l wrote

It’s actually only 2 to 5 years because only a few companies actually build them and they have to be ordered years in advance they can weigh hundreds of tons and can only be hauled by specialized rail cars and tractor trailers http://energyskeptic.com/2015/power-transformers-that-take-up-to-2-years-to-build/

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nesquikchocolate t1_ixld5n5 wrote

Why wouldn't you just repair the damaged ones? It's much quicker.

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Carbidereaper t1_ixm04sh wrote

Well depending on the damage you aren’t going to be able to repair them on site step 3 and 6 being very important quote from article

Production. The typical manufacturing process of an LPT consists of the following steps:

  1. Engineering and design: LPT design is complex, balancing the costs of raw materials (copper, steel, and cooling oil), electrical losses, manufacturing labor hours, plant capability constraints, and shipping constraints.

  2. Core building: The core is the most critical component of an LPT, which requires a highly-trained and skilled workforce and cold-rolled, grain-oriented (CRGO) laminated electrical steel.

  3. Windings production and assembly of the core and windings: Windings are predominantly copper and have an insulating material.

  4. Drying operations: Excess moisture must be removed from the core and windings because moisture can degrade the dielectric strength of the insulation.

  5. Tank production: A tank must be completed before the winding and core assembly finish the drying phase so that the core and windings do not start to reabsorb moisture.

  6. Final assembly of the LPT: The final assembly must be done in a clean environment; even a tiny amount of dust or moisture can deteriorate the performance of an LPT.

  7. Testing: Testing is performed to ensure the accuracy of voltage ratios, verify power ratings, and determine electrical impedances.

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