Seismic Resilience of Large Power Transformers: Shake Table Test
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
INL-25-011
NAICS
335311 - Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing
Classification Code
—
Additional Details
Documents1
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), the Management & Operating Contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has issued a Sources Sought notice (Procurement Identifier: INL-25-011) seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from industry partners regarding solutions to enhance the seismic resilience of large power transformers. This initiative is part of INL’s ongoing efforts to address critical vulnerabilities in the nation’s electrical grid infrastructure, specifically focusing on the susceptibility of large power transformers to earthquake-induced failures.
The primary objective of this procurement activity is to identify and engage industry stakeholders who can contribute expertise, feedback, and potentially resources to a first-of-its-kind shake table test of a fully dressed 230 kV power transformer. The test will be conducted at the University of California San Diego’s Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table (LHPOST) facility in San Diego, California. The project centers on evaluating a novel, low-cost, retrofittable bushing decoupler system designed to mitigate resonance-induced failures in transformer bushings during seismic events. This system utilizes modern materials and is engineered for adaptability across various bushing-transformer configurations, aiming to prevent the amplification of vibrations that can lead to cascading transformer failures during earthquakes.
In addition to the bushing decoupler, the project will also assess seismic base isolation techniques, which involve mounting transformers on isolator devices to absorb earthquake energy and alter the system’s structural dynamics. While base isolation has seen limited deployment, comprehensive experimental data on its effectiveness for fully dressed power transformers is lacking. The shake table test will simulate real-world substation installation conditions, providing valuable insights into both mitigation strategies.
INL is inviting industry partners to participate by reviewing and providing feedback on test plans, as well as proposing additional experimental approaches or equipment that could enhance the scope and impact of the testing. Depending on the nature and extent of proposed contributions, partners may be asked to provide funding or equipment to support concurrent or extended testing activities.
Interested parties are required to submit their expressions of interest via email by close of business on June 1, 2026. Submissions must be no longer than two pages in PDF format. All technical questions must be submitted in writing at least three days prior to the final submission deadline. Respondents are advised to clearly mark any proprietary or business-sensitive information in their submissions.
The contracting entity for this opportunity is Battelle Energy Alliance–DOE Contractor, classified under NAICS Code 335311 (Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing). The place of performance is San Diego, California. Only those offerors deemed potentially qualified by BEA will be contacted for further discussions or invited to participate in a subsequent request for proposal process.
For further information or to submit questions, interested parties may contact Bjorn Vaagensmith, Power Systems Researcher ([email protected]), or Jake Gentle, Program Manager ([email protected]), with the subject line “Response to Seismic Resilience of Large Power Transformers: Shake Table Test.” Additional details and the official notice can be found at https://sam.gov/opp/8eb920f83a0c4b9183bf79df4e3446d2/view.
This notice represents a unique opportunity for industry leaders in transformer manufacturing, seismic mitigation, and related fields to collaborate with a national laboratory on advancing the resilience of critical power infrastructure.