In Spring 2019, a USCG communication site’s power system failed, eliminating a critical area of maritime radio frequency coverage. The site was located on a remote mountaintop in Southeast Alaska.

RMC Engineering went beyond the scope of the original contract to redesign and improve the system to address underlying issues. Upon receiving the contract award, RMC went to work, taking care of all of the underlying logistics and coordination involved with designing and commissioning a remote power site.

Upon successful project completion, RMC didn’t just turn over a repair, but an upgrade.

RFF Althorp is situated on a peak overlooking Cross Sound with access to Pelican in Southeast Alaska. The old pair of 7 kW DC generators and control system had failed and eliminated maritime radio transmission coverage in that area. The US Coast Guard approached RMC looking for an economic power solution that would reliably keep the site online.

After first attempting to revive the existing generators, RMC opted to replace them with new 8.5 kW propane DC generators and an updated control system. Logistics of changing out the generators proved a challenge, as all travel to Althorp was only possible via helicopter. RMC used mechanical and electrical backgrounds and experience to best predict and anticipate all possible issues with a system changeout.

Post install, the new power generation system has consistently kept the site online, facilitating safer maritime travel.