Delivering Around-the-Clock Power

gas generator

To ensure the power is always on, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine installed a Cat G3412 gas generator to back up the utility feed at the Auburn, AL, campus.

On a branch campus of Virginia Tech in Auburn, AL, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) opened its doors with a vision to provide healthcare for nearby underserved regions while promoting biomedical research. In a state-of-the-art building on the southern end of the Auburn campus, more than 325 VCOM first-and second-year students are taught the fundamentals of osteopathic medicine. VCOM’s curriculum is based on a digital platform so continuous power is critical.

To ensure uninterrupted power, VCOM installed a Cat G3412 gas generator to back up the utility feed at their Auburn campus when the building first opened. Based on a recommendation from Cat dealer Thompson Tractor, VCOM transfers the electrical load to the facility once a month.

“Every time, the generator has kicked right in and done what it’s supposed to do,” says Randy Cerovsky, facilities director for VCOM-Auburn. “We have never noticed any delay in the amount of time it takes for the generator to start up and transfer the power over. Everything just runs smoothly; we’ve never had any issues.”

Technicians from Thompson Power Systems perform regular maintenance on the generator set. “Thompson Power Systems has been great to work with,” Cerovsky says. “They do all of the service, and they explain everything.”

Cerovsky receives email alerts when the generator runs or if issues arise. “One of the features I like is the Cat Connect interface that enables us to receive SMTP alerts so if anything’s wrong, we get notified and call to receive service immediately.”

www.cat.com/en_US

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management September 2019 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

    In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.