Episode Details

Bridget Youngs, founder of Terminus, discussed her company's innovative approach to transformer manufacturing. Terminus aims to reduce production time from months to under two weeks by automating processes and using AI and robotics. They focus on 138-34.5 kV transformers, a critical need in the ERCOT territory. Bridget highlighted the challenges of standardizing equipment across 1,700 utilities and the inefficiencies in current manufacturing. Terminus plans to launch products in Q3 2027, leveraging a team with expertise from companies like GE and Tesla to streamline design and manufacturing.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk

• Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, focusing on safety, training, and innovative propane power technology.
• Scott thanks listeners for joining the top industrial podcast, celebrating industry professionals who solve problems daily.
• The podcast is broadcasting live from Power Gen in San Antonio, focusing on asset management and power generation.

Introduction of Bridget Youngs

• Scott introduces Bridget Youngs, who is in the "hot seat" to discuss transformers.
• Bridget thanks Scott for having her and mentions the presence of many interested buyers and sellers at the event.
• Bridget shares her background in power development, including 10 years in oil and gas, renewables, and working for the federal government.
• She explains her decision to start Terminus, a company manufacturing large power transformers.

Challenges and Opportunities in Transformer Manufacturing

• Bridget discusses the long lead times for interconnection with utilities, which can take 2 to 5 years.
• She highlights the shift in the longest lead time item from bureaucratic processes to equipment availability, particularly power transformers.
• Bridget explains her work on automating shipbuilding and how similar principles can be applied to power transformers.
• Terminus is focused on retooling and engineering equipment to quickly manufacture dynamic assets, reducing labor costs and production time.

Specifics of Terminus' Transformer Manufacturing

• Bridget details the size range of transformers Terminus is focusing on, starting with 138 to 34.5 KV.
• She explains the demand for these transformers in the ERCOT territory, which has the longest 138 KV line.
• Bridget discusses the challenges of standardizing transmission voltage and the variations among different utility territories.
• She emphasizes the need for engineering order due to the different standards and safety measures required for equipment.

Manufacturing Process and Innovations

• Bridget outlines the five major steps in transformer manufacturing: cutting and stacking cores, winding coils, drying in an autoclave, assembling the tank, and testing.
• She describes Terminus' approach to setting up a manufacturing line that can handle different sizes of transformers efficiently.
• Bridget highlights the team's mix of experienced engineers and robotics experts from companies like Tesla and John Deere.
• She discusses the importance of iterating quickly and carefully to avoid catastrophic failures in the deployed assets.

Future Plans and Market Impact

• Bridget mentions that Terminus plans to start rolling out products in Q3 2027, primarily focusing on 138 to 34.5 KV transformers.
• She explains the design process, which involves pairing experienced engineers wit