Reference
Fintos exceeded The Switch's expectations
In 2025, a new switchgear manufacturing line was opened at The Switch’s Vaasa factory, for which Fintos designed and supplied the piping and pressure testing equipment for the cooling side of the test facility. The collaboration resulted in a solution that exceeded The Switch’s expectations.
The starting point for the joint project between The Switch and Fintos was an empty space, with the goal of creating an efficient, safe, and adaptable test area.
The first challenge was the cooling system, for which The Switch needed external expertise in design and implementation. It was known that Fintos had the necessary know-how and expertise for the task. In addition, Fintos’s local presence and previous collaboration were factors in its selection.
Test engineer Anton Kuitula played a leading role in the project on behalf of The Switch, with support from factory manager Eemi Rautiainen. Ville Halmesmäki consulted on the development of the cooling system at Fintos, and Niko Manninen was responsible for the drawings.
Exceeding expectations
The planned test room will be used to test large frequency converters and DC switchboard solutions with a power output of approximately 1–4 megawatts and physical dimensions of 3–15 meters.
The design and construction of the test area’s cooling system started from scratch, with only a bridge crane in the empty space.
The goal was to create an efficient cooling system with a water flow of 200 l/min, a cooling capacity of 50 kW, and a pressure of 4–6 bar. The target pressure for the test device itself was 9 bar, but the end result reaches up to 12 bar.
– At first, the whole thing seemed small, but as the project progressed, it turned out to be big, says Kuitula.
A total of 36 meters of two-inch pipe was used in the cooling system. The system also included flow control valves, pressure gauges, and three pairs of four-meter-long hoses. In addition, Fintos designed and manufactured wall brackets for the coolant pipes.
Fintos also designed a test filling unit and a multi-purpose pump for the cooling system, which can be used to fill and empty the cooling fluid pipes of the cabinet being tested. Halmesmäki came up with a new valve design based on the old model to reverse the pumping direction.
– Thanks to the valve solution, all hoses can remain connected to the system at all times, and it can be filled and emptied easily by turning the valve, Halmesmäki explains.
Since all the work steps can be done with a single device, the work is neat and efficient for the installers. At the same time, space is saved and unnecessary equipment investments are avoided.
– In discussions with Ville, we were able to develop a cooling system that was optimal for our needs. It turned out differently than we had originally planned, but the end result is better. Fintos exceeded The Switch’s expectations, says Kuitula.
Fintos’ flexibility as a strength
The project had to be completed within a short time frame. However, the tight schedule did not pose a challenge.
– Fintos’ strength in the project was its flexibility. We had tight schedules, and we got everything done and the pipes on the wall on time. We have been very satisfied with Fintos’ work, says Rautiainen.
– A couple of changes were made along the way, and Fintos implemented them on the fly. It is exceptional to receive such flexible service, says Kuitula.
The project lasted three weeks from the initial meeting. Fintos spent a week on planning and welding at the beginning.
– We worked hard, and we were lucky to get all the components on time, says Halmesmäki.
The result: it couldn’t be better
At the start of the project, the client’s requirement was for a one-meter-wide manifold with ten outlets at the end of the cooling system. This would have meant a lot of hoses on the floor during testing.
Fintos came up with the idea of raising the hoses onto the wall and dimensioning them correctly, leaving the floor clear.
– We got some good ideas from Ville, such as installing a pipe on the wall and feeding it to the right places, says Kuitula.
During the project, Fintos developed a flat gasket for cam lever connectors, which allows them to be screwed into place more quickly during test runs.
– When the tests began, we thought about a solution to the problem. Within hours, Fintos delivered a product that worked right away. It was a strong added value factor that Vaasa has such an expert and such fast service, says Kuitula.
According to Kuitula, The Switch’s installers have had no comments on the solution developed by Fintos. That is excellent feedback.
Good references as a basis for further cooperation
Good references reinforce The Switch’s desire to continue its cooperation with Fintos. New deliveries are already in the pipeline.
The Switch particularly appreciates Fintos’ ability to refine the customer’s needs into an even better solution.
Kuitula also sees potential benefits in, for example, Halmesmäki visiting the test area and assessing how unnecessary steps in testing and cooling could be eliminated.
– The best ideas come when we look at things together with the customer. When I visit the production facility for other reasons, I often notice in passing that a certain step could be done more efficiently in a different way, Halmesmäki says.
Fintos also values The Switch’s forward-looking attitude in their collaboration.
– People come together and innovate together. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, and results are achieved. The Switch and Fintos have a strong mutual trust, says Halmesmäki.
The Switch offers customized electric motors and power electronics for system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Switch’s innovative technology and optimized products promote the transition to net-zero emissions in maritime, renewable energy, and industrial applications.
The Switch has factories in Lappeenranta and Vaasa, Finland, and an office in Helsinki. The company also has factories in China and Norway. In 2025, The Switch will employ approximately 250 people, and its order backlog will correspond to approximately one and a half years of revenue.
Further information: theswitch.com
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