Eddy Cherry
Stationary Engineer 1 (SE1)
Q: How long have you worked for Metro DES?
A: I worked at the Nashville Thermal Transfer Corporation (NTTC) from 1996 until it burned down in 2003. I was here throughout the transition from the thermal plant to Metro DES, which was completed in December 2003. December 8 marked my five-year anniversary at DES, but technically I've worked at NTTC and DES for 13 years combined.
Q: For those who don't know what a stationary engineer's role is, please tell us a little bit about your day-to-day responsibilities.
A: We are the control room operators. We monitor the plant's computer system, which controls the pressures, temperatures, flows and other readings for: boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers and electrical systems. We also remotely monitor individual building conditions, and keep daily logs and reports on the usage of each building.
Additionally, we continuously check the water quality at the plant to make sure it's maintained within certain parameters. Simply put, we make sure the customers' heating and cooling needs are met. During the off hours, we act as the shift supervisors.
Q: Were you on the clock when the thermal plant burned down?
A: I was a shift supervisor at the time, but my crew's shift ended about two hours before it caught fire. I actually saw it on the news when I got home from work that day, and it was very surreal to see that place where I worked burning down on TV.
To our credit, we were able to get the system back up in less than 48 hours. Our customers only had to go one business day without service, which is pretty incredible considering the circumstances.
Q: What's the biggest difference between NTTC and DES that affects your day-to-day responsibilities?
A: My job at DES is a lot less stressful than it was at NTTC. Our computer system is much more automated at DES than it was at NTTC. It also helps to have new equipment and a new facility with more sophisticated technology.
Q: What path led you to where you are? What did you do before joining DES that prepared you to be successful?
A: I graduated from the Bowling Green Technical School in electronics in 1976, where I trained in troubleshooting and repair of AC and DC circuitry, digital systems, hydraulic-pneumatic systems, industrial electricity, and plumbing. I learned to control plant processes while working in the motor fuel grade ethanol industry during the ‘80s. Then I received HVAC Technician Certification (Universal) in 1999 while working at NTTC.
Q: When you started in 2003, the facility was brand-new. In the last e-newsletter we asked Harry Ragsdale, Metro DES project administrator, about DES' ongoing goal to keep the equipment like-new. He mentioned Constellation Energy Projects & Services' commitment, as the system operator, to keep all the equipment in topnotch condition. What kinds of things does CEPS regularly do that have contributed to keeping the plant in such great condition?
A: A continual preventive maintenance system during which our maintenance personnel are checking all of the equipment on a regular basis. We also rotate the usage of redundant motors and equipment on a monthly schedule, which allows us to maintain excellent productivity at the plant.
Q: What advice would you give to DES customers to keep costs down and efficiency high as we transition from fall to winter?
A: I think making sure building equipment is in good condition goes a long way in meeting that goal. It's important that our customers perform preventive maintenance on their equipment to ensure peak functionality and efficiency.
Q: You live in Franklin, Ky., and make the drive to Nashville for work. How long does it take you to get to work, and what's your schedule like? Is that common for other employees at DES, or do you live the farthest away? I'm guessing you must really like your job to make that commute.
A: I live right across the border, and the drive is exactly 50 miles one way. It takes about 45 minutes if traffic cooperates, and I typically have to make the drive three or four days per week. The operations personnel work a 365 day per year, rotating shifts, 12 hours per day. There is one other operator who drives about 45 miles farther than I do. I really do like my job; the people I work with are more like family. I feel very blessed to be a part of this company.
Q: If you weren't a shift engineer at Metro DES, what would you like to do?
A: I could see myself training horses, raising border collies or being a professional fisherman. Too many choices.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not on the job?
A: Mostly fishing, boating and occasionally hunting during deer or turkey season. I like spending time at home with my wife, Debbie, on the family farm.