Penn State – Lidia Manson Building START Lab
Electrical Contractor: TSB Inc. dba Schultheis Electric
Owner: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
Project Type: Educational / Research
Location: University Park – State College, PA
Completion: June 2026
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Electrical contractor Schultheis Electric installed the high-voltage infrastructure needed to power the lab’s advanced research equipment.
This work included a primary substation transformer and specialized switchgear that provide reliable power for large-scale testing systems and simulated turbine environments.
WHAT THE ELECTRICAL WORK SUPPORTED
The START Lab expands Penn State’s research capabilities and supports innovation in energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Facilities like this help train the next generation of engineers while contributing to advancements in technology used across multiple industries.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Lidia Manson Building expansion at Penn State includes the new START Lab (Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine Lab), a state-of-the-art research facility within the College of Engineering. The lab supports advanced research in turbine technology, energy systems, and aerospace engineering.
The facility is designed to replicate real-world turbine conditions, allowing researchers to test and develop new technologies that improve performance, efficiency, and reliability in energy and industrial applications.
COOL FACT
The START Lab houses a one-of-a-kind turbine designed to match real engine conditions, allowing researchers to test new cooling methods, materials, and sensor technologies used in advanced energy and aerospace systems.
