Dry-type transformers for auto plant
January 2022
Electrical Power & Protection
An important expansion to South Africa’s automotive industry is benefiting from the installation of 10 dry-type transformers and two mini-substations supplied by Trafo Power Solutions. The units, for a motor plant near Pretoria, range from 315 kVA to 4 MVA and were custom designed and manufactured to the exacting requirements of the electrical consultants on the project, according to David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions.
“Working closely with our customer to finalise the design specifications, as well as with our manufacturing partner TMC Transformers in Italy, we were able to meet the tight turnaround times,” he adds.
Each of the transformers were required to meet particular design challenges. With the six 3150 kVA units and the 4 MVA unit, for instance, fault levels had to be kept to a certain predetermined maximum. The design parameters for the two 1600 kVA units had to ensure they could withstand a relatively high harmonic content. “One of our strengths is being able to collaborate positively with both consultants and contractors in high pressure contracts like this one,” explains Claasen. “This allowed us to achieve the required designs within the strict schedules, so the end result would be fit-for-purpose and delivered on time.”
Trafo Power Solutions’ flexible and proactive approach allowed them to deliver fully on the project despite occasional disruptions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Claassen notes that the company was able to engage with the customer face-to-face and through virtual platforms, as conditions required. The company also took responsibility for logistical elements of the contract. “Like the rest of the world, South Africa faces various freight challenges since the outbreak of the pandemic, but our innovative strategies ensured that shipping and customs arrangements were closely managed so we could land the equipment as needed,” he says.
The air-cooled format of the dry-type transformers offers the new motor manufacturing facilities an environmental benefit insofar as there is no risk of oil leaks. The units are also low maintenance and have a high safety rating due to minimal explosion risk.
Further reading:
Modular UPS system with scalable, high-availability architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Legrand South Africa has launched its fifth-generation TriMOD three-phase modular UPS, available from 10 to 80 kW. The system features hot-swappable modules, multiple input/output configurations, and up to 99% efficiency in Eco Mode, designed for data centres and critical industrial environments.
Read more...
Accurate illuminance measurement for safer, more efficient environments
Electrical Power & Protection
The Sonel LXP-10A illuminance meter is designed for accurate measurement of lighting levels in industrial environments where adequate illumination is essential.
Read more...
Why mining operations need local lightning early warning
Senseca
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning can develop into a serious mining hazard before the first local strike, leaving crews little time to stop work and reach safety. Local early-warning technology can provide valuable lead time, allowing mines to connect developing storm conditions to defined trigger actions that protect people, explosives and equipment.
Read more...
South Africa’s dirtiest fuel is building its most resilient boilers
Electrical Power & Protection
Steinmüller Africa argues that duff coal, the low-grade fines and discards stockpiled over decades, can now underpin reliable, compliant industrial boilers using mature circulating fluidised bed combustion technology, turning a long-standing liability into a phased energy transition pathway.
Read more...
Retrofitting for sustainability
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As budgets tighten and sustainability targets increase, retrofit and modernisation strategies are gaining traction across Africa, allowing organisations to upgrade only what limits performance while preserving existing infrastructure and extending asset life.
Read more...
USB-Datalogger for voltage 0 to 30 V DC
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 5186 is a data logger for DC voltages from 0 V to 30 V with terminals on the top of the device.
Read more...
Pole-top boxes for smarter, more secure electricity networks
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Simplifying electrical design compliance
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems highlights how Rockwell Automation’s Global SCCR Tool simplifies short-circuit current rating compliance for complex industrial electrical systems.
Read more...
Engineering resilience into Africa’s energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zutari’s managing director of water explains how Burundi’s landmark Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower projects demonstrate what resilient, climate-adapted infrastructure delivery looks like – and what this means for Africa’s energy future.
Read more...
Voltage Tester with LED-Display
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 1094 is a reliable and robust two-pole voltage tester that has been specially developed for the safe and precise measurement of AC and DC voltages in the 12 to 400 V range.
Read more...
printer friendly version