ACTOM Distribution Transformers recently completed the manufacture of its first 66 kV transformer, and says it is ready to become the dominant force in the supply of HV small power transformers on the African continent. Divisional CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers, Lee Mbenge says that, having previously manufactured a range of transformers up to 44 kV voltage, the company was prompted to expand its manufacturing capabilities to 66 kV by customer demand.
“Customers were aware of ACTOM’s exceptionally short lead times, based on our ability to push out our smaller power transformers up to 10 MVA fairly quickly. So we started getting requests for the design and manufacture of 66 kV transformers,” he explains. “Historically, industry lead times for the manufacturing of these transformers is about six months to a year. We can complete these units in about 14 to 16 weeks. This is what customers want to take advantage of.”
However, he warns that the company’s lead times are being impacted to some extent by the current market conditions in Europe, where it sources some of the material for its 66 kV transformers. Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Europe cite material, equipment, and skilled labour constraints as the main issues causing supply constraints and consequent increased lead times.
Lee explains that higher voltage transformers are typically used in the electricity transmission and generation sector, whereas lower voltage units are mainly used on the distribution side. He says that ACTOM Distribution Transformers’ 44 kV and 66 kV units can be classified as either small power transformers or large distribution transformers.
Clean environment and top quality materials
Commenting on the development and production of the 66 kV transformer, he notes that manufacturing the higher voltage unit required a meticulously clean environment and top-quality materials.
“Quality control must be of the highest standard. Not only did we have to ensure that the environment is meticulously clean, but also that the coil-winding tension is adequate and sufficient,” adds Mbenge. “We also had to ensure that material used in the manufacturing process was inspected regularly to ensure that it conformed with standards and requirements.”
He says that ACTOM Distribution Transformers did not have to upgrade or acquire any new equipment to manufacture the 66 kV transformers, but it had to carefully check and maintain its machinery to ensure it was in the right condition to be able to manufacture the unit. “We had to perform a lot of servicing of our equipment beforehand, but we were able to use our existing facilities to manufacture the 66 kV transformers. We are looking at upgrading our testing facilities, as we are currently reliant on our sister companies to do type and special testing of the new units. We would like to conduct these tests in-house in future,” he says.
Training test technicians
He adds that the company’s current workforce possessed the necessary skills and expertise to manufacture the 66 kV unit, and the capabilities of the test technicians were enhanced by providing training on the new test requirements, ensuring adherence to the safest test protocols possible.
Lee points out that the introduction of the 66 kV transformer provides ACTOM Distribution Transformers with exposure to customers who are not aware of the company’s manufacturing capabilities of this voltage range in transformers. This will ultimately pave the way for new projects and contracts in the energy sector.
“We are the new kid on the block in this voltage range, and some customers might be sceptical about what we can do, so we still have to prove our worth and show that we’ve earned our stripes, and are in this for the long haul,” he says.
He concludes that after 121 years in business, ACTOM has become a reputable brand and intends to grow and expand its brand visibility to other African markets.
Zinc-based batteries power a more sustainable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zinc-based batteries are gaining ground as a safe, recyclable and cost-effective energy storage option, from consumer electronics to grid-scale systems. The International Zinc Association’s Simon Norton explains why zinc is well placed to support the clean energy transition.
Read more...Energas introduces lower-cost German gas genset for South African market
Electrical Power & Protection
Energas Technologies will supply R Schmitt Enertec’s new Energy Line genset to the South African market, offering German-engineered gas-to-power generation of 400 to 500 kW at a lower entry cost through focused standardisation and a simpler standalone architecture.
Read more...ACTOM plays key role in large transmission substation project in Swellendam ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has been appointed to engineer, procure, construct and commission the 1000 MVA main transmission substation for the Overberg Wind Farm in Swellendam, one of the largest substations of its kind in South Africa.
Read more...Reliable power conversion from high-voltage DC buses Conical Technologies
Electrical Power & Protection
The MEAN WELL DDRH-240 from Conical Technologies is a high-reliability DIN-rail DC-DC converter with a wide 250 to 1500 V DC input range, deriving stable low-voltage power directly from high-voltage DC buses in renewable energy, storage, charging, railway and industrial installations.
Read more...AES maintains a strong value and safety stance on boiler retrofits
Electrical Power & Protection
AES Commercial Director Dennis Williams explains when a boiler retrofit makes more sense than replacement, outlines the range of efficiency and emissions upgrades available, and draws the line at safety: a boiler not legally signed off is shut down, no exceptions.
Read more...The grid needs to become more intelligent Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s power grid is becoming bidirectional and far more dynamic as distributed energy resources proliferate. Schneider Electric’s Nishandra Bajinath explains why digitalisation, DERMS and aggregation are essential to keep this increasingly complex grid stable and efficient.
Read more...ACTOM’s integrated electrical solutions reduce project risk and accelerate delivery
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has secured multiple orders across four divisions for the Naos-1 hybrid solar and battery project in the Free State, demonstrating its integrated model for supplying the full electrical chain from high-voltage equipment to distribution transformers.
Read more...Smarter energy management starts with intelligent electrification ABB South Africa ABB Electrification Products
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB Electrification specialists Adeline Maleka and Nokulunga Dube explain how the convergence of electrification, digitalisation and automation is helping South African industries gain real-time visibility, reduce energy waste and build operational resilience.
Read more...Mining’s decarbonisation journey starts now Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Mining companies are embedding decarbonisation into core operational strategies as technology, advisory services and digital platforms help translate ESG commitments into measurable environmental and business outcomes.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version