Dry-type transformers go mainstream
December 2019
Electrical Power & Protection
The uptake of dry-type transformers in South Africa is now well beyond ‘niche’ applications, with local specialist Trafo Power Solutions installing a range of sizes across various sectors. “In recent months, we have been involved in projects with small 50 kVA low voltage lighting transformers, right up to 4,5 MVA medium voltage customised units,” says David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions. “These have been installed in healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, educational institutions, mines and data centres, as well as at solar energy plants.”
Among its recent contracts, the company has supplied a number of lighting transformers. It has also provided outdoor instrument transformers to facilitate measurement of voltage on overhead lines. These cast-resin voltage transformers (VTs) typically have 33 kV, 22 kV and 11 kV primaries with 110 V secondaries with between 50 VA and 500 VA burden.
In the mining sector, a recent contract was the installation of 200 kVA dry-type transformers. This is often a corrosive environment in terms of water and dust, so a high ingress protection (IP) rating was applied. Claassen adds that a range of materials and paint can also be specified by the customer to further withstand corrosion.
Data centres are a fast growing aspect of the country’s digital economy, and Trafo Power Solutions is supporting this segment with its cast-resin transformers. It recently delivered and cold-commissioned two 2 MVA units for a data centre in Cape Town.
“These facilities obviously require the highest levels of reliability and protection from their electrical and electronic networks,” says Claasen. “The windings and core of our units were designed for a K factor of 13, given the high non-linear load. An electrostatic shield was also installed, along with surge protection of the highest order.”
He notes that there was substantial time pressure to complete the contract, but flexibility and responsiveness at Trafo Power Solutions ensured on-time delivery.
At three small-scale solar plants, Trafo Power Solutions is providing three 800 kVA transformers which will step up power from 400 V to 22 kV. These applications involve a solar inverter for the 100% non-linear load, as well as an electrostatic shield between the primary and secondary windings.
Claassen emphasises that the business prides itself on the level of application engineering for each customer’s specific requirements. “We understand what we are supplying and the risks faced by the customer and we design the solution accordingly,” he concludes. “Industry is certainly showing their faith that dry-type transformers can be applied in a growing range of applications.”
Further reading:
Grid to backup power in zero seconds
Electrical Power & Protection
South Ocean Electric Wire has completed a solar installation that marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
Three decarbonisation myths and how organisations can debunk them
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
A UN Climate Change Report revealed that the world is on track to miss its 2050 net zero targets, with temperatures expected to increase by over 2,4°C by 2100. To help shift positive intent to concrete action, Schneider Electric outlined three of the most common myths surrounding decarbonisation and how organisations can get started on their decarbonisation journey.
Read more...
Tackling the barriers of renewables and empowering the manufacturing sector
Electrical Power & Protection
Solar energy is surging in South Africa, but the energy is primarily self-consumed, meaning many manufacturing sites draw power directly and don’t gain more energy independence through comprehensive energy storage or hybrid energy solutions.
Read more...
Three-phase filters for electromagnetic interference
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Vepac Electronics has available three-phase filters that provide a solution to electromagnetic interference generated by equipment or from an AC source.
Read more...
The age of grid defection is upon us
Electrical Power & Protection
Solar and battery systems have got so cheap that many private individuals, farmers and companies are waking up to the fact that in many locations in South Africa it is now less expensive to be off the electrical grid than to be on it.
Read more...
Measure the electrical performance of your machinery
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The TELE eCap from Vepac Electronics allows you to use energy wisely and reduce operational expenses.
Read more...
Connectors for quick, easy and tool-free in-field termination
Electrical Power & Protection
KYOCERA AVX has released the new 9288-000 Series hermaphroditic wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connectors for lighting and industrial applications. These unique two-piece connectors facilitate WTW termination with two identical mating halves, which simplifies BOMs.
Read more...
Biomass is building up steam
Electrical Power & Protection
Pressure is mounting for local manufacturers to swap fossil fuels for biomass to reduce their carbon footprints and mitigate carbon taxes. Experienced steam and boiler operations and maintenance service provider, Associated Energy Services has spent the past 14 years reviewing solutions.
Read more...
Würth Elektronik expands its power module series
Electrical Power & Protection
Würth Elektronik has expanded its successful MagI³C-VDLM power module series with two new models that further enhance the performance of the existing portfolio of compact DC/DC power supply modules.
Read more...
The journey towards renewable energy in the Seychelles
Electrical Power & Protection
The Seychelles is committed to its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Recent technological advancements and strategic planning are steadily paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Read more...
printer friendly version