Skid-mounted dry-type transformer
June 2020
Electrical Power & Protection
In a specialised application on a coal mine, Trafo Power Solutions recently supplied a dry-type transformer mounted on a mobile skid.
“The harsh environment of a coal mine required us to specially design a fit-for-purpose solution,” explains David Claassen, managing director at Trafo Power Solutions.
The cast-resin dry-type transformer is ideal for the mobile arrangement as it is cooled without oil, which also makes it a safer option in terms of fire hazards, especially on a coal mine. It is also more environmentally friendly, as there is no chance of an oil spill, while the 1250 kVA dual-MV configuration supplied to this mine allows the unit to be linked up to either an 11 kV or 6,6 kV supply.
“The unit was designed for a compact enclosure, while still allowing for sufficient air movement for cooling,” adds Claassen. “We provided a unique solution of a cast-resin transformer with Class H insulation rating for both the medium-voltage and the low-voltage windings.”
This insulation standard ensures that the transformer can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C. He notes that the enclosure design had to accommodate these heat factors while also preventing the ingress of dust or water.
Special engineering was also applied to building a high level of mechanical rigidity into the transformer itself, as demanded by the regular relocation of the mobile skid. This movement means considering that vibration and other forces must be borne by the equipment without affecting its performance.
Claassen emphasises that Trafo Power Solutions is experienced in providing dry-type transformers in a range of enclosed formats to suit customers’ needs. The inherent safety of these transformers also allows them to be installed in underground mining locations. “We can provide various dry-type transformer enclosed solutions with a mobile skid, which is a versatile format for a range of mining applications,” he concludes.
Trafo Power Solutions’ solid track record in cast-resin transformers is based on its local expertise and design capacity, combined with the high-quality manufacture of the units by Italy-based TMC Transformers.
Further reading:
Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric’s Rohit Chashta argues that the biggest gap in Africa’s green transition is not ambition but execution, and outlines how advisory services, bankable project roadmaps, digital visibility and SF6-free switchgear can turn sustainability commitments into measurable progress.
Read more...
High-efficiency half-brick DC-DC converters
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half-brick DC-DC converters from Vepac Electronics use synchronous rectification for high conversion efficiency, in a six-sided metal case built to withstand harsh industrial and transportation environments.
Read more...
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...
printer friendly version