Electricity + Control August 2019

TRANSFORMERS + SUBSTATIONS

Examples of transformer installations using Cargill FR3 include: - One of the largest transformers, 420 kV / 300 MVA, at Transnet BW in Germany - Interconnection autotransformers of 420 kV / 250 MVA at Terna in Italy - 25/30 MVA compact substation transformers at Tata Power in India - Fourteen generator step-up 13.8 kV - 345 kV 100 MVA units at the US Bureau of Reclamation - 81 distribution transformers at the Kennedy Space Centre in the USA - In Brazil, Cargill’s FR3 was used in 138 kV 50 MVA transformers at the Light Olympic Village substation in Rio de Janeiro. “We look forward to developing markets for FR3 natural ester fluid in South Africa and other export markets throughout sub-Saharan Africa,” Baraldi says. Cargill employs 155 000 people across 70 countries. The company combines 153 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. The Cargill Bioindustrial Group recognises the increasing commercial and consumer demand for renewable and sustainable products as well as the regulatory need to eliminate toxic and unsafe products. With the increasing viability of bio-based alternatives, Cargill leverages more than 60 years’ experience in agriculture-based chemistry for industrial applications. This enables it to provide customers with a more sustainable solution over fossil-based alternatives.

expertise, years of research and vast experience to the South African market,” he adds. The main benefits of replacing mineral oil with FR3 natural ester fluid include improved fire safety, extended transformer insulation life and increased load capacity. According to Baraldi, the potential reductions in installation, insurance and spillage remediation costs are also important benefits and motivators in the adoption of natural ester transformers. He also points to the many environmental benefits of using natural ester fluids. “These include biodegradability, non-toxicity in soil and water, and carbon neutrality, while at the same time increasing the reliability of the electrical grid.” Baraldi highlights that the safety factor of natural ester fluid transformers compared to mineral oils is important in overloaded, unstable electrical grids, particularly where there are illegal connections and power outages. “FR3 natural ester transformers are safer as they contain fire- safe fluids and mitigate the incidents of fires and explosions that can threaten people’s lives, their homes, the community and the environment at large. In fact, to date, we have zero fire history in FR3 fluid-filled transformers,” he says. “The replacement of mineral oil with renewable green natural ester fluids, such as FR3, is becoming a priority in many regions across the world. Worldwide, there are more than two million transformers filled with FR3 fluid in operation, with no fire records. The largest privately owned electricity company in Brazil is migrating its entire distribution network to ester filled transformers,” he adds. The motivation to change to natural ester oils is strong. “Not only do performance, environmental, financial and safety factors play a key role, but FR3 is made from a renewable resource that comprises more than 98% engineered vegetable oil, so it’s sustainable and can support local farming communities.

… FR3 is made from a renewable resource that comprises more than 98% engineered vegetable oil, so it’s sustainable and can support

local farming communities.

Valdir Baraldi, Country Manager for Cargill’s Bioindustrial Group in South Africa, showcases a transformer filled with ENVIROTEMP ® FR3 ® natural ester fluids which will be used for electricity applications across different industries. He holds two bottles – one of naturally derived FR3 ester fluid and a bottle of the soybeans, which are the source oil for this engineered fluid.

Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2019

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