Electricity + Control December 2020

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES

At a glance  Trafo Power Solutions has already delivered 18 dry-type transformers to the first construction camp at Mozambique’s LNG development.  It will also provide 20 specialised dry-type transformers for the plant, each individually designed to suit the application and load it will supply.  These specialised transformers have been developed in collaboration with Italian technology partnerTMCTransformers.

1 250 kVA cast resin transformer installed in a modular substation.

Claassen emphasises the safety advantages of dry- type transformers, which allow them to be used in these applications. Being air-cooled, they do not contain oil like conventional transformers do, and therefore pose no hazard in terms of fire, explosion or environmental damage. “Oil would present a significant risk in an application like a construction camp, where there will be thousands of people living close to each other. The safety level of dry- type transformers means that they can be used in enclosed spaces like modular substations.” Another advantage is that the transformers need minimal maintenance, which is also an important consideration for their use on such a remote site. For all the units provided by Trafo Power Solutions a specialised paint is used to withstand the chemical processing environment and the corrosive sea air. Claassen highlights the intense global competition to supply this mammoth project, and the value of the partnership between Trafo Power Solutions with its local knowledge and experience, and TMC Transformers’ technology and expertise. With decades of experience in dry-type transformers and inductors, TMC Transformers is a world leader with the latest technologies in windings and coil processing. It also boasts modern in-house facilities for routine testing, type testing and special testing. “We are proud to be working with an accomplished global player like TMC on such an important project for the southern African region’s future, and indeed for Africa’s stature as a whole,” he says. “This venture is going to create

500 kVA cast resin transformer, with sealed terminations, installed in a modular substation. a large number of job opportunities on the sub-continent and will undoubtedly be a game-changer for Mozambique.” Claassen notes this contract as a significant landmark for Trafo Power Solutions in the African marketplace, demonstrating the success of the company’s experience and customer-focused approach. “We have always placed our focus firmly on under- standing our customers’ requirements, and leveraging world-class expertise and technology to meet their expec- tations,” he says. “Building on the many advantages of dry-type transformers, we have seen enthusiastic uptake of this technology in applications around Africa.” Recent projects have included complete substations for a tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo and transformers for mobile mining units at a rutile mine in Sierra Leone. In South Africa the company has supplied projects across diverse industries from mining to brewing, and from commercial buildings to data centres. □

For more information visit: www.trafo.co.za

Electricity + Control DECEMBER 2020

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