Electricity and Control June 2020

COVER ARTICLE

FEATURES: · Industry4.0+ IIoT · Energymanagement+ the industrial environment

· Measurement+ instrumentation · Transformers, substations+ cables

Enthusiastic uptake of dry-type transformers in Africa

EC June 2020 cover.indd 1

5/28/2020 1:30:01PM

G reater safety, lower maintenance requirements and reduced energy consumption are among the factors driving the popularity of dry-type transformers in Africa, according to local specialist Trafo Power Solutions. “Advances in the design and manufacturing of dry-type or cast-resin transformers in recent decades have also meant that there is now close price parity with conventional oil-cooled transformers,” says David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions. Cooled by air rather than oil, dry-type transformers are more versatile in terms of where they can be located. They can be installed indoors, in basements and in other confined spaces. They can even be used in underground coal mining environments. “They are low-risk in relation to fire, as they are categorised as fire protection class F1 in terms of international fire resistance ratings,” says Claassen. “This demonstrates that they are both flame-retardant and self-extinguishing.” The risk of oil spills from an oil-cooled unit requires the building of specific infrastructure to prevent possible environmental pollution. Dry-type alternatives incur fewer costs as they require no such infrastructure to be provided. He notes that the safer, oil-free design of dry-type transformers allows them to be incorporated in modular

substations – a convenient and cost-effective option for projects and sites around Africa. The modular format requires that the transformer operates safely in proximity to personnel and to other equipment. The modular substations – suitable for underground or surface applications – include features such as temperature protection, surge protection, cooling, ventilation and earth fault protection. Markets in which these solutions are being enthusiastically adopted include mining, oil and gas, power generation and general infrastructure, including water treatment facilities. “With our experience in Africa and our design capacity, we work with leading Italy-based manufacturer TMC Transformers to develop bespoke solutions,” Claassen says. “Through our exclusive engineering partnership with TMC, our customers can be confident of world-class design and manufacturing standards.” A solution-focused approach is shared by Trafo Power Solutions and TMC, based on close collaboration with customers to meet their precise requirements. Claassen emphasises the importance of all parties working together at every stage of a project, from application engineering through to design, manufacture and customer support.

Trafo Power Solutions offers a wide selection of cast resin transformers. These range from 160 kVA to 25 MVA, with system voltages up to 52 kV and Class F or Class H insulation systems. The company also provides custom-designed mini substations.

Aerial view of TMC Transformers manufacturing headquarters located in Milan, Italy.

For more information contact Trafo Power Solutions. www.trafo.co.za

Electricity + Control JUNE 2020

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