Electricity + Control March 2021

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Firm local base supports Africa growth

Specialised transformers for LNG plant Twenty custom-designed transformers are being pre- pared by dry-type transformer specialists Trafo Power Solutions for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant being constructed in northern Mozambique. According to David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, the 20 transformers feature a spe- cialised design that ensures high levels of ingress pro- tection. The units – ranging from 400 kVA to 1 600 kVA – are housed in IP56 enclosures, for protection from fine dust and water. This solution has been achieved despite the transformers being cooled by air rather than oil. “Applying world-class technology and expertise, the transformers are designed to operate reliably in humid and dusty outdoor conditions, providing continuous rated pow- er without the use of any forced cooling,” Claassen says. The specialised design of the transformers accom- modates elements such as temperature rise, losses and insulation systems – suiting each unit for the application and the load it will supply. “They will step down voltages from 6 600 V in the me- The locally developed supply chain delivers various benefits to customers, says Vargas. He highlights, for example, short lead times, as there is little reliance on Europe, China or the US for parts and components. “The impacts to our market are considerable, and we have more predictability and control of our supply chain,” he says. The company has embraced South Africa’s commit- ment to transformation, achieving Level 1 B-BBEE status and investing substantially in training and enterprise de- Establishing a strong local manufacturing base in South Africa has been integral to Zest WEG’s success over the past decade, contributing to building the economy and providing an important springboard into Africa. According to Juliano Vargas, CEO of Zest WEG, this process is aligned closely with the strategic approach of Brazil-based parent organisation WEG, which prioritises its member companies’ capability, efficiency and innova- tion on a local level, “It has required considerable investment in our local production capacity and skills base,” says Vargas. “The outcome to date has been very successful, with Zest WEG developing its local structure and supply chain, while working to world class standards and supported by WEG innovation.” As an example, he notes that Zest WEG today achieves almost 90% local content capability for its transformers and more than 70% local content capability for other products such as E-houses and panels. These products form part of the company’s wide range of solu- tions which include electric motors, drives, switchgear, energy generation, electrical infrastructure, and genera- tor sets, with different levels of localisation.

The company’s transformer manufacturing facility in Heidelberg.

velopment. It has helped that WEG, as a member of the BRICS Business Council (representing Brazil), has over the years been able to engage with South African au- thorities about local content requirements and industry development opportunities. “Our business – in Brazil and in South Africa – has put its weight behind economic empowerment and trans- formation, focusing heavily on local suppliers and local skills,” Vargas says. Zest WEG’s investment in human capital exceeds the portion of payroll required by B-BBEE in local training. Among other initiatives it has a bursary programme and the company will shortly employ its third electrical engi- neer graduating from this scheme. Vargas says this groundwork has created a powerful launchpad for growing the company’s reach in Africa, where it also applies its local development philosophy by partnering with in-country Value Added Resellers (VARs). dium voltage network to 420 V required in the plant, and will supply various motor control centres,” he says. “Spe- cific designs will meet the requirements for various im- pedances, voltages and K-factors for non-linear loading.” This specialised solution is being supplied in a stra- tegic partnership with Italian technology leader TMC Transformers. Together, the companies competed with the world’s leading OEMs for the prized contracts in this LNG mega-project. Trafo Power Solutions will also supply dry-type trans- formers for a Zone 2 hazardous area of the plant, requir- ing compliance with strict classifications and sign-off from certified professionals. Claassen emphasises the safety advantages of dry-type transformers, which do not use oil as a coolant. They therefore pose no hazard in terms of fire, explosion or environmental damage. They also have the advantage of requiring minimal mainte- nance, an important benefit when they are located on such a remote site. For more information contact Zest WEG. Visit: www.zestweg.com

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

28 Electricity + Control MARCH 2021