Electricity and Control September 2021

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES

At a glance  The lower maintenance requirements and higher safety levels of dry-type transformers, including a Class F1 fire rating, are particular advantages in the industrial environment.  Another major benefit ofTrafo’s mini substations in the South African context is the inherent levels of protection against vandalism and theft.  The customisation of transformers for each application is a key value add fromTrafo. that can withstand ambient temperatures of +50°C at a solar power plant in South Africa’s Northern Cape and -40°C for a mine in Kyrgyzstan. “This illustrates that we can design dry-type transformers for such extremes,” says Claassen. In manufacturing the transformers, TMC undertakes all the casting and winding in-house in its own facilities. It also handles all Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) remotely – enabling clients to witness the tests and test procedures in real time from wherever they are based. Test reports are issued accordingly. Looking ahead Claassen says one of the main development drivers in transformers is the aim to advance energy efficiencies and minimise losses. In the EU, USA and Australia energy efficiency standards are prescribed for transformers and, although this is not the case in South Africa or other African countries, the TMC-manufactured low-loss transformers supplied by Trafo meet the same standards of energy efficiency – providing for considerable savings in energy usage. Another interesting development in South Africa and on the African continent is the growing use of renewable energy sources and hybrid energy supply systems to serve industrial applications – whether mines or manufacturing plants. Overall, Claassen says, Trafo sees a balancing of the split between independent on-site power generation and utility grid supplies among the customers it serves, with an increasing use of solar PV generation, localised to the respective plant, or mine or data centre. Considering the future, Claassen says, “Trafo is fortunate to be in the power management and distribution sector, as there will always be a demand for electricity, for new installations and for ongoing op-

A cast resin transformer housed in an IP44 enclosure, for outdoor applications. African continent is increasing. Trafo had already supplied a number of transformers to the LNG (liquefied natural gas) project in northern Mozambique before it was put on hold following attacks on property and people on the site by armed insurgents. It is hoped that construction will be resumed on the project when it is safe to do so. In addition, through its partnership with the long estab- lished and globally recognised transformer manufacturing company TMC, Trafo is involved in supplying transformers to natural gas projects in the USA. Customised to each application All transformers supplied by Trafo Power Solutions are manufactured by TMC, its OEM partner, based in Italy. TMC is a leader in dry-type transformers and has an extensive reference resource of experience and expertise to draw on for different use case applications. While the transformers are manufactured by TMC, Trafo engineers the solutions for its customers to meet the requirements of each application and it supplies all the auxiliary systems – from enclosures, to cooling systems to switchgear – all manufactured locally. In addition, for customers in South Africa and across Africa, Trafo handles all orders, shipping and logistics, as well as on-site installation and commissioning where required. Claassen emphasises that the key value add from Trafo is that the transformers it supplies are specifically customised for every single application – to meet the particular needs of the customer and the environment. Over the past year, for example, Trafo has designed and supplied transformers

erations and mainte- nance.” The company is cautiously optimistic about the future. “We would have hoped for a clearer view by now, but we are see- ing some uptick in the global movement of goods, which promis- es well going forward. Our focus for now is on continuously im- proving our service and range across all the sectors we serve,” Claassen says. □

A 3 000 kVA cast resin transformer housed in an IP23 enclosure, for indoor applications.

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

Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2021

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