Electricity and Control September 2023

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Growing demand for modular substations

Having built a name for itself in the field of dry-type transformers, Trafo Power Solutions has extended its scope of supply into modular substations – also called E-houses. Managing Director David Claassen says the company is today servicing a growing need for the versatile and cost-effective modular solutions. It has supplied customers locally and in remote locations around Africa. “Since our entry into the market supplying dry-type transformers, we have noticed an increasing demand for complementary systems related to their application,” Claassen says. “As customers recognised the level of our in-house expertise, we received requests for packaged solutions which included our dry-type transformers. “Customers needed a reliable supply partner with the competence and experience to understand the specific demands of each project and application,” he says. “Trafo Power Solutions has proven itself in this role, from the concept and design stage of a project to facilitating the manufacture, delivery and on-site commissioning.” Modular substations, or E-houses, are prefabricated or modular structures that house electrical equipment and systems. They are designed to provide a centralised and secure environment for critical electrical compo nents and infrastructure. Often used in industrial settings, power plants, mining operations, oil and gas facilities and other applications where reliable and efficient elec trical power is essential, an E-house will house electrical equipment such as switchgear, transformers, motor con trol centres, distribution panels, and other power distri bution and control devices. Claassen highlights that modular substations are built and tested in controlled workshop conditions, a signifi cant factor which makes the process more streamlined and cost-effective and ensures optimum quality. He adds, “Dry-type transformers are well suited to the concept of modular substations, as they can be safely accommodated inside the compact structure – contrib

Modular substations, or E-houses, are prefabricated or modular structures that house electrical equipment and systems. uting to the benefits that modularity brings. The attrac tion of the modular structure is that it can be more easily transported and installed on site – and having a built-in transformer just makes sense.” Traditional oil-cooled transformers need to be in stalled in a purpose-built structure, for safety, as there is a risk of oil leakage, fire or explosion. This often means additional civil engineering and construction is needed on site, increasing the time and resources entailed in a project. The cabling arrangement between the external transformer bay and the substation also needs to be ac commodated. “The inherent safety of the dry-type transformer allows it to be installed close to the switchgear inside the modular substation, so there are shorter cable runs and installation is easier,” Claassen says. “The extra cost and management of on-site civils work are then also avoided.” Increasing its solutions offering has bolstered the standing of Trafo Power Solutions in the market, as it no longer supplies only transformers. The company now provides a packaged and integrated solution that reduc es the points of contact its customers need to deal with in their projects – whether they are run by the end-user or an engineering, procurement and construction manage ment company. “This saves them time and it reduces the risks asso ciated with integrating the different aspects of electrical projects considerably,” Claassen says. “Customers are looking for more integrated solutions, which allow for bet ter quality control and easier installation.” He says he expects the trend towards modular sub stations across a diverse range of industrial sectors to continue strongly.

Trafo Power Solutions has extended its scope of supply into modular substations – also called E-houses.

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

26 Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2023