Electricity grid operators are at a turning point: to ensure the stability of grids, they have to master complex modernisations of technology and infrastructure, in which intelligent transformers play a central role.
Regensburg-based Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH (MR), has introduced the ISM® platform to enable transformer manufacturers to meet these changing demands. ISM® platform is an open, manufacturer-independent technology for digitising power transformers in which all data collected via sensors converges and it includes a freely configurable control system. In addition to monitoring individual transformers, important information for fleet control can be generated from the bundled evaluation across an entire fleet, allowing asset managers to perform condition-based maintenance, for example.
Support for transformer manufacturers
The ISM® system is housed in a control cabinet in which all applications and functions are integrated, and all the data from the various installed sensor units converge. At the same time, the system serves as an open platform on which additional sensors can be connected in an uncomplicated way, and irrespective of the manufacturer.
MR also offers transformer manufacturers advice and support in developing individual configurations. Once all technical and design specifications have been defined, MR produces the complete system in its own plant in Regensburg and delivers it just-in-time.
Jürgen Ach, Director of Automation at MR explains: "We can help transformer manufacturers transform themselves from system integrators to solution providers as they become less dependent on subsystem suppliers such as sensor manufacturers. That's why we don't offer individual components but rather an open, manufacturer-independent platform on which they can compose their own solutions. This open principle means that we also install sensors from third-party manufacturers for OEMs. In addition, we support them in developing their own software modules on the ISM® platform, enabling them to differentiate themselves from their competitors with an individual range of products and services."
Sebastian Hilmer, Head of OEM Cooperations, adds: "With the increasing demands on the energy grid as well as the growing amount of sensor data available, the need for intelligent algorithms is also growing. We develop these together with our customers and support them in opening up new business models – such as linking temperature and weather data to create an intelligent fan control system." OEMs save time and money by integrating all sensor technology and functions on one platform and by being able to add their own software to the system independently.
Ach adds, "A digital transformer is nevertheless a high cost factor. We want to be the ones to scale this concept – which means ensuring more affordable prices through high volumes – so that all OEMs can invest in digital systems."
Intelligent transformers
Hungarian manufacturer, GANZ Transformers and Electric Rotating Machines Ltd. and Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) entered into a cooperation agreement in April 2022 for the development and production of intelligent transformers. As a Hungarian pioneer in transformer technology, GANZ is positioning itself as a digital solution provider and will consistently rely on MR's proven digitalisation platform in the future. The aim of the cooperation is for both parties to become market leaders in the manufacture of more efficient and sustainable transformers.
Jan Prins, CEO at GANZ, says: "In orders for new transformers, we are experiencing an increasing demand for sensors and evaluation systems. The collaboration with MR is the first step for GANZ to develop a complete portfolio of smart solutions for all products and to offer our customers the benefits of digitised transformers. In the medium term, we aim not only to be a system integrator, but also to offer our customers superior automation and digitisation solutions."
The ISM® platform
Based on the ISM® platform, which combines all the know-how that MR has accumulated over the decades, manufacturers can easily integrate any sensors or software. All available data comes together via fibre optics into the central ISM® computing unit, where it is evaluated and assessed by means of algorithms. Depending on requirements, six different software modules are available, and the computing centre, sensors, connections and cabling are all integrated in the control cabinet, avoiding the need for several separate control cabinets and enabling the retrofit of additional modular functions. The ISM® platform thus creates the basis for networked transformers.
For more information visit: www.reinhausen.com
