One of Africa’s leading copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has ordered close to 50 mini substations, equipped with dry-type transformers, from SA-based Trafo Power Solutions. This is a substantial endorsement of Trafo Power Solutions’ specialist in-house design expertise, recognised reliability and the value it offers to customers, says Managing Director David Claassen.
A 500 kVA dry-type mini substation as used in mining applications, offering a high level of reliability and efficiency.
The customer’s specifications for the mini substations vary between 630 kVA and 1 600 kVA, and the substations will be supplied in both 11 kV and 33 kV formats – with multiple configurations of low voltage output from 400 V and 690 V, including dual secondary in some cases. The specifications call for units designed to suit surface and underground applications, which required compact designs and innovative approaches to cooling.
Claassen says one of the main benefits of dry-type transformers in underground mines is their safety. Due to the absence of oil as a cooling agent, dry-type transformers present a very low fire risk – and no environmental risk of oil leakage or spillage. With the use of air for cooling instead of oil, maintenance is also minimised as this obviates the need for regular oil testing and replacement.
Dry-type transformers present a low fire risk and require minimal maintenance.
“Our experience and track record with the design and delivery of dry-type transformers have given us a good understanding of the rigours of deploying electrical equipment like this in demanding mining environments,” Claassen says. “As a company based in Africa, we have worked all over the continent and understand the conditions – and we have developed our ability to design and manufacture mini substations for various applications.”
Trafo has supplied dry-type transformers to countries around Africa including South Africa, Zambia, DRC, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The units on order for the DRC copper mine will be delivered to the mine in batches over the course of 2023.
For more information visit: www.trafo.co.za/
