For a data centre in the Netherlands, TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers for a large intake substation. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen explains the significance of this pioneering project.
The scope of supply for the data centre included three 22.5 MVA transformers operating at a voltage level of 50 kV, stepping down to 13.8 kV.
He highlights that Trafo Power Solutions was involved in this project from inception, having been the first point of contact with the substation engineering team. “TMC Transformers accepted the challenge,” he says. “Following multiple conceptual studies, the design was completed and the project started.”
This project, supplying three dry-type transformers for a large intake substation in the Netherlands, has pushed the boundaries of this technology’s application, Claassen says.
It also led to the manufacture of the largest dry-type transformers yet by leading Italy-based multinational TMC Transformers. The scope of supply for the data centre expansion included three 22.5 MVA transformers operating at a voltage level of 50 kV, stepping down to 13.8 kV.
Claassen says the use of dry-type transformers in a large substation like this is unusual, as they are more often used in lower power distribution applications in data centres.
“This is an exciting flagship project for TMC and Trafo Power Solutions,” he adds. “It is a strong affirmation of our efforts to expand the application of dry-type technology to projects that demand higher power and voltage. It also adds considerably to the options for customers in many industrial applications.”
By selecting the dry-type transformer option for its substation, the data centre could locate the transformers inside the facility, where it could be built close to the indoor switchgear.
Claassen highlights the dissipation of heat as a significant challenge in the design. “Dry-type transformers are mainly used indoors and their application on such a large scale required innovative cooling strategies.”
This is where the design ingenuity of Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers won through, leading to the implementation of the appropriate design and cooling systems. The final result was achieved through a number of design iterations by Trafo Power Solutions, worked through with TMC, the substation provider and the end-client.
With this installation the intake transformer gains from the established benefits of dry-type transformers, which include their high level of reliability and the minimal maintenance they require.
“In this data centre application, these benefits are particularly important, as data centres prioritise uptime,” Claassen says. “As a critical item of equipment, the intake transformer needs to ensure minimal downtime, which dry-type transformers typically deliver.”
He attributes the success of the project to the synergy between Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers, a company known for its manufacturing quality in its standard-type transformers and for its expertise in special designs. This capability includes producing dry-type transformers that need to cater for a high voltage or power range.
“While many companies in Europe tend to be more conservative than we are in South Africa, we have found an innovative partner in TMC,” Claassen says.
For more information visit: https://www.trafo.co.za/
