Electro-mechanical manufacturing company Actom’s Distribution Transformers division has recently expanded the production capacity of its Knights manufacturing facility, in Germiston, to extend the upper power and voltage capacities of its transformers to 10 MVA and 88 kV, respectively.

This represents a significant up­ward leap from the previous upper limits of 6 MVA and 44 kV of the divi­sion’s main product line of distribution transformers extending into the bottom end of the power transformer market.

“We’ve made this change mainly in response to the growing demand for transformers in the 5 MVA to 10 MVA range in the rapidly expanding renewable energy market, as well as in the mining industry, among others,” says Distribution Transformers divisional CEO Lee Mbenge.

He explains the company embarked on this move with the full knowledge and approval of the Actom group executive, as they have a role to play in contribut­ing towards meeting the growing demand for power transformers in the 5 MVA to 10 MVA range with very short lead times.

The two divisions, namely Actom Distribution Transformers and Actom Power Transformers, overlap each other in and around this range and with the recent upsurge in demand in this market segment, “we are both happy to share in supplying it”, he comments.

In the extended range, Distribution Transformers offers purchasers the option of units fitted with on-load tap-changers, in place of the standard de-energised tap-changers that are customarily on offer. In addition, cus­tomers have a choice between esteroil filled and mineral oil filled units in this range.

Transformers for solar and wind ap­plications will be part of the extended range of transformer offerings.

The expansion of Distribution Transformers’ production and testing capacity involved the acquisition and installation of a larger LV foil-winding machine, which is still preferred for better withstand capability under short circuit conditions, and the upgrade of an existing stacking table.

The necessary infrastructure is already established, including a fully equipped fabrication facility offering various corrosion protection options up to C5-M standards. Additionally, there is a dedicated facility for drying transformer cores and windings, capable of accommodating transformers up to 10 MVA in size.

The setup also includes a comprehensive routine testing facility, featuring essential tests such as lightning impulse testing and partial discharge testing, all conducted within a shielded environment.

Further, there is a substantial 30 t lifting facility in place to handle heavy equipment. The facility is equipped with high-voltage winding machines to ensure precision in the manufacturing process.

Lastly, there is also a designated final assembly area where all the components come together to create the finished products.Top of FormBottom of Form

“We have confirmed the support of renowned international transformer expert consultant Dr Hugo Piovan to vet our designs in the new extended range,” Lee concludes.

Contact details:

Lee Mbenge

Divisional CEO: ACTOM Distribution Transformers

Lee.mbenge@actom.co.za

(011) 820-5111

URL: www.actom.co.za