Trafo Power Solutions recently supplied two 2000 kVA 11,6kV/415V dry-type transformers to a large data centre in the Cape Town ensuring reliable supply and energy savings.

Data centres are energy hungry beasts that operate with a high power demand, and it is important that the most appropriate transformers with the requisite protection devices are specified for this robust application.

David Claassen, managing director of Trafo Power Solutions, explains that it is important to understand data centre applications and especially the load which the transformer will be supplying as well as the type of switchgear that will be feeding it. “This,” he says, “is important from a voltage transient perspective.”

Trafo Power Solutions recently supplied two 2000 kVA 11,6kV/415V dry-type transformers to a large data centre in the Cape Town. Manufactured under stringent quality control conditions at Italian transformer OEM TMC, these specialised units are low loss transformers which conform to the European Directive EU 548-2014 and will provide greater energy savings in this application.

“Dry-type transformers are ideal for data centre applications, and correct upfront design played a role in ensuring that these transformers will meet the application requirements,” Claassen says.

The design was important in terms of the transformers windings as well as the core changes in this type of application where there is a high percentage of non-linear or harmonic load. He says that in this case the design K-factor for these transformers is 13.

These transformers were designed differently to a standard distribution load transformer and have an electrostatic shield which diverts noise to ground as well.

Trafo Power Solutions was able to assess the application requirement and provide a solution that could be delivered within a tight delivery time frame, which was an added advantage to the end-user.