Energy efficient transformers reduce financial and environmental costs

8th December 2017

Energy efficient transformers reduce financial and environmental costs

GREEN TECHNOLOGY Legrand’s cast resin transformers have no risk of insulating fluid losses and are a low fire hazard, even when operating in harsh environments

Electrical solutions supplier Legrand last month introduced its upgraded range of cast resin transformers, which offer advanced environment-friendly features that enable the products to meet the requirements of the new European standard for distribution transformers (EN50541-1) and ensure the highest level of energy efficiency.

The transformers ensure the consistent reduction of energy consumption, resulting in financial savings, as well as a decrease in harmful carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere, says Legrand.

The company highlights that its cast resin transformers efficiently transfer electrical power between two different voltage systems at the same frequency and are manufactured according to stringent quality and safety specifications. These transformers have no risk of insulating fluid losses and are a low fire hazard, even in harsh operating environments, such as in mines and in chemicals and petrochemicals plants.

Other advantages of these transformers are their compact design, which allows for easy installation and low maintenance requirements, as oil changes or periodic oil purifications are not necessary.

“The absence of flammable insulation liquids, the use of self-extinguishing materials that do not produce toxic gas emissions, reduced noise levels and low electromagnetic emissions, further ensure enhanced environmental protection in all sectors,” says Legrand.

The company’s standard distribution transformers are rated between 100 kVA and 3 150 kVA, have primary rated voltage up to 36 kV and secondary rated voltage up to 433 V. Special transformers have rated power up to 17 000 kVA. The variable impedance level selection enhances the options on the fault level requirements and various tap settings are also available.

Unlike oil transformers, cast resin units offer reduced overall weight, size and dimensions and can, thus, be installed inside commercially occupied buildings. With no need for oil containment bunions, civil costs are decreased and flexibility is, moreover, ensured at the location of any installation. As no cooling fluids are necessary, maintenance costs are also reduced.

Rubber inserts also alleviate the transmission of vibrations between core and windings, reducing operating noise levels and absorbing thermal expansion of components. Sockets on the medium-voltage side adapt the primary voltage to the mains, which can be set when the transformer is switched off.

Class F insulating material and epoxy resins enable operation at temperatures of up to 155 ºC. Meanwhile, the carriage of these units allows safe movement and is pre-equipped for the mounting of ingress-protection reinforced enclosures.

Accessories include thermal sensors or thermistors, electronic units for temperature control and forced ventilation systems to increase transformer power in temporary overloads or at high environmental temperatures. Legrand can also supply medium-voltage terminations for plug-in connections, surge arrester kits and antiseismic supports. Various enclosure options are available, with different degrees of protection.

Legrand transformers are enhanced by the Zucchini busbar trunking system, which provides synergy for a direct connection and are available in aluminium or copper.

Legrand also offers a technical advisory service, guiding customers with regard to choosing a transformer and busbar trunking system that provides the best solution for each specific application.