Transformers Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 1

Transformers Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 1
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Editorial Message

Dear Readers,

2017 was a very dynamic year, both in terms of technology and business.

If we talk about technological advancements, a development that stands out is definitely the news about successful testing of the 1,100 kV DC converter transformers at Siemens and ABB. Both transformers were developed and manufactured for the sending and receiving stations of the Changji-Guquan UHVDC link in China, which will be able to transmit 12 GW of electricity over the distance of 3,284 kilometres from Xinjiang region in the Northwest to Anhui province in the east – a project worth $10 billion. Transformers Magazine has been following the progress of this project, reporting regularly on new developments, and I have been honoured to personally see the production of one of the first units to be installed at the Changji sending station, considering how advanced and complex these units are. Interestingly enough, while most economies would be looking at ways to maximally use the new, recently developed technology, the Chinese are already contemplating how to advance to 1,500 kV DC! This is the mentality of growth which is also behind the efforts to develop the Internet of Things, which we also wrote about in our earlier editions (see the Interview with Zhou Xiong in Vol 3, Issue 1).

Column: Tap-changer know-how

Tap-Changer DGA – Uncovering an Enigma   Part 3: Interpretation Abstract Gas generation in OLTCs is influenced by operational and design parameters. There are multiple gas generating components present...

“Safety Inside” – MIDEL’s global mission

Abstract The properties of MIDEL natural and synthetic ester transformer fluids are fire safety, environmental protection and transformer performance improvement. The market’s response to the MIDEL brand proposition has...

Column: Market review

Soft market issues   Abstract The growths and declines of transformer market through the decades have been driven by grid expansions, global economic crises and in recent years by...

Digital market for Power Products & Services

The business environment around us is changing very fast, at a pace which until a few years ago was impossible to imagine. The digital ‘tsunami’, if I may use...

Power transformers – global market analysis

Abstract Global market for power transformers above 100 kV reached $18 billion in 2016. APAC region has the largest demand for power transformers, with China, India and Indonesia leading...

The future of manufacturing

Precautionary measures for Industry 4.0   Abstract Manufacturing today is no longer simply about making physical products, but about finding new ways to create and capture value for the...

Column: Transformer lifecycle

Operation of transformers: Impact of harmonic loading on transformer losses  Abstract Due to the increasing number of electronic devices with non-sinusoidal power supplies applied in today’s grids, transformers are...

Simulation-based fluid-thermal analysis of power transformers

Abstract The transformer life and performance strongly depend on winding hot-spot temperature (HST). Various alternative techniques for HST prediction are gaining popularity over the conventional direct-measurement methods. In this...

Power transformer diagnosis in one day

Abstract A team of OMICRON test engineers was assigned to perform a comprehensive condition assessment of a 300 MVA power transformer. The power transformer was intended for sale and,...

Phase-shifting autotransformer

Abstract Transmission networks of different high voltage levels are usually connected by autotransformers. These autotransformers are generally continuous flux types regulated from the HV or LV side. Some cases...

Internal arc testing of transformer bushings

Abstract This article discusses a special test on transformer bushings which has been introduced in the technical specifications of the Italian Transmission Operator. This test is used to increase...