Hermetically sealed transformers complement smart electricity

Nikhil Pathak, Senior Manager for National Sales at Transfix India Pvt. Ltd. (CAHORS) in an interview with EPR Magazine

Speaking about the distribution transformer industry advancements, Nikhil Pathak, Senior Manager for National Sales at Transfix India Pvt. Ltd. (CAHORS), says that adopting a dependable and effective strategy by decreasing traditional preventive maintenance practices will enable the use of smart power. 

How do initiatives like Power for All and increasing power capacity boost the distribution/power transformer market? 

India is a potential market for growth in various sectors like infra, renewable power plants, residential and commercial, hospitals, hotels, malls, educational institutes, etc., where power demands are increasing daily. We are trying to cater to the maximum possible needs from various sectors in India’s more extensive geographical coverage, including North East India, to deliver reliable and efficient power distribution. Considering the high market requirements for large capacities in distribution segments, we have upgraded our transformer product range from 3 MVA to 5 MVA capacity, especially for heavy industries, renewable segments, etc. 

What innovations in distribution/power transformers are in the wake of smart electricity?

Smart electricity is possible with a reliable and efficient approach by reducing conventional practises of preventive maintenance, which has been made possible with our hermetically sealed, Restricts oxidation of dielectric fluid and offers Compactness & leak-proof feature with completely factory fitted & enables read ready-toy to charge installation. This reduces downtime and the hassle of maintenance with the optimisation of Opex. The second aspect can be a fire-safe and environment-friendly approach, which has been made possible by our hermetically sealed KNAN Natural Ester oil-filled Eco Green & Fire Safe (EGFS) Transformers with additional overloading capacities as per customer’s requirements, available in Class A and Class B insulation. This also enhances the overall life cycle of insulation.

India has different & various Distribution grid voltages i.e. 3.3 kV, 6.6 KV, 11 kV, 22 kV & 33 kV and fluctuations widely observed by & large at most power networks, due to differences in loading conditions, a distance of distribution substations from load centres, number of taping within the feeders, etc.  However, we can obtain a stable power output from Transformers by using On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC), irrespective of fluctuations in incoming voltages, provided we do the study of fluctuation range i.e. +10%/-10% or +5%/-15% or +15%/-10% & so on…

These OLTCs offer many advancements, like Compact Digital OLTCs with reduced footprints and on-spot push buttons.

Moreover, Eco Tap In-Tank Compact OLTC (imported) or L type In-Tank compact OLTC (available in India) excels in compactness of overall transformer. It promises to prolong the preventive maintenance cycles, known for MV up to 33 kV Class.

What are the new and intelligent features evolving in transformers? 

There are many intelligent features available, such as:

•  PLC SCADA-based communication for remote readings of oil temperature and winding temperature indicators.
•   The Remote Tap Control Panels of OLTC have been transformed from  floor-mounted panels to wall-mounted and further to shelf-mounted, optimising space.
• DGPT relay with multiple functions designed for hermetically sealed distribution transformers. This device controls the tank’s internal parameters, i.e., pressure, oil level, temperature and gas detection.

 How do intelligent features in transformers enable better power distribution?

 Delivering a Transformer alone could be one option, but supplying it along with a One Window customised World Class Solution with internally connected MVTRF-LV switchgear is also called a “Compact/Package/ Unitised Substation”. It helps to upgrade all schematic controls, protections, space optimisation and digitalisation under one supply company with single point responsibility for after-sales services.

 What is your outlook on the transformer market in India?

 The transformer market has been competitive for years, but quality consciousness has gradually increased. The technological up-gradation of oil filled to dry-type and now Eco Green is also widely adopted by utilities, government and corporate sectors, and large-medium to small-scale industries, which signifies the market expectations of long-term trouble-free product operation with Opex concerns. Regarding market size, it’s been rapidly growing over the last few decades. It is even Rapidly demanding due to various upcoming infra projects like Highways, Tunnels, Airports, Railways operated by the Govt of India, utility network expansions, power generation demands from renewable wind and solar sectors, Make in India encouragement for industrial sectors, educational institutes, etc.