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ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is well prepared for the new ecodesign transformer regulations that came into force within the EU`s internal market in June 2014. All new transformers put into service in the EU must fulfil minimum energy efficiency requirements from July 1, 2015, giving the industry and market a period of grace of less than one year to adapt.Large amounts of power pass through transformers, which account for 30-40 percent of the losses in transmission and distribution systems. Even a marginal increase in transformer efficiency can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.The new EU ecodesign regulation covers small, medium and large power transformers used in electrical transmission and distribution networks, and for industrial applications. However, it does not apply to all transformer products; for example, single phase transformers are unaffected.The new legislation is intended to prevent high loss transformers from being installed in the EU, but the first phase (Tier 1) of efficiency requirements that come into play in July 2015 are only the start. By 2021, a Tier 2 standard will require transformer designs to be about 10 percent more energy efficient than Tier 1.

The GCC power transformers market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Saudi Arabia generated most of the revenue, followed by the United Arab Emirates. In addition to the prominent multinational companies, some local manufacturers have gained technology expertise by re-engineering, joint ventures and technology transfers, and they are moving into higher MVA ranges. Due to investments in various sectors in the GCC, the demand for power transformers has been steadily growing, and this trend is expected to continue.

According to a study by the Metatech Corporation, commissioned under Executive Order 13407 for assessment of vulnerability to geomagnetic storms, manufacturers presently have a backlog of nearly three years for all extra highvoltage transformers (230 kilovolts and above). Only one plant exists in the U.S.A. capable of manufacturing a transformer up to 345 kV. There is no manufacturing capability in the U.S.A. for 500 kV and 765 kV transformers, which represent the largest group of at-risk transformers in the U.S. power grid. The 500 and 765 kV transformers are the backbone of the grid that extends into regions that contain nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population, according to John Kappenman of Storm Analysis Consultants and Metatech Corp.

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group has entered into an agreement with Jiangsu Jingke Smart Electric Company in China to establish a joint venture that will design, manufacture and service high voltage instrument transformers from 72.5 kV to 750 kV. The portfolio will include oil and SF6 stand-alone current and voltage transformers, ring-core current transformers, GIS voltage transformers and optical transformers.

Current transformers are used for protection, instrumentation, metering and control. It is only the first function that has any bearing on the location of the current transformer.

Step-voltage regulators have been added to the scope in this edition and there is now more alignment with IEEE transformer standards. NEMA TR 1 is one of the few standards on the market that lists audible sound levels for these particular transformers.

Schneider Electric has announced availability of the Square D Premium 30 Energy Efficient Transformers. The new line of transformers is designed to help reduce lost energy, exceed minimum efficiency program standards, and provide optimal performance and superior quality in commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and government buildings.

For many decades, the transformers that populate our power grids have led a fairly one-sided existence. Now, however, their world is being shaken up and a lot more is expected of them: They should cater for the plethora of renewable power sources appearing on the grid; they are required to help maintain grid power quality; they are expected to do their bit in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and they have to fit in with smart grids. Of course, the traditional commercial pressures to decrease all-round costs, extend asset life, improve monitoring and optimize maintenance still remain.

An LPT (Large Power Transformer) is a large, custom-built piece of equipment that is a critical component of the bulk transmission grid. Because LPTs are very expensive and tailored to customers’ specifications, they are usually neither interchangeable with each other nor produced for extensive spare inventories

Driven by emerging countries’ extensive power plant capacity additions, economic growth and the need to improve access to electricity, the global power transformer market is expected to increase