High-voltage Transformers
SPX is currently expanding its Waukesha® Electric Systems manufacturing facility by approximately 50%, enabling the facility to increase production of large high-voltage transformers utilized by electric utilities, independent power producers and independent transmission operators. Work on the facility is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2011.
Power transformers connect electricity generators to the power grid and transmit electricity to consumers. Strong demand is expected for these large power transformers due to their ability to facilitate the transmission of renewable energy from wind farms and solar power generation facilities to distant load centers. These larger units are also gaining popularity as utilities replace aging, less efficient transformers with more efficient transformers that can handle higher loads to meet future consumer demands.
“Once completed, Waukesha Electric Systems will be one of a very limited group of domestic-based transformer companies able to produce units with these types of ratings (above 150 MVA), and the only one with 40 years of proven experience in the U.S. transformer market,” said Tom Brockley, President, Waukesha Electric Systems.
Smart Grid Technology
On another front, SPX’s Waukesha Electric Systems is helping to develop High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) transformer technology through a grant by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The DOE grant is part of a larger program to demonstrate advanced Smart Grid technologies and integrated systems to help build a smarter, more efficient, more resilient electrical grid.
Working with fellow grant participants, including the University of Houston, SuperPower and Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Waukesha Electric Systems plans to develop, build, test and install a new superconducting transformer in Southern California Edison’s Smart Grid by the end of 2013.
Partners in Service
Waukesha also recently partnered with an equipment manufacturer to develop a system that removes moisture from oil and insulation systems while a transformer is energized. The equipment will reduce the costly challenges of installing a mobile substation or extended outages associated with other moisture reduction methods, thereby helping minimize the impact on utilities’ customers.
Remote Monitoring
After initial set up, the new dry out equipment is monitored and controlled remotely through a satellite communication system. While oil can be dehumidified quickly, diffusion of moisture from the insulation system through the oil may take several weeks—or months. The remote monitoring and tracking capability serves to validate the achievement of desired results prior to finalizing the drying process. Once complete, the oil dehumidification equipment can be disconnected and moved to another unit.
The Waukesha service group is currently conducting performance testing of the new equipment on customer sites to validate its performance; commercial lease availability begins in 2011.
Waukesha also offers several other solutions to help reduce and control moisture in a transformer, including regasketing, dehydrating breather system installations and retrofits, FR3 retrofills and off-line field dry outs with hot oil vacuum purification units.
About Waukesha Electric Systems
Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc. is an SPX business, and one of the largest manufacturers of power transformers in the United States. The Waukesha brand of transformers is widely recognized for durability, reliability and innovation.
Waukesha Electric Systems is also a valued supplier of complete transformer service solutions, comprehensive maintenance training, and transformer, load tap changer and oil circuit breaker components.