As transformers age and their radiators get rusty, the potential increases for the mineral oil they use to leak into the surrounding environment. When Colorado’s Platte River Power Authority decided to reduce that risk in their transformers, they turned to Waukesha® Electric Systems, an SPX company.
Waukesha Electric was contracted to retrofill five 167 MVA (top rating), 230kV transformers with a more environmentally friendly coolant — Environtemp® FR3®.
Waukesha Electric is a preferred supplier for Cooper Power Systems, the company that manufactures FR3.
Smaller Footprint, Bigger Benefits
Derived from 100% edible seed oils and food-grade additives, FR3 quickly and thoroughly biodegrades in both soil and aquatic environments, reducing environmental impact in the event of an accidental spill. Because it is 100% made up of a renewable natural resource, it replaces a depleting non-renewable resource in petroleum-based mineral oil.
Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (B.E.E.S.) carbon calculator, Harvard University researchers found the carbon footprint of FR3 fluid to be much smaller carbon footprint than that of commonly used mineral oil. FR3 received the first published U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Technology Verification of transformer materials.
Beyond Retrofilling
The largest U.S manufacturer of power transformers, Waukesha Electric Systems has built more than 35 new transformers using FR3 fluid and retrofilled over 30 units for various manufacturers.
In addition to retrofilling services, Waukesha Electric Systems can provide other service work for transformers on a turnkey basis, such as insulation dry-out, leak repair or regasketing prior to retrofilling.