Renewable energy + energy management
Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with TMC Transformers, is advancing the use of dry-type transformer technology across Africa, delivering customised, robust solutions for demanding industrial applications, particularly in mining and similarly in other sectors. Powering progress – dry-type transformer technology evolves to serve a wider market
W ith their combined engineering expertise, innovation and use of advanced simulation tools, they are driving the evolution of safer, more e§icient and higher-capacity dry-type transformers for indoor as well as outdoor environments. As a leading provider of electrical power solutions on the continent, Trafo Power Solutions has pioneered dry-type transformer applications locally, introducing customers to the specific benefits of the technology in their operations. Managing Director, David Claassen attributes much of this success to TMC Transformers’ readiness and capability to engineer customised solutions for unique and demanding requirements. “We have collaborated for seven years now, and we share the same commitment to going the extra mile to provide what the customer needs,” says Claassen. “The same ‘can do’ culture in both companies gives us a sound foundation from which to produce quality solutions – and to advance dry-type transformer technology wherever we can.” Based in Italy, TMC Transformers is driven by a team with over 40 years of combined experience in the transformer industry. Andrea Ghidini, the company’s Sales Director, says, “We have built our reputation on designing and manufacturing specialised solutions, so our market looks to us for answers when they are dealing with electrical parameters outside of the ordinary. This might relate to a dry-type transformer of unusual size or capability, such as 25 MVA and 50 kV on the primary winding or for applications involving very high harmonic levels or high secondary coil currents of 20 000 to 30 000 amps.” Robust construction Claassen notes that Trafo Power Solutions serves a large customer base in the mining sector, where operations are o¤en in remote African locations with poor road infrastructure. “This means transformers must be designed to be robust enough to handle severe vibrations and mechanical stresses during transport to site,” he says. “Once in place, the units face harsh on-site conditions typical of mining, with high levels of dust and moisture.”
Dry-type transformers were once commonly installed mainly indoors or in enclosed spaces – inside marine vessels or in buildings, for example – due to their air-cooled design which eliminates the need for oil and significantly reduces the risk of fire or explosion. This makes them suitable for placement near areas of human activity. “One of the advances we have seen, however, is that dry-type technology is no longer limited to these niche indoor applications, especially as users grow more concerned about safety and environmental risk,” says Claassen. “Among the most common outdoor applications of dry-type transformers that we have designed and installed have been for mining operations,” he adds. In these outdoor deployments, the transformers must function reliably in extreme daytime heat as well as dusty and damp conditions. To address this, dry-type technology has evolved with higher protection ratings and design innovations to manage the heat buildup within more tightly sealed enclosures. Cooling options now include forced air systems with fans, air-to-water heat exchangers combining both cooling methods, and water-cooled systems using either direct or indirect water flow. Custom engineering Ghidini confirms the shi¤ of dry-type transformers into outdoor settings and notes that this trend has taken the installation of dry-type transformers into sectors like solar energy, battery energy storage plants and the oil and gas sector. “Another significant advance in our field has been in the scale and capacity of dry-type transformers,” he says. “While these units initially had limited parameters – around 10 to 15 MVA and 36 kV – we now see capabilities rising to 20 to 25 MVA and beyond, with primary coils reaching up to 50 kV.” This means dry-type transformers can take on grid connection roles previously reserved for conventional oil-cooled transformers. According to Ghidini, much of this progress is due to a strong emphasis on custom engineering. “Custom engineering has always been an important part of the value we o§er as a partner to customers in our various markets,” he says. “We invest a great deal of time and e§ort to understand exactly what their application is and what they need from us. Our approach, then, is to think creatively about how we can meet their requirement – even if there are Le: Andrea Ghidini, Sales Director at TMC Transformers. Right: David Claassen, Managing Director at Trafo Power Solutions.
Precision-engineered cast resin transformers in the TMC production plant – ready for testing and final quality inspection.
DEC 2025 - JAN 2026 Electricity + Control
13
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker