A data center in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen explains the significance of this pioneering project.

“Trafo Power Solutions was involved in this project from inception having been the first point of contact with the substation engineering team, and TMC Transformers gratefully accepted the challenge,” he says. “Following multiple conceptual studies, the design was completed and the project started.”

The supply of three dry-type transformers for a large intake substation in the Netherlands has pushed the boundaries of this technology’s application, according to Claassen.

The substation project, for a data center expansion, also led to the manufacture of the largest dry-type transformers yet by leading Italy-based multinational TMC Transformers. The scope of supply for the data center included three 22,5 MVA transformers operating at a voltage level of 50 kV, stepping down to 13,8 kV.

Claassen highlights that the use of dry-type transformers in a large substation like this is unusual, as they are more often used in lower power distribution applications in data centers.

“This is an exciting flagship project for both TMC and Trafo Power Solutions, as it is a strong affirmation of our efforts to expand the application of dry-type technology to projects that demand higher power and voltage,” says Claassen. “It also adds considerably to the options for customers in many industrial applications.”

By selecting the dry-type transformer option for its substation, the data center could locate the transformers inside the facility, where it could be built in close proximity to the indoor switchgear.

“An important challenge in implementing this design is the dissipation of heat,” he explains. “Dry-type transformers are predominantly used indoors and their application on such a large scale required innovative cooling strategies.”

This is where the design ingenuity of Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers won through, leading to the implementation of the appropriate design and cooling strategies. The final result was achieved through a number of design iterations by Trafo Power Solutions, worked through with TMC, the substation provider and the end-client.

The installation means that the intake transformer now gains from the established benefits of dry-type transformers. A key advantage is their high level of reliability and the minimal maintenance they require.

“In this data center application, these benefits are particularly important, as these facilities prioritise uptime,” he says. “As a critical item of equipment, the intake transformer needs to ensure minimal downtime which dry-type transformers typically deliver.”

The success of this project was underpinned by Trafo Power Solutions’ synergy with TMC Transformers, he says, who are known not only for the manufacturing quality of their standard-type transformers but for their expertise in special designs. This capability includes producing dry-type transformers that need to cater for a high voltage or power range.

“While many companies in Europe tend to be more conservative than we are in South Africa, we have found an innovative partner in TMC,” he argues.