Specialised transformers supplied to solar PV project in South Africa
Zest WEG’s transformer manufacturing facility has supplied 36 specialised photovoltaic transformers to a solar energy generation plant in the Northern Cape.
South Africa: Zest WEG’s local transformer manufacturing facility has supplied 36 specialised photovoltaic transformers to a solar energy generation plant in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
This heralds Zest WEG’s entry into the local production of transformers for the renewable energy sector, according to sales team leader Stuart Brown. He stresses that conventional ‘off the shelf’ distribution transformers are not adequate for these applications.
Distribution photovoltaic (DPV) solar energy transformers and generator step-up (GSU) wind turbine transformers are therefore specially designed.
“This exciting step into the renewables sector was achieved through our technical collaboration with WEG’s extensive research and development resources in Brazil,” Brown says. “We see great potential in the future of renewable energy solutions in Africa, especially as generation technologies evolve for the harnessing of solar and wind energy.”
To ensure the highest standards, the design had been reviewed by an international independent consultant, says Ronaldo Bertoldi, engineering manager at the facility. The dual-system PV transformers were manufactured to the customer’s specification of 3800 / 1900-1900 kVA and 22 / 0.66-0.66 kV.
The units were also subject to routine and type testing, including heat run, impulse and partial discharge tests.
Source: ESI Africa