Zest WEG to perform in-house transformer testing
Zest WEG’s have installed an impulse voltage generator at their transformer manufacturing facility in Heidelberg, which will allow in-house testing of transformers, saving time and money for customers.
“The impulse generator is strategic equipment for us, providing an important service, especially for our larger customers,” said engineering manager Ronaldo Bertoldi. Where the transformer size is larger than the 72,5 kV Voltage class, impulse testing is a routine test as per IEC 60076-3. Customers have an option to do an impulse test in lower Voltage classes as a type test.
Sales team leader Stuart Brown highlights that the acquisition makes the Zest WEG transformer manufacturing facility one of only a handful of local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) with this testing facility in-house. This enhances local engineering capacity and entrenches global standards.
“Major energy utilities will often require that suppliers have this capability,” Brown says. “It is therefore a valuable resource as we expand the range of our transformers up to 50 MVA, 132 kV units.”
Bertoldi emphasises that impulse testing is important to establish that transformers can withstand waves on the network induced by lightning faults.
“In particular, it tests whether the transformer’s insulation is capable of withstanding such faults,” he says. “In a country like South Africa, where lightning flash density is high, this is a vital exercise.”
The impulse generator will also allow Zest WEG’s transformer facility to test its own new product prototypes. These are continuously developed with the technical support and shared resources of WEG’s research and development facilities in Brazil.
Source: Zest WEG
Photo (for illustrative purposes): Image courtesy of Zest WEG
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