New ABB EcoDry transformers cut energy losses by up to 70 percent
25/01/2011 Hitachi Energy UK Limited
Amorphous metal core technology contributes to reductions in load loss and no-load loss in new range of ultra-efficient dry-type distribution transformersDecember 03, 2010 - ABB's new EcoDry range of ultra-efficient, dry-type distribution transformers can reduce transformer energy losses by up to 70 percent compared with standard dry-type transformers. This helps companies reduce energy costs and improve their environmental performance.
The EcoDry range includes transformers that reduce losses by up to 70 percent at low loads, and by more than 30 percent at full load, when compared with international reference standards such as the European CENELEC HD538 standard and the US Department of Energy energy conservation standard for distribution transformers introduced in 2010.
EcoDry transformers achieve higher efficiency levels through the use of state-of-the-art materials and components, including amorphous metal as the core material, as well as the latest simulation methods for loss-optimized design. They are available in ratings from 100 to 3,150 kVA, with operating voltage up to 36 kV.
The construction of EcoDry dry-type transformers offers other significant advantages, including: no fire risk; no risk of escape of pollutants or fire-hazardous substances; long lifetime; high mechanical strength; ability to cope with load changes, overloads, short-circuits and over-voltages; and simplified installation. This means they can be installed near their place of use - saving on cabling and reducing losses in cables and terminals on the low-voltage side.
The EcoDry range includes three models, each designed to meet the different needs of applications where losses are either predominantly 'no-load' losses (caused by fluctuating magnetization of, and eddy currents in, the transformer core), or 'load' losses (which occur in the conductors due to ohmic loss and eddy currents, and increase quadratically with the load), or a combination of the two.
EcoDryBasic - low-load efficiency for power utilities
The EcoDryBasic transformer is specifically designed to meet the needs of power utilities, who operate millions of distribution transformers to step medium-voltage supply down to low voltage. As distribution networks are dimensioned to cope with peak loads, these transformers tend to operate at only a low mean load for their rated capacity.
Here the low-load efficiency of the EcoDryBasic transformer enables losses and CO2 emissions to be reduced by up to 70 percent.
EcoDry99plus - full-load efficiency for industrial applications
In an ideal world, industrial plant is operating at or near full capacity, and mean loading of the distribution transformer of 60 percent or more is not uncommon. The costs of load losses, and their reduction, can be significant.
In a typical industrial application, an EcoDry99Plus transformer rated at 1,000 kVA, with 10,000 V primary voltage, would reduce annual power losses by more than 30,000 kWh, and cut CO2 emissions by some 18 tons per year. At full load, the transformer operates at over 99 percent efficiency.
EcoDryUltra - efficiency across the load range
EcoDryUltra transformers combine the advantages of the EcoDryBasic and EcoDry99Plus to minimize no-load and load losses simultaneously. This transformer type is ideal for variable loads - such as renewable energy applications - and in applications where the supply is fed through two transformers at the same time (for redundancy) and so each is continuously operated at medium load - such as in pumping or ventilation systems.
The wider role of transformer efficiency
Distribution transformers have a vital role to play in helping power utilities and general industry meet targets for reducing carbon emissions, as well as boosting efficiency and cutting running costs.
An August 2008 EU study found that there were 4.5 million distribution transformers in operation throughout the EU-27 countries. Altogether, these accounted for 38 TWh per year of losses - more than the total annual electricity consumption of Denmark - and equivalent to 30 million tons of CO2. Tackling these losses would mean an annual saving of some -‚¬400 million (at -‚¬25 per ton of CO2), and a potential reduction in electricity power generation capacity of 5 GW.
Globally, ABB estimates that some two percent of all electricity generated is lost as a result of distribution transformer inefficiency - equating to 25 GW of power. ABB's next generation of low-loss dry and liquid filled amorphous distribution transformers can effectively reduce overall losses, contributing to energy savings, lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.
For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary
For more information please contact:
ABB Power Systems:
Karen Strong
Tel: 01785 825050
Karen.Strong@gb.abb.com
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