WEG, a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment, has supplied special transformers for a solar farm located in South Africa. This innovative solar power facility was developed by a South African gold mine and required transformers specifically designed for photovoltaic (PV) applications due to factors like harmonics and current flow "noise."

With a capacity of 40 MW, the solar farm utilized WEG's custom-designed transformers, with each unit boasting a capacity of 5 MVA. These transformers, manufactured at WEG's factory in Wadeville, South Africa, play a crucial role in stepping up the current from 690 V to 11 kV. Notably, these transformers feature a dual input, single output configuration, allowing for multiple string inverters to power a single transformer.

In an environmentally conscious move, the PV project also adopted ester oil as a coolant in the transformers instead of conventional hydrocarbon-based oil. Ester oil offers several advantages: it is more sustainable and poses a lower risk of contaminating land or water in case of leakage. Additionally, it can withstand higher temperatures without degradation and is non-flammable, reducing the risk of explosions or fires. The use of ester oil also aids in moderating the temperature of the transformer windings while not in use, optimizing operational efficiency.

WEG's supply of specialized transformers and the incorporation of ester oil as a coolant demonstrate the commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. As solar farms continue to play a vital role in the transition to clean energy, such advancements contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly power generation.

Source: weg.net