Trafo Power Solutions has announced that it will design and deliver almost 50 mini substations equipped with dry-type transformers, to a growing copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The customer’s specifications for the mini substations vary between 630 kVA and 1 600 kVA, and will be supplied in both 11 kV and 33 kV formats – with multiple configurations of low voltage output from 400 V and 690 V, including dual secondary in some cases. The design specifications will allow the units to be applied in a combination of surface and underground applications, requiring compact designs and innovative approaches to cooling, said the company.
The absence of oil used as a cooling agent in dry-type transformers makes them a safer alternative for use in underground mines, making them a low fire risk and eliminates the environmental risk of oil leakage or spillage. Maintenance is also minimised with the use of air for cooling instead of oil, which eliminates the need for regular oil testing and replacement.
“Our experience and track record with dry-type transformers have given us a good understanding of the rigours of deploying electrical equipment like this in a demanding mining environment,” says Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen. “As an African company we have worked all over the continent and understand the conditions; this has developed our ability to design and manufacture mini substations for various applications.”
Trafo has supplied dry-type transformers across Africa including South Africa, Zambia, DRC, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The units will be delivered to the DRC mine in batches over the course of 2023.
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