{"id":2621,"date":"2022-02-16T12:56:23","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T09:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enerjan.com\/en\/?p=2621"},"modified":"2022-04-30T09:53:56","modified_gmt":"2022-04-30T05:23:56","slug":"old-transformer-like-new-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enerjan.com\/en\/blog\/old-transformer-like-new-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Old transformer like new again"},"content":{"rendered":"

New tap changers from Reinhausen make old transformers ready for the future. This was the case for grid operator Elia in the Belgian town of Zaventem.<\/h3>\n
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power transformer that has been in use for many years is like a person: It ages and needs more frequent health checks. Over time, the costs add up\u2014especially if the transformer requires replacement parts that are no longer available or difficult to come by Belgian grid operator Elia was facing this exact problem in its primary substation in Zaventem, in the exurbs of Brussels. A transformer had gotten older and the tap changer inside was worn out. Since the manufacturer had ceased production back in 1989, replacement parts were increasingly scarce and expensive.<\/p>\n

However, a new transformer was out of the question for Elia. After all, all other components were still functioning without problems. So the grid operator commissioned service provider Maintenance Partners, together with the Reinhausen Luxemburg (RLU) subsidiary, to replace the old tap changer with a new one in early May, thus future-proofing the transformer.<\/p>\n

The entire conversion took only ten business days, despite the added complications of the coronavirus pandemic. Sebastian H\u00f6lzer, Managing Director of RLU, explains how the team got it done in six steps:<\/p>\n

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1\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>GETTING TO KNOW THE OLD TRANSFORMER<\/h2>\n

Every power transformer is different. For that reason, we first compiled all the information from the transformer book and nameplates. This included the power of the transformer, the line and insulation voltages and the supply voltage for the motor-drive unit. Furthermore, we were able to use this data to determine how much current was supposed to flow through the new tap changer and how the electrical wiring should look.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>SELECTING COMPONENTS<\/h2>\n

With this preliminary knowledge, it was clear that only a three phase VACUTAP VM 500 with Y connection would be a possible tap changer, which requires almost no maintenance in comparison to the old OILTAP OLTC. Furthermore, our experts in Regensburg explained how the adapter flange needed to look for the switch head, so that we could insert the new tap changer into the opening of the old one. We also specified the equipment of the motor-drive unit together with Elia. We then produced the tap changer and drive in-house. A third-party steel manufacturer produced the adapter flange.<\/span><\/p>\n

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