As demand grows for safer more reliable and environmentally responsible power infrastructure, dry-type transformer technology is gaining ground globally – and leading the charge in Africa is Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with renowned Italian manufacturer TMC Transformers.

This dynamic collaboration, now in its seventh year, continues to push the boundaries of dry-type transformer design and application. According to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director David Claassen, the company has played a pivotal role in introducing this technology to a wide range of industries across Africa, from mining and manufacturing to renewable energy and infrastructure.

“Our work with TMC Transformers enables us to deliver custom engineered dry-type transformer solutions that meet even the most demanding specifications,” says Claassen. “Our success lies in a shared culture of innovation, agility and technical excellence.”

TMC Transformers Sales Director Andrea Ghidini explains that the company is known for tackling complex challenges with highly specialised solutions. “We are often approached for non-standard applications, such as transformers with ratings up to 25 MVA or primary windings at 50 kV, or units handling extreme harmonic distortion or secondary currents of up to 30,000 amps,” he says.

In African mining operations – one of Trafo Power Solutions’ primary markets – the challenges extend beyond electrical performance. Transformers must be robust enough to endure long and difficult transport routes, severe vibration, high dust levels and extreme temperatures.

“Dry-type technology is ideal in these environments, especially as safety and environmental concerns grow,” Claassen notes. “Unlike oil-filled transformers, dry-type units are air-cooled and present minimal fire risk, making them suitable for installation near operational areas and personnel.”

Once confined to indoor use, dry-type transformers are now widely used in outdoor applications thanks to technological advancements. Higher protection ratings and improved cooling options, including forced-air, air-to-water and direct or indirect water cooling, allow these units to operate reliably even in Africa’s toughest climates.

What sets this partnership apart is its commitment to engineering precision. TMC uses advanced simulation tools, including finite element analysis and thermo-dynamic modelling, to verify every design before production. This ensures optimal performance, long-term reliability and reduced operational risk.

“Rather than just meeting the brief, we interrogate every application to offer smarter alternatives or highlight potential issues,” says Ghidini. “That is the value of custom engineering.”

Claassen adds that customers benefit from this depth of expertise: “We don’t just sell transformers – we deliver engineered power solutions that support long-term operational success.”

With this collaboration, Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers continue to redefine what is possible in dry-type transformer technology – setting new benchmarks for innovation, safety and performance across the continent.

Providing tailored electrical power solutions to the African market has positioned Trafo Power Solutions as a key player in the region. The company’s success is rooted in its deep expertise, extensive experience and thorough understanding of the needs of mining operations across the continent. This has enabled Trafo Power Solutions to meet the unique challenges associated with electrical power supply in these harsh and demanding environments.

One of the company’s latest projects highlights its ability to provide specialised transformer solutions suited to the rigorous conditions of mining applications. Trafo Power Solutions recently supplied nine transformers to an electrical contractor for installation at a mineral sands operation in Mozambique. 

This delivery included seven 800 kVA transformers designed for skid mounting, ensuring ease of mobility across the expansive mining site. The remaining two units, rated at 160 kVA, will be pole-mounted. All transformers in this order are rated at 22 kV to 415 V, aligning with the site’s specific voltage requirements.

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, explains that this latest order follows a previous successful supply of four dry-type transformers directly to the mining operation. The earlier batch included 3150 kVA transformers, also rated at 22 kV to 415 V, and installed within IP23 enclosures. These transformers were equipped with the necessary control and protection equipment to ensure robust performance in the highly corrosive operating environment of the mineral sands mine.

“The mineral sands mining environment is particularly harsh, with high humidity and salinity levels that can accelerate corrosion. Our transformers are specifically designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in such an aggressive setting,” says Claassen.

A key factor in this repeat business was the mine’s confidence in the performance of the previously supplied transformers. “When the need arose for additional transformers, the customer specifically requested Trafo Power Solutions, which underscores our commitment to delivering quality solutions that meet the exact needs of mining operations,” Claassen adds.

One of the critical design considerations for these transformers was minimising electrical losses while ensuring the ability to handle large non-linear loads from the mine’s Variable Speed Drives (VSDs). These transformers were engineered according to SANS 780 Edition 5.1 standards to achieve the lowest possible losses. Additionally, due to the site’s known voltage supply instability, the transformers were designed to withstand fluctuations while maintaining consistent and reliable power.

Aside from the technical specifications, the project also posed significant logistical challenges. The remote location of the mine required careful planning to ensure the seamless transportation and installation of the transformers. “Logistics is always a key factor when supplying equipment to mining operations in remote areas. We worked closely with our partners to ensure a smooth delivery process despite the challenges,” says Claassen.

Further reinforcing its relationship with the electrical contractor and the mine , Trafo Power Solutions has secured an additional order for 18 transformers, which are scheduled for delivery by the third quarter this year. This ongoing partnership underscores the company’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, purpose-built transformers tailored for mining applications in Africa.

As Trafo Power Solutions continues to expand its footprint across the continent, its commitment to delivering reliable, durable and efficient electrical power solutions remains at the forefront of its strategy. With a strong focus on engineering excellence and a deep understanding of mining conditions, the company is well-positioned to support the sector’s evolving power infrastructure needs.

A data center in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen explains the significance of this pioneering project.

“Trafo Power Solutions was involved in this project from inception having been the first point of contact with the substation engineering team, and TMC Transformers gratefully accepted the challenge,” he says. “Following multiple conceptual studies, the design was completed and the project started.”

The supply of three dry-type transformers for a large intake substation in the Netherlands has pushed the boundaries of this technology’s application, according to Claassen.

The substation project, for a data center expansion, also led to the manufacture of the largest dry-type transformers yet by leading Italy-based multinational TMC Transformers. The scope of supply for the data center included three 22,5 MVA transformers operating at a voltage level of 50 kV, stepping down to 13,8 kV. 

Claassen highlights that the use of dry-type transformers in a large substation like this is unusual, as they are more often used in lower power distribution applications in data centers. 

“This is an exciting flagship project for both TMC and Trafo Power Solutions, as it is a strong affirmation of our efforts to expand the application of dry-type technology to projects that demand higher power and voltage,” says Claassen. “It also adds considerably to the options for customers in many industrial applications.”

By selecting the dry-type transformer option for its substation, the data center could locate the transformers inside the facility, where it could be built in close proximity to the indoor switchgear. 

“An important challenge in implementing this design is the dissipation of heat,” he explains. “Dry-type transformers are predominantly used indoors and their application on such a large scale required innovative cooling strategies.”

This is where the design ingenuity of Trafo Power Solutions and TMC Transformers won through, leading to the implementation of the appropriate design and cooling strategies. The final result was achieved through a number of design iterations by Trafo Power Solutions, worked through with TMC, the substation provider and the end-client.

The installation means that the intake transformer now gains from the established benefits of dry-type transformers. A key advantage is their high level of reliability and the minimal maintenance they require. 

“In this data center application, these benefits are particularly important, as these facilities prioritise uptime,” he says. “As a critical item of equipment, the intake transformer needs to ensure minimal downtime which dry-type transformers typically deliver.”

The success of this project was underpinned by Trafo Power Solutions’ synergy with TMC Transformers, he says, who are known not only for the manufacturing quality of their standard-type transformers but for their expertise in special designs. This capability includes producing dry-type transformers that need to cater for a high voltage or power range. 

“While many companies in Europe tend to be more conservative than we are in South Africa, we have found an innovative partner in TMC,” he argues. 

Having rapidly carved a niche in dry-type transformer applications in Africa, Trafo Power Solutions has steadily grown its offerings – and now sees a future as a leading provider of electrical power solutions. 

This evolution has been underpinned by the company’s strong design and engineering capability, and its in-depth technical understanding of various aspects of electrical projects. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen, says the success to date has been based on its customised design and rapid execution of solutions that fit perfectly into the broader project requirements.

“We have a reputation for how well we understand the conditions and applications in which our transformers must operate,” says Claassen. “This broad technical knowledge has also allowed us to build more complete solutions that include a transformer as one of the many components.”

For instance, Trafo Power Solutions has been growing into the field of integrated modular substations for the mining and other sectors. These installations have seen particularly enthusiastic uptake in mining due to often remote locations at which power is required. Building a traditional brick-and-mortar substation on site can be complex and time consuming, whereas a modular substation or e-house can be constructed and tested in a specialised workshop – and then shipped to site.

“Our dry-type transformers are ideally suited for these installations, as their high safety rating allows them to be integrated into the substation structure during assembly,” he says. “In contrast, conventional oil-cooled transformers carry a higher safety risk, so must usually be located separately; they also need protective infrastructure to ensure that any oil leakage does not cause environmental contamination.”

Trafo Power Solutions’ depth of expertise and experience allows it to design and supply entire modular substations, which have been supplied to customers around Africa. A recent order, for a skid-mounted solution, was even undertaken for a mining customer in Australia, and completed in a short timeframe that could not be matched by competitors. 

The company’s strategy to further grow its range of electrical power solutions is supported by its established relationships with blue-chip customers, who include end-users, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and electrical consultants. 

“We see engineering capability as the heart of our business, and so we focus on value addition in our customer relationships,” he says. “We are also strengthening our footprint across Africa to be closer to customers, developing links with specialist in-country partners as we develop and apply high value solutions.”

With minimal levels of maintenance needed, dry-type transformers offer reliable performance over lengthy lifespans, with few of the risks and hazards associated with oil cooled transformers. 

According to David Claassen, Managing Director of dry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions, the fact that these units are air cooled means much of the limited servicing required relates involves maintaining clear air channels, which can be compromised by the accumulation of dust layers.

“To allow for the transformer to cool effectively, it is important to regularly check that there is not an excessive build-up of dust on or around the transformer,” Claassen explains. “Depending on the ambient conditions, dust can build up in these confined spaces and start to impede the free flow of air.”

Dust accumulation can be easily addressed by using a leaf blower or similar appliance to remove the dust from the transformer. This method quickly disperses the dust, leaving the surfaces clean and allowing for more efficient heat transfer. 

He highlights that a regular maintenance schedule is especially vital in applications such as coal mines, where there are often high dust levels. Where dust layers prevent adequate cooling, the transformer could run at temperatures higher than its design parameters. This, in turn, degrades the insulation material faster and could significantly reduce the unit’s lifespan. Even in the event that a completely sealed enclosure is used (≥ IP55), it is possible for dust to enter the enclosure while the doors are opened or in cases where the doors are left open accidently. 

“It is also important to check that the temperature probes are measuring accurately,” he notes. “This, of course, ensures that any unexpected temperature rise will trigger the necessary alarm, and that the feed-in circuit breaker to the transformer is tripped in the event of overheating.”

Terminals on the transformer should be checked, as it is possible for these connections to loosen due to vibrations or other factors. This is a simple process of checking the torque on these connection points, as any looseness could lead to partial discharge, heat build-up and further damage.

To guide the customer in their maintenance planning, Trafo Power Solutions provides a maintenance manual with each installation. This details the required frequency of service interventions, which in a clean indoor environment is usually only once a year. Under dusty conditions that might be encountered outdoors, the maintenance should normally be conducted every six months.

“Beyond our standard requirements, we also provide our customers with site-specific servicing guidelines that suit their application and environment,” says Claassen. “Indeed, we can provide the actual maintenance service should the customer require – ensuring that they have access to a detailed log of results and recommended interventions.”

He explains that, while the maintenance tasks are generally straightforward, the transformer does need to be de-energised by a qualified technician before this work is conducted. This ensures the necessary compliance to regulations relating to medium voltage equipment, including procedures for lock-out and isolation. 

“A key advantage of dry-type transformers is that this maintenance is relatively quick and simple compared to oil cooled transformers,” he notes. “A key difference in the servicing of these two technologies is that conventional oil cooled transformers require oil samples to be regularly taken and sent away for testing and analysis. This is a costly and time consuming addition to their total cost of ownership.”

Rather like a vehicle, the total cost of running and maintaining a transformer over its lifespan will be considerably higher than its purchase price; these other cost factors therefore deserve close consideration before any purchasing decision is made. 

“The rated power of a transformer is usually among the key determinants of its capital cost, but there are various design differences which will also come into play,” says David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions. 

To help the purchaser to effectively assess the capital cost, transformer manufacturers need to provide a detailed data sheet indicating required parameters such as losses, windings material and environmental conditions to name a few. . 

“The next main area of costs is operational – in other words, the running and maintenance costs,” explains Claassen. “Running cost is essentially the cost of electricity, measured in kWh. These costs are affected by the efficiency of the transformer. All transformers have both no-load losses and load losses. The monthly cost of electricity for low loss transformers is lower than that of those with higher losses. However, the capital cost of a low loss transformer will be higher due to the design requirements to meet lower losses.” 

Turning to the maintenance costs, he points out that these vary considerably between oil cooled transformers and dry-type transformers – the latter being cooled by air. Oil samples from oil type transformers need to be regularly taken and analysed as this provides valuable insight into the condition of the unit and any possible areas of underperformance.

“These oil checks are similar to taking a blood sample, as the analysis allows the owner to predict the necessary steps to keep the transformer in optimal condition,” he says. “In dry-type transformers, the absence of oil as a coolant significantly reduces the maintenance cost.”

Other important maintenance tasks include testing of a transformer’s instrumentation such as temperature and pressure gauges, as well as relays. Dry-type transformers will tend to have less instrumentation, with a focus on temperature variation and surge protection. On all types of transformers, it is vital to regularly test that the probes are accurately measuring the unit’s temperature. Another basic check is the torque measurement on the termination points. 

“The next big cost factor to consider is the installation cost of the transformer,” he says. “There are regulations that govern where and how transformers are installed, depending on their characteristics – such as their fire hazard level and their potential danger to the environment.”

Oil cooled transformers are, generally speaking, classified as hazardous in terms of their fire risk, so must be located at a safe distance from human activity. Systems need to be in place to both detect and suppress a fire in the transformer, should this occur. There is also a requirement for containment of oil, in case of a leak or rupture – to avoid environmental damage. 

The inherent safety of dry-type transformers means that they can be installed indoors without this added infrastructure. Rated as Class F1 for fire safety, this dry-type technology can even be safely installed in confined spaces. Where an outdoor location is required, a concrete plinth is usually sufficient as a base. 

“When considering the total cost of ownership – in other words, the capital cost plus operational cost plus installation cost – there is a compelling argument in favour of dry-type transformers, particularly for applications of 5MVA and below up to a voltage level of 33kV,” Claassen says. “This argument becomes stronger with the number of transformers present on a single site.”

On a large mining or industrial site, which may have dozens if not hundreds of transformers, it reduces the cost and workload substantially if they are low maintenance dry-type units. As these operations look to become safer and more streamlined, there are great opportunities offered by dry-type transformers, he says. 

As the price of electricity continues to rise, there is also a focus on reducing the energy losses incurred by transformers. This, he explains, highlights why transformer suppliers must be able to quantify the predicted losses over time. 

“By specifying a lower-loss design, a purchaser could calculate whether it is worth spending more upfront on the capital cost, in order to save on losses over the 20 to 30 year lifespan of the transformer,” he concludes. 

Trafo Power Solutions is set to make a significant impact at this year’s Electra Mining Africa and will use the platform to connect with stakeholders and reinforce its position as a leader in electrical power solutions. 

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says that Electra Mining Africa, as a cornerstone of the southern African electrical, engineering and mining landscape, offers a solid platform for the company to present its service offerings and engage with a broader audience.

Strategic Presence in a Dynamic Industry

“Participation at Electra Mining Africa is crucial for Trafo Power Solutions, especially as a young company,” Claassen says “This event allows for direct interaction with mining operators and industry stakeholders from across the continent and the week-long engagement provides an opportunity to highlight projects undertaken since the last Electra Mining Africa and to unveil new advancements.”

Trafo Power Solutions positions itself as a comprehensive solutions provider, with dry-type transformers being a core component of its offerings. However, the company also distinguishes itself by delivering tailored power solutions that address the unique challenges of the mining industry. This approach is backed by a team with extensive experience in South Africa and Africa, ensuring a deep understanding of client operations and sustainability needs.

Claassen says that the mining industry in Africa demands high levels of innovation to overcome challenges related to power, infrastructure and logistics. “Trafo Power Solutions embraces these challenges as opportunities to develop and engineer robust solutions, and our company’s resilience and innovative mindset are key to our ongoing success in this dynamic sector.”

Trafo Power Solutions aims to be a premium Tier 1 supplier of power solutions, emphasising efficiency, operational and maintenance cost reduction and importantly alignment with its customers’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets. A solid commitment to research and development (R&D) by the company and its partners ensures that its solutions are at the forefront of market needs and technological advancements.

Claassen says that the growing focus on ESG in the mining sector has driven increased interest in dry-type transformer technology as these transformers offer significant advantages in applications traditionally dominated by oil cooled transformers. “Dry-type transformers are an obvious choice for underground mining operations, but we are also seeing enormous traction in surface mining and quarrying applications,” he says. Trafo Power Solutions has responded to this trend by expanding its dry-type transformer offerings to higher power ratings and is now capable of supplying units up to 110KV and 30MVA.

To meet the industry’s demands for timely solutions, Trafo Power Solutions has streamlined its production and logistics processes. Investments in equipment and enhanced project management practices have reduced manufacturing costs and improved delivery times. This efficiency ensures that the company can meet the stringent time and cost pressures faced by mining operations.

Visitors to Trafo Power Solutions’ stand at Electra Mining Africa can expect to engage with the team, discussing potential solutions and exploring opportunities. The stand will feature a model of a dry-type transformer with a cross-section through the medium voltage winding, offering a close-up look at the quality and craftsmanship of Trafo Power Solutions’ products.

“Trafo Power Solutions remains dedicated to pushing the envelope in power solutions and staying ahead of market trends and best practices in technology. By focusing on application-specific solutions underpinned by continuous R&D, we believe we will continue to contribute innovatively to the mining sector’s evolving needs,” Claassen concludes. 

Trafo Power Solutions – Hall 6 Stand F27.

The upgrade of a data centre in Nigeria has called for a custom-engineered dry-type transformer solution that can deal with, among other challenges, high level of voltage fluctuations.

According to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director David Claassen, the contract followed successful past engagements with an existing data centre customer – who is now involved in Africa’s most populous state.

“In the context of an unstable power supply, this application required an unusual but effective solution,” says Claassen. “The challenge is that the voltage of the electrical supply in this area often fluctuates between plus and minus 10% of nominal voltage, so we designed our transformers to include an automatic on-load tap changer (OLTC).”

Further to this, the high level of total harmonic distortion, related to data centres, necessitated the need to design the transformer according to K-factor 13 to ensure maximum reliability and to compensate for the additional heat caused by these harmonics, as well as the associated voltage distortion.

The OLTC is installed on the transformer feet and fully integrated by Trafo Power Solutions. When there are fluctuations in voltage – up or down – this is sensed automatically and the secondary voltage of the transformer is adjusted accordingly by the OLTC, which ensures a stable secondary voltage reaches the data centre’s critical equipment. This specific design will allow the transformer to correct up to 10% under-voltage and up to 10% over-voltage in the power supply in four equal steps.

“It is important to realise that this level of fluctuation – if not corrected – would be extremely detrimental to electrical infrastructure,” Claassen continues. “In fact, some equipment would experience catastrophic failure under these conditions.”

Included in the project scope was also the control and protection of both the transformer and tap changer – as well as an automatic voltage regulator – making up a complete solution for the customer. The transformer supplied by Trafo Power Solutions is a 2,000 kVA unit which will step down the incoming voltage from 11 kV to 400 V. The company is also responsible for commissioning the solution on site.

“Cooling will be achieved in an air natural (AN) configuration, but fans have been included on the transformers to allow them to carry a 25% higher load, if necessary,” says Claassen. “The cooling aspect of the design is important in this context, as the higher harmonics can also lead to raised temperatures in the transformer.”

Trafo Power Solutions includes an electrostatic shield between the primary and secondary windings in this type of design to arrest any stray current that could be caused by the harmonic distortion. He highlights that there is no room for downtime in the data centre industry, so transformer design must be exacting and the manufacturing must be to the highest industry standards.

“A critical measure of any data centre is its level of uptime, so the customer needs stable voltage to underpin the reliability of all its infrastructure,” he says.

Claassen adds the company also offers modular solutions for data centres, an approach with particular benefits as customers can build up their medium voltage infrastructure gradually as their business grows. This facilitates a smooth and cost effective ramp up of operations, with the modular approach allowing the addition of new capacity without disruption.

With its experience in Africa and its agility in executing projects rapidly, Trafo Power Solutions is supplying three mini-substations and two transformers to a copper-zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says the pressure was on from early in the planning stages to ensure this critical equipment would be available on time – to facilitate the continued  mine expansion. From the date of the contract award, the company will deliver the units to the mine site within just four months – despite most of South African industry taking an annual December break.

“We have conducted projects previously with the end-client and the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, so have a good understanding of their requirements,” explains Claassen. “This experience – combined with our history in the DRC and in the mining sector – gave us the edge in expediting the whole process.”

The order was for two 2000 kVA transformers to step down the electricity supply from 6,6 kV to 550V, as well as three dry-type miniature substations. Two of the mini-substations are rated 315 kVA and 6,6 kV to 400 V, while the third is a 630 kVA unit which also steps down from 6,6 kV to 400 V.

“This equipment is an important part of the mine’s electrical infrastructure upgrade,” he says. “Of particular interest were the dry-type mini-substations, which were quite unique in certain respects.”

As a specialist in dry-type transformer applications, Trafo Power Solutions designed the mini-substations in an IP54 configuration – ensuring that the units are completely sealed from dust and water. This level of insulation usually requires a forced air solution to ensure adequate air movement for cooling.

“For this application, the requirement was for natural air cooling – so the installation would not include external fans and related control instrumentation,” he says. “This option enhances simplicity and further reduces any chance of ancillary equipment needing attention.”

The design of the enclosure and the transformer therefore took account of this configuration, allowing enough natural cooling despite the high ambient daytime temperatures in the region. Another demanding aspect of the contract was that the two 2000 kVA transformers are to replace units in the mine’s existing substation. This required innovative design to ensure that the new equipment fits into the available space.

“Our replacement units have a higher power rating than the ones they will replace, so the design was customised to ensure the mine does not have to re-engineer the space,” says Claassen. “This highlights our flexibility in designing solutions to optimise ease of installation.”

Delivery to site will take place after a factory acceptance test (FAT) has been conducted. While the functional commissioning of the units is not part of Trafo Power Solutions’ scope of supply on this contract, the company offers a standard commissioning and assistance service. This is part of its value-add to any of its contracts.

“The rapid pace of this project indicates a growing trend not only in mining but in other sectors, towards fast tracking new developments and expansions,” he notes. “Clients are expecting their supply partners to deliver on shorter timelines, so one of our key strategies is to learn from each project and apply those lessons going forward.”

This keeps Trafo Power Solutions at the forefront of efficient project execution, focusing actively on quality and communication. This ensures first-time accuracy and customised designs, so that no time is lost by unnecessarily revisiting aspects of the project as it progresses.

“Our non-corporate approach means that we can take decisions and act quickly on matters commercial and technical,” says Claassen. “Our proven skill is in achieving these goals without compromising on quality.”

Data centres are experiencing significant growth in South Africa as the digital revolution continues to gain momentum. To keep up with the demand, these facilities must have the flexibility to expand rapidly when needed, as must the substations that provide them with power.

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says that modular substations have emerged as a perfect solution for accommodating the expansion of data centres over time. “Typically, data centres start with large structures that are only partially equipped with servers and related equipment, usually about 30% to 40%. The strategy is often to set up a cost effective facility to serve the initial customer base and expand the infrastructure as this base grows,” he says. “Modular substations offer the advantage of scalability, allowing data centres to start with the required number of substations and add more as demand increases.”

Data centres operate around the clock, demanding reliable and uninterrupted power. They employ backup systems like diesel generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure continuous operation. These backup systems can also be scaled up by adding additional units as needed.

Claassens says speed is of the essence in planning, constructing and expanding data centers since earlier operation means quicker revenue generation. “Modular substations are the preferred choice due to their quick design and construction capabilities, with the repetitive nature of manufacturing facilitating rapid production, and economies of scale in material requirements.”

Dry-type transformers and medium voltage switchgear are typically provided in data centre substation solutions provided by Trafo Power Solutions. These units step down incoming medium voltage power for low voltage servers and ancillary equipment on racks with the substations designed to seamlessly interface with other aspects of the data centre including low voltage distribution, medium voltage switchgear, UPS systems, and the overall control and monitoring system.

Efficiency is crucial for data centre success, as these facilities consume substantial electrical power. Trafo Power Solutions contributes to efficiency by designing and manufacturing energy efficient dry-type transformers with some of the lowest losses globally. These air-cooled transformers require minimal maintenance compared to conventional oil-filled transformers, reducing operational costs and minimising downtime.

Trafo Power Solutions has been involved in various data centre projects, ranging from 1 MW to 60 MW, supplying up to 20 modules for each project. They have also been involved in a  data centre project in the Netherlands, where they are supplying three 22,5 MVA, 50 kV/13.8 kV dry-type transformers being used in the intake substation, demonstrating their expertise in delivering customised solutions to meet unique project requirements.