PLP Launches Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers in Australia

Preformed Line Products (PLP), Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of cable line hardware for aerial power and communications networks, is pleased to launch a new and innovative range of distribution transformers to the Australian market.

Known as Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers or AMDTs, these transformers are a low loss, highly efficient, cost effective solution contributing to a healthier world environment.

It is generally considered that transformers are responsible for approximately one third of network losses. Losses that cost the wider community in increased power generation, wasted power distribution, and higher green house gas emissions. The distribution transformer supplies power to the network, consumer plant and equipment and must remain energised 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year. Whilst not consuming power, distribution transformers are responsible for certain inherent losses, particularly in the metal core. Just as the transformer is the heart of the network, the metal core is the heart of the transformer and any reduction in the losses created as energy passes through the core will have significant economical and environmental benefits.

MORE EFFICIENT MAGNETISATION

In AMDTs the core is manufactured from a Ferrous, Boron, and Silicon (Fe-B-Si) metal alloy. Rather than being a metal with a crystalline atomic structure, amorphous metal is not crystalline but in fact random in its arrangement of atoms. This is achieved by the rapid cooling of the molten metal alloy within a highly controlled manufacturing process. The transformer core manufactured from amorphous metal exhibits easier and more efficient magnetisation, lower magnetic losses, and faster flux reversal.

NO LOAD LOSSES

Amorphous metal transformers were first trialled in the USA in 1982, with 1000 installed in 1985 across 90 utilities for a 5 year program of documented field testing. The No Load Losses recorded were a 70% improvement on comparative traditional transformers with CRGO (cold rolled grain orientated) metal cores. Typically today, AMDT transformers are designed with No Load Losses (NLL’s) 65% to 75% better than traditional counterparts. AMDTs also show vastly improved performance under harmonic load conditions, particularly when 5th and 7th harmonic conditions are applied.

In the Australian market place, power distribution companies have had to reduce costs, increase services, and improve system reliability. Pressure is mounting on utilities to reduce green house gases and become more energy efficient. By installing AMDTs, green house gases will be reduced leading to a cleaner environment and higher air quality whilst reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

HIGH POWER EFFICIENCY TRANSFORMERS

In Australia from October 1, 2004, all transformers manufactured or imported have had to comply with Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements. The purpose of the introduction of MEPS was to increase energy efficiency by eliminating low efficiency transformers from the market and to encourage the use of high efficiency transformers. Requirements for MEPS and High Power Efficiency Transformers (HEPS) are set out in AS2374.1.2-2003. Preformed Line Products range of AMDTs complies with all aspects of MEPS and HEPs requirements and exceeds them comfortably.

TOTAL OWNERSHIP COST

Whilst AMDTs may be marginally more expensive than silicon steel varieties, AMDTs are more cost effective in the long term and over the whole of life. Cost effective transformer calculations should consider capital cost, energy costs, No Load Losses (NLL’s) and Load Losses (LL’s) to calculate a Total Ownership Cost (TOC). Applying such variables to the TOC formula show AMDTs as being the transformer of economic and engineering choice.

CARBON CREDIT TRADING SCHEME

Finally, there is the matter of Carbon Credits. Every Watt of energy saved over the course of a year for every transformer in the network, can be calculated and tallied up to find the amount of carbon saved from release into the atmosphere. Each tonne of carbon is equivalent to one carbon credit; each carbon credit has a finite dollar value that can be traded. Whilst a carbon credit scheme is yet to be rolled out in Australia, the Federal Government is committed to the Kyoto Protocol and to reducing Australia’s carbon footprint with a carbon credit trading scheme.

CONCLUSIONS

Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers are the way of the future for distribution utility and private sector transformers. Superior engineering performance characteristics combined with sound economic justification and quantifiable environmental benefits make AMDTs the transformer of the future.

PLP is at the service of the Australian market to provide the necessary technical and economic information to assist potential customers in calculating for themselves the millions of dollars to be saved through the purchase and installation of AMDTs.