On-site or Factory Transformer Refurbishment?
There are advantages and risks to undertaking transformer refurbishments both on-site and in factory settings according to Elizabeth MacKenzie, Technical Director at Winder Power Ltd. Speaking ahead of her keynote address at the Euro TechCon 2015, which takes place in Warwickshire, UK from 1st - 3rd December, Elizabeth outlined that she hopes to share with delegates the benefits and potential risks associated with choosing either on-site or factory setting for transformer refurbishments.
Today's energy industry has in recent years realised the money and time savings available by refurbishing existing transformer assets in tandem with their replacement strategy. In addition, new techniques and technologies allow regulators and end users to determine with more accuracy the real condition of the transformer, which can confirm if in fact there is remaining life in the asset, meaning it is suitable for refurbishment or the need for a replacement.
However, with these developments has come the debate on the most appropriate location to carry out these refurbishments - on-site or in a factory. At the Euro TechCon 2015 event, Elizabeth will speak to delegates about this debate and more specifically about the time saving aspect of an on-site refurbishment, which is typically one month shorter than a factory refurbishment. Elizabeth will also discuss the advantages of having access to a full suite of tests and controlled conditions when carrying out a transformer refurbishment in a factory setting.
According to Elizabeth, "Extending the life of assets is good for customers as long as it can be achieved without adding significant risk to the continuity of their electricity supply. It also benefits customers because it results in lower levels of capital investment and hence lower bills."
"The method by which company's prolong the life of a transformer, be it in an on-site or factory setting is one that needs to be decided on a case by case basis. There are clear advantages and risks to both settings and based on a huge number of factors, each needs to be judged on its own merits. That aside, it is evident that our industry has come a long way in making responsible use of resources and demonstrating environmental sustainability by prolonging the life of transformers."
The Winder Power presentation will take place on the morning of December 2nd.
