A Guide To HV Efficiency Optimising Efficiency With Remote Monitoring
Optimising Efficiency With Remote Monitoring (Part 3 of 3)
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales and Marketing Manager
In the first and second installments of the HV efficiency Blog series the advantages of upgrading to a super low loss amorphous core transformer over a traditional CRGO transformer were examined and as in the second blog defined the difference between tapping down HV transformers, and voltage management technologies such as voltage optimisation.
In the third and final part we will analyse the benefits of installing a smart distribution transformer integrated with remote monitoring capabilities when voltage management is not necessary as the voltage profile is not greater than required.
Distribution Transformer With Remote Capabilities
Technological advancements happen daily worldwide and connectivity is rapidly becoming attractive for all kinds of electrical equipment as there’s a shift in the direction of Industry 4.0.
The reform of distribution transformers has been slow in comparison to other electrical equipment, integrated with internet connectivity and other pairing technologies that increase visibility of asset performance and diagnostics.
Distribution transformers form a pivotal part of the HV infrastructure across the UK so the slow progress was rather unexpected. Normally, a distribution transformer is energised all day every day even when it does not carry a load, this provides the building with an acceptable electrical supply that is safe for use.
Therefore, a fault or breakdown would cause chaos to your operations and can be very hard to predict, especially when out of the normal yearly inspection periods.
Companies haven’t been able to update their distribution transformers up until recently. Now they are able upgrade to promote connectivity with other energy-saving, smart building control systems for full visibility of their energy use.
At present once the installation of a distribution transformer has occurred it is left as standalone equipment that doesn’t need attention or even repairing. Also it is important to remember that annual manual inspections aren’t necessary as they are not effective at giving continuous insights into the site’s energy use.
However smart distribution transformers with internet connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities, such as Powerstar SO-LO, are now available. It has never been easier to track performance thanks to the remote monitoring capabilities which can give simple to interpret information to users, showing easy to analyse top level statistics regarding state and performance of the distribution transformer.
The range of statistics can consist of grid information, conditional performance, and energy efficiency reports and, from the wide range of crucial data available, companies can use the data to discover further savings and energy efficiency optimisations to deliver the best return on investment.
Smart Transformers LV MV HV 415V – 11kV 33kV Distribution Transformers Powerstar SO-LO
Inevitably problems can a occur with a smart transformers which can cause a shutdown, however with remote monitoring this can be recognised earlier and can avert the building’s electricity supply being affected as an alert or warning is sent when a problem is detected.
The platform, which can be accessed by the relevant individuals from anywhere with a secure internet connection, will also provide reports on oil analysis, voltage, amps, phase to phase metrics, real power, power factor, core temperature, harmonic distortion, system kVA, system kWh, and GPS location for larger facilities.
By carefully checking the above factors, potential problems can be dealt with timely, both reducing downtime of the distribution transformer and the cost ramifications involved with solutions that are out of use.
We hope you enjoyed our 3 part series please see below for parts 1 and 2.
Powerstar, UK manufacturer of leading-edge smart energy solutions, has announced a new partnership with Thorne & Derrick International to help bolster its smart transformers offering for energy conscious businesses, allowing them to improve their existing medium/high voltage (MV HV) infrastructures, maximise efficiencies and reduce electricity consumption and costs with a solution that enables real-time asset monitoring to assess performance and operation.
LV MV HV Transformers
A Guide To HV Efficiency: The Core Of The Problem (1 of 3)
A Guide To HV Efficiency: Distribution Transformers & Voltage Management (2 of 3)
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
THORNE & DERRICK today welcomed Lindsay Brownless from @PowerstarVO today – look out for a series of online articles from us about their UK manufactured, online, smart #Transformers with amorphous core and remote monitoring capabilities, 415/11kV.#POWER pic.twitter.com/KfmIZoBuPJ
— Thorne & Derrick (@ThorneanDerrick) January 16, 2019
LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist
A Guide To HV Efficiency Distribution Transformers & Voltage Management
Distribution Transformers & Voltage Management (Part 2 of 3)
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales and Marketing Manager
The second installment of the HV efficiency blog series intends to define the difference between tapping down HV transformers, and voltage management technologies such as voltage optimisation, with the end goal of decreasing a site’s voltage.
There’s a clear difference between HV distribution transformers and the Powerstar range of voltage optimisation products namely that HV distribution transformers decrease the high voltage (HV) electricity from the grid, typically 11000V or 6600V, to low voltage (LV) electricity, typically 400V-433V, so that it can be used safely.
This technique alters all the power to a site from HV to LV.
In comparison, voltage optimisation technology reduces the LV voltage, when greater than required, to the optimal voltage for the specifications of the electrical equipment on-site; this is done by subtraction, rather than by transformation.
Distribution Transformers & Voltage Management
A voltage reduction using distribution transformers can occur through changing the tapping of the transformer although this is not advised. Voltage management can be achieved by tapping as you can get different turns ratio and the ability to control output.
Care should be taken as changing the tapping has a knock on effect on the number of coils leading to the impedance of the transformer. This leads to an increase in the transformer current if the voltage is reduced, or a deduction in the transformer current in the event of an increase in voltage.
When altering the tapping it should not be tapped beyond the settings that they were built for to ensure they still function at their optimal efficiency. Using this technique to decrease the voltage is ineffective due to the relationship between voltage and current.
The current will be raised by 5% when the voltage in the transformer is lowered by the same percentage. Using this example, the losses in the transformer would increase by 25%. In the case of a typical 1000kVA transformer with a load loss of 8kW, based on a 75% load, reducing the voltage by 5% will increase these losses to 10kW, which will increase the site consumption by 17,520kWh a year, therefore inflating the site’s energy bill.
Tapping of HV transformers should be inline with site requirements e.g site capacity in order for them to function at full efficiency.
Purpose-built voltage management technology together with an an amorphous core distribution transformer integrated with electronic-dynamic voltage management is the best approach to reducing voltage with the ultimately saving money. The Powerstar HV MAX is the perfect transformer.
The HV MAX incorporates features of a super low loss amorphous core transformer, which decreased the load losses by up to 75% in comparison with a CRGO distribution transformer, with the benefits of LV electronic-dynamic voltage management, which reduces and stabilises the on-site voltage providing energy consumption and cost savings.
Combining the technology means the Powerstar HV MAX is appropriate for sites performing their own HV/LV supply alongside sites with a high incoming voltage profile and an inefficient HV/LV distribution transformer.
LV MV HV Transformers
A Guide To HV Efficiency: The Core Of The Problem (1 of 3)
A Guide To HV Efficiency: Optimising Efficiency With Remote Monitoring (3 of 3)
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
THORNE & DERRICK today welcomed Lindsay Brownless from @PowerstarVO today – look out for a series of online articles from us about their UK manufactured, online, smart #Transformers with amorphous core and remote monitoring capabilities, 415/11kV.#POWER pic.twitter.com/KfmIZoBuPJ
— Thorne & Derrick (@ThorneanDerrick) January 16, 2019
LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist
A Guide To HV Efficiency The Core Of The Problem
The Core Of The Problem (Part 1 of 3)
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales and Marketing Manager
Changes in the energy industry happen frequently and can often be complicated to understand. Powerstar simplifies any developments and ensures their clients are kept in the loop with regards to changing technologies. This ensures they have the insight to make knowledgeable decisions about their energy infrastructure including 11kV transformers.
In this 3 part Blog series we will discuss a step by step guide on how your HV infrastructure can by more efficient by discussing the following:
Since the taking over Bromsgrove Winding Services (BWS) Ltd, Powerstar have been able to extend theiFhatr smart energy solution capabilities which now include distribution transformers.
Now Powerstar are able to offer advice to their clients around the efficiencies of HV infrastructures and how companies can enhance them.
Many businesses look into upgrading their HV infrastructure to increase efficiencies and decrease electricity consumption, and this has aided advancement of core materials which experience lower losses and are more efficient than the materials traditionally used to manufacture HV transformers.
Amorphous alloy core technology has established a name for itself as providing positive results when studied and tested across numerous applications.
In comparison to CRGO’s the amorphous alloy has a flexible atom structure that allows for easy magnetisation and demagnetisation to occur. In turn this offers enhanced efficiencies and limits the volume of wasted energy.
Another advantage is the distribution transformer can be manufactured to meet the precise needs of the site. When provided, distribution transformers designed and delivered from concept to completion can provide enhanced site resilience and increased HV efficiencies.
Transformers have a life expectancy of up to 40 years and those currently installed were made from various materials that no longer of high priority.
There has been a significant shift towards using more eco-friendly equipment as the issue of climate change has become more prevalent. Nowadays when upgrading your transformer you need to consider being more environmentally friendly and decreasing its carbon emissions.
Older transformers are often extremely less efficient than newer transformers for example new amorphous core transformers are able to obtain up to 75% lower core losses in comparison to traditional CRGO transformers.
Super Low Loss Transformers Up To 11kV By Powerstar SO-LO
Furthermore new bespoke transformers such as the Powerstar SO-LO amorphous core transformer meets and surpasses 2021 EU Ecodesign Directive standards set by the European Commission.
Older transformers are not likely to adhere to these standards and therefore in spite of their long life expectancy are out of date when measured against contemporary standards.
Changing a traditional transformer with a more efficient amorphous core transformer will reduce energy consumption and costs for businesses who manage their own HV infrastructure.
LV MV HV Transformers
A Guide To HV Efficiency: Distribution Transformers & Voltage Management (2 of 3)
A Guide To HV Efficiency: Optimising Efficiency With Remote Monitoring (3 of 3)
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
THORNE & DERRICK today welcomed Lindsay Brownless from @PowerstarVO today – look out for a series of online articles from us about their UK manufactured, online, smart #Transformers with amorphous core and remote monitoring capabilities, 415/11kV.#POWER pic.twitter.com/KfmIZoBuPJ
— Thorne & Derrick (@ThorneanDerrick) January 16, 2019
LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist
Thorne & Derrick: Stockists & Suppliers of Furse Products
Thorne and Derrick are stockists and suppliers of Furse Earthing and Lightning Protection products. Acquired by the ABB Group, Furse is established as the world leader for earthing and lightning protection.
Lightning is a real and significant threat – which is why there is a need for a total solution (for more, see Furse).
💡 Experience
Furse has over 125 years of experience to provide the optimum design; using minimal material to save you money.
💡 Expertise
Specialist advice is provided from fully qualified technical engineers – focusing on earthing and lightning protection concerns.
💡 Knowledge
The most appropriate and up to date products are used due to exceptional knowledge of the latest materials
💡 Compliance
Furse designs comply with all national and international standards, ensuring they remain at the forefront of new developments.
Lightning Protection Solutions – Furse have a team of experienced engineers: engineering designs to meet client specifications and conducting risk assessment, complying to the latest standards.
Experienced Surveyors – Accurate surveys are the key to creating effective earthing systems. Multiple readings are taken to ensure safe and accurate designs.
Analysis & Earthing Design – The latest CDEGS software is used to optimise designs. A range of detailed reports are produced to meet clients’ requirements.
Earth Resistance Testing – The verification of earthing design is validated through measurement. An experienced team of engineers with a full understanding of electrode testing will conduct this.
💡 NEWS: Researchers map timing and location of rare lightning “superbolts.”
Superbolts release a thousand times more energy (at least) than the average lightning strike and tend to occur mostly over oceans and seas. Forrest Moreland via Unsplash
Earthing & Lightning Protection experts Furse provide Focused Technical Design Services | Image: Voltimum.co.uk
Earthing & Lightning Protection Solutions
Why choose Furse?
There are many benefits to choosing Furse for earthing and lightning protection analysis. They offer specialist advice from a fully qualified technical team, focusing on earthing and lightning protection. European and International standards are followed, which ensures that engineers remain at the focus of new developments.
Furse recognises that it is their responsibility to provide safe designs – and they always ensure to provide an optimum design, using minimal material and saving you money. By Utilising product knowledge and experience, designs are tailored and installed using the most appropriate products.
Soil Resistivity Surveys
A comprehensive soil resistivity survey is key to creating an effective earthing system; as opposed to inadequate or erroneous soil resistivity readings, which are likely to result in a flawed design.
Furse site surveys take multiple accurate soil resistivity readings at various depths across the site. As these results form the basis of the whole earthing design, the experience of engineers is critical in ensuring the correct implementation of the test data.
Analysis & Earthing Design
Furse can produce detailed earth electrode and lightning protection system designs. These are created through the use of the latest computer-aided design and modelling software and comply with recognised standards. Designs are also created to any complexity requirement or budgetary need. State-of-the-art software is used for full earthing analysis to determine step and touch voltages, potential rise and hot/cold classification of the site.
Earth Resistance Measurement
Earth resistance measurement is essential to accurately determine that the installed earthing system meets the criteria from initial design.
Furse technicians ensure all measurements are correctly taken and interpreted so that the true resistance of the earthing system can be accurately determined.
As the world leader in lightning protection services, Furse is committed to providing a good quality total solution.
 Structural Lightning Protection
Furse offers a range of air termination systems, including strike plates and air rods to capture lightning strikes. They also offer an extensive range of down conductors and lightning protection components which channel lightning energy safely to a Furse earth termination network.
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 Earthing
A combination of earth electrodes, as well as FurseCEM soil conductive back-fills and conductors, are offered from Furse. Equipotential bonding bars are also supplied to provide effective, low resistance dissipation from the lightning protection systems to earth.
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 Electronic Systems Protection
Furse has an exhaustive range of equipotential bonding and transient overvoltage SPDs. These provide fully coordinated protection against transient overvoltages, on all incoming and outgoing metallic service lines – including power, data, signal and telecoms.
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 FurseWELD – Exothermic Welding
FurseWELD exothermic welding is a cost-efficient and self-contained system. It uses the high-temperature reaction of powdered copper oxide and aluminium, within a mould, to form permanent electrical connections.
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Furse has shared its expertise with the following industries. 
For the full case study, visit the PDF in Further Reading.
Further Reading
FurseCEM Earthing Conductive Aggregate Concrete
Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage power systems:
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Thorne & Derrick: Stockists & Suppliers of Furse Products
Since 1893, Furse has provided world leading Earthing, Lightning and Electronic Systems protection solutions.
Furse have over 125 years of experience, and design and manufacture their own products. From design and manufacture, through to risk assessment and systems design advice, Furse offers an acclaimed total solution for earthing and lightning protection.
Furse has remained a constant force in an unpredictable world; even throughout a century that has seen such remarkable social and technological change. Acquired by ABB Group in 2012, the Furse brand is established as a world leader in earthing and lightning protection, with products specified and installed in many distinguished projects globally.
The combined expertise of Furse and the experience within the electrical sector that ABB provides, allows them to share the knowledge they hold in key industry sectors with customers. This results in properly informed decision making on the best earthing and lightning protection solutions. Furse earthing analysis uses state-of-the-art software to determine the step and touch voltages, earth potential rise and fall, and hot/cold site classification of the site generated by the initial design.
Photo by David Moum on Unsplash
Services include:
The expertise and experience of which Furse have attained has constructed and helped to develop their exceptional service; offering specialist advice from fully qualified engineers, as well as solutions that save money and use minimal material. Furse also offer design solutions: using the latest computer aided design and modelling software to produce detailed system designs for any complexity.
This produces high quality earth electrode and lightning protection designs, in compliance with globally recognised standards. Designs are tailored and installed using the most appropriate and up-to-date products. Knowledge of the latest standards ensures designs and products comply with the latest IEC/BS EN/NFPA/UL standards.
Lightning is a real and significant threat. Containing astonishing amounts of electrical energy. Lightning discharges have been measured from several thousand to over 200,000 Amps (enough to light half a million 100 Watt bulbs). Although very short in duration, a lightning strike can cause tremendous damage and destruction.
Devastating consequences:
While the effects of a direct lightning strike are immediately obvious, secondary effects of lightning can be less visible; which can lead to equally catastrophic devastation, and damage to electronic systems within structures.
These frightening photos of lightning from a hurricane above Miami, Florida in the USA were taken after the storm left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean. Credit: Chad Weisser | Caters News
Lightning protection throughout the world is now governed by National and International standards which stress the need for a comprehensive solution. A structural lightning protection system cannot and will not protect electronic systems from lightning currents and transient over voltages. This is why a total solution to earthing and lightning protection is encouraged. This approach to lightning protection is now fully endorsed by the IEC/BS EN 62305, as well as NFPA 780 standards.
Buy A Copy Of The NFPA 780 Lightning Protection Systems Standards.
Furse delivers an approach demonstrating effective life safety, as well as long lasting and reliable protection of a structure and the electronic systems within. This solution is tailored and covers a wide range of sectors; providing dependable, long term lightning protection and earthing.
Contact Thorne & Derrick for competitive prices on the complete range of Furse products.
Furse has remained a constant force in an unpredictable world, through all the century could throw at it.
Further Reading
FurseCEM Earthing Conductive Aggregate Concrete
Furse Earthing & Lightning Protection Design Services & Solutions
Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage voltage power systems:
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
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