We are oriented to expand with wind energy demand

Nikhil Pathak, Sr. Manager – Sales & Marketing (Medium Voltage Division), Transfix India Pvt. Ltd (CAHORS). In an interview with EPR Magazine.

In a brief interaction with Nikhil Pathak, Sr. Manager – Sales & Marketing (Medium Voltage Division), Transfix India Pvt. Ltd., explains to us the benefits of installing this Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) transformer in wind power applications.

They displayed a hermetically sealed Wind Turbine Generator transformer at Distribuelec 2022. This has a capacity of 3 MVA and is designed for wind power plants. CPRI also has type tested this transformer (NABL laboratory). It is also subjected to Dynamic Short Circuit Tests, Lightning Impulse Test and Heat Run Test. This transformer is made specifically with a Corrugated Sealed tank. This is one of India’s most giant hermetically sealed transformers with a corrugated tank.

Kindly brief us about your latest and key offerings.

Being a Pioneers of Hermetically Sealed NonGas Cushion Type Mineral oil-filled Transformers in the worldwide market, we do offer GRIHA, FM Global & UL certified Natural Ester oil-filled Eco-Green & Fire Safe (EGFS) Transformers. After our 1st supply of EGFS Transformer to Tata Power in 2014, we have supplied over 100 Nos. of such EGFS Transformers in Domestic & International Market.

Regarding wind power plant, produces 690 volts of power and is now stepping up to a 33 kV power line and hermetically sealed transformers have been installed for 2.7 MW wind turbines to deliver output to the power grid. So far, we have supplied 21 such Generator Duty transformers to the renewable energy sector. This adds up to a total capacity of 56.7 MW.

The windings of the hermetic transformer are made of aluminium. For power distribution and transmission, most people prefer aluminium conductors. At the same time, they are concerned about the aluminium conductor’s Performance, efficiency, reliability, and power quality. However, the hermetic provides clarity on the product. As a manufacturer, we assert that there is no difference in performance parameters for a copper wound and Aluminium wound transformers as long as efficiency, consistency and reliability are a concern.

With the rising cost of per capita income, everyone is attempting to reduce power costs. And because of cost-cutting and cost-optimisation, India is moving forward with increased capacity in the power network. A very recent example is, Wind segment is thriving to increase the rated capacity output of the wind turbine from 2.7 MW to 3.3 MW for optimization of Capex cost investment Vs Revenue, for which we would be developing a 3.6 MVA Breathing (NonSealed) Transformer in coming future. 

Your focus on the renewable energy sector

Renewable energy comprises solar and wind. Solar power has limitations, and the cut-down formula makes the market more challenging. However, we are focusing more on the wind power sector as we are yet to achieve the desired quality of power generation/distribution from that sector.

Because of the dynamic load pattern, the wind application is quite tricky. After all, a wind turbine can suddenly roam, circulate, and generate power while remaining idle for an extended period. As a result, we are approaching the wind segment with a major focus, as our total of around +70 Generator Transformers are running successfully over the last 5 years in India.

Choosing solar power over wind power

Solar power plants necessitate larger installation space as compared to the wind for the same capacity as a Power plant. For the same, our transformers are compact & factory fitted, hence we are not affected by this differential. The wind energy segment is also appealing because it does not necessitate using a multi-winding transformer. The solar industry, on the other hand, necessitates many multi-winding transformers. As a result, one transformer becomes the output of three to four different power junctions, necessitating its operation.

We began with solar in India, but after considering the popularity index, eventually decided to go with the wind segment. Because we have designed and manufactured 950 kVA transformers and have supplied approximately 70 Nos. As a result, this is one of the aspects that may influence a company’s timelines.

Can you talk about your manufacturing setup?

In India, we have one of the world’s best manufacturing facilities located in Pune. This facility is well established to manufacture and export transformers to foreign markets as well as to cater to Market requirements from the domestic market too. We have established our footprints, popularity index, branding, and market in India over the last decade. Our Pune factory, which produces roughly 2000 transformers yearly, can handle 5000 units. In our facilities, we’ve made various improvements & expansions to cater for the Indian Market Demands at large. We used to produce up to 3 MVA capacity, but now we can produce up to 5 MVA capacity. Our in-house test labs have also been upgraded recently. This facility is undertaking Export to over 30 countries with domestic supply across the country as well. We hope to see good momentum in the upcoming months and years in the Indian power market.