More and more decentralized power generators on the one hand and a growing number of new consumers such as electric cars or heat pumps on the other are pushing traditional distribution grids to their limits. As grid expansion is complex and expensive, energy suppliers are increasingly turning to the VRDT as an efficient and cost-effective alternative because it keeps the voltage band stable and increases the capacity of the existing infrastructure. However, in order for transformer manufacturers to be able to produce VRDTs, they needed an on-load tap-changer that did not exceed the footprint of a conventional distribution transformer and was also affordable.
What transformer manufacturers say about the VRDT
Voltage regulating distribution transformers (VRDTs) have become an integral part of distribution grids. The ECOTAP® VPD® from MR was a key prerequisite for enabling transformer manufacturers to build affordable equipment suitable for mass production.
What transformer manufacturers say about the VRDT
Voltage regulating distribution transformers (VRDTs) have become an integral part of distribution grids. The ECOTAP® VPD® from MR was a key prerequisite for enabling transformer manufacturers to build affordable equipment suitable for mass production.
MR provided this solution with the ECOTAP® VPD®, which has now been sold over 10,000 times since its market launch in 2016, and is used by a total of 150 transformer manufacturers in their VRDTs. The on-load tap-changer is designed so that it does not exceed the existing footprint of the unregulated transformer and, thanks to its vacuum technology, it is also maintenance-free over its entire service life. MR engineers have designed and developed the ECOTAP® VPD® in such a way that it is suitable for high-volume production while keeping the production processes of transformer manufacturers lean. Three of these transformer manufacturers report below on what is possible with the VRDT.
1. Sächsisch-Bayerische Starkstrom-Gerätebau
Sächsisch-Bayerische Starkstrom-Gerätebau GmbH (SBG) is a pioneer when it comes to the VRDT. This leading manufacturer of distribution transformers has incorporated its experience and expertise into the development from the very beginning and has worked closely with MR to this end. The transformer manufacturer has now delivered a total of 4,000 VRDTs, most of them to energy suppliers. Michael Bühnert, Head of Sales at SBG, explains: "From the manufacturer's point of view, I can say that we now have a very good and mature product that can be installed almost plug and play."
Please also read the interview with SBG
2. Hitachi Energy in Poland
Hitachi Energy is one of the world's leading manufacturers of distribution transformers. In Poland, Oleksandr Datsiuk, Area Sales Manager of Hitachi Energy, has been observing a trend for some time: "In recent years, the number of devices ordered has increased many times over. More and more customers are opting for this type of solution." The company’s main sales region is Central Europe, where 70 percent of the VRDTs that leave Hitachi Energy's production facilities are installed. The manufacturer has now sold more than 3,500 transformers with the ECOTAP® VPD® and customers, primarily energy suppliers, are satisfied: "We don't receive any major complaints, which speaks volumes for the high quality." Integration into the existing production operation was also quite simple thanks to the good cooperation with MR. "The on-load tap-changer is delivered in such a way that it is already prepared for installation and connection. This speeds up the production processes," says Datsiuk.
„The on-load tap-changer is supplied ready for installation and connection. This speeds up the production process.“
3. BEST - the largest transformer manufacturer in Turkey
BEST is the largest transformer manufacturer in Turkey and has sold 86 VRDTs for 36 projects. Customers are primarily EPCs who plan the systems for companies in Central Asia which need VRDTs because of the unstable grid voltage. However, the transformer manufacturer has also supplied VRDTs for wastewater treatment plants in Turkey and for various oil, gas and mining projects. For Ibrahim Gülay, Electrical Design Tendering Leader at BEST, the development of the ECOTAP® VPD® is a blessing: "As a designer of distribution transformers, I am very grateful to MR for this innovation. It is now possible to produce a VRDT with the size and weight of a standard distribution transformer."
Standard in the network
MR is a pioneer in the field of voltage regulating distribution transformers (VRDTs). The first pilot tests took place back in 2009 and the first series solution was presented in 2012. In 2016, Reinhausen introduced the ECOTAP® VPD®, the world's first high-speed resistor-type tap-changer for distribution transformers, and the third generation is now on the market.
- The ECOTAP® VPD® made it possible for the VRDT to become standard in the network.
Find out here how network operators view the equipment.
- Franco Pizzutto, Business Development Manager at MR, is a VRDT expert.
In this interview, he talks about the development of the ECOTAP® VPD®.
- MR engineers have also developed the ECOTAP® VPD® I for single-phase grid applications especially for the US market.
You can find out more here.
