ABB India develops the 990 kVA 11/0.433 kV ester filled green distribution transformer

For over a century, power transformers around the world have been insulated with cellulose paper based products and mineral oil. These are low cost, easily available and exhibit excellent dielectric properties. But with increasing demand and space constraints, properties like poor fire resistance and slow biodegradability of mineral oil make these transformers less safe for use. A working alternative in the last decade has been vegetable oil based natural esters due to its superior biodegradable properties and higher fire point.

Natural esters are produced from vegetable oils, which are manufactured from renewable (sustainable) plant crops. Although natural ester fluids can be produced from a wide variety of crop oils, natural esters for electrical applications are most commonly produced from soya, rapeseed and sunflower oil

In a bid to improve infrastructure for the populous city of Mumbai, Tata Power was looking for an alternative to the transformers filled with mineral oil, for safe use in residential areas. Based on prior manufacturing experience and ABB’s global technological resources, Tata Power picked ABB India to develop and deliver the green ester-filled distribution transformer. This formed a part of a compact substation that was commissioned by ABB India.

“A transformer that catches fire cannot be redeployed. More importantly, it puts at risk the people in the vicinity. Ester-filled green transformers are sustainable, environment friendly and a safe alternative, especially for residential areas,” said Pitamber Shivnani, Local Division Manager for Power Products division in India. “Such benefits make ester filled transformers a compelling option - a shift to green transformers would not be surprising.”

The success of the project was a result of combined efforts of the sales and technology teams at ABB India. In close coordination with Tata Power and using its global expertise, ABB India developed the 990 kVA 11/0.433 kV ester filled green distribution transformer, which was manufactured at the newly inaugurated oil-filled and dry type distribution transformer factory at Savli, near Vadodara. ABB’s natural ester alternatives to mineral oil filled transformers have found success across varied markets in Europe and America.