A turnkey mobile transformer solution has been designed and supplied to an Australian mine by South Africa-based Trafo Power Solutions.

Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen explains that the company designed and supplied a skid-mounted transformer solution for an opencast mine in Queensland. The turnkey substation project allows the customer to step up their generated power supply from 400 V to 6.6 kV, with the mobile substation designed to accompany the customer’s generator set around the mine site.

“Our 2 000 kVA substation includes the necessary low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, and gives the customer quick and easy plug-and-play functionality when moving locations,” says Claassen. “This means there is no need for time-consuming termination of cables when the unit is moved and reconnected to the generator. To facilitate mobility, the skid is equipped with hooks for dragging as well as push bars for moving it into position.”

Claassen explains that high vibration levels were an important consideration when specifying the components to be included in the design, with rigid mounting for strength and the use of anti-vibration equipment. Meeting the region’s specific standards was also an important aspect of the contract.

“The customer also wanted certain equipment specified that was common in the Australian market as this was an important consideration to ensure adequate technical after-sales support,” he adds.

Claassen highlights that inspections and witness testing are ensured in fulfilling export orders, in spite of physical distance from the country of design and manufacture, noting that communication technologies allow customers to carry out inspections and factory acceptance testing remotely.