Electrical power solutions provider Trafo Power Solutions asserts that its latest project highlights its ability to provide specialised transformer solutions suited to the rigorous conditions of mining applications in Africa. The company recently supplied nine transformers to an electrical contractor for installation at a mineral sands operation in Mozambique.

The delivery included seven 800 kVA transformers designed for skid mounting, ensuring ease of mobility across the expansive mining site. The remaining two units, rated at 160 kVA, will be pole-mounted. The transformers are all rated at 22 kV to 415 V, aligning with the site’s specific voltage requirements.

Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen explains that the order follows a previous successful supply of four dry-type transformers directly to the mining operation. The earlier batch included 3150 kVA transformers, also rated at 22 kV to 415 V, and installed within IP23 enclosures. These transformers were equipped with control and protection equipment designed to ensure performance in the highly corrosive operating environment of the mineral sands mine.

“The mineral sands mining environment is particularly harsh, with high humidity and salinity levels that can accelerate corrosion. Our transformers are specifically designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in such an aggressive setting,” says Claassen.

One of the critical design considerations for the transformers was minimising electrical losses while ensuring the ability to handle large non-linear loads from the mine’s variable speed drives. The transformers were engineered according to SANS 780 Edition 5.1 standards in an effort to achieve the lowest possible losses. Taking into consideration the site’s known voltage supply instability, the transformers were designed to withstand fluctuations while maintaining consistent and reliable power.