Transformer and Reactor Procurement

This Green Book provides those involved in transformer procurement with comprehensive guidance on industry best practice to avoid wrong decisions. Transformers are one of the expensive components in the power system, and also contribute a large proportion of the losses. Transformers also have long lives - more than 40 years in many cases. Making the wrong decisions during the procurement process can have serious and long-lasting consequences.

Title is also available as part of a set: Transformer and Reactor Procurement (978-3-030-80470-1)

Auteur
Study Committee A2 is responsible for all aspects of power transformers and reactors with CIGRE, throughout their life cycle from procurement to disposal. Study Committee A2 places a special emphasis on innovative solutions to problems facing both manufacturers and users. A power transformer is a non-mechanical apparatus used to change the voltage, but not the frequency, of an alternating current supply. Power transformers play an essential role in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. A reactor is a non-mechanical apparatus of similar design and construction to a power transformer, used to control voltages or currents in parts of the electricity network.
Gilson M Bastos was born in Brazil in 1954 and graduated in Electrcial Engineering from the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in 1979. He joined Furnas Centrais Eletricas, one of the largest utilities in Brazil, and working as transformer engineer and electrical equipment engineer up to 2007. From 2007 to 2013 he worked in the renewable energy area as manager of the planning department. From 2014 until his retirement from Furnas in 2017, he was in charge of all transmission projects. Following his retirement from Furnas, he has joined MSG Transmission, where he is responsible for new 500kV transmission projects. He has been an active member of CIGRE for many years. He was a member of working groups A2.27 on condition monitoring facilities, A2/B4.28 on HVDC transformers, and A2.37 on transformer reliability. He was also regular member for Brazil on SC A2 between 2014 and 2020.

Tom Breckenridge was born in Scotland in 1955. He studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Glasgow between 1973 and 1977. He joined the South of Scotland Electricity Board in 1978, initially as an operational engineer within the distribution field. A move to transmission substation design followed in 1996, where he also assumed the role as principal transformer expert for Scottish Power responsible for specification purchasing and approval of all transformers. Leaving Scottish Power in 2006, he founded TB TCS Ltd through which he provides specialist services in the field of large power transformers on a global basis, primarily operating in the procurement area. He is a registered European Engineer, a fellow of the IET, a UK Chartered Engineer, and a Distinguished Member of CIGRE. He is a long-time member of British Standards PEL/14 committee for Power Transformers and a member of a number of IEC maintenance teams under IEC TC14 where he was also convener for the latest version of IEC/IEEE standard 60076-16 for wind turbine transformers. He was convenor of CIGRE working group A2.36 on transformer procurement.

Contenu

1 - Overview of Transformer and Reactor Procurement Process

Overall description of power transformer and reactor procurement process, including differences for different users.

Sub-chapter on forecasting of future demand for transformers and reactors

Sub-chapter on spare transformers policy

Sub-chapter on tends in system technical requirements

2 - Identification of Transformer and Reactor Functional Requirements

Different applications transmission, generation (centralised or distributed), others?

Description of methods used to identify main functional requirements for power transformers, esp. rated voltages/tap ranges, rated power and impedance. Also consider temperature rise limits, tank requirements / paint finish, terminals, etc.

Sub-chapter on whether tertiary winding or similar required.

Sub-chapter on universal spare transformers

3 - Technical Specifications

How to translate requirements into a specification. Specification contents, including different requirements for different applications.

Sub-chapter on maintenance requirements, esp. choice of components and materials, need for staff training.

4 - Supplier Qualification and Development

How to assess the capability of different transformer suppliers to meet user expectations and requirements. How to communicate expectations and requirements to manufacturers in advance. Also consider how to develop transformer manufacturer capabilities in case of new requirements.

5 - Tender Process and Evaluation

How to manage clarifications/deviations. How to assess credibility of tenders from different suppliers.

Sub-chapter (or appendix) with model schedules

6 - Losses and Efficiency

How to specify requirements for losses and efficiency. Loss capitalisation and penalties.

7 - Contract Review

Formation of project teams, allocation of roles and responsibilities. Planning of future activities: esp. approval of drawings and documents; progress inspections; etc.

8 - Design Review

How to ensure that electrical, and mechanical design, quality plan, test plan, and site work plan comply with all user expectations and requirements. Also consider delivery requirements (time planning).

9 - Progress Inspections

How to ensure that manufacturing processes comply with all user expectations and requirements, including delivery requirements (time schedule).

Sub-chapter on quality plan (or maybe include in design review)

Sub-chapter or sub-chapters on what to inspect, and how to inspect it

Sub-chapter on resolving problems

10 - Final Test

How to ensure final test complies with all user expectations and requirements. How to understand and evaluate results, including differences/deviations from expectations.

Sub-chapter on final test failures. To include methods for investigation and repair.

11 - Transport

Whole transport process from dismantling after test / preparation for transport to delivery to site. Use of shock recorders. Precautions for different transport modes.

Sub-chapter on INCOTERMS

Sub-chapter on transport incidents/damage. To include methods for investigation and repair

12 - Storage

Why transformers sometimes need to be put into storage. How the length of time in storage determines the preparation for storage

Sub-chapter on short-term storage, in the transport configuration

Sub-chapter on medium-term storage

Sub-chapter on long-term storage, fully or partly assembled

13 Installation

Whole installation process from delivery to site to pre-commissioning. Consider various different standard options.

Sub-chapter on site assembly

14 - Pre-Commissioning Standard pre-commissioning checks and tests. Sub-chapter on transformers with direct connection to GIS or cables, including special requirements for site testing

Sub-chapter on heavy duty site testing.

15 - Operation During the Warranty or Guarantee Period

Additional checks and monitoring during the warranty or guarantee period. Possible problems and how to resolve them.

Sub-chapter on failures during warranty period.