Dry-type transformers

Dry-type transformers and reactors

Safe, reliable and energy-efficient
Overview
ABB´s mission: meeting customer needs
ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies
that helps its utility and industrial customers to use electrical
power effectively and maximize sustainable industrial
productivity.
By working with ABB, customers have access to a worldwide
network of factories, as well as the most up to date
technologies. ABB provides the highest quality, service and
solutions for standard and special products by serving the
clients locally.
ABB transformers
Globally, ABB is the number one transformers manufacturer,
offering the widest portfolio from 1,200 kV transmission
transformers down to low-voltage residential. Beyond offering
standard liquid-filled and dry-type technologies, ABB can
help customers with special and demanding transformer
applications like industrial drives, High Voltage Direct Current
(HVDC) applications, as well as transformers for trains or wind
turbines.
ABB dry-type transformers
With factories in nearly every continent, ABB‘s strong global
presence is serving customers around the world. Proof is a
large variety of product references installed and in service
worldwide.
2 | ABB dry-type transformers and reactors
ABB dry-type transformers and reactors are produced in
dedicated focus factories summing to the largest production
capacity of any manufacturer globally.
The benefit to customers is fast delivery of standard and
tailor-made distribution transformers (up to 63 MVA and
72.5 kV voltage class) that conform to customer
specifications everytime.
Portfolio overview
– Standard dry-type transformers
– EcoDry: ultra-efficient transformers
– TriDry: triangular transformers (reduced noise and losses)
– HiDry72: dry-type power transformers for subtransmission
(up to 63 MVA and 72.5 kV)
– hi-T Plus: increased overload capability and lifetime
– Submersible transformers for network applications
– Reactors, inductors, chokes: for Alternating Current (AC)
and Direct Current (DC) applications
– Low Voltage (LV) transformers
– Water-cooled transformers and reactors
– Customized dry-type transformers and reactors for special
applications: converters, marine, wind turbines, railways
and rolling stock
ABB dry-type transformer benefits

A large variety of applications demand technologies – High capacity to support overloads

which offer high safety, cost savings and environmental – High performance in case of seismic events
sensitivity. – Withstands the most severe rolling and vibrating conditions
– Virtually maintenance free
Safety for people and property
– No fire hazard Ecological and environmental-safe
– No special safety features required, such as fire suppression – Environmentally conscience manufacturing
systems – Able to be installed closer to the point of consumption,
– Zero leakage risk of flammable or contaminating substances reducing load cable losses
– Non flammable and self-extinguishing – No risk for leakage of insulation fluids; hence, no ground or
water contamination
Easy and fast installation
– Less space required
– Less civil work needed

Reliability and quality

– 40 years experience in dry-type transformer manufacturing
– Several hundred thousand ABB dry-type transformers in
operation all over the world
– Long transformer life
– Optimized design depending on specific application
– Produced in high throughput, specialized factories
– Well suited to damp and polluted areas
– High short-circuit current strength

ABB dry-type transformers and reactors | 3

Dry-type solutions for different segments

Industries Transportation: railways, subways and marine

ABB serves the whole industrial sector with dry-type
transformers. Some industries have especially demanding
requirements.
Nowadays, the oil and gas industry is one of the most
important sectors in the world. Its scope covers a very wide
range of on-land and off-shore duties, refineries or terminals.
ABB’s dry-type transformers are particularly safe and
eco-friendly; they ensure a maximum of reliability, enabling
them to be used in virtually every environment.
Metal, mining and minerals, pulp and paper, and cement
cover a very wide area of specialized industries, with
transformer installations above ground, in open pit mines,
and below the surface. As an example, ABB’s dry-type
technologies are frequently used for shaft hoists, which
provide entrance to underground mines.
Commercial and public buildings
Industrial, public and commercial buildings are
ABB’s largest dry-type installations in the industrial and
commercial markets. Industrial and commercial is a vast
market that also includes markets such as universities,
hotels, shopping centers, data centers, high rise buildings,
manufacturing and many others.
ABB dry-type transformers offer the best solution for railway
applications, indoor or outdoor substation installations and
rolling stock. The transformers can be installed close to the
utilization point, which allows optimized installation design,
minimizing the low voltage circuits with corresponding savings
in losses and low voltage connections.
Dry-type transformers are ideally suited for use in marine
applications (distribution and propulsion). This can range from
small ferries or yachts, to the very largest of ships being built
today. Transformers for marine purposes must be extremely
reliable, as replacement costs are extremely high. Air-to-water
cooled dry-type transformers offer options for high protection
classes and an even more compact construction.
Utilities and power plants
Dry-type transformers offer the same functionalities as
liquid-inmersed. Dry-types are suitable for new or retrofit
installations, and can be used for indoor and outdoor
applications. They are used for generation, transmission and
generation fields.

Renewables
ABB is the technology leader providing the broadest
portfolio of transformers suitable for installations inside a
wind turbine either on the ground floor, at a first level, or in
the most demanding location, the nacelle. The transformers
are designed to withstand all types of ambient conditions
including severe atmospheres of saline moisture, vibration
conditions or heavy dust.

Solar energy is climate-friendly, extensively available and full

of potential. In the future, solar energy can make an important
contribution to a sustainable energy supply. ABB offers an
ideal dry-type transformer for this particular application, with
versatile utilization options.

4 | ABB dry-type transformers and reactors

Dry-type solutions for different
applications
Distribution transformers
Distribution transformers are installed in the electric
distribution grid. Electricity is transformed from medium
voltage (> 1 kV) to a low voltage which can be used by the
end users.
Generation transformers
These transformers are particularly important for applications
such as wind or solar. Generation dry-type transformers
usually step the power from a low voltage up to a higher
voltage.
Rectifier and converter transformers
Rectifier transformers are designed to survive the rigors of
the application, and are especially capable to withstand
overloads. Whether for industry, railways, or excitation, ABB
has the experience.
Variable Speed Drives (VSD) transformers provide the voltage
transformation as well as the galvanic separation that is
necessary for motor drive applications. They can include
several secondary windings, harmonics, electrical screen
or be installed in very demanding environmental conditions.
Traction transformers feed systems in alternating current
(autotransformers for catenary feeding) and also systems
in direct current respectively. They include special demand
overloading and withstanding rectifier harmonics.
Reactors, inductors and chokes
Reactors, also known as inductors or chokes, depending
on their duty in the electrical circuit, are a passive
electromagnetic component.
Reactors are used in power electronics, transmission and
distribution applications. Reactive power compensation,
harmonic filtering, motor starting, short-circuit limiting and
neutral grounding are typical uses.
ABB dry-type transformers and reactors | 5
A complete portfolio of dry-type
transformers

A dry-type solution for every need EcoDry

Apart from standard distribution transformers, ABB can provide
a number of different products which have been optimized to
meet specific requirements. ABB offers a full range of dry-
type transformers with primary voltages through 72.5 kV built
according to all major standards including IEC and ANSI. To
minimize fire hazard and environmental contamination, dry-type
transformers are requested more and more frequently. These
transformers meet strict parameters with respect to electrical
system demands, losses, and functioning in areas with extreme
climatic conditions. ABB‘s dry and cast transformers are
virtually maintenance free and are manufactured in accordance
with industry and international standards including ISO 9001.
ABB´s EcoDry ultra-efficient transformers are designed to
reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental
impact. The EcoDry transformer can save up to 70 percent
on no-load losses and reduce load losses by 30 percent.
ABB offers three different EcoDry types to suit the customer’s
particular application: for distribution transformers with a low
average-load, the dry-type transformer EcoDryBasic, and for
those with a high load profile, EcoDry99Plus. EcoDryUltra is used
when periods of low and high load alternate quite often, or the
average load is in the medium range. All EcoDry variants feature
state-of-the-art materials and top-quality components, including
amorphous metal as the core material, which has proven its
durability in distribution transformers for more than 20 years.

Product family: EcoDry Basic

Power ratings 100 kVA to 4,000 kVA (amorphous core)
Voltages up to 36 kV
Insulation class F / H
Main use utilities

Product family: EcoDry99Plus

Power ratings 100 kVA to 63,000 kVA
Voltages up to 36 kV
Insulation class F / H
Main use industries

Product family: EcoDryUltra

Power ratings 100 kVA to 4,000 kVA
Voltages up to 36 kV
Insulation class F / H
Main use industries, utilities and renewables

6 | ABB dry-type transformers and reactors

TriDry
The triangular shape of the TriDry transformer offers a lighter
total weight. The transformer not only exhibits the general
advantages of a dry-type transformer, but also an improved
efficiency compared to standard models; hence, reducing
operating costs. In addition, its symmetrical construction
inherently reduces noise, harmonic content and stray magnetic
fields. The TriDry makes an important contribution to grid
stability and environmental protection.
HiDry72
Historically, dry-type transformers are used for distribution and
industrial applications with rated power and voltage not higher
than 15 MVA and 36 kV respectively. ABB offers dry-type
transformers for the 52 kV and the 72.5 kV voltage classes with
a power rating up to 63 MVA. A dry-type on-load tap changer
is also available. The special features of ABB´s subtransmission
dry-type transformers are superior safety and environmental
friendliness especially in urbanized areas, where fire hazard is a
highlighted issue.

Product family: TriDry Product family: HiDry72

Power ratings 400 kVA to 2,500 kVA, others on request Power ratings up to 63 MVA
Voltages 10 kV and 36 kV Voltages up to 72.5 kV
Insulation class F / H Insulation class F / H
Main use utilities and industries Main use utilities, industries, oil and gas
Others dry OLTC up to 72.5 kV

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hi-T Plus
ABB‘s hi-T Plus transformer has an upgraded insulation level
which allows overload capability along with increased service
life. Typical designs have 25 °C of thermal safety factor built-in.
This enhanced insulation makes ABB‘s hi-T Plus transformers
the best choice for networks with high harmonic distortion,
load peaks, sudden overloads and high ambient temperatures.
This transformer does not require additional over sizing thus
providing costs savings and a smaller size as compared to a
traditional class F transformer.
Submersible
ABB has completed development of a dry-type transformer
intended for network applications, including submersible
installations. The unit is inside of a completely sealed tank and
both tank and active assembly have been designed and tested
to the IEEE C57.12.40 standard for network transformers
(amended for dry-type features). The absence of oil eliminates
the threat to the surrounding environment during an internal
failure. Main features of dry-type submersible network
transformer are: complete absence of oil, entirely welded tank
assembly, nitrogen gas overpressure for tank deterioration
monitoring, 2-position ground switch, 70 percent overloading
capability, similar footprint to liquid-filled units with cooling fins
and power rating up to 1,000 kVA and 15 kV primary voltages.

Product family: hi-T Plus Product family: Submersible

Power ratings up to 40,000 kVA, others on request Power ratings up to 1,000 kVA
Voltages up to 36 kV Voltages up to 15 kV
Insulation class H Insulation class F
Main use railways, wind, data center Main use utilities

8 | ABB dry-type transformers and reactors

Reactors
Reactors are fundamental components in power quality
management. From phase-shifting to harmonic suppression,
these components are used in a large variety of applications
and in many industrial activities. Cast resin or Vacuum Pressure
Impregnated (VPI) insulation technologies, medium and low
voltage, AC or DC, single or three phase, air and iron core.
Reactors are generally customized according to technical
specification and supplied from a few pieces to high volume.
Losses reduction, cost alignment and signal shaping could
be translated into an overall cost reduction for the equipped
applications.
Product family: Reactors
Power ratings on type and technology
Voltages 36 kV
Insulation class F or H
Main use general industries, utilities and power electronics
Low Voltage transformers
ABB designs and manufactures LV transformers using
the VPI technology. These transformers are used in many
applications including, in commercial buildings, on board of
vessels as well as in deep mines and industrial environment.
Transformers with higher power rating are usually protected in
appropriate enclosures sometimes equipped with Air-Forced,
Water-Forced (AFWF) cooling system. In the power range,
applications include galvanic separation or voltage adaptation.
Autotransformers are also manufactured, giving a compact and
economic solution to simple requirements.
Product family: Low Voltage transformers
Power ratings up to 10 MVA
Voltages up to 1,000 V
Insulation class H
Main use general industries, utilities and buildings
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Water-cooled transformers and reactors
Liquid cooling can be indirect or direct-in direct contact with
electrified parts. These particular components are more and
more often used in order to directly remove the heat from the
magnetic component and to reduce dimensions and weight, or
avoid heating in enclosed cabinets. Modern power converters
often use water cooling. The same water cooling circuit can
also be used for cooling the magnetic components. LC or LCL
filters can be installed in very compact cabinets and easily fit in a
modular converter system.
Product family: Water cooled transformers and reactors
Power ratings depending on technology
Voltages typically < 1 kV, up to 36 kV
Insulation class B
Main use general industries, power electronics and renewables
10 | ABB dry-type transformers and reactors
Transformers and reactors for rolling stock
For years, ABB has supplied special customized solutions
for transformers and inductors mounted on board of trains or
metros. The advanced experience and the state of the art Finit
Element Analisys (FEA) software permit an optimized solution
to all different needs and application for rolling stocks. Typical
applications are line filter, DC chopper, auxiliary transformer
for locomotives and railway carriages, reactor for main and
auxiliary converter.
Product family: Transformers and reactors for rolling stock
Power ratings depending on technology
Voltages DC or 15 kV/16,7 Hz and 25 kV/50 Hz railway voltages
Insulation class H
Main use rolling stock
Customized technologies for
special needs

ABB dry-type transformers offer customized solutions

through the multiple design options and all available
accessories such as:
– Dry-type on-load tal changer (OLTC)
– Enclosure IP/NEMA
– Cooling fans with up to 50 percent power increase
– Arc-proof enclosures or UFES active arc fault protection
system

Vacuum cast coil

The vacuum cast coil encapsulation process is carried out
under the most rigorous quality controls to ensure optimum
insulating and mechanical characteristics. Inside the vacuum
casting chamber, the resin is introduced into the mould so
all components are mixed together just before the casting
process, filling interstices and allowing the finished winding
to reach the lowest level of partial discharge. ABB vacuum
cast coil is the only cast resin transformer certified by UL
with a thermal Index of 180 °C (class H) according to ANSI
C57.12.60.

RESIBLOC
The RESIBLOC transformer is a significant development in
the range of dry-type transformers and plays a decisive role in
most demanding projects and fields of applications for more
than 40 years. The glass fibre reinforced transformer offers an
extremely robust and proven design with outstanding short
circuit performance for transformer requirements and meets
the high demands from the different industries, e.g., the
RESIBLOC transformer has been tested both in the laboratory
and in practical operation and is qualified for temperatures of
-60 °C. The RESIBLOC transformer is extremely versatile, and
most customer specifications can be adopted with relative
ease. The RESIBLOC transformer is available with ratings up
to 63 MVA and operating voltages of up to 72.5 kV.

Open Wound / VPI

Open Wound dry-type transformers use the oldest
coil transformer technology, with a long history of high
performance and economical value. These dry transformers
are VPI with a high temperature polyester or epoxy varnish.
The coils can be manufactured with an aramid fiber based
insulation system that is third party certified for the 220 °C
thermal class; the highest of all transformer technologies.
With their long history of performance and value, ABB’s VPI
Open Wound transformers can be found in all areas of MV
distribution applications.

ABB dry-type transformers and reactors | 11

Contact us
ABB Management Service Ltd.
Affolternstrasse, 44
P.O. Box 8131
8050 Zurich, Switzerland
www.abb.com/transformers
1LES100023-ZD 1st edition-Printed in Spain (09.13-en)
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