KOLEKTOR ETRA Offshore : Wind Farm power transformers

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KOLEKTOR ETRA – Specialized Offshore Wind Farm Transformers

KOLEKTOR ETRA offers oil-filled power transformers specifically engineered for offshore wind farms. Designed for harsh marine environments, they feature corrosion-resistant materials (C5-M compliance), compact designs for platform constraints, and optimized cooling systems to ensure reliable performance under variable renewable energy loads. Manufactured in Europe, these transformers are tailored to meet the demanding requirements of offshore wind applications, with over 60 installations successfully operating worldwide.

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Description

Description

Offshore Electrical Platforms for Wind Farms: Challenges and Requirements

Offshore electrical platforms are critical for collecting, transforming, and transmitting power generated by wind turbines to the onshore grid. These platforms house vital electrical equipment, including power transformers, which must operate reliably under extreme and unique challenges, such as:

  • Harsh Marine Environments: Continuous exposure to saline air, high humidity, and extreme weather conditions requires corrosion-resistant materials and robust designs.
  • Space Constraints: Platforms have limited space and weight capacities, demanding compact, lightweight transformer solutions without compromising performance.
  • Thermal Management: Heat dissipation is critical in confined offshore platforms, requiring advanced cooling systems to maintain operational stability.
  • Electrical Stability: Transformers must handle fluctuating loads caused by varying wind speeds while maintaining efficient voltage transformation and grid stability.
  • Logistical Complexity: Offshore installation and maintenance are challenging due to transportation limitations and the need for high reliability to minimize service interruptions.

KOLEKTOR ETRA’s Offshore Wind Farm Transformer Solutions

KOLEKTOR ETRA® designs and manufactures oil-filled power transformers specifically tailored for offshore wind farm applications. With decades of experience, we address the technical complexities of offshore platforms with innovative and reliable solutions:

  1. Corrosion Resistance:
    • Transformers built with high-grade, corrosion-resistant materials compliant with C5-M and CX standards for maximum durability in marine environments.
    • Optional GALVAGRID® coating to provide enhanced long-term protection against saline conditions.
  2. Compact and Lightweight Design:
    • Space-efficient transformers optimized for offshore platform constraints.
    • Lightweight designs reduce structural load while maintaining high mechanical and electrical performance.
  3. Advanced Cooling Systems:
    • Tailored cooling solutions, including ONAN, ONAF, OFAF, and ODWF, ensure effective heat dissipation in confined offshore platforms.
    • Flexible modular cooling systems for integration with platform-specific designs.
  4. Electrical Efficiency:
    • Low no-load and load losses achieved using premium materials and advanced core and winding technologies.
    • Designed to handle dynamic load profiles from wind turbines, ensuring grid stability and reliability.
  5. Logistical Expertise:
    • Custom packaging and transport solutions for efficient offshore delivery and installation.
    • Designed for minimal maintenance requirements, reducing costly downtime in remote locations.

Proven Success in Offshore Applications

With over 60 offshore installations globally, KOLEKTOR ETRA® has established itself as a leader in offshore wind farm transformers. Our transformers are in operation across some of the world’s most challenging marine environments, delivering reliable and efficient performance.


US-ISATION Program

Through our US-ISATION initiative, launched in collaboration with NORTHBRIT, we provide offshore transformer solutions tailored to the U.S. market:

  • Compliance: Fully adherent to U.S. standards, including IEC and IEEE.
  • Local Expertise: U.S.-based service teams ensure seamless project execution and on-site technical support.
  • Integrated Project Management: From engineering to manufacturing, delivery, and offshore installation, we offer end-to-end solutions.

Technical data

Additional information

Scope of application

Parques eólicos marinos

Conditions of use

outside

Additional information

Generic Design Data of KOLEKTOR ETRA TRANSFORMERS

Magnetic Laminations

  • Materials:
    • Conventional Oriented C.G.O. Class Laminations
    • HI-B High Magnetic Orientation Steel Sheets
    • Laser-Treated Magnetic Laminations
  • Core Construction:
    The magnetic core (available in 2, 3, or 5 legs) is constructed by stacking steel sheets. Laminations are secured using heat-shrink polyglass strips and anti-magnetic steel clamps, with varnish-glued lower yokes and limbs to minimize oscillations and vibrations caused by magnetostriction forces.
  • Frame Design:
    The core is enclosed in a rigid frame with clamps and legs to ensure safe transportation and withstand short-circuit forces.

Windings

  • Material: High-purity electrolytic copper (Cu-ETP).
  • Design Specifications:
    • Single- or multi-layer windings for phase currents up to 1,000 A and voltages up to 72.5 kV (245 kV for custom designs).
    • Disc windings (helical, continuous, or interlaced) for higher voltage applications.
  • Properties:
    • Specific electrical conductivity: 58 Sm/mm² (10.0 MS/in²).
    • Yield strength (Rp0.2): 90–160 N/mm² (13–23 ksi).

Thermal Insulation Classes

  • Enamel Insulation (PVA): Thermal Class E (120°C/248°F), IEC 60317-0-2 compliant.
  • Paper Insulation:
    • Thermal Class A (105°C/221°F), IEC 554-3-5 compliant.
    • Thermally Improved Paper, Thermal Class E (120°C/248°F), IEC 554-3-5 compliant.

Cooling Systems

  • Designed per IEC 60076-7 and IEEE C57.12.00 standards.
  • Configurations include radiators, oil coolers, and heat exchangers (OF and OD types only) with modular components for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Cooling systems can be installed remotely and equipped with pumps for high-efficiency oil circulation and enhanced heat dissipation.

Heritage and Innovation

With a repository of over 4,000 transformer models, KOLEKTOR ETRA® blends decades of expertise with innovation, offering field-proven solutions tailored to demanding high-voltage applications in the U.S. and globally.


Testing and Standards

All transformers meet dual standards for compatibility with U.S. and international requirements:

  • IEC 60076 / IEEE C57.12.90: Temperature rise, dielectric, short-circuit, and insulation tests.
  • IEC 60354 / IEEE Loading Guide: Loading recommendations for oil-immersed transformers.
  • NF C13-200 / NESC C2: Guidelines for installations with voltages >1 kV to ≤245 kV.

Assembly Inspections

Each core, winding, reservoir, and component undergoes rigorous inspections, including:

  • Voltage ratio and interphase measurements.
  • Insulation resistance testing.
  • Short-circuit loss measurement before drying.
  • Monitoring of transformer oil during the drying process.

Tailored for the U.S. Market

Through our US-ISATION program, we adapt our transformers to meet U.S. standards and industry needs:

  • Imperial/Metric Dual Configuration: Components and systems available in imperial (lbs, inches, gallons) or metric (kg, mm, liters).
  • Compliance: Fully compliant with U.S. IEEE, ANSI, and NESC standards, ensuring seamless integration into American infrastructure.

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