Energy Efficient Transformers For Reduced Energy Consumption in Steel Industry

Due to its unique production methodology, the steel industry often requires customized transformers. Transformers are a vital component of the energy grid, besides other things they contribute to the efficient production and management of high-quality electricity.

Standard transformers, while under full load operating at 90% to 95% efficiency but their efficiency drops as load lightens. This is usually due to inefficiencies in the transformer's core. Losses in the core remain the same throughout the transformer's operating range, at 100% load, the amount of comparative loss is negligible, however, at reduced loads, and a higher percentage of energy is wasted.

As a matter of fact, transformer loads run between 34% and 50% of their total capacity on average. With most of the electricity used in the US being run through transformers at lower loads, massive amounts of energy are being wasted. This issue is of special relevance to the steel industry which already has a high demand for energy.

Adopting customized cost-effective solutions like NEMA-approved transformers and harnessing solar or wind energy to meet future energy needs can be a good idea to reduce energy consumption in the long run. Especially since alternate energy options will help steel companies avoid the uncertainty of fluctuating international fuel prices.

Keeping in mind that transformers in the steel industry have to operate in conditions of extreme heat, special attention needs to be paid to ensure the safety and reliability of the transformers it designs. Ensure required transformer protection equipment, such as cooling systems with redundancy is delivered and provided according to project requirements.

Most steel companies are under tremendous pressure to keep costs down and stay competitive and, using energy-efficient transformers seems to be one good way of achieving this. Choosing the right transformer can however be a complex task, especially as the needs of a steel company can be highly customized. It is here that experienced companies can partner you through the process of identifying your needs, choosing the right transformer as an energy-saving solution, customizing it to ensure you get the highest returns on your investment, and facilitating its use for the longest time possible.

Services such as power quality monitoring, offered by Icopower ESCO, also help with reducing energy consumption and maximizing savings. Visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more.