Fire safe design for mobile substation

Mobile substations are fully equipped electrical substations mounted on semitrailers. The most important advantages of these units are their rapid integration into the network and the ability to reuse them in different places. The main applications for mobile substations are: As emergency units in the event like equipment failure, for substations without spare transformer capacity, maintenance or repair activities in existing substations, natural disasters, for the supply of vital energy etc. As a temporary solution for the supply of electric power like owing to its short delivery time (10 to 12 months), a mobile substation can be used while a permanent installation is being built and as stand-by units for peak-load periods.

In such case, Compact construction of all parts is important to the design of mobile substations, not only to increase the maneuverability of the unit but also to meet local road transport regulations. The transformer is the most important part of the substation, but also the biggest and heaviest part. Therefore a compact and lightweight transformer design would contribute to the mobility of a mobile substation. However, it is of the utmost importance to maximize the power output per unit size and weight. Use of a transformer with a high temperature rise design can bring an outcome.

Natural Esters used in mobile transformers have a high fire point (360°C) and eliminate the risk of fire. As opposed to conventional mineral oil filled transformers, this fluid allows the transformer to be optimize designed with increased capacity, reduced footprint and reduced maintenance which is an ideal solution. The fluid is made from a carbon neutral renewable resource, is biodegradable, non-toxic and non-hazardous in soil and water.