Power players can answer Vietnam’s needs

Tim Martin, sales director for Asia-Pacific of MIDEL – the global producer of the product

What potential can companies like MIDEL see in Vietnam now?

As part of M&I Materials’ strategic growth vision for MIDEL, we are making ­important connections and ­partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam, with its clearly defined targets for energy, including those ­expressed in the Revised Power Development Master Plan VII, is naturally part of the plan for MIDEL. As the challenges of ­providing safe and reliable electricity become apparent to utilities and transformer manufacturers, the advantages of using our ester fluids are truly becoming more obvious.

MIDEL transformer fluids deliver fire safety, environmental safety, and improved asset performance.

As Vietnam ­implements its vision for safer, greener power networks, MIDEL is in a strong position to help the country meet its ­objectives.

As Vietnam’s energy demand grows steadily, what demand for these fluids can you see?

The deeper we explore the power industry in Vietnam, the clearer the picture we are forming of the demand for an increased uptake of ester transformer fluid. As can be seen in other parts of the world there is a realisation that the way utilities deliver power to the cities of the future is not the way it has been delivered in the past. This is clearly understood both internally and externally.

A report from the Asian Development Bank stated, “The increasing population, a rising appetite for services, rapid urbanisation, and growing economic activities in industrial and service sectors are exerting increased pressure on energy supplies in Vietnam. Therefore, availability of adequate and reliable energy supply is an essential prerequisite for maintaining Vietnam’s enviable record of socially inclusive economic growth and achieving the government’s socioeconomic development goals.”

How can companies minimise the fire hazards of transformer failure to mitigate the ­pressures of urbanisation?

It is forecast that by 2050, almost 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in an urban environment. As populations grow, increased pressure is put on existing and often outdated infrastructure, resulting in widespread resource strain and higher maintenance and operating costs.

One critical element of that infrastructure are liquid-immersed transformers. These units are filled with an insulating fluid, which acts as a coolant to mitigate the risk of overheating as well as reducing electrical clearances.

Traditionally, mineral oil is used for this purpose. However, it is highly flammable (igniting at around 170 Degree Celsius). When a transformer suffers a massive malfunction and ruptures, the mineral oil will empty out and create a dangerous pool fire. Mineral oil is also non-biodegradable and toxic, presenting a serious hazard to the environment if spilled.

In order to address these shortcomings, ester transformer fluids can be used. Fire safe, readily biodegradable, and with superior moisture tolerance, esters fall into two main categories: synthetic and natural. Synthetic esters, derived from raw materials, were first introduced in the 1970s to replace polychlorinated biphenyls in existing transformers.

Natural esters are obtained from renewable and natural sources, such as soya bean or rapeseed oil, and were introduced in the 1990s. The unique properties of esters mean that they are well suited for transformers within areas of high population density, offering clear benefits in terms of space, safety, and the environment.

In Vietnam, how can utilities make safety improvements to power infrastructure without affecting business continuity?

For safety and business continuity, it is vital for asset managers to ensure their transformers remain fit for purpose as they age.

Replacing a transformer can be an expensive and disruptive process. However sometimes retrofilling, the process of draining and replacing the transformer’s insulating liquid, is possible. As such, this can provide a major safety upgrade – the number one concern of any asset manager. This is especially important for mineral oil-filled ­transformers in sensitive ­locations, such as in hospitals, in the proximity of flammable materials or near members of the general public.

What role do transformer ­fluids play in minimising the space requirements of ­transformers in urban ­environments?

Because MIDEL fluids are K-class (meaning they have a fire point in excess of 300 ­degrees Celsius), the spacing required for transformer ­installations (between the units and buildings) can be ­significantly reduced.

This in itself will reduce the capital cost of the installation. The ongoing advantage of ­positioning the transformers much closer to the building is that low voltage cable runs will be shorter, reducing energy costs associated with losses for the lifetime of the installation.