Avangrid secures mobile transformer to speed up power restoration

Iberdrola subsidiary Avangrid has secured its first mobile transformer, which can be deployed within a two month timeframe.

The 168MVA mobile transformer, which was custom made by Hitachi Energy, is able to be deployed to any of Avangrid’s onshore wind and solar facilities due to its multi-voltage capabilities and would enable outages in the event of a damaged transformer to be resolved rapidly compared to the two-year lead time for a replacement transformer.

Consisting of three modules, the transformer will be hauled on trailers with semi-trucks to the site.

With its unique technology it also allows for a low profile and the ability to withstand higher-than-normal transport accelerations.

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“We are thrilled to have this first mobile transformer, which is an exciting new addition to Avangrid’s toolkit and will improve the resiliency and reliability of our wind and solar operations across the United States,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO.

“When we reduce downtime at our renewable energy assets, we ensure that clean energy keeps flowing to our customers. New, innovative pieces of equipment like this are key to delivering on Avangrid’s mission to accelerate the clean energy transition.”

Typically when transformers fail, power generation must stop and replacing them can take at least 18 months or more with such long lead times set to remain at least for the short term.

With the mobile transformer, considered one of the most versatile of its kind, the generation will be brought back online while replacement equipment is procured.

Steve McKinney, senior VP and head of Hitachi Energy’s Transformer Business, North America, said that working with Avangrid to design this transformer solution ensures clean, reliable energy when and where it’s needed most, even if a transformer is damaged after a major storm.

Said McKinney in a statement: “As part of this collaboration with Avangrid, this unique engineering solution also incorporates the skills of our expert services team to support installation and commissioning for fast relief and restoration, which is especially critical in an industry facing longer than usual lead times for new equipment.”