Many businesses unknowingly overlook a vital yet ageing component of their energy infrastructure – transformers. These workhorses silently play a crucial role, stepping up or down voltage to deliver usable power. They’re also essential for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
A freedom of information request to Ofgem found that for the approximately 230,000 transformers in the UK, the average age is more than 60 years old. These transformers were likely purchased and installed when the common belief was that they had very long lifespans. However, even then, few anticipated so many would still be in use today.
Our understanding of a transformer’s lifespan has been refined to around 20 years. After this point, not only do energy losses become much higher, but the risk of failure also increases significantly.
Many sites reliant on these ageing transformers are overlooking the significant disruption a failure could cause. This issue is further exacerbated by ongoing backlogs from manufacturers. Demand for transformers has outstripped supply due to the continued growth of distributed energy. In a worst-case scenario, a transformer failure could leave a site without power for weeks or even months if a replacement cannot be sourced, delivered, and installed promptly. Importing a transformer is also a lengthy and costly process due to global demand, particularly from the US.
While a failure is the worst outcome, even ageing transformers that continue to function are costing their owners significant amounts in additional energy costs due to inefficiency. This inefficiency also undermines sustainability efforts by inflating an organisation’s Scope 2 carbon emissions.
The Powerstar Advantage: Upgrade to Efficiency and Sustainability
Powerstar’s innovative low-loss transformers, built with cutting-edge technology, can dramatically reduce these losses. This translates to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits for your business.
Switching to a Powerstar transformer can unlock average annual savings of around £12,500, while also eliminating nearly 14 tonnes of CO2e emissions (the equivalent of planting hundreds of trees!). Additionally, Powerstar transformers offer quick payback periods, significantly reducing your energy bill and carbon footprint – a true win-win for your business and the environment.
Beyond Savings: Powerstar Offers More
- Amorphous Core Technology: Powerstar’s transformers boast up to 70% lower core losses compared to standard CRGO models. By harnessing cutting-edge amorphous core technology, Powerstar drives significant cost and carbon savings for its clients.
- Integrated Remote Monitoring: Gain unparalleled visibility into transformer performance with Powerstar’s integrated remote monitoring feature. This innovative technology provides real-time insights, empowering businesses to optimise operations and maximise efficiency.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured in the UK, Powerstar transformers adhere to the highest quality standards, including UL Quality Assurance (E472553), ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IEC 60076, and BS EN 61558. With Powerstar, clients can trust in superior craftsmanship and reliability.
- Short Lead Times: Powerstar offers efficient and prompt service with short lead times, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
- British Manufacturing Excellence: Located in the heart of Bromsgrove, Powerstar’s transformers are proudly British made. Our commitment to British manufacturing extends beyond production—we prioritise component traceability and source most materials locally, reducing ferrying emissions and contributing to sustainability efforts. Additionally, our in-house capabilities, including transformer winding, core stacking, pre-stove testing, dipping in class H or class C varnish, assembly/wiring, oiled filled transformer/tanking and final test & inspection, ensure meticulous quality control at every stage of production.
Discover the unparalleled benefits of Powerstar’s transformers and revolutionise your energy management strategy today. Click here to contact us.
