We look to the future, today
SES is very proud to have supplied transformers to many amazing companies leading the way in their respective renewable sectors. We have supplied transformers and componentry for solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other experimental applications. We understand the challenges that these types of projects face, and know how to overcome them.
So, if you are in the industry and need power solutions and expertise, contact us today.
For many years now SES has been supplying Hydro Tasmania with a range of low-volt, high accuracy voltage transformers, and other componentry.
Hydro Tasmania is Australia's leading clean energy business and the largest generator of renewable energy. Hydro Tas is the key factor that allows the state of Tasmania to be powered by over 90% clean energy, and with continued investment, will allow Tasmania to become a net exporter of electricity, assisting the rest of Australia's National Electricity Market.
Hydro Tasmania should be seen as a prime example of how green energy can undeniably replace conventional electricity generation.
SES recently designed and built six custom 20kVA transformers (SD8027) for an off-grid solar pilot program in Western Australia that involved Western Power, AGL, and Positive Off-Grid Solutions.
The concept: provide power more efficiently and effectively to remote locations such as rural communities, farms, schools, mines, worksites etc.
The solution: Self-contained solar and battery systems, that can be dropped anywhere and begin producing and providing electricity. The entire system stored within a standard shipping container, with foldable solar panels easily deployable, the system can be transported anywhere, dropped into position and begin supplying power immediately.
The transformer challenge: The challenge was keeping the size AND temperature rise of the transformer to a minimum. Given the limited and valuable space within the shipping container, size had to be kept to a minimum. And then given that these systems would be being dropped in very hot conditions (45+ ambient temperatures), keeping everything as cool as possible was paramount. Reliability was obviously another requirement - placed in the middle of nowhere meant no quick fixes if something was to go wrong.
Using grain-oriented (GO) steel for the core, and making the transformer tall and lean, we managed to maximise the natural cooling while minimizing the physical footprint of the transformer.
The result: our SD8027 units were unbelievable. The test results were spot on, and the watts lost figures were incredibly low, thanks to the GO steel and slim, tall design. Even in a metal container in the sweltering WA outback these SD8027 units will run perfectly and run cool for many, many years.
The amazing Solar Sailor (pictured) uses Hybrid Marine Power (HMP), an integrated hybrid electric technology and Solarsails which harness renewable solar and wind energy. This vessel, used on Sydney Harbour during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, used transformers & chokes from SES in its inverter & battery charging systems.
It is funny to think back to this, only 20 years ago but feels like a lifetime ago - although still a magnificent piece of futuristic achievement for the time, as iconic as this catamaran was, it is amazing to see how the improvement of solar and other renewable technology has continued to develop at such pace that this no looks almost cumbersome. I guess it's similar to the first iPod, a revolutionary piece of equipment but now looks like a brick!