HomeSuccess StoriesPowering Deep Space Exploration With Custom 3-Phase Isolation Transformers

Powering Deep Space Exploration With Custom 3-Phase Isolation Transformers

The Customer

BAE Systems is a global defence, aerospace and security leader, delivering some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led solutions. With a workforce of around 110,000 people across more than 40 countries, BAE partners with governments to develop, engineer, and support systems that protect national security and critical infrastructure across land, sea, air, cyber, and space.

BAE Systems’ Space Domain Awareness Division-Radars required specialised transformers to support deep space tracking operations

Southern Electronic Services designed and manufactured two 150kVA custom 3-phase dry-type isolation transformers. Engineered for reliable 208V-480V conversion, electrical isolation, and low-noise performance, the units were built to Australian Standards.

Commissioned for mission-critical defence operations, the units delivered essential support to the power infrastructure.

The Challenge

Designing Custom Transformers for Sensitive Equipment

Late last year, Southern Electronic Services (SES) was engaged to manufacture two 150kVA 3-phase isolation transformers to support BAE Systems’ Space Domain Awareness operations.

The units were destined for the Space Domain Awareness Division – Radars, supporting infrastructure associated with deep space tracking capability in Western Australia.

Operating in highly sensitive defence environments requires more than just standard power conversion. The solution needed to deliver:

Reliable 208V (3-wire Delta) to 480V (4-wire Star) conversion
150kVA continuous duty performance
Electrical isolation between supply and load
Compliance with Australian Standards
Robust construction suitable for mission-critical indoor installations

With applications tied to advanced radar and surveillance systems, power quality, electrical isolation and operational dependability were non-negotiable. In defence environments where application details are often classified, the transformer must perform flawlessly, every time.

The Solution

Precision Engineered 3 Phase Isolation Transformers

SES designed and manufactured two precision-engineered 150kVA 3-phase dry-type isolation transformers (Part No. SD8885), purpose-built to BAE’s specifications.

Key technical features included:

Input: 208V @ 416A, 3-wire Delta
Output: 480V L-L @ 180A, 277V L-N, 4-wire Star
Vector Group: Dyn11
Electrostatic Screen: Fitted between primary and secondary windings to minimise electrical noise and enhance isolation
Insulation Class: Class H (180°C) materials
Temperature Rise: <115°C
Standard Compliance: AS/NZS 60076 & AS/NZS 61558
Construction: Enamelled copper windings with copper bar terminations
Enclosure: IP23 powder-coated steel enclosure, pad-mount and forklift capable

The electrostatic screen was particularly critical in this application, providing additional protection against electrical interference; essential when supporting sensitive radar and space surveillance systems.
Each transformer was manufactured at SES’s Dandenong South facility, reinforcing our position as a trusted Australian supplier of LV dry-type 3-phase isolation transformers for critical industrial and defence infrastructure.

The Outcome

Reliable Operation From a Custom Transformer Installation

Both transformers were delivered, installed and successfully commissioned within BAE Systems’ Space Domain Awareness operations.

Now supporting infrastructure associated with advanced radar capability in Exmouth, Western Australia, the transformers provide dependable, isolated 480V supply for mission-critical systems.

While the operational details remain classified, what is clear is this: the power infrastructure performs exactly as required; stable, compliant and built to last.

For defence, aerospace and other high-security applications, reliability is not optional. It’s fundamental.

Powering Industry with Precision and Reliability

At SES, we design and manufacture high-performance 3-phase isolation transformers for applications where failure is not an option. With decades of industry experience, our team delivers engineered power solutions built to meet demanding operational requirements.

When your project demands dependable power, compliance with Australian Standards, and fast lead times, partner with a trusted supplier that delivers.

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Client Success

Brendan Girt

Deacam Operations Mgr

Nothing short of exceptional Deacam P/L were engaged to perform various project works associated with the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal (LCRP). Quick turnaround from suppliers were paramount to achieving project deadlines. After approaching multiple transformer manufacturing companies, S.E.S ( Southern Electronic Services) were the only company who were able to guarantee the manufacturing lead time required. A 60 kva transformer ordered 25/11/16 and delivered 2/12/16 was nothing short of exceptional considering we were receiving indicative lead times from other manufacturers of up to 30 days. We will be happy to engage SES again.

Charles Huberts

Purchasing Manager

Responsive and accommodating Southern Electronic Services have been supplying GBC Scientific Equipment with the majority of our Transformer and associated products for use in our range of Analytical Instruments since 1987. The Products supplied by Southern Electronic Services are an integral part of our Scientific Instruments, which enable our Customers to analyse elements in solution, up to parts per billion. We have found Southern Electronic Services to be very responsive and accommodating in times of increasing demand, always doing their utmost to get their products to GBC Scientific in a timely manner, supplying the correct product, at the right time and place with a minimum of hassle.

Delia Jones

Director

Rapid Response Dewar Electronics have been dealing with Southern Electronic Services P/L for over 30 years. Scott and his team have always provided us with quality products and prompt service. We are extremely satisfied with their service, especially when we need product in a hurry. They do whatever it takes to help us out. We highly recommend their services to anyone.

Duncan Massie

Director

Nothing too big or small Monex GeoScope has been using SES for over a decade now. We are a small manufacturing company making specialist acquisition system for which we need precision components. SES provide our transformers, inductors. We have limited runs and our products must be extremely repeatable and that is exactly what we receive from SES. SES have also provided invaluable advice and insight into designing induction coils with unique properties again with limited quantities. Given our size we have never felt that we are not important to SES; they provide a competitive quote and timeframe and adhere to it. We have and continue to find dealing with SES extremely pleasing

Scott Callander

Production Manager

Highest quality products Southern Electronic has been the main supplier for our transformer coils for over 10 years. Our transformers come with a four-year warranty period; we are able to offer this due to the quality workmanship of Southern Electronic. Their staff have always been there to help us with any technical enquiries, and their service has always been great. I would recommend Southern Electronic to anyone looking for transformers/winding service.

Stewart Johnston

Managing Director

Reliable products for over 30 years I would like to express our company’s pleasure in our dealings with Southern Electronic Services, which has extended now to nearly 30 years. We have always been dealt with in a professional and efficient manner, be that from yourself or your staff. Your products have been reliable and to my knowledge, I’m not aware of even one failure. So, thank you from PIC Australia and we will keep on using and recommending Southern Electronic Services.