Zhejiang Rsafele Electric Co., Ltd. 
1. The Demand for Reliable Power in Data Centers
As an important pillar of the digital economy era, data centers are gradually becoming a core component of new infrastructure, representing a key trend in today's technological innovation and development. They provide strong support for the application of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the industrial internet, continuously injecting powerful momentum into the construction of smart cities and the development of computing power centers.
● High Load Demand: Servers and IT equipment require continuous high power, often leading to heat generation and efficiency challenges.
● Sudden Load Surges: Equipment start-up and peak usage lead to power spikes, stressing transformers and electrical systems.
● Energy Efficiency and Cost Optimization: Reducing energy losses and operational costs is critical for competitive and sustainable operations.
Transformers like power transformers, distribution transformers, dry type transformer, pad mounted transformers , prefabricated substation and unit substation are indispensable in overcoming these challenges.
2. The Critical Role of Transformers in Data Centers
Transformers are essential for distributing power efficiently, stabilizing voltage, and protecting equipment. Their reliability and efficiency directly impact the operational success of a data center.
● Voltage Regulation: Ensures stable power supply by balancing voltage levels, protecting sensitive IT equipment.
● High efficiency power supply: High-performance power transformers and distribution transformers reduce energy losses, minimizing operational costs.
● System Protection: High-impedance transformers mitigate short-circuit currents and prevent power disturbances from damaging equipment.
Different transformer types address the unique needs of data centers:
Pad Mounted Transformer
The pad mounted transformer for data centers is equipped with a protective casing to withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions, ensuring efficient and secure data center operations.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 5000 kVA
Voltage: up to 34.5 kV
Power Transformer
Power transformers can provide higher power capacity and are configured in redundant or parallel arrangements to provide backup and redundancy for critical distribution paths.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 500 MVA
Voltage: up to 330 kV
Dry Type Transformer
Dry transformer is suitable for indoor installation, excellent fire performance, no flammable and pollutant leakage risk, effectively ensure the data center stable and safe power supply.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 20 MVA
Voltage: up to 35 kV
Oil-immersed Distribution Transformer
Distribution transformers designed for data centers can effectively handle harmonics generated by computer equipment and other non-linear, power electronic loads.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 2500 kVA
Voltage: up to 35 kV
Compact Substation
Prefabricated substations can be installed quickly and use a modular design to facilitate expansion and adjustment according to the actual needs of the data center.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 10 MVA
Voltage: up to 35 kV
Unit Substation Transformer
Unit substation adopts integrated design, which can be deployed quickly, shorten construction period and cost, and facilitate maintenance.
Scope of Supply:
Capacity: up to 10 MVA
Voltage: up to 35 kV
3. How to Choose the Right Transformer for a Data Center
Choosing the right transformer requires evaluating power demands, environmental conditions, and long-term energy costs.
Assess current and future load requirements to select an appropriately sized transformer. High-capacity power transformers (e.g., 100MVA or more) are ideal for large-scale data centers.
● Indoor Installations: Dry type transformers are ideal for areas with strict fire safety and environmental requirements.
● Outdoor Installations: Pad mounted transformers or oil-immersed power transformers handle harsh weather and higher loads.
● Special Environments: High-altitude or high-humidity conditions require enhanced insulation and weatherproof designs.
High-efficiency data center transformers reduce energy losses and operating costs over time. Energy-efficient designs lower carbon footprints and recover initial investment through energy savings.
4. SCOTECH Powers TikTok Data Center with
High-Efficiency Solutions
In 2023, SCOTECH successfully delivered two 100MVA 132/33/22kV power transformers to the TikTok data center located in Johor, Malaysia. This project, contracted by LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS and owned by AIRTRUNK, serves TikTok, the globally renowned short video platform. The delivery highlighted SCOTECH's expertise in handling high-demand power applications and demonstrated its flexibility and innovation in meeting complex power requirements.
- Rigorous Short-Circuit Testing: SCOTECH's transformers passed stringent short-circuit tests, showcasing exceptional short-circuit withstand capability and robust construction. This ensures stable performance even under extreme conditions, boosting reliability and operational life.
- High Impedance Design: With an impedance value of 34%, the transformers effectively limit current during high-load and short-circuit conditions, enhancing the power system's resilience and ensuring steady data center operation.
- Advanced Cooling Technology: Featuring ONAN (natural air cooling) and ONAF (forced air cooling) methods, the transformers support 70MVA in natural cooling mode and 100MVA in forced cooling mode, delivering efficient heat dissipation for stable operation.
- Outstanding Insulation Performance: The insulation level of 650kV lightning impulse withstand and 275kV power frequency withstand ensures reliable operation under high-voltage conditions, protecting against sudden voltage surges.
- Dual Voltage Flexibility: Initially operating at 100MVA, 33/22kV, the transformers can be switched to 100MVA, 132/22kV in the future. This multi-voltage design offers great flexibility, allowing the data center to adapt power configurations as needed and optimize resource usage.
- Grounding Transformer Support: Equipped with a 6900kVA grounding transformer on the 22kV side, these units enhance system stability and safety, ensuring balanced voltage and rapid response during faults to minimize system impact.
- High-Quality Micafil RIP Bushings from ABB: The transformers use ABB's Micafil RIP (resin-impregnated paper) bushings from Sweden, known for excellent insulation and resistance to environmental contamination. These bushings are compact, lightweight, and easy to install, improving overall reliability and simplifying maintenance.
- Hot-Dip Galvanized Radiators: The transformers feature hot-dip galvanized radiators that offer superior corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term performance in outdoor conditions. The galvanized layer provides added protection against rust, extending the equipment's service life and ensuring consistent heat dissipation across various climates.
- Optimized for Outdoor Use: These transformers are designed to perform efficiently in outdoor environments, withstanding ambient temperatures up to 40°C and altitudes up to 1000 meters, demonstrating exceptional adaptability.
5.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I choose a dry type transformer or an oil-immersed transformer for my data center?
A: • Dry Type Transformers: Ideal for indoor use where fire safety and environmental standards are critical. They are compact, maintenance-free, and eco-friendly, making them suitable for small to medium data centers with load requirements under 30MVA.
• Oil-Immersed Transformers:These are better suited for outdoor installations, handling high power capacities and providing excellent cooling performance. They are recommended for large-scale data centers with load requirements above 30MVA.
SCOTECH can guide customers in selecting the most suitable option based on specific project requirements.
Q: How often should a data center transformer be maintained?
A: • Dry Type Transformers: Require ventilation checks and insulation inspections every 6-12 months.
• Oil-Immersed Transformers: Require annual oil analysis and cooling system checks, with a comprehensive maintenance cycle every 3-5 years.
Proper maintenance ensures reliability and extends the transformer's lifespan.
Q: How does transformer efficiency impact data center operating costs?
A: • High-efficiency transformers, like those offered by SCOTECH, reduce energy losses significantly, leading to lower electricity costs.
• For large-scale data centers, every 1% improvement in transformer efficiency can result in annual savings of tens of thousands of dollars.
SCOTECH's transformers are optimized to minimize load and no-load losses, providing long-term cost advantages.
Q: How do SCOTECH transformers handle sudden power surges or load fluctuations?
A: • SCOTECH transformers are equipped with dynamic load adjustment technology to quickly adapt to demand changes, ensuring stable voltage output.
• Advanced cooling systems (ONAN and ONAF) maintain optimal operating temperatures, even during peak loads.
• High-quality insulation materials protect the system from power surges, ensuring consistent performance.
Q: How can SCOTECH assist in rapid deployment for data centers?
A: • Prefabricated Substations: Pre-assembled and tested units allow for quick on-site installation, saving time and labor costs.
Custom Designs: SCOTECH offers flexible configurations to meet urgent project deadlines without compromising quality.
For example, in a North American project, SCOTECH delivered two 100MVA transformers in under two months, ensuring the data center was operational on schedule.
Discover the power of innovation with SCOTECH!
Contact us today to learn more about our reliable and efficient solutions.