Latest news: A major milestone achieved in our 33kV transformer manufacturing journey! See here
Latest news: A major milestone achieved in our 33kV transformer manufacturing journey! See here
At Winder Power, our 100-year heritage is built on providing robust, rock-solid reliability to the UK’s primary electricity grid and critical utility networks. However, modern electrical infrastructure isn’t always stationary. When a premier, internationally acclaimed television and film studio lot required a highly specialised power distribution system for a demanding production environment, our design and manufacturing teams stepped up to deliver a completely bespoke solution.
Working in close collaboration with our partners at PSS Power Connections Ltd, we engineered a pair of high-specification 1500kVA (11/0.433kV) transformers tailored specifically to withstand the rapid, high-occupancy demands of premium global entertainment.
Standard distribution transformers are traditionally designed for permanent installation on fixed concrete substations. But a major film production lot behaves like a moving city. Power requirements shift drastically from week to week as massive sets are built, filmed, and struck down.
The client needed an infrastructure asset that combined heavy-duty industrial capacity with mobility, all while meeting stringent environmental and fire safety codes required for sets packed with specialized crew members, high-value cameras, and heavy special effects.
The Winder Power Solution
Our design team customised these 1500kVA units from the ground up, deviating from standard distribution layouts to integrate several key non-standard features:
To bypass the need for a permanent ground mount, we added custom forklift skid-base framework. This allows site operators to seamlessly slide, lift, and manoeuvre the heavy units directly into specialised transport containers. The transformers can be rapidly deployed across the studio lot, plugged in, and relocated at a moment’s notice as production schedules dictate.
Operating in dense, high-occupancy environments means absolute risk mitigation is critical. To meet strict site safety directives, we filled the units with Cargill SE3 synthetic ester fluid instead of traditional mineral oil. Synthetic esters are highly biodegradable and boast a significantly higher fire point, offering premium fire safety and environmental protection on a busy studio lot.
To provide a complete, plug-and-play substation package, we also fully integrated Schneider RN2d RMU HV Switchgear directly onto the units. Each transformer was then further outfitted with high-accuracy Oil Temperature Indicators (OTI), Winding Temperature Indicators (WTI), and a robust 4-pole 12G LV cable box to handle dense, multi-channel power distribution feeds.
While strict confidentiality agreements mean our lips are sealed regarding the specific blockbusters these transformers are supporting, we can hint that they are bound for the production lines of a globally anticipated, award-winning epic fantasy television series.
Whether engineering for local utility networks, massive renewable wind farms, or world-class global entertainment networks, this project underscores Winder Power’s core capability: delivering agile, bespoke power solutions. By combining specialised West Yorkshire engineering design and rigorous oversight with our supervised international manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, we ensure every asset is tailored exactly to the client’s operational blueprint before final inspection and deployment.
Looking for an expert team to work on your next transformer project? Whether you need custom solutions, technical advice, or a reliable partner, we’re here to help. Tell us about your project by filling out the contact form, and our team will be in touch to discuss how we can power your success!
Partha joined Winder Power as our Technical & Business Development Director. With a first class bachelor’s degree in engineering and a successful career spanning over two decades, Partha brings a wealth of experience from industry leaders. His expertise in developing 132kV product lines and overseeing projects from start to finish will be invaluable to our team.
Partha’s strategic approach to planning, vendor management, and innovative solutions will drive business growth and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality power transformer projects. He will play a key role in identifying new opportunities, expanding our customer base, and developing innovative solutions to meet evolving market needs.
