Winder Power is proud to announce another major engineering milestone: the successful completion of independent, full-scale short-circuit type testing on our latest power transformer, by KEMA Labs in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
This triumph follows our successful KEMA testing back in January, marking a “double success” this year and fulfilling our commitment to putting our physical builds through the most demanding independent verification program in the world.
The tested unit is a highly bespoke 6.5/10 MVA, 33/11 kV, Dyn11 Power Transformer built for a major Scottish DNO customer.
This build features:
- In-Tank On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC): Ensuring dynamic, real-time voltage regulation under fluctuating load conditions.
- Welded Lid Design: While traditional bolted lids are the standard in the UK, this unit was designed with a welded lid. This is a common requirement in continental Europe and showcases Winder Power’s flexibility in engineering custom physical envelopes and sealing methods to meet diverse international and regional specifications.
What is a Short-Circuit Test (And Why are the Stakes so High?)
Short-circuit type testing is not just a standard quality check, it is the ultimate, high-stakes gauntlet for heavy electrical infrastructure.
During the test, the transformer is deliberately subjected to extreme, simulated network faults. The physical forces and thermal stresses generated inside the unit is immense. In this industry, there is no middle ground. If a design has even a single structural vulnerability, the failure is catastrophic. It instantly destroys the windings, fuses the active parts, and renders months of precision manufacturing completely useless.
By passing this test on the very first run, we have proven the absolute structural integrity, mechanical strength, and thermal resilience of Winder Power’s in-house engineering and hand-winding expertise. It proves that what we design on paper and build in Leeds will reliably protect the grid under the most hostile operating conditions.
The Multi-Stage Verification
Having successfully withstood the short-circuit events at KEMA’s world-class facilities, the unit is now returning to our Leeds facility to undergo an exhaustive, witnessed validation sequence:
- Post-Short-Circuit Routine Testing: Rigorous electrical testing, including highly sensitive lightning impulse testing, to verify that the internal characteristics and insulation of the transformer remain completely unchanged.
- Witnessed De-Tanking & Physical Inspection: Our engineering team will de-tank the unit to physically inspect the active parts, core, and windings. This will be officially witnessed and verified by both the customer and an independent inspector from KEMA Labs to officially confirm zero displacement or mechanical deformation.
- Full Witnessed Type Testing: Following a successful visual inspection, the unit will run through full type testing in front of the customer before being officially cleared.
- Site Delivery: Once final certification is signed off, the unit will be prepped for dispatch and delivered directly to the site.
Delivering Proven Grid Resilience
As electrical networks face rising demand and fluctuating inputs, grid resilience has never been more critical. Independent verification from a gold-standard authority like KEMA Labs gives network operators, developers, and utility clients total confidence that Winder Power transformers are built to endure.
A massive congratulations to everyone involved in the design, manufacturing, winding, and project management. This is a brilliant team achievement and a powerful testament to the calibre of British engineering right here in Yorkshire.
For technical inquiries or to discuss how Winder Power’s KEMA-certified designs can support your next critical infrastructure project, contact our sales team at sales@winder.co.uk.
