What is a Transformer?
A transformer is a device that transfers electric energy from one voltage level to another voltage level either by increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping down) the voltage.
Why do we need this?
Transformers either reduce the voltage of a conventional power circuit to enable the operation of a low-voltage device or raise the voltage from an electric generator so that power can be transmitted over long distances.
The two types of transformers are step-down or step-up transformers to transform the voltage accordingly.
What does preventive maintenance of a transformer consist of?
Oil sampling and analysis
Mechanical measurements (Measure and control of transformer heat)
Accessories and protections are checked and silica gel is replaced.
Test and maintain transformer insulation
Maintain transformer bushing insulation
Inspect and maintain transformer auxiliary elements
How does preventative transformer maintenance benefit the Mafube community?
The infrastructure has since 2012 been upgraded to the value of R120m meaning transformers, poles, lines, and substations are now in good condition as transformers in poor condition were either serviced or replaced depending on the state it was in.
This directly contributed to electricity losses being reduced to less than 10% As losses were materially reduced it allowed RFS to apply for the Mafube tariffs to be below the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) yearly benchmarks.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is a regulatory authority established as a juristic person in terms of Section 3 of the National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004). NERSA’s mandate is to regulate the electricity industries in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006). This means NERSA ensures that everyone operates within their license conditions and approves the costs at which electricity is sold in the respective supply areas.
Mufube pays less than the average NERSA’s benchmarks due to the hard work and continuous maintenance of Rural Free State to ensure that the losses are kept to a minimum.
How can you help?
All power outage issues can be reported to us through the below channels.
Sharecall line: 0860 111 440
sms 44626 or
whatsapp 076 352 3347
Learn more about us: www.ruralfreestate.co.za
References:
Transformer - definition, types, working principle, equations and examples (2022) GeeksforGeeks. Available at: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/transformer/ (Accessed: November 17, 2022).
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