Siemens Ltd has started dispatch of the largest-ever ‘Made in India’ single-phase Generator Step-Up (GSU) Transformer of rating 315 MVA, 23.5kV / 420kV for installation at NTPC’s Kudgi Super Thermal Power Station in Bijapur, Karnataka.
This transformer is an essential component of the power station, which once operational will boost the high-capacity power generation for the southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. NTPC has ordered 10 units of these GSU transformers from Siemens.
Normally, the generated voltage is in the range of 11 kV to 24 kV, which is not efficient to transmit the power through the transmission line. Generator transformer is a special purpose transformer used for stepping up generator voltage to high voltage (400 kV – 765 kV) for efficient transmission of generated power to load centres located at long distances.
Harald Griem, Executive Vice-President and Head of Energy Management, Siemens, in a statement said: “Siemens has manufactured and successfully tested the first single-phase 315 MVA, 420kV Generator Transformer at its Kalwa factory. The Generator Transformer also successfully underwent short circuit withstand testing at KEMA Laboratories in The Netherlands, which was also a first for the test lab, in terms of current capacity.”
These transformers serve as the critical link between the generating power station and the transmission network, often operated day and night at full load.