Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades to come, largely due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which includes more than 1,300 scientists from the United States and other countries, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. Increasing the supply of renewable energy would allow us to replace carbon-intensive energy sources and significantly reduce US global warming emissions. One such source available for us is Solar energy.

At MGM we have identified this need and have been supplying transformers for application in Distributed Photovoltaic (DPV) Power Generation Systems – aka, Solar Energy. In DPV Power Generation Systems electrical power is generated by converting solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity using semiconductors that exhibit photovoltaic (PV) effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels comprising a string of photovoltaic modules (cells) containing a photovoltaic material, often made of silicon. The PV module can typically generate a combined dc voltage of up to 1100V (DC).

The generated DC voltage is then converted to a three-phase AC voltage using a three-phase inverter. The inverter is subsequently connected to a DPV system inverter transformer for distribution of alternating current (AC) energy.

Below are Transformer Selection Parameters:
1. Rated output kVA:
• Based on inverter output ratings, load diagram, harmonic content, weather patterns and unusual service conditions
2. Nominal Voltage:
• Designed for Inverter Transformer to be compatible with Pulse voltage shape of inverters
3. Winding connection diagram and vector group:
• Inverter operation is not affected by vector group like Dy1, Dy5 or Dy11
• No Neutral required on Primary LV side
• Isolated neutral point on Secondary HV side transformer
4. Electrostatic Shield (ES):
• Recommended installation of ES between primary and secondary windings to minimize potential transfer of high frequency voltage disturbances (harmonics, pulses, surges) from primary to secondary
• Windings typically connected to inverter circuits are ungrounded

MGM fully complies with C57.159 – 2016 IEEE Guide for application in DPV Power generation Systems.

Check out our new corporate video showing our various product offerings and our entry into new market sectors such as motor drive isolation, electric vehicle charging, mining, solar power and data center power distribution.

Transformers are primarily made up of a pair of windings called primary and secondary and linked by a magnetic core.  Generally, 80% of a transformer price is determined by the core steel, wire and insulation materials.  One of the most widely used and best insulation materials in the market is “Nomex” which gives transformers a 220°C insulation level.  This material is manufactured by Dupont USA and complies with IEC 60216, IEEE98 and UL746B standards. The thermal index is limited by IEEE and UL to selected values such as: 130°C, 155°C, 180°C and 220°C. Nomex 410 has been assigned a thermal index of 220°C which is widely used in the industry.  One of the ingredients used in Nomex is called m-Phenylenediamine or in short MPD. This key ingredient is primarily manufactured in a factory in Eastern China.

On March 21^st this factory had a major explosion which killed 64 people and injured hundreds more.  The blast occurred in an industrial park in the city of Yancheng, north of Shanghai, and it was one of China’s worst industrial accidents in recent years. The explosion created a crater and more than 900 firefighters were deployed to extinguish the fire that burned into the night.   As a result of this tragedy, the supply of MPD has been disrupted and resulted in other factories around the world making this ingredient to also raise their prices drastically. Dupont Nomex published and circulated a letter stating that Nomex prices will increase by at least 8.5%.

Most of us in the industry are familiar with unstable transformer prices because of recent copper, aluminum and core steel volatility.  This is also true with the upcoming Nomex price increase.  Typically, the amount of Nomex used in a transformer varies from 6% to 12% of its base cost.   Transformer prices are expected to increase by the same percentage.  It is important to note that this increase will be across all transformer manufacturers, not just MGM.

During the peak of the Gulf war there were some shortages of Nomex as that is a primary ingredient of Kevlar used in body armor.  At that time, it was addressed through allocations, so price increases were minimal. The explosion in China leaves the Nomex supply vulnerable to major cost increases and shortages. We will do our best to keep you and our customers advised on the situation. MGM recommends that you let your customers know about this situation, so they are not caught off guard by shortages or increases. Of course, the best strategy is always to get orders booked and into engineering so we can secure the materials needed before their prices go up or become unavailable.