WEG Supplies Transformers to Hydroelectric Plant

WEG has manufactured and supplied two large scale transformers to the biggest operational hydroelectric plant in the world, the Itaipu Binacional, which is a bi-national undertaking by Brazil and Paraguay. The hydro-electric plant straddles the Parana' river, as it crosses the border between the two South American countries. To-date, two power transformers, each weighing 200 tons, have been supplied by WEG: a TR 256 MVA/550kV, 60Hz on the Brazilian side, and a TR 275 MVA/550kV, 50Hz unit in Paraguay. WEG's achievement in securing this project is a double celebration for the company: in the manufacture of the equipment WEG became the first company in the world to carry out VFT - Very Fast Transient tests - on transformers. This testing is essential to assure that the transformers will cope with very fast voltage oscillations during their operation. It has never before been carried out at the final testing stage, due to its complexity, risk and high cost.

Manufactured at WEG's transformer plant in Blumenau, in the state of Santa Catarina, the two power transformers will start operation at Itaipu at the beginning of 2010 in a gas insulated substation (GIS). "We have met all of the customer's requirements using the most modern technology in the world on the design, in the manufacturing, and in the testing of these transformers to very fast transients," said Francisco Rebordão, technical manager at WEG Transformadores. "As a result, we are sure that we have supplied an efficient and highly safe product."

WEG was appointed to supply the equipment to Itaipu in 2003, and since then has made substantial investments in its infrastructure and technology to meet the needs of the energy sector. WEG and Itaipu are also partners in other innovative projects such as the Palio Weekend Elétrico, developed along with Fiat.