Irish energy firm ESB selected Winder Power Ltd to complete the refurbishment of 3 x 5MVA transformers instead of replacing them.

Regulators and End users like ESB have become less willing to allow network assets, including transformers, to be replaced simply on the basis of age; preferring to consider other factors such as asset health and criticality. Winder Power has found that there are better techniques that can be used to determine with more accuracy the real condition of transformers, which can confirm when there is remaining life in the asset, and in many cases, the life of a transformer can be extended for up to 15 more years, meaning that both money and time can be saved.

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Using the services of a local heavy haulage company to dismantle and transport the transformers to Leeds, Winder Power undertook significant refurbishment works on the ESB transformers, which involved disassembling them, inspecting all elements, supplying and fitting new components, and assembling them from scratch, before shipping them back to Ireland.

Recently named the Best Small Manufacturer in Yorkshire at the 2016 Made in Yorkshire awards, Winder Power specialises in the design, build, deployment and management of distribution transformers and power transformers up to 60MVA. Although this is the first significant contract between Winder Power and ESB, Winder has a proud history of serving a wide range of loyal customers in the utilities, renewable energy, and industrial sectors across Ireland, the UK and internationally.

Winder Power's Technical Director Elizabeth MacKenzie said: "Extending the life of assets is good for customers because it results in lower levels of capital investment and hence lower bills. In addition to the regulatory pressures, the electricity industry generally is being encouraged to make responsible use of resources and to demonstrate environmental sustainability as part of its corporate responsibility. And one way of achieving this, is to prolong the life of transformers."