Efforts to improve the carbon performance of distribution transformers are backing the role of copper.
A method to calculate carbon emissions of distribution transformers was recently completed by the China Quality Centre (CQC) ahead of submitted to China’s central government for certification.
The new method strengthens the use of copper winding over aluminium. The results from a typical type of distribution transformer found a nearly 35% carbon emission reduction could be achieved in copper-based transformers.
ICA China has been working with CQC and copper intensive materials suppliers to promote the method and certification. ICA China also organized a workshop to discuss the final version that confirmed most features to be issued by China this year.
A proposal which could help to identify the copper & copper intensive materials-ester oil & insulated paper-as the preferred materials in “Green” transformers was also submitted to China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS).
The objective of the proposal is to develop national standard and certification for “Green” transformers using a comprehensive index that reviews issues like energy efficiency, recycling, and environmental impact. The proposal was supported by 8 leading companies including DuPont, Cargill, Bao Steel and local transformer manufacturers.
CNIS agreed with the proposal in general, and will discuss the proposal and prepare relative documents for a new standard development in June.