The new 380/110 kV large transformer in the APG substation in southern Burgenland (Rotenturm an der Pinka) is in operation. Delivered by heavy-duty transport in August, the 400-tonne steel giant has been upgraded in recent months and is now improving the local power supply and the feed-in capacity of climate-friendly electricity: with an output of 300 megavolt amperes, this has increased by a quarter – an important step for the Secure energy transition in the region, which is particularly rich in wind and sunshine. This year, the electricity network operator invested 2.5 million euros in installing the transformer and making the necessary adjustments in the factory.
From Rotenturm to all of Austria: transformer as a link
The higher transformer capacity also makes an important contribution to ensuring a secure energy supply throughout Austria: “If a lot of green electricity is generated in Burgenland but not consumed, it can be fed from Rotenturm into the APG network and distributed nationwide – either directly to consumers or to large storage power plants in the Alps,” explains Roland Spreitzhofer, who, as project manager, leads extensive construction work in substations for APG. He adds: “Transformers are, so to speak, the link between Netz Burgenland’s 110-kilovolt distribution network and APG’s 380-kilovolt transmission network: They convert the electricity from one voltage level to the other and thus enable either its use on site or the Transport over long distances.”
Commissioning at the click of a mouse from Vienna
Before a transformer goes online, it is put through its paces – voltage tests, current tests and short-circuit tests are simulated. Are all components fully functional? Spreitzhofer: “When a transformer goes online, it is exciting in the truest sense of the word: on the day it is put into operation, it is really energized for the first time in isolated operation. The actual transfer into the system happens completely digitally. At the click of a mouse, the new system is connected to the system in the APG control center from Vienna Favoriten and handed over to operational management,’ as the technical jargon says.” That’s what happened at the beginning of November. From now on the transformer is in full operation and is fully operational.
Expansion vessel, bushing pots, cooling fins
And speaking of components: The upgrade takes several months and includes, among other things, the expansion vessel (No. 1), bushings (No. 2) and the cooling system (No. 3). The latter consists of fans (No. 4) and cooling fins (No. 5). The bushings, of which there are eight in total – three on the 380 kV side and five on the 110 kV side – together with the “candles” (No. 6) form the connection to the high-voltage systems such as the switchboard or line. This is how the current reaches the transformer, where it is finally converted to the required voltage level.
The photos including numbering can also be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-tmlbBYlbdu
Total investments in Burgenland: 480 million euros
Christoph Schuh, company spokesman for APG, said: “APG will invest around 480 million euros in strengthening and expanding the network infrastructure in Burgenland by 2034, thereby making a significant contribution to the success of the secure energy transition and to the electrification of industry, the economy and society . Nationwide, around nine billion euros will be invested to achieve Austria’s climate and energy goals over the same period.”
About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As an independent transmission network provider, Austrian Power Grid (APG) is responsible secure power supply Austria. With our powerful and digital electricity infrastructure, as well as the application of State-of-the-art-Technologien We integrate renewable energies, are a platform for the electricity market, create access to inexpensive electricity for Austria’s consumers and thus form the basis for a secure supply and sustainable business and living location. The APG network extends over a route length of around 3,500 km, which the company operates and maintains with a team of around 900 specialists and continuously meets the increasing requirements of the electrification of society, economy and industry. A large part of the 67 substations distributed throughout Austria are operated remotely via the control center in Vienna’s 10th district. In 2023, thanks to the committed employees, the security of supply was once again at 99.99 percent, making it one of the best in the world. Our investments amount to 445 million euros in 2024 (2023: 490 million, 2022: 370 million euros). Economic engine and an essential building block for achieving Austria’s climate and energy goals. APG will invest a total of around 9 billion euros in network expansion and conversion by 2034.