Transformer Industry Latest Developments And Technological Breakthroughs

1. The world's first 110kV energy-saving amorphous alloy transformer successfully developed

Recently, Guangdong Haihong Electric, together with Guangdong Power Grid, Huazhong University of Science and Technology and other organizations, successfully developed the world's first 110kV energy-saving amorphous alloy three-dimensional rolled-core oil-immersed power transformer, and passed the full test. The transformer adopts amorphous alloy materials and three-dimensional rolled iron core structure depth fusion, no-load loss than the national standard (GB 20052-2024) down 60%, load loss down 5%, a single unit of annual power savings of up to 120,000 kWh (equivalent to emission reduction of 72 tons of carbon dioxide). Technical breakthroughs include a new core suspension system (realizing reliable suspension of cores above 10 tons), noise reduction design and improved short-circuit resistance, which will be applied to the 110kV Hongchang substation in Chaonan District, Shantou City.

2. UHV Technology Breakthrough: Wujiang Transformer Realizes Noise Revolution

Wujiang Transformer Co., Ltd. independently researched and developed the first 1100kV low-noise reactor in China, which reduces the operation noise to 64dB (lower than the industry standard of 65dB), without the need of external sound insulation cover. Through innovative electric power sand filling process and material testing, it solves the long-standing noise pollution problem of extra-high voltage equipment, while saving installation costs. The product will be put into operation in Aba, Sichuan Province at an altitude of 3,000 meters in 2025, marking China's international leadership in UHV noise reduction technology.

3. High-frequency transformers and material innovation trends

Application of new materials: amorphous alloy, nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials (iron loss reduced by 70%-80%), high-temperature superconducting materials (significant improvement in transmission efficiency) to promote high-frequency transformer efficiency and power density.

Structure optimization: flat, integrated design (such as matrix transformer) to adapt to the data center, 5G base station compact space requirements.

Intelligent control: Built-in sensors and AI algorithms realize real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment to enhance grid stability.

4. Industry Patents and Technological Innovation Dynamics (March 2025)

Shanghai Industrial Transformer: Patent awarded for “Stacked Core Production Device” to improve production efficiency and product consistency through automation and AI technology.

Linhai Electric: Patent for “three-dimensional rolled iron core dry-type transformer”, optimizing heat dissipation and energy efficiency.

Tianwei Baochang: authorized the patent of “double-column parallel transformer voltage regulating tap line wiring method”, improving the flexibility of voltage regulation.

5. Market Trends and Capacity Expansion

Global demand surge: Hitachi Energy plans to invest $1.5 billion to expand production capacity by 2027 to cope with the shortage of transformers brought about by the energy transition (China's transformer exports will grow by 28.4% year-on-year in 2024).

Green transformation drive: energy efficient transformers (e.g. amorphous alloy products) are supported by policy, and China aims to have 80% of efficient transformers by 2025.

Application Scenario Expansion: data center (dry-type transformer demand growth), new energy grid connection (step-up transformer technology upgrade), rural revitalization (transformer capacity enhancement and transformation, such as the case of Ge Ma Village in Guizhou).