Transformers and autotransformers for agricultural use
Low-voltage (LV) transformers are essential components in agricultural electrical infrastructure. They ensure the proper adaptation and distribution of electrical energy at safe and adequate levels to power pumps, motors, lighting systems and other agricultural equipment that typically operate at voltages below 600 V or above, as in the case of photovoltaic systems.
Transformers and autotransformers applications in agriculture
- Transformers for local distribution: These reduce energy losses and improve the quality of the electricity supply by transforming the energy within the low-voltage network, close to the point of consumption.
- Transformers for irrigation systems: LV transformers supply the voltage necessary for the proper operation of electric pumps and valves, ensuring that they receive the appropriate voltage. This is particularly important for well pumps, which are often located far away and can experience voltage drops in long lines. Installing the transformer close to the point of consumption helps to ensure an adequate power supply for the safe and efficient operation of the agricultural irrigation system.
- Transformers for agricultural machinery: Pumps, electric motors, fans and lighting require these transformers to receive a safe and adequate voltage in rural environments.
- Transformers for photovoltaic installations: In solar installations for the agricultural sector, low-voltage transformers convert the energy from inverters or solar panels to levels suitable for use in local equipment and networks. In addition to adapting the voltage, they provide electrical insulation, improve the quality of the supply and facilitate both self-consumption and the integration of renewable energies in rural environments.
Benefits of low-voltage transformers and autotransformers in the field
How to choose the right transformer or autotransformer for your agricultural installation?
Selecting the right equipment depends on several technical and operational factors:
- Type of equipment:
– Transformer: provides insulation between the input and output and can also change the voltage level and generate neutral.
– Autotransformer: designed for voltage changes and applications where galvanic isolation is not required.
- Phases: determine whether single-phase or three-phase equipment is required.
- Input and output voltage: if there are several outputs, we need to know the power distribution of each one.
- Required rating: it is crucial to correctly size the equipment according to the actual load to avoid overloads that could reduce its useful life.
*If we do not have the rating expressed in VA or kVA, we must convert it:
– W or kW: Cosφ and load efficiency must be considered.
– Amps (A): Multiply the voltage at which the load is powered by the current it consumes (single-phase) and multiply by the square root of 3 (three-phase).
- Protection degree: enclosures must be suitable for outdoor use, protecting against moisture, dust and corrosion.
POLYLUX transformers and autotransformers for agricultural use:
Our technology guarantees reliability, efficiency and adaptation to different types of agricultural installations, from small irrigation systems to self-consumption photovoltaic plants.
P, Q, N, IP, PXR, PXD & PX series: Single-phase control and isolation transformers
TT Series: Three-phase isolation transformers
TTG Series: Eco-friendly three-phase isolation transformers
TTFX Series: Three-phase transformers for solar inverters
AUT Series: Three-phase reversible autotransformers
AUTF Series: Three-phase autotransformers for solar inverters
Transformer maintenance and basic checks
OLYLUX low-voltage transformers are designed to offer exceptional reliability in demanding agricultural environments. These units do not require regular maintenance or complex interventions, making them ideal for rural installations where accessibility may be limited.
Thanks to their robust construction and the use of high-quality materials, POLYLUX transformers are designed to offer a long service life, which under proper use and maintenance conditions can exceed three decades.
Recommendations: Effective earthing of the enclosure and an accessible neutral must be ensured to facilitate maintenance and increase safety. Other recommended tasks are mainly limited to occasional visual inspections to check the condition of the enclosure, connections and earthing, ensuring that there is no physical damage or dust accumulation that could affect heat dissipation.
Presence and mitigation of harmonics in agriculture
Electrical harmonics occur in agricultural networks, especially those with non-linear electronic equipment such as photovoltaic inverters or frequency converters. These distortions affect power quality, potentially causing conductors to overheat, reducing equipment service life and increasing energy consumption.
To mitigate these effects, we recommend installing passive filters such as our RTLX series reactors. In addition, to attenuate voltage peaks at the converter output and protect against premature deterioration of motor dielectrics, we recommend POLYLUX RTOX or FTOX reactors and the use of transformers with specific configurations (e.g. star-delta connection) that help to block harmonics.
TTFK series: Three-phase K-factor transformers.
RTLX series: Line reactors for harmonic filtering in three-phase lines.
RTOX & FTOX series: Reactors for harmonic filtering in three-phase lines at the converter output.
In an increasingly technological and sustainable agricultural environment, POLYLUX equipment stands out as a reliable solution that combines efficiency, superior quality, and environmental responsibility.
Our specialized technical team is ready to guide you and design the electrical solution that perfectly matches the specific requirements of your field.
Contact POLYLUX and let our team of experts to guide you towards the ideal solution!
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