The high-efficiency transformer industry in China has achieved remarkable progress in recent years, driven by advancements in core materials, manufacturing processes, and intelligent technologies. As a leading participant in this sector, CHH Power has actively integrated cutting-edge innovations into its product development and production, contributing to the industry’s transition toward energy efficiency and sustainability. Below is an overview of the industry’s key developments, with a focus on CHH Power’s practices and contributions.
01. Core Materials and Manufacturing Processes Shaping the High-Efficiency Transformer Industry
The development of high-efficiency transformers relies heavily on breakthroughs in materials and process technologies. CHH Power has been at the forefront of adopting and advancing these innovations, ensuring its products meet the latest energy efficiency standards.
(1) Significant Advancements in Transformer Core Material Production Capacity
During China’s 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016–2020), transformer core material manufacturing technology witnessed rapid growth—progress that CHH Power has leveraged to enhance its product performance.
- Key Core Materials: High magnetic induction oriented silicon steel and amorphous alloys are the primary core materials for high-efficiency transformers. CHH Power has partnered with domestic leading material suppliers to achieve mass production of high magnetic induction oriented silicon steel.
- Market Readiness: Domestic high magnetic induction oriented silicon steel now offers a rich range of specifications, fully meeting CHH Power’s production needs for various transformer models (e.g., S13 series distribution transformers). The material’s high domestic market share has also ensured stable supply and cost competitiveness for CHH Power’s manufacturing.
(2) Industrial Application of High-Efficiency, Energy-Saving Core Structures
The three-dimensional wound core transformer has evolved from a technical concept to full-scale industrial application over decades. CHH Power has accumulated more than 20 years of experience in developing and applying this technology:
- Mature Technical System: CHH Power has refined the entire production chain for three-dimensional wound core transformers, including theoretical analysis, structural design, winding, core strip cutting, annealing, assembly, and supporting equipment development.
- Mass Production Capability: The technology now fully supports CHH Power’s large-scale production of three-dimensional wound core transformers, which offer 15–20% lower no-load loss compared to traditional laminated core models, aligning with national energy-saving goals.
(3) Progress in Green Insulating Materials
CHH Power has adopted two innovative green insulating materials to improve transformer safety and environmental performance:
| Material Type | Key Properties | CHH Power’s Application Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Insulating Oil | High insulation performance, high ignition/flash points, biodegradable, water-absorbent. | Widely used in CHH Power’s 330kV and below transformers. Complies with national/industry standards; sourced from suppliers with ≥2,000 tons/year production capacity. |
| Silicone Rubber | Hydrophobic, excellent insulation, reusable, high elasticity, explosion-proof. | Applied in CHH Power’s dry-type transformers. These transformers meet the latest energy efficiency standards, withstand harsh environments (humidity, dust), and have operated reliably for 2+ years. |
(4) Accelerated Construction of Digital Factories for Intelligent Manufacturing
Guided by the “Made in China 2025” initiative, CHH Power has invested heavily in intelligent manufacturing to upgrade its production model:
- Digital Workshop Integration: CHH Power has built digital workshops covering the entire transformer lifecycle—from design, processing, and assembly to testing, quality control, logistics, and after-sales service.
- Key Technologies Adopted: Industrial robotics, collaborative manufacturing, and virtual simulation technologies are integrated to enable digital, networked, and intelligent production.
- Collaborative Platform: A digital enterprise platform for collaborative manufacturing and services has been established, enhancing CHH Power’s core competitiveness in domestic and international markets by reducing production cycles by 25% and improving product consistency.
(5) Whole-Life Cycle Concept Guiding Industry Development
CHH Power embeds the whole-life cycle (WLC) management concept into every stage of its high-efficiency transformer development:
- Green Design: Prioritizes environmental protection in raw material selection (e.g., low-harm substance content) and manufacturing processes (compliant with green factory standards).
- Energy Efficiency Optimization: Reduces unit energy consumption during production and improves energy-saving performance during operation.
- End-of-Life Recyclability: Designs products for high recyclability (e.g., separable materials, labeled recycling instructions), ensuring compliance with circular economy requirements.
02. High-End Material and Equipment Supply Capacity Supporting Industry Growth
The achievement of national energy efficiency improvement goals for transformers depends on sufficient supply capacity of high-end materials and equipment. CHH Power’s supply chain and market presence play a key role in supporting these goals.
(1) Domestic Production Capacity of High-End Core Materials
The 2021–2023 National Energy Efficiency Improvement Plan sets strict performance requirements for transformer core materials. CHH Power’s analysis of these goals confirms that domestic supply capacity is fully adequate:
- Goal Clarification: The plan requires a 10% increase in the on-grid capacity proportion of high-efficiency transformers, with ≥85% of this share being Class 2 energy efficiency. Additionally, ≥75% of newly added transformers must be high-efficiency models, also dominated by Class 2 energy efficiency (≥85%).
- Material Supply Assurance: Domestic production capacity of grain-oriented silicon steel and amorphous alloy strips—key materials for Class 2 energy efficiency transformers—fully meets these goals. CHH Power’s long-term partnerships with material suppliers ensure stable access to high-quality core materials for its production.
(2) Transformer Industry Production and Sales Volume Supporting Energy Efficiency Goals
China’s transformer output has fluctuated in recent years but maintains an overall growth trend, providing a solid foundation for energy efficiency improvement:
- Recent Output Trends: In 2018, national transformer output rebounded to ~1.76 billion kVA, a 10.67% increase from 2017. CHH Power contributed to this growth with its expanded production of high-efficiency transformers for UHV and distribution network renovation projects.
- Future Growth Forecast: Driven by the launch of UHV projects and ongoing distribution network upgrades, transformer market demand is expected to grow at a 7–10% annual rate. CHH Power plans to increase its high-efficiency transformer production capacity by 15% annually to meet this rising demand.
03. Development of Energy-Saving and Control Technologies for High-Efficiency Transformers
Innovative control technologies are critical to enhancing transformer energy efficiency and operational reliability. CHH Power has integrated three key technologies into its products to optimize performance:
(1) Refined Reactive Power Compensation Technology
Compared to traditional centralized switching compensation, this technology offers higher accuracy, flexibility, and targeting—significantly improving power quality and supply efficiency. CHH Power applies this technology in its distribution transformer stations and JP cabinets (combined distribution boxes), reducing reactive power loss by 30% and improving grid power factor from 0.85 to 0.95.
(2) Wide-Width Arc-Free Voltage Regulation Technology
Applicable to both oil-immersed and dry-type transformers, this technology enables automatic voltage adjustment to maintain stable output. For CHH Power’s transformers, it:
- Expands the voltage tolerance range of grids connected to new energy sources (e.g., wind, solar).
- Reduces equipment energy consumption by 8–12% and extends service life by 10+ years, achieving system-level energy savings.
(3) Intelligent Tap-Changer Technology
This technology enables comprehensive condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of on-load tap-changers in an IoT environment. CHH Power’s adoption of this technology in its transformers:
- Improves overall transformer reliability by 20%.
- Optimizes matching between tap-changer gears and transformer loads, reducing mechanical wear.
- Extends equipment operational life by 15%, lowering lifecycle costs for clients.
Through its focus on advanced materials, intelligent manufacturing, and innovative control technologies, CHH Power is playing a pivotal role in advancing China’s high-efficiency transformer industry. The company’s commitment to the whole-life cycle concept and alignment with national energy efficiency goals ensures it remains a leader in sustainable power equipment solutions.