Why are these current transformers so popular in the South American electricity market?

—Technical Analysis Based on the South American Power Bureau’s Bidding and Outdoor Environment

In countries, like Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia the power infrastructure construction has kept growing in recent years. The distribution network upgrades, the energy grid integration and the urban and rural electrification projects all create a demand, for the medium and low voltage current transformers (CTs). I have seen the power infrastructure construction the distribution network upgrades, the energy grid integration and the urban and rural electrification projects push the demand. The demand is high.

The single‑phase window type current transformer, 0.6 kV, outdoor, ratio 200/5 slowly becomes the choice, in tenders for American power companies and, in large scale EPC projects. The single‑phase window type current transformer now leads voltage metering and monitoring systems. Voltage metering and monitoring systems use the single‑phase window type transformer.

I think the result is not an accident. The result comes from the combined effect of the environment the technical standards and the project management logic.

1.The real world operating environment, in South America is demanding. The real world operating environment in South America places demands, on transformers.

2.High temperature + strong ultraviolet radiation + high humidity coexist.

I see that most American countries sit in subtropical regions. The tropical or subtropical regions contain American countries.

I see the average annual temperature is high and the average annual temperature stays high for most of the year. I see some areas have long term temperatures above 40°C. The areas have long term temperatures above 40°C.

I see that the ultraviolet radiation is strong. I see that the aging requirements, for the plastic shell and the insulation materials are very high.

I notice that the coastal and rainforest regions (such, as Brazil and Colombia) have humidity. I also notice that the coastal and rainforest regions have corrosiveness. The humidity is high. The corrosion is strong.

I think that means the current transformers must have:

Stable measurement accuracy, unaffected by temperature fluctuations.

With its excellent insulation and encapsulation structure, it is suitable for outdoor use.

Maintain reliability during long-term outdoor operation

I notice the 0.6 kV outdoor window-type CT is used a lot in the market. The reason is that the 0.6 kV outdoor window-type CT works outdoors.

3.Why do American power bureaus use phase window-type current transformers?

In the power distribution systems of South American countries, single-phase loads and three-phase systems coexist, especially in:

City distribution box

Commercial buildings

Rural and semi-urban power grids

Photovoltaic and Distributed Energy Projects

The phase window-type current transformers have clear advantages:

4.User-friendly installation, suitable for renovation projects.

The window-type structure mounts, on the busbar or cable. I have installed the window-type structure times and the window-type structure fits onto the busbar or cable without any extra parts.

No need to disconnect wires, high construction efficiency

Especially suitable for the renovation of the large number of old power distribution systems in South America.

Here are the points, for the power company and EPC contractors:

Lower power outage costs

Faster project delivery cycle

5.I find Ratio 200/5 matches the common load ranges in South America.

In South American low-voltage power distribution systems:

The common current range for commercial and public facilities is 100A–300A.

When I work with numbers the ratio 200 divided by 5 is the ratio. People use the ratio, for measurements. The ratio appears in every calculation.

The advantage of this ratio is that:

Highly compatible, matching mainstream electricity meters and protective relays.

To facilitate the standardized supply of spare parts by the power bureau

Meets the diverse needs of metering, monitoring, and energy efficiency management.

Third the 0.6 kV level matches the low voltage power distribution standards. I see the 0.6 kV level follows the low voltage power distribution standards. The 0.6 kV level works.

I notice that the low‑voltage system standards, in countries mainly focus on:

380/220V

400/230V

480V

Therefore, a current transformer with a rated voltage of 0.6 kV:

Fully covers mainstream low-voltage systems

Meets the safety margin requirements in the South American Power Authority’s tender documents

The costs will not go up because the voltage levels are high. The costs stay the same even when the voltage levels are high.

Engineers use the 0.6 kV CT often in American utility projects. The 0.6 kV CT fits the needs and works well so engineers choose the 0.6 kV CT often.

6.Outdoor use is a mandatory requirement in South American bidding.

Unlike some Asian or European countries, many current transformers in South America:

Installed in outdoor power distribution cabinet

Located on the roadside, utility pole, or semi-open site

Long-term exposure to natural environment

In my experience power bureaus usually set the following requirements, in power bureaus tender documents:

Outdoor use

Reliable secondary terminal protection design

I think a sealable structure stops the operations. I think a sealable structure stops the measurement fraud.

Current transformers that work well outdoors have an advantage, in the bidding. Current transformers win bids when current transformers can handle conditions.

7.Why does this type of CT have a chance to pass the South American Electricity Authoritys bidding review?

The technical review logic of the South American Utility project says the points are crucial:

✔ Single-phase window-type structure, construction-friendly

✔ I confirm that the 0.6 kV rating meets the voltage system standards

✔ Ratio 200/5, compatible with mainstream metrology systems

✔ Suitable for outdoor use, meeting long-term reliability requirements

✔ Mature design, easy to deploy on a large scale

For the power company these products mean:

Lower lifecycle cost (LCC)

Fewer maintenance issues

Higher system stability

Conclusion:

South America upgrades its power system. I see the phase window-type current transformer, 0.6 kV, outdoor use, ratio 200/5 is not the configuration. I see the phase window-type current transformer, 0.6 kV, outdoor use, ratio 200/5 meets the engineering needs and fits the bidding logic.

I notice that the current transformer balances adaptability, installation methods, metering matching and project management efficiency. The current transformer works well. I also see that power bureaus still favor the transformer. EPC projects also support the transformer, in the American market.

 

 

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