Latest generation of Solving air film movers for power transformers
March 14th 2008

High voltage power transformers are amongst the largest and heaviest production items found anywhere in the world. Apart from the extreme size and weight of these giants, testing requires very high voltages to be applied requiring safe clearances between the connections and the surrounding building structure.

When these connections – high voltage ‘bushings’ – are assembled and cooling oil is added immediately prior to test, the transformers become too large and heavy for most cranes. This used to mean carrying out final assembly in the test area but power transformers can now be moved after final assembly without cranes using Solving’s latest sophisticated air-film based Mover system.

Areva T&D in Stafford has installed two 230t radio-controlled Solving Movers together with an 80t auxiliary beam. These can be used individually for smaller transformers or combined as a 540t system, controlled from a single radio-control console.

Transformers are assembled on steel pallets, which allow the Movers to pass underneath in preparation for a move. An on-board battery system and electric drives are used to control the movement of the unloaded system and each Mover contains an integral hose reel for connection when a heavy lift is to take place.

Once the air bearings have been activated the transformer can be driven in any direction, left/right or forwards/backwards, rotated and turned as required. Areva has found that the flexibility provided by the Solving system provides maximum efficiency in the test department and enables all assembly processes to take place in the production areas.

Solving Movers are custom-designed for any size and weight of load, and a variety of options is available such as wire or laser guidance combined with varying degrees of automation.

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