A law was recently passed that will significantly impact the Electrical Industry. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires that defined low voltage dry-type distribution transformers manufactured after January 1, 2007 meet the Energy Efficiency levels outlined in the code of Federal Regulations CFR 10 Part 431. The efficiency requirements are now imbedded in the regulations at the NEMA TP1 standard level. The law says that all dry-type low voltage transformers defined as such in the regulations that are manufactured in the United States will have to meet the equivalent of NEMA TP-1-2002 energy efficiency standards. The category is defined very specifically as a transformer with an input voltage of 34kV or less, an output voltage of 600 volts or less, rated for operation at a frequency of 60 Hz. and has a capacity of 15kVA-2500kVA. This includes K-rated transformers and harmonic mitigating transformers, both of which HPS manufactures in TP-1 versions. The term “distribution transformer” does not include a transformer that is an Autotransformer, Drive (isolation) transformer, Grounding transformer, Machine tool (control) transformer, Non-ventilated transformer, Rectifier transformer, Regulating transformer, Sealed transformer, Special impedance transformer, Testing transformer, a transformer with a tap range of 20% or more, Uninterruptible power supply transformer, or Welding transformer. Precise definitions of all these categories are available in the Regulations 10 CFR Part 431, sections 191 and 192.
For further information and details, please go to: www.eere.energy.gov
The new energy policy is going to affect not only manufacturers such as HPS, but also contractors, consultants and owners. To meet the more stringent efficiency requirements, it is necessary to use materials that will increase the initial cost of TP-1 transformers. The higher upfront costs will be offset for owners; however they will realize significant energy savings over the life of the transformer. Projects need to be budgeted accordingly starting now in 2006.
HPS is well prepared for these changes. We have completely redesigned our Energy Efficient transformer products to meet and exceed Federal regulations and optimized the design to utilize the more expensive materials in an efficient manner, which helps offset the initial higher cost of these units. This has indeed been a challenge for all of us in the industry with the rapidly changing cost of commodities used in transformers.
It is very important that you advise your customers that they need to make changes to their specifications and that they need to prepare for the fact that all dry-type transformer manufacturers in the US will not be able to supply non-energy efficient transformers beyond January 1st, 2007. Please be aware that any transformers planned for 2007 shipment, will need to be re-quoted as TP1 compliant units.
