ABB Electrification Service has launched a groundbreaking digital monitoring system for power and distribution transformers in partnership with Danish start-up Oktogrid. The ABB Ability™ Asset Manager for Transformers (TRAFCOM) provides a seamless solution to modernize aging electrical grids, enhancing their ability to meet rising power demands with improved reliability, performance, and availability.
This innovative sensor is designed for rapid installation, with no screws or tools required. Mounted magnetically in under 15 minutes, the TRAFCOM sensor immediately starts transmitting data to the cloud, minimizing maintenance downtime. Compatible with all transformer types and ages, it gives customers real-time monitoring through a unified interface, forming part of an end-to-end asset management system.
Mahmoud Abdelkhalek, Global Product Manager at ABB Electrification Service, explained: “Many transformers in electrical networks have gone 15-20 years without monitoring due to the high costs and complexity of sensor installations. The ABB Ability™ Asset Manager for Transformers removes these obstacles, offering an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade grids.”
TRAFCOM provides a comprehensive solution by measuring key factors such as temperature, humidity, magnetic fields, surface vibrations, acoustics, and partial discharges. This cloud-based monitoring allows users to detect issues early, prevent failures, and better plan maintenance, ultimately optimizing performance and extending the lifespan of transformers.
Abdelkhalek added: “Rising energy consumption puts more strain on electricity networks, increasing risk. Understanding transformer performance helps operators plan effectively and improve processes.” This digital transformation optimizes safety, efficiency, and performance of older equipment, reducing carbon emissions and boosting power stability and availability.
Golam Sadeghnia, CEO of Oktogrid, commented: “As industries push for greater sustainability, accurate measurement is vital for informed decarbonization strategies. Our collaboration with ABB has created a solution that closes the transparency gap, advancing a resilient energy future.”
TRAFCOM is applicable beyond utilities, serving sectors like manufacturing, commercial real estate, data centers, and heavy industry. Customers in Finland and Spain, including one of Europe’s largest hospitals and a multinational steel group, have already deployed TRAFCOM to enhance their energy management.
ABB will showcase TRAFCOM and other products at Enlit Europe, the continent’s leading event for sustainable energy, energy transition, and decarbonization, from 22-24 October 2024. ABB, a Platinum Partner at the event, will feature these innovations at their booth.
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is driving industrial transformation toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. With over 130 years of expertise, ABB’s 105,000 employees worldwide are committed to delivering cutting-edge innovations that power the industries of tomorrow.
ABB Electrification, with a team of over 50,000 employees across 100 countries, leads in electrical distribution and energy management. By combining global scale with local expertise, ABB enables energy-efficient solutions that promote a low-carbon society and a sustainable future for all.
