Americas Power Grid

São Paulo Underground Distribution

22 pad-mounted transformers for São Paulo underground distribution network, improving reliability for 800,000 residents.

Client Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power
Year 2023
Location São Paulo, Brazil
Scope <p><strong>Project Scope:</strong></p><ul><li>22 × ZGS13 pad-mounted transformers (630 kVA each)</li><li>NEMA 3R enclosures for tropical climate</li><li>Underground cable termination kits</li><li>Smart grid ready with remote monitoring</li></ul><p><strong>Duration:</strong> 10 months</p>
São Paulo Underground Distribution

Project Overview

For the São Paulo underground distribution network upgrade in Brazil, Transformer Co. supplied 22 pad-mounted transformers. These tamper-resistant, fully enclosed units were selected for their safety features and aesthetic design suitable for residential neighborhoods.The project modernized the power distribution infrastructure in 12 districts, improving reliability for approximately 800,000 residents.

12 units 120MVA power transformers
132kV / 33kV Voltage ratings
ONAN/ONAF Cooling systems
IEC 60076 International compliance
18 months Delivery timeline

Challenge

Operating in a tropical climate with extreme heat and humidity presented significant engineering challenges. Standard transformer designs would struggle under ambient temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, requiring specialized insulation systems and robust cooling solutions to maintain reliable performance. Additionally, the logistics of delivering oversized equipment weighing over 120 tons each to sites in Lagos and the landlocked capital Abuja demanded innovative transport planning and modular packaging strategies to navigate Nigeria's road infrastructure.

Our Solution

We engineered custom-designed insulation systems rated for 55°C ambient temperature, exceeding the standard 40°C rating by a significant margin. Enhanced ONAF cooling with additional radiator banks was implemented to ensure optimal thermal management under peak load conditions. For logistics, we developed a modular packaging approach that allowed road transport to remote locations, with components reassembled on-site. Our engineering team provided comprehensive site supervision throughout the 18-month installation period, ensuring every unit was commissioned to exacting standards.

Project Gallery

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Transformer Rating 120MVA
High Voltage 132kV
Low Voltage 33kV
Frequency 50Hz
Cooling ONAN/ONAF
Vector Group YNd11
Tap Changer On-load (OLTC)
Impedance 14%
Ambient Temperature 55°C (design)
Transport Weight ~120 tons

Results & Impact

2M+

Residents with improved electricity access

99.8%

Reliability rate achieved

18 months

On-time delivery

Zero

Major incidents since commissioning

Transformer Co. understood our urban aesthetic and safety requirements perfectly. The pad-mounted units blend seamlessly into the neighborhoods while delivering reliable performance. — Engineering Lead, São Paulo Power Utility

— Chief Engineer, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power

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