We validate new electrical equipment designs for Arteche using mechanical tests

The TECNALIA Structural Safety Laboratory is working on the characterisation of transformer head covers. The aim is the validation of the design based on mechanical strength effects, such as loads due to lifting of the system, multi-axial pulling on the support clamp and moment transmitted by pulling on the end of the coil.

The characterisations are carried out in accordance with internal and/or external procedures that simulate the effects transmitted in reality, on the transformer as a whole, such as pulling due to lifting operations, pulling of voltage cables, wind loads, etc.

An analysis of the stress state of the covers is carried out in accordance with the loads, using strain gauges. In this way, the prior design calculations are validated using finite elements.

Our safety laboratory is specialised in mechanical characterisations of electric components: customised characterisations in accordance with own protocols or prevailing standards, such as IEC, EN or others

We have universal load traction-compression equipment, large-scale traction equipment and multi-axial load equipment. We are experts in the assembly of customised tests to reproduce all types of mechanical effects or the validation of new designs.

By means of this test, Arteche wishes to analyse the capacity of transformer covers to withstand mechanical stress, due to the transportation of the equipment, as well as that during the useful life and caused by its exposure to the electrical current.

The aim is to validate this new design bearing in mind the requirements determined by Arteche, in accordance with the national and international standards that affect these products.

These tests have not only enabled the design to be approved and extend the use of this type of covers, which are better adapted to the general demands of the market, but also to verify the reliability of the characterisation that Arteche carries out in this type of tests, through computational simulation tools.

Contact: felix.astorkia@tecnalia.com, Structural Safety Laboratory / TECNALIA