In recent years, extreme weather has become increasingly frequent around the world, and there is a global consensus that developing renewable energy sources will help human beings to address the energy crisis. It is worth mentioning that photovoltaic power generation is expected to play a crucial role in this field. Solar energy, as a clean energy source, does not produce pollutants and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. It can effectively reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment and ecosystem. Many countries are vigorously developing new energy generation technologies to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible.

Australia, for instance, as the driest inhabited continent globally, has the best solar energy resources due to its highest solar radiation per square meter of any continent. Its geographical advantage has created a massive new energy market. According to the Australian government’s Energy Update 2024, solar power generation increased by 21% during 2022-2023, and it is 11 times higher than a decade ago, with an annual growth rate of 3% over the past two years. Additionally, the latest statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (AES) reveal that solar energy constitutes the largest share of all renewable energy sources, accounting for 27.3%. Recently, the Australian government approved a new project: the renewable energy company SunCable will invest AUD 24 billion to build the “world’s largest solar precinct” through a solar farm in the Northern Territory. This project will supply power to both Australia and Singapore.

Clearly, PV power generation leads the way in driving global energy transformation. The latest report Renewables 2023 from the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirms that solar PV capacity accounted for three-quarters of the 510 GW of renewable energy added globally in 2023. The report also emphasizes that global renewable power capacity will reach 7,300 GW over the 2023-2028 period under existing policies and market conditions. It is projected that solar PV and wind energy are expected to account for 95% of this growth. Such a vast market is bound to spur exponential growth in the global PV component industry.

(Source: IEA)

However, many people may not be aware that PV power generation also requires the most suitable components to fully utilize solar resources. Electricity generation relies on the support of transformers, and typically, the PV installed capacity should not exceed 80% of the transformer’s capacity. Isolation transformers have played a crucial role in protecting PV systems connected to distribution lines due to their high safety standards. But isolation transformers are suitable only for areas that have smaller supply ranges and shorter lines. While split-winding transformers are often seen in large-scale photovoltaic projects. Currently, large PV power plants always use 500 kW as the basic generating unit, and mainstream inverter capacities are also around 500 kW. The connection between inverters and prefabricated substations is a critical step in the entire PV power generation system. Therefore, choosing a technically reasonable step-up solution becomes essential. This is where the split-winding transformer provides a perfect solution.

There is almost no difference in structure between a split-winding transformer and an ordinary transformer. However, split-winding transformers have two windings: high voltage and low voltage. The transformer splits the low voltage winding into two parts, which are not electrically connected. These two low-voltage windings can operate in parallel or independently. They share the same capacity, connection group, and voltage level, with each winding connected to a PV inverter. When two generators transmit power to the system through a split-winding transformer, the transformer effectively increases the impedance between the two generators. This process can reduce short-circuit currents. Additionally, this design minimizes current harmonics and improves power quality. Notably, if one branch experiences a short circuit, there is a large impedance between the two busbars, which also minimizes effects between two low-voltage windings in short circuits, ensuring stable voltage output for the other branch and stable operation of the power plant or end-users.

(Source: Baidubaike)

In the field of renewable energy, transformers play a crucial role as a vital component, with a wide range of applications. They are particularly important in large-scaled PV power plants, where they have gained widespread compliments for their energy-saving features and precision design. As the global PV industry continues to grow rapidly, there is expected to be a significant increase in the market for split-winding transformers. Although split-winding transformers have a higher cost compared to other ordinary transformers, their stability ensures high-quality power transmission during operation and reduces maintenance costs.

There are several famous manufacturers capable of producing this type of transformer, but we highly recommend choosing CEEG. With 35 years of experience in the electrical industry, CEEG produces a wide range of products, including various transformers, substations, and switchgear. Guided by the goal of achieving carbon neutrality, CEEG also manufactures PV panels and energy storage batteries. The split-winding transformers produced by CEEG are designed by an experienced R&D team. Over the years, CEEG has established long-term partnerships with many international companies and has sold its products to multiple countries and regions. If you choose to collaborate with CEEG, we promise to provide the highest-quality products, excellent service, and competitive prices!