| North America
to fail, which limits their continued operability and makes them more costly. Ganz has therefore developed its brand of digitalised solution called GANZ Intelligent Solutions, which uses intelligent sensors to monitor the condition of electrical machines, detecting incipient failures at an early stage. The result is a system that significantly reduces the failure rate and maintenance costs, allowing the components causing the failure to be repaired or replaced before they actually cause the failure. This reduces potential loss and damage and makes it easier and more efficient to schedule the maintenance and replacement of parts or the entire machine. The development of the renowned Hungarian company can be used not only on newly manufactured machines, but also on existing transformers, even those of other manufacturers. And by using the system and sharing operating data, expert opinions from the manufacturer will also be available to end users in the future – whether they are new or older machines.
An important milestone in this process is the transformer was delivered to E.ON Hungary Ltd.’s Budapest (Őrmező) substation at the end of 2023, which will enable Hungary’s first state- of-the-art transformer equipped with digital twin to be operational soon. The commissioning of the substation is scheduled for summer 2024. The digital monitoring system of the 40 MVA machine manufactured by Ganz contributes to the preservation of asset health, thus extending the life of the transformer. The built-in technology collects data on the unit’s operation, such as oil or winding temperature, voltage or current data, or even the concentration of gases dissolved in the oil.
When enough data is collected, a so-called digital twin of the transformer can be created, which can greatly contribute to data-driven operational decisions, for example by simulating potential operational problems. This allows the operator to assess the impact of critical situations in advance and plan the efficient use of the equipment, taking into account the associated costs. “The turbulent economic environment of
recent years has also put the energy sector to the test, and the increasing integration of renewable energy sources is also forcing industry players to adopt new, agile solutions. Ganz places great emphasis on such developments and we are proud to have delivered the first digitalized large transformer for E.ON Hungary Ltd. Although we have been working with E.ON Hungary for a long time, our current cooperation is unique not only in our joint work but also in Hungary,” said Gábor Farkas, Intelligent Solutions Brand Manager at Ganz Transformers and Electric Rotating Machines Ltd. The cost of new large transformers has
increased significantly in recent years, to as much as €2-3 million depending on their features and performance, and can take several
years in total to design, manufacture and commission. In contrast, the price of monitoring systems has fallen, with solutions available on the market that allow entry-level monitoring applications for as little as €25-30,000, and with lead times that are orders of magnitude shorter, even a few months. The market demand is clear: 80% of the 50 or so new Ganz transformers produced in 2023 are already equipped with digital monitoring solutions, while all new equipment produced this year will also have this upgrade.
GUGLER Water Turbines GmbH
GUGLER Water Turbines GmbH has been awarded the contract for the design, manufacture, transportation, supervision of installation and commissioning of one (1) six-jet vertical Pelton turbine with spherical valve, generator, control system and LV and 24 kV MV switchgear and transformer for the Don Tito hydropower project, developed by Energias Pudidi SpA. This hydropower plant is located on the
Island of Chiloé in the X Region Los Lagos in the South of Chile. The installed capacity of this new Pelton turbine is 3,091kW and will be designed for a net head of 173.2m and a total flow rate of 2.00m3/sec. The commissioning of this new power station is scheduled for the beginning of 2025.
Integrated Power Services
IPS, a North American leader in the servicing, engineering, and remanufacturing of electrical, mechanical, and power management assets, has acquired Houghton International. Houghton is a leading electromechanical services provider specializing in the repair and remanufacturing of electric motors, generators, pump systems, and of electric coils for electric motors, generators, and alternators for customers in the Rail, Power Generation, Industrial, Water/Wastewater, and Mining industries. The acquisition represents IPS’s platforming entry into the new markets in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East and an expansion of its leading network of operations in the US and Canada. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Houghton International is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, founded in 1984 by Ron and Christine Mitten. Since 2006, Michael Mitten has operated as Houghton’s CEO and has led Houghton into impressive services expansion, resulting in a quadrupling of sales and a tripling of the employee base while expanding served markets into Europe and the Middle East. Houghton has highly integrated operations at the Ronnie Mitten Works service center, a well-equipped, 124,000ft2
facility with capabilities from electrical coil manufacturing
to pump repair, motor and generator repair, and testing. This facility’s addition to IPS makes it part of a 51-location service center network spanning the US, Canada, and now the UK and Europe.
As a leading aftermarket provider of operating and maintenance services for Renewable Power generation customers in the US and Canada, IPS will now be able to build on and expand Houghton’s Wind market asset lifecycle services with IPS’s technologies in power management, generator repair, pitch, and yaw systems. IPS will now look to bring its repair, distribution, and field service offerings to new customers in the on and offshore markets in the UK and Europe. Houghton will also join 11 IPS locations that specialize in services for propulsion systems used in freight rail, people transit, and mining applications. This will build on IPS’s capabilities in undercar transformers, traction motors, alternators, inductors, fans, pumps, and field services supporting original equipment manufacturers and operating companies. “After 40 years of family ownership, I am thrilled to hand over the responsibility for future growth to IPS. I found a team in IPS that shares our values and mission to excel globally. I am proud of our innovations and achievements and grateful to our employees, suppliers, and customers who have supported us throughout my 19 years of leadership. As part of the transaction, I have invested in IPS, ensuring my continued involvement with the business. I look forward to collaborating with the IPS team to build a European network of electromechanical service and power management companies,” said Michael Mitten, CEO of Houghton. “The acquisition of Houghton International not only brings a well-respected, customer- focused company into IPS, it also marks a milestone in our company’s growth by expanding beyond the US and Canada into new markets in the UK, Europe and the Middle East,” said John Zuleger, IPS President and CEO. “IPS and Houghton have an incredible opportunity to expand and improve our service offering to new customers and markets. We are both committed to delivering an Unmatched Customer Experience and creating a special workplace where employees can grow and develop through our training programs. We look forward to discussing our new capabilities brought by Houghton to our current North American partners and customers who have operations that span these new markets now serviced by IPS.”
Marelli Motori
Marelli Motori has recently launched the MJH900LA8 synchronous generator. Developed in response to increasingly stringent industry requirements, this new generator sets a new standard in performance and reliability, the company said.
Designed specifically for power generation
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