Ahlstrom-Munksjö to change how power transformers are produced
Novum, an industry-driven European project, aims to develop a new manufacturing concept for electrical insulation components, with Ahlstrom-Munksjö and 9 other partners from several steps along the value chain.
The project could change the way in which power transformers are produced, and lead to the transition from the current manual production to automated production lines with increased resource and energy efficiency.
In the increasing global competition, there is a growing need to develop more efficient and agile processes in order to secure competitiveness. There is a clear need to improve the manufacturing process of electrical insulation components, in terms of energy consumption, waste generation, duration and automation. Electrical insulation components are used in oil-cooled power and distribution transformers. Cellulose is a common raw material for the insulation components due to its high purity, excellent dielectric strength and good mechanical strength.
“Innovation is vital for securing both growth and competitiveness of our company. At Ahlstrom-Munksjö, innovation also means to explore emerging technologies to understand how they can deliver the products of the future. Within the Novum project, we focus on improving our customer’s production process together with partners from our value chain and research partners. This is one way to secure that we continuously develop solutions that make our customers’ businesses more sustainable and efficient”, says Pascale Escaffre, Vice President Research & Development.
Global consumer demand is rising for greener, more customizable, and higher quality products. Novum addresses these demands by utilizing renewable cellulose-based raw materials and manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, that offer unlimited customization properties while producing little to no waste. Novum seeks to manage the current challenges in the manufacturing process of electrical insulation components in terms of energy consumption, waste generation, duration and automation.
The consortium within the Novum project consists of 3 large industries and 5 SMEs, as well as 2 research partners.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a leading provider of material for electrotechnical insulation to manufacturers of transformers and high voltage cables. The demand within this product segment, which is part of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Business Area Industrial Solutions, is mainly driven by infrastructure expansion and maintenance or upgrades of existing power grids.
For further information, please contact us at media@ahlstrom-munksjo.com.
Photo: Urszula Czapla/ABB - www.novumproject.eu