Siemens to Provide Con Edison with Mobile Resiliency Transformers for Quick Replacement in Response to Extreme Weather and Unexpected Events

Siemens is providing Con Edison, the utility that powers New York City and local areas, with six mobile resiliency transformers to help replace units within days rather than weeks in times of extreme weather like hurricanes or other major substation events. The mobile resiliency transformers will allow Con Edison to respond to these events where multiple transformers may be impacted and normal spares or system redundancy may not be able to address the issues.

The new transformers are highly optimized for weight and dimension through advanced voltage, power rating, impedance, and environmentally-friendly ester fluid technology. This solution will help Con Edison quickly restore power to the areas served by the unavailable transformers within one to three days, compared to the weeks it may take to transport and install normal available spare units. In cases where utilities do not have existing spare units, it may take six to 12 months for new units to be procured, shipped and installed.

“This first-of-its kind mobile transformer developed by Con Edison and Siemens is truly a game-changing product that will help us restore customers more quickly if a high voltage transformer fails for any reason,” said Sanjay Bose, vice president of Central Engineering for Con Edison. “This project has been an excellent learning experience for engineers, designers and builders from both companies. The team put their extensive knowledge, experience and the willingness to depart from the norm to come up with this practical and sound design. Many features of this unique and innovative design will serve as a model for future transformers that we use in our service area.”

Siemens’ new mobile resiliency transformers are designed to be as mobile as possible to minimize local transportation and installation requirements. In addition, the transformer design includes pre-installed cooling systems and operation on multiple voltage levels. This versatility results in utilities needing fewer mobile resiliency banks that can be used in several different locations. Special plug-in bushings and connections reduce installation time to approximately one to two days, without transformer entry and oil handling, instead of weeks.

“Traditionally, replacing transformers after a hurricane or major substation event is a complicated, expensive and extremely time consuming process and requires significant manpower,” said Dr. Beatrix Natter, CEO of Siemens Transformers. “With these mobile resiliency transformers, Con Edison will add to their already comprehensive restoration plans, replacing transformers in a fraction of the usual time and cost, and providing more reliable power for their transmission system.”

The transformers are designed for usage for different voltage levels which allows a utility to avoid investing in a resiliency unit for each transformer rating. To minimize the size and weight of the transformers, high temperature insulation material, forced oil cooling equipment, and ester fluid are used. By insulating with environmentally-friendly synthetic ester that easily dissipates, the transformers for Con Edison can also be installed closer to rivers or other environmentally conscious areas.

For further information on Siemens resiliency transformer technology, please visit www.siemens.com/transformer-resiliency.

This press release is available at http://news.usa.siemens.biz/.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 348,000 employees in more than 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $86.2 billion in fiscal 2015. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $22.4 billion, including $5.5 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. To receive expert insights sign up for Siemens’ U.S. Executive Pulse leadership blog. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemensUSA.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160503005666/en/