Smart design and manufacturing of power transformers tanks

Abstract

Industry is undergoing through noteworthy changes, where most of the methodologies and procedures are increasingly assisted by advanced information systems. In addition, the communications between the entire product chain have been progressively more effective, allowing to support better decisions in the early phases of the product development. This industrial change demands companies to rethink the planning, design and manufacturing phases, so as to take advantage of these developments. This article addresses an empirical assessment based on the Design for eXcellence (DfX) concepts aiming a smarter design and manufacturing of fully customized power transformers. Several design for excellence disciplines are discussed and analysed considering a specific case study, where the transformer tank geometry was changed. The resulting consequences in the final product can be systematized analysing the overall product lifecycle. Inputs to the product development through these design disciplines have the capability to identify advantages, disadvantages and improvement opportunities. Furthermore, the accumulated knowledge and the consideration of these approaches in a continuous improvement action will allow the enhancement of the efficiency and reliability throughout the design and production cycle of a power transformer.