Replacing aging and inefficient transformers with E-Factor high efficiency transformers can achieve the following benefits:

• Save Energy
• Improve Reliability
• Avoid Outages
• Electricity Savings

Electrical distribution transformers play a key role in delivering electrical power to buildings as all the electrical power supplied to the building flows through them. Whether equipment is plugged in and turned on or not, transformers continue to operate. Consider their impact on electricity consumption. Some transformers waste as much as 20% of billed electricity.

E-Factor's e-factor-e and HMT transformers exceed legislated efficiency standards (EPACT2005) to yield considerable savings. In fact E-Factor C3 transformers meet the Candidate Standard Level 3 (CSL-3), the performance level deemed by the US Department of Energy to deliver the lowest lifecycle cost. In a typical 13 story office tower changing out older transformers can yield more than $10,000 dollars a year in electrical savings. (based on 10 cents per kWh)

Improved Power Quality and Reliability

Older transformers in existing buildings may not have been built to meet the load requirements of today. Over the years electrical distribution has changed very little, however the connected equipment has changed dramatically. This dramatic change is derived from both the type of equipment (mostly electronic in nature) and the density of installed equipment. The impact of this change has had a direct impact on power quality and transformer efficiency.

When newer electronic equipment is introduced into buildings with older electrical systems power quality and transformer efficiency can suffer. According to a Department of Energy study performed in 1996 electronic equipment can increase losses by as much as 2.7 times. In real terms this would mean that a transformer that has a name- plate efficiency of 97% in reality is operating closer to 90% or lower. The difference represents additional costs to operate the transformer. Replacing your older transformers with E-Factor energy efficient e-factor-e or HMT transformers can improve the reliability of your electronic equipment and significantly reduce electricity waste.

Avoid Outages

Many of today’s buildings were built thirty years ago and house transformers that are reaching the end of their useful life. Transformer failures are not common but their consequences are substantial. The best case scenario of a transformer is power outage until a replacement can be installed. The worst case scenario is fire with toxic smoke. Given the risks/rewards replacing aging transformers is a prudent decision.

When to Change out Transformers

• Implementing an energy efficiency program – Replacing older transformers can reduce losses by as much as 74%
   
• Existing transformers are noisy and/or hot - Noise and excessive heat can be due to overloading, a mismatch between type of load and transformer’s design and or loose internal connections.
   
• Changing load profile - Older transformers are designed to feed continuous loads. They cannot maintain a sinewave when feeding a significant amount of electronic equipment. The pulsed power consumption of electronic equipment causes the transformer to distort the voltage waveform reducing the reliability of connected equipment. E-Factor's transformers are designed with pulsed loads in mind, maintaining compatibility while reducing voltage distortion and associated losses.
   
• Aging transformers - NEMA** says 20 years is the average life expectancy of a transformer. As the insulation ages in a transformer, the chance of sudden failure increases.
   
• Pursuing LEED* EB (Existing Building) Certification. E-Factor C3 transformers exceed legislated efficiency standard yielding energy savings. Selecting E-Factor C3 transformers for your LEED Eb project contributes to LEED Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 1 and Credit 1 (Optimize Energy Performance) Replacing existing transformers.

E-Factor Smart School Package

*Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a voluntary, building rating system that provides a framework and guidance on sustainable design, construction and maintenance practices for built structures.

**National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)