How to choose on load tap changers for power main transformers?
Writer： Hengfeng you electric Time：2025-04-25 views：times
In the field of on load tap changers for power main transformers, Germany's MR (Rheinhausen Machinery Manufacturing Plant) and Shanghai Huaming are the two major competitors in the international market. Below, Michael Zhong, an electrical engineer from Hengfengyou, compares the differences between the two in terms of technology, market, cost, and service, and provides selection recommendations:
1、 Comparison of core technologies for on load tap changers in power main transformers
1. Technological accumulation and innovation
German MR: Established in 1868, with over 150 years of technological accumulation, it has long dominated the high-end market. Its products are known for their precision mechanical structure and high reliability, especially outstanding stability performance in ultra-high voltage (such as ± 800kV DC converter) and complex working conditions.
Shanghai Huaming: Fill the gap in the Chinese market through independent research and development, for example, in 2014, it conquered the ultra-high voltage direct current converter transformer tap changer technology, breaking the MR monopoly. Its VCM and VCV vacuum tap changers are driven by linear motors and vacuum arc extinguishing technology, with simplified structure and low maintenance costs. Some performance indicators have reached the international advanced level of 2510.
2. Patent and standard development
MR has a large number of core patents worldwide and high technological barriers; Huaming leads the development of Chinese standards and has obtained over 300 patents related to tap changers, and has been verified for reliability by CNAS accredited laboratories.
2、 Market positioning and price of on load tap changers for power main transformers
1. Market share
MR: The global market share is about 60%, especially in the high-end markets of Europe and America where it dominates.
Huaming: With a market share of over 90% in China and a global market share of about 30%, its price is only 1/3 to 1/4 of MR, and its cost-effectiveness advantage is significant.
2. Product line coverage
MR covers the entire range from low-end non excited switches to high-end ultra-high voltage equipment; Huaming mainly focuses on mid to high end products, and in recent years has expanded its market through the acquisition of Changzheng Electric, gradually extending into the field of ultra-high voltage.
3、 Service and maintenance of on load tap changers for power main transformers
1. Maintenance costs
The maintenance cycle of MR products is short and the cost is high, requiring reliance on professional agency services (such as an annual maintenance budget of nearly 100000 yuan per unit).
Huaming's product design focuses on maintenance free features, such as the service life of on load tap changers for distribution transformers that are consistent with the transformer body and do not require regular maintenance.
2. Global Service Network
MR relies on a global layout to provide rapid response, but relies on agents; Huaming has gradually established a localization team overseas (such as the factory in Türkiye), and has seized the emerging market through cost-effective advantages. Most countries in the world have set up service outlets.
4、 Suggestions for selection of on load tap changers for power main transformers
1. Budget sensitive projects
Recommended Huaming: The price is only 1/4 of MR, and the localization rate is high, suitable for cost sensitive scenarios such as distribution network renovation and rural power grids. For example, in the selection of 5000kVA oil immersed transformers, Huaming switch has a low failure rate and strong adaptability.
2. Priority given to high-end technology and reliability
Recommended MR: For ultra-high voltage engineering, large-scale industrial projects, or scenarios with extremely high stability requirements (such as electrolytic aluminum rheology), MR's long-term verification experience is more advantageous.
3. Localization and Supply Chain Security
Huaming's entire industry chain is independently controllable (80% of parts are self-produced), avoiding the risk of "bottleneck", especially suitable for strategic projects such as State Grid's ultra-high voltage projects.
4. Overseas market expansion
Mature markets in Europe and America tend to favor MR brands; Emerging markets such as Indonesia, Brazil, and Central Asia can give priority to choosing Huaming, which has significant price advantages and gradually establishes a localized service network.
5、 Typical case reference of on load tap changer for power main transformer
Huaming Successful Application: The 500kV collection station of the Kola Photovoltaic Power Station adopts Huaming tap changers, which ensure stable operation through high-altitude adaptive design and zero tolerance technology.
MR led scenario: Shanghai University Baoshan Campus adopts MR equipment with an annual maintenance budget of nearly 100000 yuan, relying on professional agency services to maintain complex mechanical structures.
summarize
The selection of German MR and Shanghai Huaming requires comprehensive consideration of technical requirements, budget, maintenance capabilities, and project positioning. Huaming dominates the Chinese market with high cost-effectiveness and localization advantages, and gradually challenges the international high-end market; MR maintains its global leading position through technological accumulation and service network. For most application scenarios, Huaming's comprehensive cost-effectiveness is more competitive, while MR is more suitable for special scenarios that require extremely high reliability and brand recognition
