{"id":5612,"date":"2025-03-19T11:39:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T11:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/blog\/article-hub\/weidmann-optimized-insulation-for-data-center-transformers\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T14:42:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T14:42:56","slug":"weidmann-optimized-insulation-for-data-center-transformers","status":"publish","type":"article-hub","link":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/article-hub\/weidmann-optimized-insulation-for-data-center-transformers\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimized Insulation for Data Center Transformers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry Trends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The global data center transformer market is projected to grow significantly over the next 5 years driven by the growing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, big data analytics, and internet services. Increasing digitalization across multiple industries, rising use of AI, and general internet use have led to huge data processing and storage needs, which require a more robust and efficient power infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transformer Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is increasing demand for energy-efficient transformers with an emphasis on reducing energy consumption and minimizing carbon footprint. Transformers are designed to ensure consistent and stable power distribution, which is critical to maintaining operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and meeting high-energy demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transformers for Data Centers have become larger and larger (2500 kVA and above). Commonly these transformers are designed with layer-type windings up to 6300 kVA and even higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Challenges for Data Center Transformers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design Challenges: Data center applications can lead to increased thermal,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>electrical, and mechanical stresses on transformers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>OEM\/End User Challenges:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Under-utilized excessive transformer capacity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shorter life span\/reliability due to high-stress environments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optimized Insulation System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transformer solid insulation largely defines the major transformer characteristics including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Size, weight, footprint &amp; cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Losses and efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term reliability and failure resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As layer insulation is the key solid insulation material, a special \u2018engineered paper\u2019 with enhanced properties can optimize and improve performance for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Withstands higher temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enables faster &amp; higher quality processing at the OEM factory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has improved dielectric performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can help to reduce the overall size &amp; weight of the transformer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aids cost efficiencies and a general reduction in the cost of the transformer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=https://transformer-technology.com/"images//2025//Issue_43//Picture3.jpg/" alt=\"Picture3\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Layer-Type Transformer Windings \u2013 Key Solid Insulation Material = Paper<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advanced Insulation Paper &#8211; Diamond Pattern Enhanced (DPE) Paper from Weidmann<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>DPE is a special-grade layer insulation paper for liquid-immersed layer-type transformers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"x_x_MsoNormal\"><span class=\"mark91iwbdq6i\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">INSULu<\/span>tions DPE provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher thermal endurance (in both mineral oil and ester liquid) \u2013 slower aging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better (faster) drying \u2013 quality &amp; productivity improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better (faster) impregnation with dielectric liquids \u2013 quality &amp; productivity improvement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better dielectric performance \u2013 potentially improved dielectric insulation design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=https://transformer-technology.com/"images//2025//Issue_43//Picture4.jpg/" alt=\"Picture4\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><span class=\"mark91iwbdq6i\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">INSULu<\/span>tions DPE Diamond Pattern Enhanced (DPE) layer insulation paper<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application Options to Utilize the Benefit of Higher Thermal Class DPE Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>1. High Temperature Rated Designs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using Weidmann\u2019s enhanced insulating DPE paper in layer-type transformers allows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase up to 75\u00b0C Average Winding Rise (AWR) temperature with mineral oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase up to 85\u00b0C AWR temperature in ester liquid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=https://transformer-technology.com/"images//2025//Issue_43//Picture1.jpg/" alt=\"Picture1\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Longer Life in Operation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional 10\u00b0C temperature \u2018safety margin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides more than two times longer insulation life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increases transformer resilience against increased ambient and\/or operational temperatures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Higher Overload Capability<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Option 1: Same size transformer with about 20% higher overload capability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Option 2: Smaller transformer in size, weight, and cost with equivalent overload capability and no load losses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--bs-body-color); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);\">4. Dual Temperature Nameplate Designs and Sustainable Peak Load Transformers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhanced DPE allows new dual temperature nameplate transformers: in mineral oil &#8211; 65\u00b0C\/ 75\u00b0C AWR; in ester liquids &#8211; 65\u00b0C\/ 85\u00b0C AWR or 75\u00b0C\/ 85\u00b0C AWR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transformers can be continuously loaded at peak load kVA with no effect on transformer reliability or lifetime<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great also for variable loads when transformers operate below nameplate rating for significant periods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data Center transformers are subject to variable loads, inverter connection harmonics, and potentially high ambient temperatures, which lead to increased thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses on transformers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data Center transformers, which are typically high-voltage layer-type transformers, demand a reliable, cost-efficient solid insulation solution. DPE paper\u2019s faster dry-out rate, faster impregnation, and enhanced dielectric performance contribute to improved quality and reliability, reduced Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) failure rate, and increased transformer resilience in operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, DPE\u2019s higher thermal class and enhanced dielectric performance allow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Optimized insulation system design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-temperature-rated designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longer life in operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher overload capability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dual-temperature nameplate designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sustainable peak load transformers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, to ensure adequate, uninterrupted power from data center transformers, the solid insulation should be optimized for resilience and long-lasting performance. Incorporating a special \u2018Engineered Paper\u2019 such as DPE paper from Weidmann, as the key solid insulation material, offers enhanced properties that provide new opportunities for transformer optimization and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://transformer-technology.com/"https:////weidmann-electrical.com///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">weidmann-electrical.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://transformer-technology.com/"mailto:electrical%40weidmann-group.com?subject=\%22> electrical@weidmann-group.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5613,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"article-category":[4],"class_list":["post-5612","article-hub","type-article-hub","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-category-in-focus"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-hub\/5612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-hub"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article-hub"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transformer-technology.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-category?post=5612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}