15
2026
-
10
A wave of upgrades and retrofits for distribution network equipment is upon us; key takeaways for upgrading existing transformers and switchgear
In China, large-scale upgrades to distribution networks are underway in aging urban neighborhoods, old industrial zones, and public‑building projects. Policies call for the gradual phase‑out of S7 and S8 transformers, as well as older units that have been in service for over 25 years and fail to meet energy‑efficiency standards, making the replacement of existing equipment a key growth driver for the power‑equipment industry. National development and… Moreover, many industrial‑area retrofits involve more than simply swapping out equipment; they must account for existing civil‑engineering spaces, cable connections, load growth, and constraints on outage durations, making the overall planning far more complex than new‑construction projects.
During transformer upgrades, begin with on-site measurements of existing loads. Do not simply carry over the old equipment’s capacity; account for load growth over the next 3–5 years to prevent overload shortly after the upgrade. Prioritize Class-1 energy-efficiency transformers to reduce future electricity costs. If space in the distribution room is limited, opt for more compact designs, such as three-dimensional wound-core or compact dry-type transformers. When decommissioning aging oil-immersed transformers, ensure proper recovery and disposal of insulating oil in compliance with environmental regulations.
The retrofitting of high- and low-voltage switchgear assemblies is more complex. In many older distribution rooms, cabinet dimensions are fixed, requiring new equipment to match existing base dimensions and cable entry/exit locations. Some projects cannot tolerate prolonged outages, necessitating phased retrofits and temporary transformer substations as interim solutions. When replacing switchgear cabinets, component brand compatibility and the re‑setting of protection settings are easily overlooked; improperly set protection thresholds can lead to failure to operate or nuisance tripping.
Moreover, upgrades should not be limited to hardware changes; it is recommended to simultaneously add online monitoring capabilities—such as transformer temperature, partial discharge, switchgear temperature and humidity, and live‑status indicators—to visualize equipment conditions and facilitate subsequent operations and maintenance. The upgrade project should prioritize electrical design, conduct on-site surveys of field conditions, and then select equipment models to prevent installation difficulties after delivery.
Shenyang Guangchangyun Power Equipment possesses both the manufacturing capabilities for transformers and high- and low-voltage switchgear, as well as the qualifications for electrical design and power engineering construction. It can undertake distribution network renovation projects in aging industrial parks, commercial buildings, and industrial zones, offering integrated services that encompass on-site surveys, scheme design, equipment supply, and installation and commissioning, thereby ensuring the steady advancement of upgrades to existing distribution systems.
Contact Us
Service Phone:
Company Address
A005145 and A005146 Booth on the 5th Floor of Comprehensive Hall, No.10, Hunnan West Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang City