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Search results for: โ€œtransformersโ€

  • Transformers: rise of the beasts?

    Transformers: rise of the beasts?

    A transformer is needed to step the voltage up or down at every inter-connection point in the grid. Hence this 14-page note explores how renewables and EVs will expand future transformer markets. The main challenge is that the need for smaller, simpler units may exacerbate margin pressure in an already competitive industry. So who is…

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  • Transformer costs: the economics?

    Transformer costs: the economics?

    Transformer costs must typically run at $8/kVA to earn a 10% IRR constructing a new transformer manufacturing facility, across capex costs, materials costs, specialized labor costs, and all built-up from first principles in this economic model. We have also screened 25 leading companies in transformer manufacturing.

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  • MOSFETs: energy use and power loss calculator?

    MOSFETs: energy use and power loss calculator?

    MOSFETs are fast-acting digital switches, used to transform electricity, across new energies and digital devices. MOSFET power losses are built up from first principles in this data-file, averaging 2% per MOSFET, with a range of 1-10% depending on voltage, switching, on resistance, operating temperature and reverse recovery charge.

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  • Power grids: opportunities in the energy transition?

    Power grids: opportunities in the energy transition?

    Power grids move electricity from the point of generation to the point of use, while aiming to maximize the power quality, minimize costs and minimize losses. Broadly defined, global power grids and power electronics investment must step up 5x in the energy transition, from a $750bn pa market to over $3.5trn pa. But this theme…

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  • Power distribution: the economics?

    Power distribution: the economics?

    Power distribution costs to residential, commercial and industrial consumers are estimated at 3.5 c/kWh in this model, to generate a 10% levered return, in a 5km x 10MW distribution line, at 17kV, rated up to 400A, with a capex cost of $150/kW-km, a 5% line loss and 40% annualized utilization. All of these inputs can…

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  • Global trade: balance or darkness?

    Global trade: balance or darkness?

    Global trade has been growing more adversarial. US foreign relations are also shifting. Hence this 16-page note maps 20 trade categories, across energy, materials and capital goods; in each case, breaking down global imports by source, and global exports by destination. Our top ten conclusions follow.

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  • Additive manufacturing: technology leaders?

    Additive manufacturing: technology leaders?

    Additive manufacturing companies are screened in this data-file, across 20 technology leaders. We have also tabulated 25 case studies, where AM reduces weight by 40%, cost by 50%, and lead-time by 60%. The industry remains highly competitive. But could it be turning a corner? Especially for metal components in capital goods and aerospace?

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  • Copper: global demand forecasts?

    Copper: global demand forecasts?

    This data-file estimates global copper demand as part of the energy transition, rising from 33MTpa in 2023 to 44MTpa in 2030 and 80MTpa by 2050. Key demand drivers are solar, EVs, greater AC adoption and possibly drones and robotics. You can stress test half-a-dozen key input variables in the model.

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  • Windy physics: how is power of a wind turbine calculated?

    Windy physics: how is power of a wind turbine calculated?

    This data-file is an overview of wind power physics. Specifically, how is the power of a wind turbine calculated, in MW, as a function of wind speed, blade length, blade number, rotational speed (in RPM) and other efficiency factors (lambda). A large, modern offshore wind turbine will have 100m blades and surpass 10MW power outputs.

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  • Power cables: carrying capacity and loss rates?

    Power cables: carrying capacity and loss rates?

    This data-file calculates the power carrying capacity of power cables, plus the resistive losses of power cables. Both are modeled as a function of their voltage, current density, copper and/or aluminium content, resistance and connection type. Underlying data are drawn from data we have tabulated on over 100 conductors, their ratings and costs.

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