KTC Implements Power Transformer Performance Testing at Gokseong Laboratory...Expanding Corporate Support
Establishment of infrastructure for 22.9kV ‧ 3MVA-class transformer testing… Providing international standard short-circuit strength testing services
Anticipating increased demand with booming new power industry… Strengthening support for export companies to secure a foothold
▲ KTC Gokseong Testing Laboratory Exterior
The Korea Testing Certification Institute (hereafter referred to as KTC, President Ahn Seong-il) announced on the 23rd that it will implement performance testing services for distribution-level (22.9kV ‧ 3MVA or less) power transformers at the Gokseong Testing Laboratory, a specialized testing hub for power equipment.
KTC recently expanded its infrastructure for power transformer testing and evaluation in accordance with the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The established facilities include characteristics and short-circuit strength testing for power transformers. Consequently, ▲ short-circuit strength according to the IEC 60076 international standards for power transformers ▲ efficiency ▲ no-load and load losses ▲ temperature rise, and other key standard testing services are provided. Additionally, KTC plans to expand its designation as a KOLAS internationally accredited testing laboratory to offer internationally accredited testing services.
According to the Power Statistics Information System, 2,490,000 distribution-level transformers were in operation in Korea as of 2022, with only five institutions in the country accredited by KOLAS to perform tests on power transformers according to the IEC 60076 standard. In particular, the Korea Electric Research Institute is the only institution providing short-circuit strength testing services according to IEC 60076-5, causing significant difficulties for testing agencies and the industry whenever there is a surge in testing demand due to Korea Electric Power Corporation's purchase bids.
Furthermore, the global power equipment market is expected to accelerate its growth due to industry paradigm shifts driven by AI and the expansion of electric vehicles, as well as the increased replacement of heavy electrical equipment like transformers due to the aging power grid in North America.
According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the global investment in power grids is projected to surge from $235 billion (approximately 324 trillion KRW) in 2020 to $636 billion (approximately 879 trillion KRW) by 2050. Domestically, the demand for power equipment is also expected to rise sharply due to the implementation of the "Special Act on the Activation of Distributed Energy" from June this year, which requires regional energy demand and supply to be managed independently.
▲ KTC Gokseong Testing Laboratory Transformer Short-Circuit Testing Facility
KTC expects that the establishment of this power transformer evaluation infrastructure will alleviate corporate management difficulties caused by delays in performance testing and support export companies in their overseas expansion, thereby contributing to the enhancement of global competitiveness.
KTC plans to provide various tailored testing and evaluation services for companies, support technological development, and implement voucher programs for companies exporting overseas.
KTC President Ahn Seong-il stated, "We expect to respond swiftly to the supercycle opportunities in the global power equipment market, support companies' overseas expansion, and resolve the domestic performance testing backlog. We will make every effort to establish our position as a testing and certification institution through continuous enhancement of testing and certification capabilities, technical exchanges, and cooperation, as well as to support corporate growth and co-prosperity."
Meanwhile, KTC, as Korea's premier testing and certification institution for power equipment, possesses Asia's largest direct current (DC) 3,600V short-circuit testing facility and international standard-compliant testing facilities for ultra-high voltage cables (500kV AC/DC) in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province. Additionally, it is designated as a testing laboratory for wires by the global testing and certification organization UL, enabling domestic acquisition of UL certification required for exports to North America and other overseas markets.
UL (Underwriters Laboratory): A global product safety testing and certification organization established in the United States. Products that pass UL performance tests are allowed to use the UL certification mark.
