The challenge: customized power for an industry that never stops

When Ingredion Colombia needed to upgrade the electrical infrastructure at its main plant in Cali, Colombia, it wasn’t looking for an off-the-shelf transformer. It needed equipment designed with surgical precision for a food manufacturing operation that runs around the clock.

For the second time, they chose Tesla Transformadores as their strategic partner.

That’s no coincidence. It’s trust built kilovolt by kilovolt.

Why does a client of this caliber keep coming back?

Ingredion Colombia—part of the global Ingredion Incorporated group—transforms raw materials into high-value-added ingredients for the food industry. Its facility in Cali, Colombia, is a critical link in the regional supply chain.

In 2023, we supplied them with a first transformer with special features similar to the one currently in production. The equipment has operated correctly and met every agreed-upon technical specification.

That opened the door to this second project. And we walked through it with an even more sophisticated system.

The equipment: technology that transforms more than just voltage

The transformer manufactured for Ingredion Colombia is a three-phase distribution unit with a capacity of 3,000 kVA in KNAN (natural cooling) mode and 3,750 kVA in KNAF (active forced ventilation) mode, designed to operate at medium voltage in accordance with the most stringent standards in the industrial sector.

Electrical configuration

• Power: 3,000 kVA (KNAN) / 3,750 kVA (KNAF).
• Primary voltage: 34,500 V | Secondary voltage: 13,600 V.
• Connection configuration: Delta / Star (Dyn5).
• Regulation: ±5% via tap changer.
• Frequency: 60 Hz | K-factor: 1.

Materials and construction

• Wound with high-purity electrolytic copper.
• Core made of grain-oriented silicon steel sheets with high permeability and low hysteresis losses.
• Design optimized to meet the customer’s specifications for load losses, no-load losses, efficiency, and impedance, in accordance with applicable Colombian technical standards.

What makes it special: vegetable oil + forced ventilation

This equipment does not use conventional mineral oil. It is designed to use vegetable oil (such as Envirotemp FR3 or similar), a technical decision with implications that go beyond performance:

• Biodegradable: lower environmental impact in the event of spills.
• Higher flash point: increases safety in industrial environments.
• Sustainable: compatible with corporate environmental responsibility strategies.

The KNAN/KNAF cooling system incorporates a set of fans managed by a control system that allows for manual and automatic operation—in conjunction with the winding thermometer—and both local and remote control. This allows forced ventilation to be activated when demand requires it, increasing the rated capacity from 3,000 to 3,750 kVA without compromising the equipment’s thermal stability.

Physical strength

• Dimensions: 3,175 × 2,200 × 3,265 mm.
• Gross weight: 11,700 kg.
• Complies with NTC 819 standard | RETIE 2024 certification valid.

The accessory ecosystem: a ready-to-use kit

The transformer includes a set of standard and special accessories that ensure safe operation, continuous monitoring, and efficient maintenance. Notable among the special accessories are the thermometer and coolant level indicator with contacts, thermal imaging, Buchholz relay, silica gel desiccant, and drain and fill valves.

All designed so that the equipment alerts you before any failure becomes a problem.

9 routine tests before leaving the factory

Every Tesla Transformadores transformer undergoes a rigorous testing protocol before being delivered to the customer:

1. Cold resistance measurement of windings.
2. Turns ratio at each tap position.
3. Polarity and vector group verification.
4. Short-circuit voltage and impedance measurement.
5. No-load loss measurement.
6. No-load current and loss measurement.
7. Applied voltage test on windings.
8. Induced voltage test.
9. Complete visual inspection of equipment, wiring, and finishes.

When a Tesla transformer reaches its destination, it has already passed the most demanding technical scrutiny.

What Ingredion actually bought

In the food industry, a minute of downtime isn’t just a statistic: it means unprocessed product, disrupted supply chains, and customer commitments at risk.

What Ingredion Colombia acquired was not just an 11,700-kg transformer. It acquired operational continuity. It acquired the peace of mind that comes from knowing that behind the equipment is a manufacturer that stands by its products, has a proven track record, and manufactures custom solutions for every project.

That is the true value of custom power.

Does your operation require specialized equipment?

If your industrial process has specific requirements—whether due to voltage requirements, environmental conditions, safety standards, or international standards—we will design the transformer your project needs.

→ Talk to our engineering team✉ servicioalcliente@tesla.com.co📞 +57 317 661 2957🌐 www.tesla.com.co