ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER
Maintenance free dehydrating breather with automatic regeneration for reliable transformer operation
Ensure long-term transformer reliability with ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER—the intelligent, maintenance-free solution for moisture control. Designed for all climate zones, it continuously dehumidifies incoming air and optimizes regeneration cycles using a smart algorithm—keeping your equipment safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER delivers industry-leading protection for oil-insulated transformers, tap changers, and reactor coils. By removing humidity from incoming air, it prevents insulation degradation and costly failures.
Its condition-based, self-regenerating system activates only when necessary—reducing energy consumption and extending service life. This intelligent approach ensures compliance with international standards and maximizes uptime.
Built for simplicity, ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER eliminates routine maintenance on breathers and adapts to diverse environmental conditions. Whether in tropical humidity or arid climates, it delivers consistent performance without manual intervention—making it the sustainable, cost-effective choice for modern transformer fleets.
Maintenance-Free Operation
- No silica gel replacement or disposal
- Eliminates routine oil cup cleaning
- No preventive inspections required
- Zero downtime for maintenance}
Intelligent Moisture Control
- Continuous dehumidification and breathing cycle monitoring
- Condition-based regeneration via smart algorithm
- Large contact area for maximum efficiency
- Prevents costly insulation damage and aging
Reduced Operational Risks
- Complete control of residual moisture
- Maintains insulation properties for long service life
- Avoids premature aging of transformer components
- Ensures compliance with international standards
Sustainability & Cost Savings
- No environmental impact from used desiccant
- Lower maintenance costs over entire lifecycle
- Energy-efficient regeneration process
- Proven reliability in all climate zones
ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER
Air Dehumidifier, Maintenance-Free, Continuous Monitoring
The ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER is a maintenance-free air dehumidifier for continuous dehumidification and monitoring of tap changers, arc suppression coils, and transformers. The system automatically regenerates after exceeding maximum humidity levels, ensuring consistently low moisture in incoming air and insulating oil. Available in four variants – SL, SH, ML, and MH – with different silica gel capacities (1.1 kg or 2.2 kg) and temperature ranges. The SH and MH versions feature heated filters for cold climate applications. Optional RS485 interface available for SCADA system integration.
| Functions | S Variant | M Variant | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | OLTC and Transformers (≤40 MVA) | Transformers (40...200 MVA) | ||
| Version | SL | SH | ML | MH |
| Silicagel Content: | 1,1 kg | 2,2 kg | ||
| Power Supply: | 110...127V AC/DC, 50/60 Hz | 110...127V AC/DC, 50/60 Hz | ||
| or 200...240V AC/DC, 50/60 Hz | or 200...240V AC/DC, 50/60 Hz | |||
| Operating temperature: | 0...70°C (+32...158°F) | -50...70°C (+32...158°F) | 0...70°C (+32...158°F) | -50...70°C (+32...158°F) |
| Communication (Modbus RTU): | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Filter heater:* | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
*Filter heater is needed in regions with an ambient temperature below 0°C over a time period of more than 20 days.
Legend
✓ = available | ◯ = optional | ✗ = not included
The following components are included in the scope of delivery:
- ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER
- Universal flange (compatible with DN42562 and 4-hole round flanges with bolt circle diameter 75...115 mm)
- Supplement with links to the digital BA in 9 languages
- The operating instructions are not included and are only provided digitally: via the QR code on the type plate or the links listed in the supplement
Documents
| Name | Category | Date | Size | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating instructions | 25.04.2024 | 4.8 MB |
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| Specifications | 25.04.2024 | 990 KB |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER used for?
It is a maintenance-free dehydrating breather designed to continuously dehumidify and monitor on-load tap-changers and power transformers, enhancing operational reliability.
What are the key advantages of ECOTRAC maintenance-free dehydrating breathers over conventional breathers?
| Category | Conventional Breather | ECOTRAC® SMART BREATHER maintenance-free dehydrating breather |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Costs | Requires regular silica gel replacement and visual inspections | No silica gel replacement; no visual inspections; self-regenerating system |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Lower initial cost but higher long-term maintenance and servicing expenses | Higher upfront cost but ROI in short period of time |
| Sustainability | Frequent maintenance trips increase emissions; regular disposal of used silica gel | Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions due to fewer site visits; no silica gel disposal |
| Monitoring & Diagnostics | Manual silica gel replacement required | Self-regenerating silica gel with intelligent drying cycles |
| No real-time monitoring or diagnostics | Self-regenerating silica gel with intelligent drying cycles | |
| Transformer Life Extension | Less effective moisture control; higher risk of insulation degradation | Enhanced moisture control extends insulation life and reduces faults, thus extending transformer life |
| Operational Efficiency | Manual monitoring and fixed maintenance schedules | Self-learning algorithm optimizes regeneration |
| Regeneration Method | Manual replacement of saturated silica gel | Automated regeneration via heating unit |
| Installation Flexibility | Limited compatibility; may require flange adaptation | Universal flange fits DIN and round flanges; compact design |
How does the breather regenerate itself?
The device uses a condition-dependent, self-learning algorithm to detect when humidity exceeds a threshold and automatically initiates silica gel regeneration.
Is the ECOTRAC® suitable for retrofitting existing equipment?
Yes, it is designed for easy retrofitting and supports various flange types including DIN 42562 triangular and 4-hole round flanges.
What kind of maintenance is required?
The breather is classified as maintenance-free. However, periodic inspection and battery replacement (CR2032) may be necessary depending on usage.
What protection ratings does the device have?
Entire device: IPx6 (spray water from above/sides)
Terminal box: IP66 and IP67
All external parts are UV and weather-resistant
Is remote monitoring supported?
Yes, via the optional Modbus interface and MR’s sensor bus, allowing integration into digital transformer monitoring systems.