1. SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Michael Larkin
Michael Larkin is the Managing Director of two Sydney-based transformer and lighting businesses,
Tortech Pty Ltd and Tortech Lighting Pty Ltd.
As a UNSW Electrical Engineer Honours Graduate he was sponsored by Sir William Tyree and began
his career at Tyree Westinghouse, Liverpool in 1976. During this period he gained valuable “hands-
on” experience in the design of 33KV, 66KV 3 phase oil-filled transformers up to 20MVA, and the
computer design of large power transformers. He also gained expertise in the design of high voltage
current transformers, magnetic voltage transformers and capacitor voltage transformers for SECV
and ECNSW supply authorities.
He expanded his skills into Sales and Marketing to become Product Manager for Ferguson
Transformers. In this capacity, he liased with customers in problem solving technical problems.
He designed High Intensity Discharge control equipment for various applications including the
illustrious WACCA Cricket Ground in Perth. He also designed single and three phase dry type
transformers and battery chargers.
In 1987 he established his own toroidal transformer business called Tortech Pty Ltd, which provides
design, approval and manufacture (local and overseas) of transformers ranging from toroidal
transformers and chokes, three phase dry type transformers up to 500 KVA and most types of
transformers required in a variety of applications from government departments such as the
NSW/QLD Railways, Defence Department, Airforce, Navy, Satellites, to overseas embassies , medical
equipment, mining power supplies and general transformers and power supplies for farms,
commercial and home use.
As a Chartered Professional Engineer with the IEE, Michael is proud to be able to give back to the
new generation of upcoming engineers. At Tortech Pty Ltd he mentors Engineering Graduates and
provides in depth training for them. He is an enthusiastic presenter and a “powerhouse “ of
knowledge.

2. Presentation by Michael Larkin
Managing Director of Tortech Pty Ltd and Tortech Lighting Pty Ltd
TOPIC: Innovations in Power Efficiency: The Design of Air Cooled 3 Phase Transformers
The design of 3 phase transformers has been standard for some years. However, with the
introduction of new magnetic material and the ever increasing demand for power efficiency, we are
constantly developing new designs to meet these efficiency requirements.
Recently our team at Tortech has researched IP56 transformer design for the NSW State Railway
using special stainless steel enclosures. We have successfully overcome the problem of high
temperature failures by using air cooled transformers. The solution is in using Thermodynamic
principles incorporated with the Electrical Engineering design.
In addition, our Solar Isolation Transformer Design CREATES the perfect solution for minimising the
core losses, and thereby improves the efficiency and temperature characteristics of the enclosed
transformer. This has enabled the Solar Invertors to operate more efficiently and provide substantial
cost savings to the customer.
The talk will review some of Tortech’s R & D research areas including:
1) Calculation of temperature rise of enclosed 3 phase air cooled transformers
2) Use of different core steel characteristics based on application
3) Design of IP56 stainless steel enclosures for 3 phase transformers
4) The solution for the problem of “in rush” current for railway applications
5) The use of aluminium windings in air cooled transformers
This talk will review the innovation in winding techniques and cooling calculations that have been
developed recently for the major industry applications in Mining, Railway, Transport and Solar
Power.
The talk will be stimulating and interesting to both the experienced engineers and those new to the
workplace.