Nelson Carlo Escarcha
ME-1
Review on Studies about Distribution Transformer Efficiency
March 31, 2022
Abstract
Low voltage, dry type distribution transformers are commonly used in commercial and
industrial applications to step down local utility distribution voltages and give power to facility
panelboards or specified equipment. Approximately two-thirds of the energy consumed in the
generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity reaches the point of use [1]. As a result,
providing one unit of power to an end user necessitates the generation, transmission, and
distribution of nearly two units of power. Saving one unit of electricity at the end user, on the other
hand, avoids the loss of two units of power due to generation, transmission, and distribution,
resulting in a three-fold reduction in energy consumption. As a result, an increase in transformer
efficiency at the point of consumption will result in a three-fold increase in energy savings (Harden,
2011). As a result, various researches have been conducted in the past to improve the energy
efficiency of distribution transformers. This review focuses on three pieces of related literature for
the optimization of the energy efficiency of distribution transformers, Reduction of Power Grid
Losses by Using Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers [1] by Themistoklis D. Kefalas and
Antonios G. Kladas; Energy efficient distribution transformers [2] by Mariusz Najgebauer & Jan
Szcyglowki; Energy efficiency of distribution transformers in Europe [3] by Roman Targosz
and Frangiskos V. Topalis.
Keywords: Distribution Transformer Efficiency
Introduction
Electric transformer power loss is one of the biggest contributors to overall transmission and
distribution loss in a normal power distribution grid. As a result, energy-efficient transformers are a
key way of minimizing transmission and distribution losses.
Objective
The purpose of this work is to study, analyze, and comprehend the published articles and studies in
a methodical manner.
• In this document [] indicates article number and () indicated ideas included in the that article
Nelson Carlo Escarcha
ME-1
Comparison and Contents of the Papers
“Reduction of Power Grid Losses by Using Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers” [1] is the
study of Themistoklis D. Kefalas and Antonios G. Kladas. It was published under “Trans Tech
Publications” in Switzerland, a study in the year 2012. The authors of this study have two objectives:
the first is to demonstrate the importance of distribution transformer no-load loss during periods of
high electric energy costs, and the second is to present a novel numerical methodology for wound
core transformer no-load loss analysis, allowing for the selection of the most economically and
technically advantageous transformer for each application.
They address the subject of evaluating wound core transformer no-load losses and developing novel
approaches to reduce their manufacturing and operating costs in this study [1]. Wound core
distribution transformers' production and operation expenses have been reduced as a result of the
development of the proposed solutions. As a result, there were significant economic and
environmental benefits, as well as an increase in transformer efficiency.
“Energy efficient distribution transformers” [2] is an article by Mariusz Najgebauer & Jan Szcyglowki.
It was published under ResearchGate, an article in the year 2011. The authors of this research
discussed how novel soft magnetic materials, primarily amorphous alloys, can be used as
transformer cores to improve the performance of electric distribution transformers. The
characteristics of amorphous and traditional electrical steel sheets were compared. The economic
and environmental benefits of using amorphous distribution transformers in electric power systems
were explored.
Energy efficiency of distribution transformers in Europe [3] is a conference paper by Roman
Targosz and Frangiskos V. Topalis. It was published under ResearchGate, a paper in the year 2007.
This paper presents findings of analysis of existing situation of a project named SEEDT, it is one of
the projects developed under Intelligent Energy – Europe programme which converts EU energy
policy for today’s energy challenges like energy efficiency. One the main goals is to update and
scrutinize knowledge about energy efficiency in distribution transformers in Europe.
The overall objective of SEEDT project is to promote the use of energy efficient distribution
transformers, which can be profitable for investors, and by contribution to European Community
energy saving potential, may help to fulfill EU energy policy targets. Strategies will include proposals
for labeling, mandatory standards or voluntary agreements and development of different
dissemination mechanisms.
• In this document [] indicates article number and () indicated ideas included in the that article
Nelson Carlo Escarcha
ME-1
Both studies [1] and [2] analyze and assess the types of transformers that could potentially improve
distribution transformer efficiency. Both studies [2][3] show and emphasize the economic and
environmental advantages of their respective transformer types. The features of amorphous and
typical electrical steel sheets were also compared in the study [2] titled "Energy efficient distribution
transformers." The study [3], titled "Energy efficiency of distribution transformers in Europe,"
examines the current state of a project that focuses on energy efficiency of distribution transformers
in Europe.
Conclusion
All of the above-mentioned literature on distribution transformer efficiency emphasizes the
necessity for action to address the power loss experienced by distribution transformers. However,
the two studies [1][2] discuss their preferred type of distribution transformer as a potential remedy
to distribution transformer power loss. While Roman Targosz and Frangiskos V. Topalis' research [3]
looks at the current condition of a project that focuses on distribution transformer energy efficiency.
References
1. Hardern, K. D. (2011). Optimizing Energy Efficiency Standards For Low Voltage Distribution
Transformers.
https://www.pfw.edu/dotAsset/bea78c04-bbef-424f-9397-
45bac5641842.pdf
2. Reduction of Power Grid Losses by Using Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers
[1] by Themistoklis D. Kefalas and Antonios G. Kladas
3. Energy efficient distribution transformers [2] by Mariusz Najgebauer & Jan Szcyglowki
4. Energy efficiency of distribution transformers in Europe [3] by Roman Targosz and
Frangiskos V. Topalis.
• In this document [] indicates article number and () indicated ideas included in the that article