Technology powering grid efficiency and reliability

Smart transformers enhance grid efficiency and reliability through advanced monitoring and seamless integration of renewable energy. It helps in optimising power flow from intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind thus ensuring grid stability, marking a significant advancement in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Spokesperson: Kumar Mukund, Regional Business Development Head, System Level Solutions

How do smart transformers help manage the grid and distribution? 

A smart transformer is a power electronics and IoT-based transformer equipped with remote monitoring and better access and control capabilities, which allows them to manage electricity more efficiently. The operator can remotely monitor many critical parameters of the transformer, like transformer overloading, oil and winding temperature, overcurrent and overvoltage, harmonics, active and reactive power, etc.

What technological innovations drive the evolution of transformer systems in India?

Digital twins, IoT-enabled AI-based real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance enhance grid efficiency and reliability. There has been a gradual shift from CRGO steel to amorphous steel to laser-scribed core material grade (ZDKH) for the basic core materials used. Further, the materials used in transformer windings have changed from paper-insulated copper conductors (PICC) to continuously transposed conductors (CTC), resulting in a compact size and better space utilisation. The use of ester oil is growing compared to conventional transformer oil due to environmental concerns. Ester oils are biodegradable with high flash points and enhance insulation performance while increasing the life of transformers. 

How far is renewable energy creating new market trends for transformer systems?

Power grids are being upgraded to integrate EV charging infrastructure and use battery storage technologies to accommodate growth in renewable energy generation. A range of new smart technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twin, and smart metre technologies, are available in the market. The transformer market in the future is expected to be mainly driven by smart transformers.

How are smart transformers uplifting the grid management? 

The operator can monitor many critical parameters of the transformer. This allows them to manage electricity and the grid more efficiently. A digital twin technology can simulate several operating scenarios, thus enabling utilities to optimise the performance of transformers, substations, and grids. 

How are government initiatives and regulations influencing the transformer industry in India? 

The government has launched many initiatives, such as the National Electricity Fund (NEF), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), and the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) to enhance the power distribution infrastructure in rural and urban areas. The government has made transformers produced in the country mandatory to meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements. This mandate has improved the quality and reliability of locally manufactured transformers.