Smart Distribution Transformers in Smart Grids: A Review with Real-time Data
Keywords:
Advanced metering infrastructure, Advanced sensor infrastructure, Distribution transformer, On-load tap changer, Smart gridAbstract
Smart transformers under development have the potential to transform conventional power distribution networks into intelligent, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly systems. Unlike traditional transformers that only perform voltage transformation, smart distribution transformers integrate power electronics, communication, sensing, and control capabilities. These features enable automatic voltage regulation, real-time monitoring, telemetry, and remote control, which are essential for Smart Grid (SG) applications. Present power grids mainly operate in a unidirectional manner, where energy flows from generation to consumers. However, the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and distributed generation requires bidirectional power flow and adaptive control. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Advanced Sensor Infrastructure (ASI) play a critical role in protecting distribution transformers from overloading, overheating, voltage fluctuations, and premature failure. This paper presents a comprehensive review of smart distribution transformers, their architecture, enabling technologies, and applications. In addition, real-time operational data trends and a practical case study of a smart distribution transformer deployment are discussed to highlight performance improvements, reliability enhancement, and loss reduction in modern power distribution systems.
References
J. Yang, S. Brueske, Giampaolo Buticchi, C. Gu, S. Guenter, and P. Wheeler, “Control-Based Two-Layer Protection for Short-Circuit Fault at an LVDC Feeder Branch,” Energies, vol. 15, no. 11, pp. 4054–4054, May 2022.
J. Ramesh, S. Shahriar, A. R. Al-Ali, A. Osman, and M. F. Shaaban, “Machine learning approach for smart distribution transformers load monitoring and management system,” Energies, vol. 15, no. 21, p. 7981, Jan. 2022.
Q. T. Tran et al., “A review of health assessment techniques for distribution transformers in smart distribution grids,” Applied Sciences, vol. 10, no. 22, p. 8115, Nov. 2020.
S. V. Sangam, S. S. Kulkarni, and C. K. Jambotkar, “Smart grid communication protocols,” International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 335-337, Jan.–Feb. 2019.
T. Sharma and R. Sharma, “Smart grid monitoring: Enhancing reliability and efficiency in energy distribution,” Indian Journal of Data Communication and Networking (IJDCN), vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 1-4, Feb. 2024.
C. Wu and Y. Wang, “Cognitive communication in rail transit: Awareness, adaption, and reasoning,” IT Professional, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 45–54, 2017.
S. Sahu, “Smart grid on distribution energy system: A review,” International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), vol. 3, no. 20, 2018.
T. Vijayapriya and D. P. Kothari, “Smart grid: An overview,” Smart Grid and Renewable Energy, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 305–311, 2011.
D. Bian, M. Kuzlu, M. Pipattanasomporn, S. Rahman, and D. Shi, “Performance evaluation of communication technologies for smart grid applications,” arXiv preprint, 2019.
C. Hunziker, J. Lehmann, T. Keller, T. Heim, and N. Schulz, “Sustainability assessment of novel transformer technologies in distribution grid applications,” Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, vol. 21, p. 100314, Mar. 2020.
J. Rodrigues, C. Moreira, and J. P. Lopes, “Smart Transformers as active interfaces enabling the provision of power-frequency regulation services from distributed resources in hybrid AC/DC grids,” Applied Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, p. 1434, 2020.
A. Diwan, “Life lessons and datacenter performance analysis,” in Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Performance Analysis of Systems and Software (ISPASS), Monterey, CA, USA, 2014, pp. 147–147.
IEC 60076-21: Power transformers – On-load tap-changers. Geneva, Switzerland: International Electrotechsnical Commission, 2014.
C. Sankaran, Power Quality. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, 2002.
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Guidelines for smart grid cybersecurity, NISTIR 7628. Gaithersburg, MD, USA: NIST, 2014.
