EFFECT ON DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER LIFE IN SMART GRID ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This report presents a detailed study of effect on distribution transformer life in smart grid - environment. The main idea is to present the effect on LOL (Loss of life) rate of transformer in different scenarios like change in DG penetration, different types of DG units like wind, solar etc., plug-in-vehicles (PEV) and their penetration levels. The factors like variation of atmospheric temperature, consumer load variation have also been taken into account while calculating LOL rate. Regarding DG technologies, it should be noted that remarkable reduction is achieved in loss-of-life rates of the examined transfonTlers. However, the extent of the reduction largely depends on the penetration and production pattern of the DG unit. On the other hand, due to increase in PEV vehicles, it is obvious that local distribution transformer as a likely part of the chain to be adversely affected by unregulated PEV (Plug-in Electric Vehicle) charging.