H2scan TM Catalog 2025 - Flipbook - Page 27
Reprinted From
Transformer
Life Expectancy
November 2024
Transformer Life Expectancy
How long will your transformers last?
By Leon White & Dr. Tony McGrail
Unplanned loads on transformers in locations with charging
vehicles can shorten transformer life due to the stress that
includes harmonics induced by charger electronics
Abstract
As grid operators navigate climate change, aging infrastructure,
and increasing demand from electric vehicles, transformer
life expectancy has become a critical issue. The article
explores the factors in昀氀uencing transformer longevity,
highlighting the impact of e昀케ciency regulations and supply
chain constraints on transformer availability. The article
covers advanced transformer monitoring technologies, such
as dissolved gas analysis, which identify which transformers
in an aging 昀氀eet need replacement rather than waiting for
them to fail.
1. Introduction
As grid operators grapple with recovery from COVID, global
warming, severe weather events, carbon-neutral goals, electric
vehicles, renewable energy, and extreme challenges with the
supply chain, one concept is universally accepted: the lights
must stay on. In the United States, these challenges are
exacerbated by government regulations requiring more
e昀케cient transformers. On average, transformer e昀케ciency is
90000258
approximately 94-98% or even higher. Creating stricter
requirements to increase transformer e昀케ciency will lead to
more constraints and increased lead times.
Most people don’t realize the challenges utilities face in
providing reliable power. However, they may stop taking their
electricity for granted if they lose power, and it cannot be
restored immediately for a variety of reasons. One of those
reasons may be that their local utility no longer has stock
of the transformer they need to restore power. In places like
California, where more than 1,000 electric vehicles are being
added per day, the grid is being stressed like never before.
Unplanned loads on transformers in locations with charging
vehicles can shorten transformer life. The stress may include
harmonics induced by charger electronics. The harmonics can
increase transformer load loss, increase transformer temperature, and consequently further reduce the life expectancy of
the transformer. Residential chargers may also cause voltage
imbalance across phases [1]. Not only is there a shortage
of transformers to support replacements, but there is also a
shortage of transformers to support grid additions like new
homes and electric vehicle charging stations.
pg.27
27215
27215 Turnberry
Turnberry Lane,
Lane, Unit
Unit A,
A, Valencia,
Valencia,
CA
91355,
91355, USA
USA Unit
|| +1
+1A,661-775-9575
661-775-9575
|| hello@h2scan.com
hello@h2scan.com
|| www.h2scan.com
www.h2scan.com
| |90000209
©2025| H2scan
R1, ECO
Corporation
24-229
27215CA
Turnberry
Lane,
Valencia, CA 91355,
USA | +1 661-522-8775
| sales@h2scan.com
www.h2scan.com
