Impact of High PV Penetration on Distribution Transformer Insulation Life

Author

Pezeshki, H. ; Wolfs, Peter J. ; Ledwich, Gerard

Author_Institution

Sch. of Electr. Eng. & Comput. Sci., Queensland Univ. of Technol., Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Volume

29

Issue

3

fYear

2014

fDate

Jun-14

Firstpage

1212

Lastpage

1220

Abstract

The reliable operation of distribution systems is critically dependent on detailed understanding of load impacts on distribution transformer insulation systems. This paper estimates the impact of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation on a typical 200-kVA, 22/0.415-kV distribution transformer life under different operating conditions. This transformer supplies a suburban area with a high penetration of roof top photovoltaic systems. The transformer loads and the phase distribution of the PV systems are significantly unbalanced. Oil and hot-spot temperature and remnant life of distribution transformer under different PV and balance scenarios are calculated. It is shown that PV can significantly extend the transformer life.

Keywords

photovoltaic power systems; power distribution reliability; power transformer insulation; transformer oil; PV systems; apparent power 200 kVA; distribution systems; distribution transformer insulation life; high PV penetration; hot-spot temperature; load impacts; phase distribution; rooftop photovoltaic generation system; transformer loads; transformer oil; voltage 0.415 kV; voltage 22 kV; Insulation life; Loading; Oil insulation; Phase transformers; Power transformer insulation; Windings; Distribution transformer; life assessment; roof top PV; unbalanced operation;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0885-8977

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TPWRD.2013.2287002

Filename

6675880