A review of distribution transformer energy efficiency metrics: in the Australian and New Zealand context
Distribution transformers play an important role in achieving the ambitious energy efficiency targets set by many countries in the world.
byBy Dr. Bhaba P. Das, Rob Milledge
There are two intertwined issues challenging the world today – how to meet the rising energy demand and limit its environmental impact. Governments across the world have engaged in developing regulations and policies to provide suitable policy recommendations to end-users. It has been reported in [1] that half of the world’s electricity is consumed by just four products: electric motor systems, lighting, room air conditioners, and residential refrigerators. The energy is delivered to these four products using distribution transformers. Although distribution transformers are among the most efficient electrical devices, even slight improvements in their energy performances are highly valued. One such regulation is the energy-efficiency standard for distribution transformers. There are many countries in the world that have introduced metrics for assessing the energy performance of distribution transformers.
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They broadly fall into two main categories: 1. specifying maximum losses, 2. specifying minimum efficiency values. These are again subdivided into transformer categories – single-phase: oil- or dry-type; three-phase: oil- or dry-type, large power transformers.
In Australia, the AS 2374.1.2 standard [2] – Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) requirements for distribution transformers was introduced in 2003, applicable for transformers from 10 kVA to 2500 kVA, intended to be used on 11 kV and 22 kV networks. A report [3] published for EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) of New Zealand also recommended that New Zealand should proceed to implement a MEPS for distribution transformers and adopt the Australian standard AS 2374.1.2, as a New Zealand standard for distribution transformers.
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