SmartTrans SIGNED

Project "SmartTrans" data sheet

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 Partnership

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 Project objective

In recent years we witness an ever-increasing penetration of distributed and renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to the market place. These energy sources cause voltage instabilities in the power grid as they inject uncontrolled power in various locations along the power grid. This instability issue is the main obstacle that holds back further penetration of renewable energy in to the power grid. Existing methods of real time voltage control in the distribution network are both expensive and have relatively low performance and include replacing already installed distribution transformers with newer transformers. We suggest the application of an add-on unit that enhances existing and already-installed distribution transformers, for real-time voltage control with similar efficiency, cost and reliability as conventional transformer. The application of a large number of real time voltage controlled transformers in the power grid will result in reduced losses in the power grid and increased stability in face of distributed generation. Moreover, it will allow for adoption of a much higher percentage of renewables. The market for real time voltage controlled transformers has grown from zero in 2011 to 1B$ in 2017 and is expected to grow at almost 20% annually in the next 30 years. (“Global Smart Transformer Market (2016-2022),” Business Wire report, Sep 2016). Volex Power has a lab tested prototype (TRL 6) thoroughly tested with a 100 kVA load. The goal of this project is a feasibility examination of a fully functional 100 kVA Smart Transformer prototype, capable of voltage regulation in real time and under load in the real power grid alongside with a comprehensive business plan.