Hybrid distribution transformer: Concept development and field demonstration

• Published in: 2012 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE) pp. 4061 - 4068
• Main Authors: Bala, Sandeep, Das, Debrup, Aeloiza, Eddy, Maitra, Arindam, Rajagopalan, Satish
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-09-2012
• Subjects: Hybrid power systems; Phase transformers; Positron emission tomography; Power electronics; Reactive power; Voltage control; Voltage fluctuations
• ISBN: 1467308021; 9781467308021
• ISSN: 2329-3721; 2329-3748
• DOI: 10.1109/ECCE.2012.6342271

Today's distribution system is expected to supply power to loads for which it was not designed. Moreover, high penetration of distributed generation units is redefining the requirements for the design, control and operation of the electric distribution system. A Hybrid Distribution Transformer is a potential cost-effective alternative solution to various distribution grid control devices. The Hybrid Distribution Transformer is realized by augmenting a regular transformer with a fractionally rated power electronic converter, which provides the transformer with additional control capabilities. The Hybrid Distribution Transformer concept can provide dynamic ac voltage regulation, reactive power compensation and, in future designs, form an interface with energy storage devices. Other potential functionalities that can be realized from the Hybrid Distribution Transformer include voltage phase angle control, harmonic compensation and voltage sag compensation. This paper presents the concept of a Hybrid Distribution Transformer and the status of our efforts towards a 500 kVA, 12.47 kV/480 V field demonstrator.