
Mitigating Transformer Supply Chain Risks with Online Monitoring
There are many challenges that utilities face today in the never-ending goal of continuing to provide safe and reliable power. These challenges include trying to improve the resiliency of the grid to natural disasters, replacing aging infrastructure and making power delivery more efficient, all while integrating renewable energy sources. One of them is certainly the increasing demand for large power transformers, writes Dan Roth for the March edition of the TT magazine.
Large Power Transformers are largely dependent on the availability of grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) which accounts for roughly 25% of the unit’s cost. With a significant decline in domestic manufacturing of large power transformers and cores and concerns over the national security of bulk power systems, the presidential administration implemented Section 232 Tariffs on Steel. While this did improve the financial stability of domestic suppliers, it was disruptive to the large power transformer industry supply chain.
The bulk power industry must maximize the service life of large power transformers as demand continues to outpace supply over the next decade.Utilities are leveraging digital technologies to continually improve the efficiency of the grid. It is important to realize that online transformer monitoring is a critical component to ensure successful management of these critical assets.
Read the full article here.