Following a successful trial with 50 units, UK Power Networks has announced it will switch to installing ‘low loss’ transformers in its networks south and east England and London.
It will start by installing the so-called amorphous steel core transformers in the majority of new construction projects, and where existing equipment needs replacing. Eventually, the new transformers will replace about 15,000 transformers on the company’s three networks, which will reduce electrical system losses by more than 8,500MWh per year. The company says that would power around 2,700 homes.
Northern PowerGrid is also trialling low-loss transformers, which are already widely used in other applications. It began a year-long trial with installation of five transformers in Q1 2020. NPg says transformers in the distribution network account for a quarter of the power that ‘leaks’ in the journey from the generator to the consumer.
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