Enel’s Infrastructure and Networks division is deploying a digital power transformer programme. The TXpert Ecosystem from Hitachi ABB Power Grids will equip the power transformers with advanced data-driven capabilities to measure ageing perform and real-time analytics on transformer health.
The TXpert Ecosystem can also enable virtual site management, contributing to increased grid reliability and quality of service.
This collaboration between Enel and Hitachi ABB Power Grids will start in Italy, where Enel distributes around 200TWh units of electricity to more than 30 million end-users. The pilot phase of the project will take place in Enel’s substation of Cortina D’Ampezzo using two 40 MVA TXpert digital power transformers. This will increase reliability of the electrical grid in the well-known mountain resort of Cortina, situated in the heart of the southern Alps in Veneto region of Northern Italy.
Also read:
Enel and Jaguar Land Rover to spread e-mobility in Italy
Enel and FNM to power Lombardy’s transport system with green hydrogen
Enel secures EU’s green light for three innovative battery projects
Deploying service workers to regularly check transformer health is expensive and may not always be possible due to the harsh weather conditions, something made easier by the digital power transformers technology.
How are digital transformer technologies revolutionising the power industry?
Research published by CIGRÉ(1), a leading, global nonprofit organization in the field of high-voltage electricity, found the benefits of transformer monitoring has the potential to deliver 75% reduction in repair costs due to early detection, a 60% reduction in revenue loss due to unanticipated, problems or outages, a 50% reduction in risk of catastrophic failures and annual cost savings up to 2% of the price of a new transformer.
“With [the technology] we will optimise the operations and maintenance of our transformers. We expect to improve reliability and reduce risk with consequent life extension of transformers, looking at the company targets of a more sustainable grid and better power quality,” said Flavio Mauri, from Enel’s Infrastructure and Networks division. “Together with Hitachi ABB Power Grids we will create value by deploying intelligent solutions for the main components of electricity networks”.
As per another recent CIGRE report (2), the top three locations of faults in transformers are windings, tap-changers and bushings. It is said that the technology deployed can mitigate all of these and in the future will enable the customer to implement remote and advanced services which can provide virtual site management and life assessments.
Now more than at any other time, we are working to keep you informed about the news and information that will enable you to continue to excel.
Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) to find out the latest information.
