Distribution Transformer Demand: Understanding Demand Segmentation, Drivers, and Management Through 2050
Nov 26, 2024·,,
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0 min read
Killian McKenna
Sherin Ann Abraham
Wenbo Wang
Abodh Poudyal
Abstract
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (OE) to understand the critical drivers and potential means of managing distribution transformer demand through 2050. This effort has consulted with utility representative organizations and transformer manufacturers to understand the problem, characterized the in-service assets, and modeled future demand. Distribution transformers, or service transformers, range from 10 to 5,000 kilovolt-amperes (kVA), have a high-side voltage of less than 34.5 kilovolts, and have step-down power delivery for customer end use. This research will help the manufacturing sector understand production requirements and better inform utility strategies for managing their demand.
Type
Publication
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Transformer and Load Demand
Power Distribution Systems
Electric Infrastructure
Modeling
System Transformers
Authors
Authors
Authors

Authors
Sr. Software Power Systems Engineer
Abodh Poudyal is a Senior Software Power Systems Engineer at Electric Power Engineers, where he leads efforts in developing automated solutions for grid modernization, resilience, and reliability.
Abodh is passionate about advancing the future of power systems through innovative software solutions. With over nine years of experience, Abodh specializes in automating grid operations and developing scalable tools for utilities.
His expertise spans power system analysis, operations research, machine learning, high-performance computing, and software develpoment. Before joining EPE, Abodh worked as a researcher with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (now known as the National Laboratory of the Rockies). He is also actively involved as a secretary of the IEEE Modern and Future Distribution Systems Planning Working Group.
His expertise spans power system analysis, operations research, machine learning, high-performance computing, and software develpoment. Before joining EPE, Abodh worked as a researcher with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (now known as the National Laboratory of the Rockies). He is also actively involved as a secretary of the IEEE Modern and Future Distribution Systems Planning Working Group.