Northern Powergrid to trial energy-saving transformer

Northern Powergrid has announced a new trial of an energy-saving transformer, which it says can reduce core losses by up to 90 per cent when compared to older devices.

Distribution transformers are responsible for a quarter of network losses between generation and consumption, which in total account for 1.5 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The losses are the result of the two phenomena of hysteresis and eddy currents. The amorphous transformers (AMTs), which Northern Powergrid will install at five sites across its license areas, limit these effects through both their design and the materials used to build them.

“For too long, losses have been seen as an unavoidable reality of network operation, but new technology means we can now tackle the problem head on,” said Aisha Ahmad, smart grid development engineer at Northern Powergrid.

“Trials like this will help build our understanding of losses, support decarbonisation and make Northern Powergrid’s network as efficient and reliable as possible.”

The transformers will be supplied by Wilson Power Solutions, whose market manager Ayah Alfawaris said: “Northern Powergrid is the first distribution network operator to install super low loss ground-mounted AMTs.

“This project acts as a stepping-stone to showcase how forward-thinking and investing in the right technology could reduce costs for the customer and ultimately help the UK reach its net zero target.”

Northern Powergrid said installing the transformers across its license areas could potentially save up to 2GWh of electricity and 568 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.