Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers

Carreno, Alvaro; Perez, Marcelo; Baier, Carlos; Huang, Alex; Rajendran, Sanjay; Malinowski, Mariusz

doi:10.3390/en14051215

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Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers

by

Alvaro Carreno

^1,†

,

Marcelo Perez

^1,*,†

,

Carlos Baier

^2,†

,

Alex Huang

^3,†

,

Sanjay Rajendran

^3,†

and

Mariusz Malinowski

^4,*,†

¹

Electronics Engineering Department, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso 2390123, Chile

²

Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad de Talca, Curico 3340000, Chile

³

Semiconductor Power Electronics Center, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA

⁴

Institute of Control and Industrial Electronics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

^†

These authors contributed equally to this work.

Energies 2021, 14(5), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051215

Submission received: 2 January 2021 / Revised: 8 February 2021 / Accepted: 11 February 2021 / Published: 24 February 2021

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Topologies of Grid Connected Converters)

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Abstract

Distribution systems are under constant stress due to their highly variable operating conditions, which jeopardize distribution transformers and lines, degrading the end-user service. Due to transformer regulation, variable loads can generate voltage profiles out of the acceptable bands recommended by grid codes, affecting the quality of service. At the same time, nonlinear loads, such as diode bridge rectifiers without power factor correction systems, generate nonlinear currents that affect the distribution transformer operation, reducing its lifetime. Variable loads can be commonly found at domiciliary levels due to the random operation of home appliances, but recently also due to electric vehicle charging stations, where the distribution transformer can cyclically vary between no-load, rated and overrated load. Thus, the distribution transformer can not safely operate under highly-dynamic and stressful conditions, requiring the support of alternative systems. Among the existing solutions, hybrid transformers, which are composed of a conventional transformer and a power converter, are an interesting alternative to cope with several power quality problems. This article is a review of the available literature about hybrid distribution transformers.

Keywords: distribution transformers; hybrid transformers; partial power converter; power electronics converter; power quality; transformer lifetime

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MDPI and ACS Style

Carreno, A.; Perez, M.; Baier, C.; Huang, A.; Rajendran, S.; Malinowski, M. Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers. Energies 2021, 14, 1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051215

AMA Style

Carreno A, Perez M, Baier C, Huang A, Rajendran S, Malinowski M. Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers. Energies. 2021; 14(5):1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051215

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carreno, Alvaro, Marcelo Perez, Carlos Baier, Alex Huang, Sanjay Rajendran, and Mariusz Malinowski. 2021. "Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers" Energies 14, no. 5: 1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051215

APA Style

Carreno, A., Perez, M., Baier, C., Huang, A., Rajendran, S., & Malinowski, M. (2021). Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers. Energies, 14(5), 1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051215

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

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