DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

MONITORING
The vital role DTM’s play in the electrical grid infrastructure.
 REPORT SUMMARY
2 Report Summary 5 Easy Installation & UNITE™ Asset
Management Data Base

3 Definition, Purpose, & Key Advantages 6 Case Study

4 Real Time Monitoring 7 Benefits of Distribution

Transformer Monitoring

Here we explore the concept of Distribution Transformer Monitoring

(DTM) and how it can:

1. Enhance grid reliability

2. Improve maintenance planning
3. Optimize transformer efficiency

The information presented is based on the content obtained from Franklin Electric Grid Solutions, a lead-
ing provider of power grid monitoring solutions.

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 DEFINITION PURPOSE
Distribution Transformer The purpose of DTM is to provide
Monitoring involves utilities with real-time data on key
continuous, meter-grade transformer indicators to optimize
precision performance power distribution and enable
monitoring of low voltage pad condition-based
mount and conventional pole maintenance planning.
mount transformers.

Overall, distribution transformer

monitoring enhances the reliabil-
ity, efficiency, and longevity of the
electrical distribution network
while reducing the risk of un-
planned outages and associated
costs.

Distribution transformers play a vital role in the electrical grid

infrastructure, facilitating the regulation of voltage and efficient
transmission of electrical energy. Monitoring the health and
performance of these transformers is crucial for ensuring
reliable power distribution and minimizing the risks
associated with downtime.

Key Advantages
By continuously monitoring the key
indicators of a transformer’s
performance, including temperature
and load, the DTM provides remote
State of
access to real-time transformer health
Health
data and automated threshold alarms
for condition-based
maintenance planning.
The DTM provides a transformer’s Power
Factor, which is a trend of useful power
delivered. Power Factor helps utilities to
Power determine the most efficient
Factor distribution of power during peak times
Monitoring
and to ensure the delivery of high-quality
outbound power when their customers
need it the most.

A powerful industrial IOT grade A built-in Cat M1/NB2 cellular modem

processor and sophisticated polyphase High allows the DTM to communicate via
energy measurement integrated circuit Deploy a cellular network, enabling utilities to
Performance
provide superior on-board computation Anywhere deploy DTMs virtually anywhere
capability and Power Quality Hardware and at scale.
Monitor level fidelity.
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REAL TIME MONITORING
Transformers are an essential part of the
electrical grid infrastructure, as they are
responsible for regulating voltage and
transferring electrical energy between
different parts of the grid. Without
transformers, it would be impossible to
transmit electricity over long distances or
to deliver it to homes and businesses at
an acceptable voltage. Despite their
importance, there is currently a shortage
of transformers in many regions across
the world. This shortage can be attributed
to a variety of factors, including
increased demand for electricity, supply
chain disruptions, and a lack of
investment in new transformer
manufacturing facilities.

Amid the ongoing shortage of transformers, numerous electrical utilities have begun deploying monitoring
solutions to mitigate its effects on their operations. Monitoring critical assets can help address the
transformer shortage in several ways.

1
Monitoring transformers can help utilities and other industry partners optimize the use of
existing transformers by providing real-time data on their performance and condition. This can
help identify potential issues before they become serious problems, allowing for predictive
maintenance, and reducing the need for premature replacements.

Utilities can identify areas where they can improve efficiency and reduce electricity waste

2
through real-time transformer health data and automated threshold alarms. By analyzing data
on transformer usage and performance, industry partners can identify opportunities to reduce
energy losses and improve the reliability of the electrical grid. Further, by monitoring power
factor in real-time, utilities can also identify areas where there is a low power factor, indicating
that the electrical load is not being efficiently utilized. This information can be used to adjust
transformer capacity and improve the power factor, reducing energy waste and improving the
efficiency of the electrical grid.

3
Operators can make informed decisions about when and where to invest in new transformers.
By analyzing data on transformer usage and performance over time, industry partners can
identify areas where demand for electricity is growing and where existing transformers may be
reaching the end of their useful life. This information can help utilities and other industry
partners prioritize investments in new transformers and ensure that they are deployed where
they are needed most.
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 UNITE™ ASSET
MANAGEMENT
DATABASE

A secure MQTT
communication Asset Management
protocol allows the DTM to UNITE™ is a sophisticated Iot database that features advanced data visualization
safely communicate with tools for Franklin Electric monitoring systems like the DTM.
the web-based UNITE™
asset management Analysis
database. UNITE™ UNITE™ provides user-friendly access to voltage, temperature, current Power
provides user-friendly Factor data, and more for convenient analysis and reporting.
access to all distribution
transformer performance Consolidations
data for convenient
Arm service and maintenance personnel with a consolidated view of an entire
centralized analysis network of distribution transformer health and performance data.
and reporting.

EASY INSTALLATION The DTM can be applied to

any type of distribution
Simple Connections transformer with a secondary
Four split-core Rogowski Coils measure load current. Five voltage leads measure output of 480 volts or less,
Phase A, Phase B, Phase C, as well as neutral and ground. Two magnetically phase to neutral. This
mounted RTD sensors measure top and bottom transformer temperature. includes, singlephase,
Magnetic Mounting split-phase, or three-phase
transformers.
Four powerful 25 lbs. magnets integrated into the mounting plate allow the DTM to
be installed vertically or horizontally without any drilling or adhesives.
Installation has been kept
Setup & Configuration simple, taking around 15
All user interface communication including configuration of alarms and settings, minutes or less, with only a
data viewing, and alarm resetting is made via the CONVERGE™ web interface. few connections
Configuration can be done locally via Wi-Fi using a web browser or remotely through required to the
the cellular connection. transformer secondary.

5
 CASE STUDY Real-time Monitoring to Mitigate
Transformer Shortages

Let’s examine a key piece of infrastructure within the grid system and walk through how having or not
having monitoring can impact operations. The distribution transformer plays a critical role in the grid
system by stepping down the voltage of electricity from high voltage transmission lines to a lower
voltage level that can be used by homes, businesses, and other customers. The distribution
transformer is usually located on a pole or pad-mounted near the customer premises, and it is
responsible for supplying power to a group of customers in a particular area. On average, a
Distribution Transformer is expected to function for around 25-40 years. However, they are
subject to a variety of demands, some routine and some unpredictable.

Overview of Transformer Shortages Role of Real-time Monitoring

The electrical industry is currently facing a shortage of
transformers due to increased demand, supply chain
disruptions, and a lack of investment in manufacturing
facilities. This shortage poses challenges for utilities in
maintaining a reliable power supply.
Real-time monitoring provided by the DTM allows
utilities to maximize the lifespan of existing transformers
and mitigate the impact of shortages. By closely
monitoring transformer health, utilities can optimize
performance, identify potential issues, and prioritize
maintenance or replacement activities.

Without monitoring, With monitoring, utility companies can deploy predictive

utilities experience decreased
asset performance and
reliability from environmental
factors such as load,
overheating, voltage
fluctuations, and aging. If these
events go undetected further
issues can develop within the
electrical system exacerbating
the issues.
maintenance strategies to eliminate over-maintenance.
Predictive maintenance uses real-time monitoring data,
historical performance data, and advanced analytics to identify pat-
terns and trends indicating when an asset may experience a failure
or decrease in performance. This allows a more strategic approach to
maintenance, ultimately reducing costs,
extending the lifespan of distribution transformers, and avoiding un-
planned downtime.

As the industry continues to evolve, utilities need to have a better understanding of the health and performance of their assets
in real-time. With the growing complexity and interconnectedness of the electric grid, there is an increasing need for utilities
to have visibility into their operations and be able to quickly identify and address any issues that may arise. With the increased
focus on efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, electric utility companies need to leverage technology to optimize their
operations and provide better service to their customers.

By successfully implementing monitoring systems utilities can reduce costs and take a more strategic approach to grid
management. Monitoring systems can report on critical asset health in real-time through customized alarms and notifications
allowing for prompt intervention. Notifications can be triggered from events deemed important by the utility like tank
temperature, K-Factor Harmonics, and voltage sag and swell. Armed with extra information, utilities can intervene to boost
operational efficiency and ensure reliability when it matters most.
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 BENEFITS OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER MONITORING
Maximize Transformer
Lifespans
In many regions across the world
there is currently a shortage of
transformers that can be
attributed to a variety of factors,
including increased demand for
electricity, supply chain disruptions,
and a lack of investment in
manufacturing new transformers.
Compounding this issue is the fact
that the average cost of transformers
has nearly doubled since 2020
By implementing a comprehensive
and integrated monitoring approach,
engineers and technicians can gain a
more accurate understanding of the
transformer’s performance,
allowing them to identify potential
issues before they become major
problems which can extend the
useful life of transformers.
Improving Energy Efficiencies
As the demand for electricity
continues to rise, it’s becoming
increasingly important for electric
utility companies to improve energy
efficiency and reduce waste. One
crucial factor in achieving these
goals is power factor. Specifically, the
relationship between power factor
and energy efficiency as it applies to
distribution transformers.
Distribution transformers can also be
a source of power factor problems.
Inefficient distribution transformers
with low power factors can lead to
wasted energy, increased energy
costs, and reduced system reliability.
Modern distribution transformer
monitors can provide real-time data
on power factor, allowing utilities to
identify areas where power factor
correction can be applied for
maximum benefit.
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Power Quality Visibility
A power quality disturbance refers
to any alteration in the electrical
power’s characteristics, such as
voltage, current, or frequency, that
disrupts the regular functioning of
electrical equipment.
Electric utilities strive to maintain
high power quality standards to
ensure the reliable and efficient
operation of electrical equipment
and appliances used by consumers.
Poor power quality can lead to
equipment damage, reduced
lifespan of devices, inefficiencies,
and customer dissatisfaction.
Monitoring provides customized
alarms and notifications that can
alert operators of current and voltage
signal delta, sag and swell, and
K-factor harmonics for improved
asset management.
 The INCON® DTM is a powerful tool that enables utilities to
enhance grid reliability, improve maintenance planning, and
optimize transformer efficiency. By continuously monitoring key
indicators of transformer performance, utilities can proactively
address issues, minimize downtime, and ensure uninterrupted
electricity supply. The real-time data provided by the DTM
empowers utilities to make data-driven decisions and optimize
their asset management strategies. As the demand for electricity
continues to grow and transformer shortages persist, the
implementation of monitoring becomes increasingly crucial for
maintaining a reliable and efficient power grid.

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