Reliable operations of the electric grid are especially critical in the areas of substation performance and protective systems. DOE is funding research and development on advanced materials to yield high power density devices with the capability for higher voltage and current operation. Advancements in grid components, such as transformers and fault current limiters, will improve system reliability and help utilities meet projected load growth.
ORNL is working with industry to help modernize and expand the U.S. electric delivery system to ensure a more reliable, secure, and robust electricity supply. Through these partnerships, ORNL is identifying ways to increase the power density of transformers, reducing equipment costs, and increasing power density through existing corridors.
Compact Transformers for Secure High Power Density Applications. Transformers can fail catastrophically causing excessive damage to adjacent equipment exacerbating reliability impacts. Through the combined effort of higher power density systems with HTS technology, more compact oil-free transformers can be developed. Waukesha Electric Systems and ORNL are collaborating to develop technologies that will provide safe operations in a smaller footprint.
Grid Modernization Utilizing an Electrical Core Transformer Incorporating Wire Magnetic Components. In partnership with Buswell Energy and Bekaert, ORNL is developing innovative approaches for manufacturing electrical steel wire for applications in novel transformers.
Fault Current Limiting Testing. ORNL is working with industry on innovative fault current limiting concepts and has the ability to test fault currents up to 40,000 amps at its cable test facility.
Reliability of Advanced Conductors. ORNL, supported through EPRI and DOE, is developing tools to predict the remaining life of traditional and advanced conductors. Currently, aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) are being analyzed with plans to assess aluminum conductor steel supported (ACSS) conductors (PDF 1.75MB). These advanced conductors can be tested on ORNL’s Powerline Conductor Accelerated Test Facility (PCAT).
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