Demand Response for Operational Life Extension and Efficient Capacity Utilization of Power Transformers During Contingencies

Severe overloads, caused by the outage of units in multi-transformer substations, may affect transformer life adversely. This paper presents a novel demand response (DR) based optimization model to limit load on healthy transformers during contingencies. The model selects combination of the best remedial actions among DR, load curtailment (LC) and transferring load to a neighboring substation. IEEE standard thermal and aging models are used for transformer loss-of-life (LOL) calculation. For a realistic study, the proposed model is applied to a Finnish residential two-transformer primary substation for case studies of load with and without DR. The load profile and flexibility of the demand are estimated by hourly metered consumption and survey data. Simulations are performed for two situations depending upon availability of connection with a neighboring substation. The results show that the LOL of transformers can be reduced by employing DR following contingency events and the capacity utilization can be increased correspondingly.