Transformers for a Modernized Grid

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$1,852,941
Location:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
05/06/2019 - 11/06/2023
Website:

Technology Description:

Sandia National Laboratories will develop advanced core materials for grid-level electrical transformers, improving their efficiency and resiliency. Current transformers feature copper windings surrounding a magnetic core. The project team’s new core material seeks to increase electrical efficiency by at least 10% while enabling a 50% reduction in transformer size. The core will be robust, withstanding EMPs and GMDs that threaten today’s grid. Sandia will also develop additives that can be added to the oil in existing transformers as a retrofit as well as included in new transformers. One additive will dramatically increase the heat conduction away from the transformer windings during high-current events by transitioning to a heat-conducting solid at high temperature. Another additive will react with the existing dielectric Kraft paper, cross-linking reactive groups on the paper and restoring the integrity of the insulation. These additives will increase the resiliency and robustness of existing and new transformers to EMP and GMD events.

Potential Impact:

This project will develop advanced core materials that will increase transformer electrical efficiency, signficantly reduce transformer size and weight, and strengthen resilience to EMP and GMD events.

Security:

New, advanced transformers will provide significant protection from EMP and GMD events. 

Environment:

This project could help improve the energy efficiency of the power grid and reduce some of the harmful emissions created by coal-fired power plants.

Economy:

A new combination of alloys for cores will halve the size of large-scale transformers while exceeding DOE efficiency requirements of 98%.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Isik Kizilyalli
Project Contact:
Todd Monson
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
tmonson@sandia.gov

Partners

University of California - Irvine
Purdue University

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Release Date:
12/13/2017