SEEDT - highlights on European Distribution Transformers

SEEDT - Strategies for development and diffusion of Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers

SEEDT is one of the projects developed under Intelligent Energy – Europe programme which converts EU energy policy for today’s energy challenges like energy efficiency. The aim of this project is to promote the use of energy efficient distribution transformers, which can be profitable for investors, and by contribution to European Community energy saving potential, may help to fulfill EU energy policy targets. Strategies will include proposals for labeling, mandatory standards or voluntary agreements and development of different dissemination mechanisms. http://www.seedt.ntua.gr/

Distribution transformers are devices which transform electrical energy supplied at medium voltage level (typically from 10 kV to maximum 36 kV) to electrical energy at voltage level most appropriate for residential, almost all commercial and partly industrial loads (most typically 400 V 3 phase system, in general up to 1 kV e.g. 690V).

The scope of the project and SEEDT study covers distribution transformers in Europe, both utility owned and private. Distribution transformers operated and owned by electricity distribution companies are responsible for supplying about 70% of low voltage electricity to final users and represent about 80% of distribution transformers stock.

Transformers in general belong to the group of most efficient devices. However transformers, unlikely other electrical machines and systems, are responsible for supplying electricity to all final consumers, in multiple steps. In typical utility situation distribution transformer is the fourth step of voltage transformation. Thus, in case of transformers energy efficiency is of very high importance.

Europe is highly diversified in electricity distribution business, both in technical matters and structure. There are no mandatory standards or other measures effectively supporting use of energy efficient distribution transformers and SEEDT is going to present the existing situation in details.