Transformer News

I. Core functions and technical principles 

Transformer as the transmission of electrical energy “heart equipment”, through the principle of electromagnetic induction to realize the alternating current voltage rise and fall, to support the efficient and safe operation of the power grid. Its core indicators include: 

Energy efficiency level: 2025 global mainstream standards for IEC 60076-20 (oil-immersed) and IEC 60076-14 (dry), the EU “Eco-design Directive” requires that new transformers put into operation to achieve a minimum of A ++ level (loss of ≤ 0.5%).

Insulation materials: environmentally friendly natural ester insulating oil (ignition point > 350 ℃) gradually replace mineral oil, the market share of 35% (source: International Electrotechnical Commission 2024 report).

Second, cutting-edge technology breakthroughs 

Smart Transformer 

Integrated IoT sensors real-time monitoring of temperature, vibration, partial discharge, combined with AI algorithms to predict faults (accuracy > 92%).

Application cases: China's State Grid put into operation in 2024 ± 800kV Kunliulong DC project, 500 smart transformers to reduce operation and maintenance costs by 40%.

Superconducting Transformer 

Adopting YBCO high temperature superconducting strips to realize 50% capacity increase and zero resistance loss.

Progress: U.S. Department of Energy 2025 pilot project (138kV/60MVA) enters the eve of commercialization.

Solid State Transformer (SST) 

Based on SiC power devices, supports bi-directional energy flow and DC grid-connection, suitable for PV/energy storage scenarios.

Efficiency: ABB 2024 released a 10kV SST prototype with 99.2% efficiency.

C. Global Policies and Market Trends 

Energy Efficiency Regulations Upgrade: 

EU's Green Deal requires the elimination of all distribution transformers with energy efficiency lower than AAA by 2030.

China's “Electric Power Equipment Industry Stabilized Growth Program” promotes amorphous alloy transformer penetration rate to 30% (2025 target).

Market Size: 

The global transformer market is expected to reach $128 billion by 2028 (CAGR 7.1%), driven by renewable energy grid integration and grid modernization (Data: Global Market Insights 2025).

IV. Sustainability Challenges 

Eco-friendly material applications 

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) replacement solution accelerates: Schneider Electric launches the SF₆-free GM AirSeT series (420kV), with GWP (Global Warming Potential) approaching zero.

Circular Economy Practices 

Copper/core recycling rate reaches 95%, new EU regulations require transformer designs to meet 85% material dismantling and recycling (effective 2027).

V. FUTURE OUTLOOK 

Digital Twin Technology: Siemens Energy launched the Transformer Digital Twin platform for full lifecycle carbon footprint tracking.

Wireless Charging Integration: Qualcomm and Toshiba collaborated to develop a 1MW-class dynamic wireless charging transformer to promote the popularization of electric heavy trucks.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)