Critical Review of Tools for Monitoring and Management in Distribution Transformers Before the Integration of Distributed Energy Resources

Abstract

Context: The integration of distributed energy resources poses new challenges for the electrical system, with distribution transformers being highly affected, since they are exposed to changes in the network which can lead to a reduction in the transformer lifetime. Method: A critical review of the monitoring and management tools for distribution transformers is carried out regarding the integration of distributed energy resources. Results: The effects caused by distributed energy resources on distribution transformers (up to 15 kV), a great variety of computational tools to monitor distribution transformers in electrical networks with the integration of distributed energy resources, and the minimum necessary requirements of a management tool for distribution transformers were identified. Conclusions: The need to develop an adequate tool for the management of distribution transformers up to 15 kV was identified with regard to the integration of distributed energy resources, as well as the minimum necessary requirements that a management tool for distribution transformers must take into account.