Recovery Transformer Program produces EHV replacement prototype.
Press Release Summary:
As part of a consortium, EPRI has helped develop prototype transformer that can replace damaged/destroyed transformer in ~1 week, instead of several months, to prevent sustained power outages. Prototype is known as a Recovery Transformer (RecX) and located at CenterPoint Energy substation for testing. Goal of RecX Program is to increase resilience of USA's electric transmission grid by reducing recovery time associated with extra high voltage (EHV) transformer outages.
Original Press Release:
The Recovery Transformer Program - Media Brief
Overview
The U.S. electric utility industry has a long and reliable service track record. Long term outages are rare but serious events. Long term outages could pose a threat to the economy as well as national security. The cost to the economy from sustained power outages quickly runs into billions of dollars; approximately 60% of the GDP is directly tied to electric power. The societal cost is potentially far higher. The interdependencies of other critical infrastructure, such as communications, transportation, and water, on electric power are also a concern for long term outages.
A consortium consisting of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T), transformer manufacturing company ABB Inc., CenterPoint Energy Inc. and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) have developed a prototype new transformer that could replace a damaged or destroyed transformer in about a week instead of several months, to prevent sustained power outages. Known as a "Recovery Transformer" or RecX, the first prototype has been developed and is located at a CenterPoint Energy substation for testing.
Program Goal
The goal of the Recovery Transformer (RecX) Program is to increase the resilience of the nation's electric transmission grid by drastically reducing the recovery time associated with extra high voltage (EHV) transformer outages. The transmission grid is the backbone of our electric infrastructure, providing the long haul delivery of electricity by connecting the generation capacity to the distribution network. There are approximately 80,000 miles of extra high voltage (EHV) transmission lines in the US. EHV transformers are critical components of our nation's backbone transmission grid, with approximately 90% of all power flowing through transmission grid and EHV transformers on its way to the consumer.
Need for the RecX
EHV transformers are subject to a number of vulnerabilities that can impact the grid's ability to rapidly respond to an event that damages a number of EHV transformers. EHV transformers are the components in the grid most vulnerable to sustained outage and are often located in remote substations making them difficult to replace in the event of an emergency. EHV transformers can weigh hundreds of tons and are often too large to transport easily by road. The current process to replace a damaged EHV transformer can take up to two years if a replacement must be constructed from scratch. In some cases, spares are available, but they can take several months to move, put in place and energize. If multiple EHV transformers are damaged simultaneously, the economic and societal threat from the resulting sustained outage would be critical. The RecX is designed to increase the resilience of the transmission grid by drastically decreasing the recovery time associated with EHV transformer outages.
The need for a mobile, spare, recovery transformer was first identified by the utility industry after 9/11 as part of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) infrastructure security initiative, and subsequently through the Energy Sector Specific Plan (2007, 2010) under the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). In 2008, DHS S&T partnered with the utility industry to sponsor the recovery transformer. DHS S&T is managing the RecX project with EPRI as the principal contractor. Detailed design started in 2008 with close collaboration between EPRI, DHS, and transformer manufacturer, ABB Inc. In 2010 Houston Utility, CenterPoint Energy, agreed to host an installation of the prototype Recovery Transformer at one of their substations.
The RecX prototype is designed to replace the most common EHV transformers in the utility power fleet - a 345/138 kV autotransformer. The basis for the RecX design premise is routed in conventional transformer technologies but with an emphasis on making the unit more modular, easily transportable, and quick to install as key priorities. The principal challenge that the prototype designers faced was to reduce the transformer weight and size for transportation purposes while maintaining performance and reliability. The final RecX prototype consists of 3 single phase units at 345/138kV, 200 MVA per phase. Ancillary equipment, such as bushings, cooling systems, and conservator tanks are designed to be quickly removed from the transformer before shipping, and easily reinstalled once the transformer is set.
The goal of the pilot demonstration is to simulate an emergency scenario to fully test the RecX and its deployment concept. The RecX units and its supporting equipment will be transported by road in a series of strategically deployed convoys, from the factory in St Louis, MO to the CenterPoint substation, where utility crews will work around the clock to install, assemble, and prepare the RecX units for energization. After energization, the RecX will remain operational in the grid for at least one year to observe, monitor, and validate is performance.
Program Summary
The rapid restoration the RecX provides has a direct impact on our nation's economy, critical infrastructure and national security.
According to this team's analysis, the RecX design is a suitable replacement in the event of an emergency to over 90% of the transformers in its voltage class. Conceptually, RecX transformers could be stored at various secure regional locations, designed to the specific voltage levels used in each region and rapidly deployed when needed.
About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.
About ABB
ABB offers a full range of transformer products and solutions for IEEE/ANSI, IEC and other local standards. ABB is a major transformer manufacturer throughout the world and offers both liquid-filled and dry-type transformers. ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, interstate pipelines and field services operations. The company serves more than five million metered electric and natural gas customers in six states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.
About the Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology Directorate
The Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate manages science and technology research to protect the homeland, from development through transition for Department components and first responders. The Directorate's mission is to strengthen America's security and resiliency by providing knowledge products and innovative technology solutions for the Homeland Security Enterprise.
EPRI Media Contacts:
Clay Perry
Senior Manager Media Relations
clperry@epri.com
202-293-6184
Don Kintner
Communications Manager
dkintner@epri.com
704-595-2506
