Dynamic demand minimization using a smart transformer

Recently the Smart Transformer (ST) has been discussed as a replacements for the traditional transformer, driven by its advantages in terms of controllability and renewable energy integration. Although the Smart Transformer has lower efficiency than the conventional transformer, its control functionality has the potential to be used for wider system energy savings. This paper proposes a control, namely dynamic demand minimization tracking, which is aimed at reducing demand through regulation of the Smart Transformer output voltage. The control can automatically track the minimum demand by firstly identifying the load and then regulating the voltage. The control approach has been validated in a hardware experiment. The performance of the control in terms of demand reduction, is compared with Conservation Voltage Reduction in a 400 kVA, 400 V distribution network considering a typical daily loading profile. The results suggest that the Smart Transformer with dynamic demand minimization tracking control can reduce energy consumption by as much as 5.45%.