Objective
"Power transformers play a crucial role in electric power transmission and distribution systems, being both expensive and strategically important. Their prolonged efficient operation is essential to prevent long-term power outages. With tens of thousands of transformers worldwide approaching the end of their typical 30-40 year lifespan, the question of recycling becomes significant. Remarkably, around 95% of a power transformer's materials could potentially be recycled. Recognizing the importance of a circular economy, the European Commission adopted a Circular Economy plan in 2020, aiming to shift from a linear ""take, make, dispose"" model to a circular one where waste becomes a new resource. While the initial focus was on energy efficiency in transformers, the impact of materials is not negligible. The upcoming revision of the eco-design regulation for transformers in 2023 will introduce new requirements on material efficiency.
The proposed project will develop research on transformer retrofilling with alternative or recycled insulating liquids. This technique is based on the replacement of the mineral oil of a transformer in service with a biodegradable and less-flammable fluid. The procedure would lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transformers and could allow the application of higher loads, deferring the replacement of equipment in service. However, the technique has not been sufficiently studied, it is needed to evaluate the impact of retrofilling on the operation of the transformer and to assess its economic and technical feasibility. Project's researchers have applied the circular economy concept to power transformers in various ways during project definition:
a) Evaluating the efficient use of materials throughout a transformer's life cycle (renewable or re-refined oils instead of conventional oils);
b) Lifetime extension through dielectric and thermal design review and guidance on operation and maintenance."
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringelectric energy
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processesrecycling
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power transmission
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE - HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff ExchangesCoordinator
39005 Santander
Spain
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Participants (9)
28903 Getafe (Madrid)
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301 00 Pilsen
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010 26 Zilina
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10100 Balikesir
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10143 Torino
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
44-100 GLIWICE
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042 00 Kosice
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04001 Kosice
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48940 Leioa
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Partners (18)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
3000 Santa Fe
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
43400 Selangor Darul Ehsan
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
8370993 Santiago
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
9170022 Santiago
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
760032 Cali
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
804 8550 Kitakyushu
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
10003 1526 New York
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
N2L 3G1 Waterloo
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
. VALPARAISO
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
J5402CWH San Juan
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
M13 9PL Manchester
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
31527 Tanta
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
49008-5456 Kalamazoo
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
4072 Brisbane
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
760050 YUMBO
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110221 Bogotá
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
00 672 Warszawa
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
45131 Essen
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