[UC38] Transformer Load Increase Assessment Tool

A transformer load refers to the amount of power that is being drawn by the electrical load connected to a transformer. It is important to ensure that a transformer is not overloaded, as this can cause damage to the transformer and potentially lead to power outages or other issues. Overheating and, consequently, reduced transformer lifespan are some of the consequences of an overloaded transformer.

With an increasing number of requests for new connections in the distribution grid, such as businesses, households, EV chargers etc., it is important to have a capacity management plan in place to ensure that the distribution grid can accommodate the new connections without compromising the reliability and quality of service for existing customers.

It is, therefore, necessary to assess the load changes with these new loads included. If we use only the reserved capacities of the customers in the calculation, this calculation will not take into account reality, but will only be an estimate, which is also likely to be very inaccurate, because the calculation will not include real measured data. As often there is no measurement at the transformer, and only individual meters “behind” the transformer is measured, one has no idea of the transformer load. However, information about the transformer load is very important, as replacing the transformer earlier with a new transformer with a higher capacity would require a large investment cost, which would be unnecessary if the transformer capacity is sufficient.