Quantifying Transformer and Cable Degradation in Highly Renewable Electric Distribution Circuits

Abstract

Building electrification, vehicle electrification, and renewable distributed energy resources (DER) are all viewed as key technologies for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. However, the added electrification may stress, damage infrastructure, and result in early replacement of electrical distribution system components. Conversely, DER may alleviate infrastructure strain, resulting in lower overall costs through delayed infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Regardless, the effect of electrification and high use of renewable DER are generally addressed qualitatively, not quantitatively. This paper presents a method to quantify the effects of electrification, DER, and other emerging clean energy technologies on local electric distribution infrastructure. This is accomplished by predicting the degradation of distribution transformers and power cables, followed by the optimal resizing of electric components such that cost is minimized. The method is demonstrated for two scenarios where the buildings and vehicles across a small community are electrified, resulting in accelerated distribution infrastructure degradation and replacement.