The world has undergone a rapid transition to renewable energy in an attempt to reduce emissions and the impact of climate change. Solar power is at the forefront of its adoption, with experts exploring ways to harness the sun’s energy for clean electricity.
Sufficient storage capacity is among the more significant challenges hindering solar power potential. However, transformers have materialized as crucial components for optimizing renewable energy storage systems.
How transformers work
Transformers are an overlooked but critical part of electrical infrastructure. They use electromagnetism to convert the voltage of one alternating current circuit to another or several more, allowing long-distance transmission.
The mechanism uses two wire coils encased around an iron core, strengthening the magnetic field as the current changes its voltage. Overall, transformers efficiently maximize electricity flow, improving performance and consistency.
The importance of transformers in solar power storage
A transformer’s ability to convert, control and isolate electricity is vital to conceiving widespread clean energy. These technological components help advance the potential of solar power storage solutions in the following ways.
Voltage conversion and transmission
Although conventional transformers may not be able to control voltage as well for renewable energy, smart transformers can. Photovoltaics (PVs) occasionally waste energy and do not generate consistent power. However, smart transformers ensure the excess electricity flows from rooftop panels to the grid and vice versa, so nearby structures utilize all energy.
Regarding storage, transmitting solar power to the grid through a smart transformer works with energy storage systems to produce a steady power supply.
Improved system performance
Solar can help homeowners save money on electricity by eliminating nighttime grid reliance.
The case for smart transformers is strong — advanced models will comprise 40% more volume availability for power, have a five to six times faster response time and 5% greater efficiency than standard transformers. They also decrease energy loss by 400 gigawatt-hours during electricity conversions.
However, refurbished transformers are compelling options for solar storage, too. Reconditioning reduces the manufacturing costs for newer mechanisms and decreases the environmental impact by eliminating waste. Refurbished transformers also have faster lead times, addressing a prompt need for solar storage.
Isolation and Protection
In one study, researchers found a 17.5% power loss in PV systems in 2018, which increased the risk of damage and a shorter operating life. These electrical losses may include insulation faults of cables — such as rodents chewing on the wire — and short-circuiting or open-circuit faults.
Generally, transformers protect the current by acting as a barrier against surges, grid disruptions and voltage spikes. This improves the safety and dependability of solar power storage systems.
Flexibility and Scalability
A transformer’s ability to adapt to voltage requirements, configure to residential or large-scale systems and meet varying electrical needs makes them crucial in maintaining consistency and performance.
As the global energy market rises, existing and new transformers are easily incorporated into solar power storage solutions and arranged in modular configurations for advanced solar technology.
Real-world applications of transformer-solar power storage
Some U.S. renewable energy storage projects are on hold as the world faces a critical transformer shortage. The need for customizations, long delivery times and higher costs have strained the supply chain. What was once a 50-week delivery time frame in 2023 has become 150 weeks, with little sign of speeding up.
Solar power storage is essential, delivering backup power in various situations, such as at night when PVs can no longer generate energy from the sun. Solar can further help homeowners and businesses save money on electricity by eliminating nighttime grid reliance.
It also drives energy independence during power outages. For instance, solar energy storage can help alleviate loads during peak utility when every taps into the grid. These peak times could include evenings or when communities turn their air conditioning back on simultaneously after a storm-related outage.
According to one study, the development of a four-port transformer — as opposed to the standard two-port structure — also improves microgrid efficiency. These localized electricity systems operate independently from the electricity grid by converting power from various renewable sources, such as solar or wind turbines. Microgrid performance increases when adding energy storage solutions, lowering greenhouse gases and prices.
Harnessing solar power’s potential with transformers
Transformers are proving to be a game changer for solar power storage solutions and the future of clean electricity. Their many capabilities help capture solar’s benefits and optimize grid efficiency for a healthier planet.
__
Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest innovation news and more sent to your inbox.
Ellie is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor for Revolutionized. When she's not writing about the latest advancements in science and technology, you can find her playing video games and spending time with husband and their cat.
