Digital revolution of power transformers

The Transformer 4.0 (TRF4.0) project seeks to introduce the digital transformation in power transformers, where EFACEC has a global leadership position. Aiming this transformation, a comprehensive research plan focused on the Digital Twin (DT) concept will be implemented. This DT, as virtual counterpart of the physical system will enable disruptive approaches in the transformer design and manufacturing, with new communication models, and to offer new added value services, such as intelligent condition monitoring, preventive maintenance, aging evaluation under determined servicing conditions, among others. Following the physical product during its whole life cycle through a DT enabled platform powered with optimization and artificial intelligence tools, will enable valuable insights about designing future systems, and predicting the system? s response to different types of disruptions in the grid. Furthermore, digital manufacturing will be explored through additive manufacturing, which has the potential to revolutionize the design and manufacturing of power transformers. This feature integrated with the Digital Twin platform will allow disruptive approaches in the manufacturing and servicing of transformers. This project joins complementary research competencies: EFACEC, as manufacturer of power transformers, INESCTEC (computer science, industry and innovation) and INEGI (mechanical and industrial engineering) as a Portuguese research institutes and the MIT, namely Sociotechnical Systems Research Centre, enabling a comprehensive and multidisciplinary research programme. Although this sector has been a conservative innovator, the proposed research project will allow to prepare the conventional power transformers to the complex challenges, trends, needs and opportunities of a fast evolving ?Energy 4.0? sector. Project datasheet