Transformer lead times: Why it matters to renewables energy producers

Is your transformer the hidden risk to your renewable projects success?

In the renewable energy sector, transformers are pivotal in ensuring the efficient delivery of power from generation sources to the grid. However, global supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and increasing demand have significantly extended the replacement time for failed transformers, often to 24-36 months or more.

For owners and operators of renewable energy facilities, such delays can result in prolonged operational downtime, significant revenue losses, and failure to meet energy production targets. Given these challenges, transformer monitoring has become indispensable. Implementing a continuous monitoring solution allows for early detection of potential failures, extension of transformer lifespan through predictive maintenance, and prevention of costly unplanned outages.

With the production of renewable energy set to grow exponentially to meet net-zero targets, the availability and uptime of assets are of key importance to renewable energy companies. Many renewable energy sites are located in remote areas, making it crucial to understand how assets are performing and to be aware of potential issues before they impact operations. Among the most critical of these assets are electricity transformers that connect renewable generation facilities to the electricity grid. If an electricity transformer suffers an outage, this can result in partial or even complete loss of generation for a prolonged period, significantly impacting revenues. The intermittent nature of renewable generation places increased stress on these transformers.

The extended lead times for transformer replacement pose a significant risk to the success of renewable energy projects. The delay in replacing a failed transformer can lead to prolonged periods of reduced or no power generation, directly affecting the financial viability of the project. This is particularly concerning for renewable energy producers who rely on consistent energy output to meet contractual obligations and revenue targets.

By partnering with companies like Kelvatek, renewable plant owners and operators can gain a deeper understanding of the risk, health, and performance of their electricity transformers through advanced online monitoring solutions such as TOTUS. These solutions provide real-time data and analytics, enabling proactive maintenance and timely interventions to prevent transformer failures. This not only helps in extending the lifespan of transformers but also ensures the continuous and efficient operation of renewable energy facilities.

In conclusion, the extended lead times for transformer replacement underscore the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance in the renewable energy sector. By leveraging advanced monitoring technologies, renewable energy producers can mitigate the risks associated with transformer failures, ensuring the reliability and profitability of their projects.