Implementing the EcoDesign Directive in distribution transformers: First impacts review

• Main Authors: Constantinos Charalampopoulos, Constantinos S. Psomopoulos, George Ch. Ioannidis, Stavors D. Kaminaris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AIMS Press 2017-01-01
• Series: AIMS Energy
• Subjects: distribution transformers; power transformers; Ecodesign Directive; Minimum Energy Performance Standards; carbon footprint
• Online Access: http://www.aimspress.com/energy/article/1204/fulltext.html

Since the commission of the Ecodesign Directive 2005/32/EC and the review of the Directive in 2009, there has been radical change on a multitude of aspects across the grid of electrical products. Because of their high volume sales, significant environmental impact and high potential for improvement, distribution transformers were set as a priority for the Ecodesign Working Period 2009–2011. As of July 2015, the requirements of the Directive affect every unit placed into market. This study addresses the impact that the Ecodesign Directive had on the distribution transformer industry financially, environmentally, and technologically. Data has been collected from various authoritative sources in order to give an inclusive picture of the current situation, and how it may improve by the measures presented. We need to ascertain both the importance of the existing difficulties and the validity of the actions and regulations in effect so far. The purpose of this paper will be considered fulfilled if the reader can clearly understand the current state of the distribution transformer industry, the problems that the Ecodesign Directive attempts to overcome, the methods of solving said problems, and the effects that those solutions can have in the near future.