Open Access
IMPACT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC-INDUCED HARMONICS ON DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER HOTSPOT TEMPERATURE: AN ELECTRO-THERMAL MODELING APPROACH
4
Power Systems and Renewable Energy Research Lab, Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Moscow, Russia
4
Department of Electrical Power and Machines, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
The increasing integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into low-voltage distribution networks introduces power quality concerns, particularly due to current and voltage harmonics. These harmonics can lead to increased thermal stress in distribution transformers, potentially reducing their operational lifespan. This study presents an electro-thermal modeling approach to evaluate the impact of PV-induced harmonics on the hotspot temperature of oil-immersed distribution transformers. A detailed harmonic load profile was developed based on real PV generation data and inverter characteristics. The model couples electrical harmonic analysis with thermal simulation using IEEE and IEC transformer thermal models. Results indicate that the presence of high-order harmonics, especially during peak PV output hours, can cause a hotspot temperature rise of up to 8–12 °C compared to harmonic-free operation. This elevated temperature can accelerate insulation aging and compromise transformer reliability. The study highlights the need for harmonic mitigation strategies in PV-rich grids and supports transformer design optimization for harmonic resilience.
Keywords
Photovoltaic systems,
harmonics,
distribution transformer
References
Abdali, A., Mazlumi, K., & Rabiee, A. (2024). Harmonics impact on hotspot temperature increment of distribution transformers: Nonuniform magnetic-thermal approach. International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2024.109826
Ackermann, T., Ran Andersson, G., & Sö Der A, L. (2001). Distributed generation: a definition. Electric Power Systems Research, 57. www.elsevier.com/locate/epsr
AJ, C., Salam, M. A., Rahman, Q. M., Wen, F., Ang, S. P., & Voon, W. (2018). Causes of transformer failures and diagnostic methods – A review. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 1442–1456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.165
Américo, J. P., Leite, J. V., & Mazzola, C. F. (2024). Enhanced thermal modeling of three-phase dry-type transformers. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104445
Awadallah, M. A., Venkatesh, B., & Singh, B. N. (2015). Impact of solar panels on power quality of distribution networks and transformers. Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 38(1), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.1109/CJECE.2014.2359111
Awadallah, M. A., Xu, T., Venkatesh, B., & Singh, B. N. (2016). On the Effects of Solar Panels on Distribution Transformers. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 31(3), 1176–1185. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRD.2015.2443715
Cazacu, E., Ionita, V., & Petrescu, L. (2018). Thermal Aging of Power Distribution Transformers Operating under Nonlinear and Balanced Load Conditions. https://doi.org/10.15598/aeee.v16i1.2701
Chen, T., Liu, Z., Wang, P., Jiang, J., & Yang, F. (2023). Temperature Simulation of 800 kVA Converter Transformer Windings Considering the Effects of High-Order Harmonics. 2023 26th International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, ICEMS 2023, 2589–2593. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICEMS59686.2023.10344825
Comsol. (2022). The Heat Transfer Module User’s Guide. https://doc.comsol.com/6.1/doc/com.comsol.help.heat/HeatTransferModuleUsersGuide.pdf
Dao, T., & Phung, B. T. (2018). Effects of voltage harmonic on losses and temperature rise in distribution transformers. IET Generation, Transmission and Distribution, 12(2), 347–354. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2017.0498
Das, A. K., & Chatterjee, S. (2017). Finite element method-based modelling of flow rate and temperature distribution in an oil-filled disc-type winding transformer using COMSOL multiphysics. IET Electric Power Applications, 11(4), 664–673. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-epa.2016.0446
El Batawy, S. A., & Morsi, W. G. (2017). On the impact of high penetration of rooftop solar photovoltaics on the aging of distribution transformers. Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 40(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1109/CJECE.2017.2694698
Fortes, R. R. A., Buzo, R. F., & de Oliveira, L. C. O. (2020). Harmonic distortion assessment in power distribution networks considering DC component injection from PV inverters. Electric Power Systems Research, 188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2020.106521
Gorginpour, H., Ghimatgar, H., & Toulabi, M. S. (2022). Lifetime Estimation and Optimal Maintenance Scheduling of Urban Oil-Immersed Distribution-Transformers Considering Weather-Dependent Intelligent Load Model and Unbalanced Loading. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 37(5), 4154–4165. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRD.2022.3146154
Hajipour, E., Mohiti, M., Farzin, N., & Vakilian, M. (2017). Optimal distribution transformer sizing in a harmonic involved load environment via dynamic programming technique. Energy, 120, 92–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.12.113
Hamza, E. A., Sedhom, B. E., & Badran, E. A. (2021). Impact and assessment of the overvoltage mitigation methods in low-voltage distribution networks with excessive penetration of PV systems: A review. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems 31(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/2050-7038.13161
Hossain, M. S., Abboodi Madlool, N., Al-Fatlawi, A. W., & El Haj Assad, M. (2023). High Penetration of Solar Photovoltaic Structure on the Grid System Disruption: An Overview of Technology Advancement. Sustainability (Switzerland) 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021174
IEEE Std C57.91-2011(Revision of IEEE Std C57.91-1995) : IEEE Guide for Loading Mineral-Oil-Immersed Transformers and Step-Voltage Regulators Sponsored by the Transformers Committee. (2011). IEEE
IEEE Std C57.110-2018 (Revision of IEEE Std C57.110-2008) : IEEE Recommended Practice for Establishing Liquid-Immersed and Dry-Type Power and Distribution Transformer Capability When Supplying Nonsinusoidal Load Currents. (2018). IEEE
Similar Articles
- Dr. Jonas Müller, Dr. Fabian Keller, STOCHASTIC MULTI-OBJECTIVE DISPATCH OPTIMIZATION AND DECISION-MAKING FOR INTEGRATED ELECTRIC AND THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 06 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 06
- Dr. Hendra Wijaya, Dwi Astuti, COORDINATED MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR GREEN POWER SYSTEM SCHEDULING AND CONSUMPTION WITH DIVERSE DEVICES , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 01 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 01
- Alejandro Martín Calderón, Vehicle-to-Grid Integration as a Systemic Lever for Frequency Regulation, Renewable Energy Assimilation, and Market Transformation in Modern Power Systems , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 3 No. 01 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 01
- Dr. Elisa M. Contarini, Dr. Matteo R. Bellini, Reframing Net-Zero Building Delivery Through Life-Cycle Thinking, Material Circularity, and Context-Sensitive Design: An Integrated Research Perspective for Sustainable Construction Transition , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 3 No. 03 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 03
- Dr. Banyu Herlambang, Optimizing the Archipelago's Energy Future: A Systems Analysis of Electric Vehicle and Renewable Energy Integration into Indonesia's Electrical Grid , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 10 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 10
- Isinkaye O. D., Oluwatobi O. B., Ikusika T. T., DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A NON-FOSSIL FUEL GENERATOR , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 08 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 08
- John R. Harrison, Advancing Circular Business Models in Construction: An Integrative Framework for Sustainable Value Creation , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 11 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 11
- Dr. Tobias Müller, Dr. Chen Li, THE POWER SECTOR'S DECARBONIZATION TRAJECTORY: DEVELOPING AN ELECTRICITY CLIMATE ALIGNMENT METRIC , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 07 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 07
- Dr. Clara Dumont, EXPERIMENTAL AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF STRAIGHT-BLADED VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINES IN A CONTROLLED WIND ENVIRONMENT , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 02 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 02
- Dr. Elias Martínez, NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF A PACKED-BED LATENT HEAT THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE UNIT UTILIZING VARIOUS PARAFFIN PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS , International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy: Vol. 2 No. 06 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 06
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.