Amid soaring temperatures and peak electricity demands, Delhi's power distribution companies (discoms) are leveraging advanced-technology transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply. With the city's peak demand reaching around 8,000 MW during a severe heatwave, companies like BSES and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) are implementing cutting-edge solutions to maintain efficient operations. The transformers used by BSES, for instance, can operate at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius above the ambient temperature, ensuring resilience even in extreme conditions.

A spokesperson from BSES highlighted that their transformers, used by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), are designed to function without external cooling aids, such as fans, up to a certain temperature. This advanced design helps prevent overheating and subsequent power outages. In cases where the temperature exceeds 88 degrees Celsius, external cooling fans are employed to maintain operational integrity. These transformers play a crucial role in delivering electricity to most parts of Delhi, excluding the northern regions.

TPDDL, responsible for North Delhi, operates 88 grid substations equipped with 222 transformers, all monitored and controlled via a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The spokesperson for TPDDL emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal transformer performance during extreme heat. Their transformers feature sophisticated cooling systems that automatically adjust based on temperature readings, and are supported by remote monitoring, industrial blowers, and load management strategies to prevent overheating. This comprehensive approach ensures the reliability of Delhi's power supply even during the most challenging weather conditions.

Source: theweek.in