A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON ENERGY-EFFICIENT TRANSFORMER DESIGN FOR SMART GRIDS

Abstract

This systematic literature review presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary developments in energy-efficient transformer design tailored for integration within modern smart grid infrastructures. As the global energy landscape transitions toward decentralized, intelligent, and low-carbon systems, the operational expectations for transformers have expanded considerably. No longer limited to conventional voltage regulation, transformers must now address fluctuating load profiles, reverse power flows from distributed energy resources, harmonic distortion, and integration with digital monitoring and control frameworks. This review systematically evaluates the current state of research by analyzing 87 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2022, selected through a rigorous process guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol. The review investigates several key dimensions of transformer innovation, including the adoption of amorphous and nanocrystalline core materials for core loss reduction, the deployment of high-temperature superconducting windings for enhanced load efficiency, and the rapid evolution of solid-state transformer architectures enabling bidirectional and high-frequency operation. It also explores the application of IoT and wireless sensor networks in condition monitoring, contributing to improved predictive maintenance and reduced lifecycle costs. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the convergence of technical innovation with environmental priorities, as evidenced by the increasing use of biodegradable ester fluids, modular eco-designs, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks aimed at reducing carbon footprints and improving recyclability. In addition to synthesizing advancements, the review identifies underexplored areas in the existing literature, such as the scarcity of long-term performance evaluations, limited empirical testing under fault or abnormal conditions, integration complexities in hybrid designs, and region-specific barriers in infrastructure and policy adoption. By consolidating these insights, the review provides an essential reference point for researchers, engineers, utility planners, and policymakers seeking to optimize transformer performance, support regulatory compliance, and enable the evolution of sustainable, resilient, and future-ready power distribution systems.