ABB has announced the launch of a digital distribution transformer, TXpert, at its ABB Customer World event in Houston, Texas.

The new transformer is part of ABB’s Transformer Intelligence portfolio, which includes state-of-the-art sensors, monitoring platforms and software tools built on the company’s deep domain knowledge and expertise.

It has integrated sensing and monitoring technology that will provide intelligence to maximise reliability, optimise operating and maintenance costs and manage the asset more efficiently. It builds on the ABB Ability digital offering, which uses cloud computing and connected devices to generate actionable data for a broad range of customers.

The performance data collected from the sensors is stored and analysed within the transformer, delivering insights on how it’s operating. This will provide utilities, industries and installations with vital information to make decisions on the operation and maintenance of their transformers and support the management of the asset throughout its lifecycle. This includes activities like scheduling of maintenance, optimizing system performance and planned asset replacement.

The TXpert will be a catalyst for enhancing distribution transformer performance, improving predictability and increasing reliability during a time when power grids are undergoing unprecedented transformation on both the supply and demand side.

Many new and distributed sources of energy including the influx of renewables and new demand loads like data-centres and electric vehicles, call for a more flexible grid, driving the need for greater digitalisation and automation.

“Distribution transformers are vital components in the electrical value chain. This latest innovation extends our digital portfolio and ABB Ability based offering, and reinforces our position as the world’s leading transformer manufacturer. It also reiterates our Next Level strategic focus on enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid,” says ABB president of power grids division Claudio Facchi.