This protocol establishes a method for estimating annual electrical energy saved by de-energizing an existing distribution transformer when it is unloaded or when it is not in use. De-energizing a transformer saves energy by eliminating the no-load losses of the energized transformer. The most common application of this protocol is for transformers that serve seasonally loaded agricultural irrigation pumps.
Savings (kWh) are estimated as the product of a transformer’s no-load loss power (W) and the total number of hours the transformer is de-energized. The protocol recognizes three distinct approaches to estimating the no-load loss power parameter, with varying degrees of reliability. The complete method is demonstrated in the accompanying Protocol Calculator.