Product qualification of power grid components

The main task of a transformer is to convert electrical voltage from one level to another. The level conversion is important to efficiently transmit electricity over long distances and to adapt the voltage to the levels required for different types of use.

Important for the electricity grid of the future

Efficient and reliable transformers are therefore important for the efficient transmission of electricity from power plants to consumers throughout Sweden. RISE and Hitachi Energy Sweden (HE) have developed GO-based sensors for transformers. The sensors increase the reliability of transformers, which is important for the electricity grid of the future. The project creates a basis for product qualification of prGO sensors. In terms of research, the stability of prGO will be investigated and methods for measuring the degree of reduction (DoR) will be evaluated. Great emphasis is placed on quality assurance of materials and processes and on identifying more than one raw material supplier.

Towards a sustainable future

In the research project, Grafren AB will deliver size-fractionated GO particles separated by a patented method. New techniques for measuring and characterising DoR of prGO will be investigated. Documentation management systems for quality assurance in production, materials and sensors will be evaluated.  The aim of the project, to enable product and process qualification, is a prerequisite for taking 2D materials from lab to industry and to create a quality assured supply chain. Furthermore, a clear link is created between Swedish industry's 2D material developers and research institutes. The collaboration between Swedish partners is an important step towards a sustainable future that goes beyond the scientific goals of sensor development. 

This project is part of SIO Grafen, a strategic innovation programme funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas. The work within SIO Grafen is run by the programme office at Chalmers Industriteknik.