Journal Zetroem
Vol 8 No 2 (2026): ZETROEM

Analysis of Overloading Impact on Harmonic Content and Loss of Life in Distribution Transformers

Kartika Tresya M (Institut Teknologi PLN)
Alex Fernandes (Institut Teknologi PLN)
Welly Okke (Institut Teknologi PLN)
Nurmiati Pasra⁠ (Institut Teknologi PLN)
Samsurizal (Institut Teknologi PLN)
Tony Koerniawan (Institut Teknologi PLN)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

In the wake of Indonesia’s accelerating power infrastructure growth, maintaining distribution system integrity is essential to meet the increasing electricity demand from both residential and industrial sectors. This study investigates the operational performance of the PGCE distribution transformer at the Lemah Abang Customer Service Unit (ULP), which experienced severe overloading with a peak loading of 113.82%, exceeding the maximum allowable loading limit of 80% specified in SE No. 0017.E/DIR/2014. The overload condition resulted in excessive thermal stress and a 17% voltage drop, exceeding the permissible service voltage variation specified in SPLN 1:1995. To address these problems, a load-splitting strategy was implemented through the installation of an SNTR insertion transformer. A comparative quantitative (before–after) analysis was conducted using field measurement data to evaluate transformer loading, voltage drop, and transformer loss of life before and after the technical intervention. The results show that the loading of the PGCE distribution transformer was reduced to approximately 76–77%, restoring its operation to within the recommended loading limit. In addition, the voltage drop decreased from 17% to 4.5%, satisfying the service voltage requirement of +5% to −10%. The reduction in transformer loading also lowered thermal stress on the winding insulation, thereby reducing the transformer loss of life and improving asset reliability. These findings demonstrate that load splitting combined with the installation of an insertion transformer is an effective engineering solution for mitigating transformer overloading, improving voltage quality, and extending transformer service life. 

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

Zetroem

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering

Description

jurnal zetroem yang dapat dimuat dalam jurnal ini meliputi bidang keilmuan Teknik Elektronika, Teknik Kendali, Sistem Tenaga, Telekomunikasi, Informatika, Sistem Distribusi. Makalah dapat berupa ringkasan laporan hasil penelitian atau kajian pustaka ilmiah. Makalah yang akan dimuat hendaknya ...