As of my last update in September 2021, transformers are crucial components in both transmission and distribution networks, but they are traditional electrical transformers, not the deep learning models known as transformers.
Electrical Transformers in Transmission and Distribution Networks:
Voltage Regulation: Transformers are used to increase (step up) or decrease (step down) voltage levels in the power system. This is important for efficient power transmission and distribution. High-voltage transmission reduces power losses over long distances, while lower voltage levels are safer and more suitable for end consumers.
Transmission: In the transmission network, high-voltage transformers are used to step up the voltage at power generation plants to facilitate long-distance power transmission over high-voltage transmission lines. These lines carry bulk power from power plants to substations.
Substations: At substations, transformers step down the high voltage from transmission lines to lower voltage levels suitable for distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Distribution: In the distribution network, distribution transformers further reduce the voltage to levels suitable for specific consumer needs (e.g., 240V or 120V in residential areas).
Isolation: Transformers provide electrical isolation between the high-voltage transmission/distribution lines and low-voltage consumer circuits, ensuring safety and preventing damage to appliances.
Reactive Power Compensation: Transformers are used in various configurations to provide reactive power compensation, helping maintain power factor and efficient energy transfer.
It's worth mentioning that "transformers" in the context of deep learning are a type of neural network architecture, often used in natural language processing tasks and other sequential data tasks. They are unrelated to electrical transformers used in power systems. If there have been any developments or innovations regarding the use of deep learning transformers in power systems after my last update, I would not be aware of them.