Tacc Podcasts

The Supersized Science podcast features research and discoveries nationwide enabled by advanced computing technology and expertise at the Texas Advanced Computing Center of the University of Texas at Austin. Electric transformers convert high voltage to lower voltage that’s useful for households to plug into. In the U.S., transformers are aging and approaching an average of being 30 to 40 years old. And they face more stress than ever before brought on by factors such as renewable energy demands and by extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heat waves, and winter storms. University of Texas at Austin researchers have taken a look inside grid transformers to see if they could make them better. Inside grid transformers you’ll find copper windings, other metallic components, and cellulose-based electrical insulation like kraft paper. The cellulose insulation is a great electrical insulator essential in the process of ‘stepping down’ voltage, but it also traps heat, which can lead to overheating. Podcast h