We were delighted to see Dr Junyi Lu, researcher working on WP2 Electrical Network Sub-Digital Twin within the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership ENSIGN project, present his paper at PHM Society, PHMe26 Oslo, the 9th European Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society, held from 8–10 July 2026.
Paper Title: Impact of Reactive Power Assumptions on Physics-Informed Assessment of Transformer Ageing in Distribution Networks
Dr Junyi Lu‘s paper presents a physics-informed framework for assessing distribution transformer ageing in networks with growing numbers of solar PV systems and low-carbon technologies. It shows that traditional assumptions about reactive power can significantly misrepresent transformer loading and thermal stress, leading to inaccurate asset-life predictions. Using real-world network data and thermal ageing models, the study demonstrates that more realistic reactive power assumptions are essential for improving transformer health prognostics in data-scarce distribution networks.
PHMe26 brought together researchers, industry experts and practitioners from across the PHM community, building on the success of PHMe24 in Prague. The conference featured keynote presentations, technical sessions, tutorials and panel discussions focused on the latest advances in prognostics, health management and reliability engineering.
Congratulations to Dr Junyi Lu for representing the Ensign project and sharing this important research with the international PHM community.
