System and method for distributing transformer capacity among transformer users

Abstract

A method for utilizing transformer capacity allows multiple transformer users to have ordered access to the same backup transformer. When one of the users requires the use of a transformer, the users in line ahead of this user must exercise their rights to use the transformer or pass on their rights allowing the next user to decide whether or not to use the transformer. The method allows transformer owners to offer extra transformer capacity to those who desire backups while protecting their ownership interest and their need for the use of the backup. The method also provides those who need backup transformers a system to obtain access to the required backup without requiring them to purchase a new transformer or to wait for the transformer to be built.

1 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 listing an excess transformer owned by a first owner, the listing offering property rights in the excess transformer;    selling ordered options for the listed excess transformer;    allowing one of the option holders to trigger the exercise of the options;    returning at least part of the option fees of all lower option holders when a higher option holder exercises his option; and    keeping the option fees of the option holder who exercises his option.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of selling comprises the step of selling ordered options for the listed excess transformer to respective transformer users as insurance against loss of electric power generation capability due to failure of a transformer used by one the transformer users.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing exclusive use of the excess transformer to the holder of the option exercised unless the excess transformer owner exercises a right to demand return of the transformer if leased to the holder of the option exercised.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of selling comprises the step of selling ordered options for the listed excess transformer exclusively to one of a group consisting of (a) producers of electrical power; (b) distributors of electrical power; and (c) producers and distributors of electrical power.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of listing comprises the step of listing suitability information about the excess transformer which would assist a potential purchaser of an ordered option for the transformer in determining whether the transformer is suitable for the purposes of the potential purchaser.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the step of listing suitability information comprises the step of listing at least one of a group consisting of: 
 (a) whether the transformer is a three phase or one phase transformer;    (b) whether the transformer is oil type or dry type;    (c) kilovolt ampere rating (KVA) of the transformer;    (d) temperature rise of the transformer;    (e) class of the transformer;    (f) primary tap specifics;    (g) primary voltage rating of the transformer and whether delta or Y connected;    (h) secondary voltage rating of the transformer and whether delta or Y connected;    (j) whether the transformer has a load tap changer;    (k) impedance of the transformer;    (l) whether the transformer was working when removed from service;    (m) whether the transformer failed while in service;    (n) manufacturer of the transformer;    (o) serial number of the transformer; and    (p) age of the transformer.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the step of listing suitability information comprises the step of listing each of the group.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of transferring possession of the excess transformer to the option holder who exercises his option.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising one of the steps of delivering and arranging for delivery of the excess transformer to the option holder who exercised the option.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of selling the excess transformer to the option holder who exercises his option.  
     
     
         11 . A system for distributing transformer capacity comprising: 
 at least one transformer that is available for use by someone other than the owner of the at least one transformer;    a computer configured to generate a list of the at least one transformer, said list being accessible by those that would like to buy ordered options for property rights in the transformer;    an access system configured to provide access for viewing the list by others;    a purchase system configured to allow the purchase of ordered options for any transformer on the list by others.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the access system comprises a matrix of available transformers viewable over a network.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the network is the Internet.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the list further comprises the ownership interest of other option holders for a given transformer on the list.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the list further comprises the cost of subsequent options for a given transformer.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the access system is a limited access system which allows only a group of members to view the list.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the group of members consists of one of (a) producers of electrical power; (b) distributors of electrical power; and (c) producers and distributors of electrical power.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the purchase system is configured to allow the purchase of ordered options for any transformer on the list only by one of a group consisting of (a) producers of electrical power; (b) distributors of electrical power; and (c) producers and distributors of electrical power.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the list comprises suitability information about the excess transformer for assisting a potential purchaser of an ordered option for the transformer in determining whether the transformer is suitable for the purposes of the potential purchaser.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the suitability information comprises at least one of a group consisting of: 
 (a) whether the transformer is a three phase or one phase transformer;    (b) whether the transformer is oil type or dry type;    (c) kilovolt ampere rating (KVA) of the transformer;    (d) temperature rise of the transformer;    (e) class of the transformer;    (f) primary tap specifics;    (g) primary voltage rating of the transformer and whether delta or Y connected;    (h) secondary voltage rating of the transformer and whether delta or Y connected;    (j) whether the transformer has a load tap changer;    (k) impedance of the transformer;    (l) whether the transformer was working when removed from service;    (m) whether the transformer failed while in service;    (n) manufacturer of the transformer;    (o) serial number of the transformer; and    (p) age of the transformer.