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Figure 15b
Voltage distributions in disc windings for normal and interleaved
configurations: power frequency and initial impulse.
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Figure 16:
Breakdown strength of oil ducts between
insulated conductors – 1.2/50μs impulse voltage.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 22/79

Instrument transformers
Instrument transformers (Current and Voltage transformers)
obey the same transformer principles as normal power
transformers, but have different methods of loading and
operation and have different requirements compared to power
transformers. For example a current transformer has its
primary connected in series with the active line whereas a

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power transformer is connected across the active to neutral.
They are also required to give very accurate measurement

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capability and this means using different materials to
minimize losses and to keep the overall reactance as low as
possible.
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For these reasons the construction of current transformers is
very different to power (and distribution) transformers
considered above. As the thermal requirements are much less
onerous (low volt-amp ratings) the designs are very compact
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as indicated in Figures 17 - 19. Not all manufacturers produce

the live tank design current transformer.

Voltage transformers are connected across the lines as with

normal transformers but must have no impact on the systems
in terms of drawing any significant current. Thus VTs must
have very high impedance (as does any voltmeter) and thus
have to be wound with a very large number of turns (of small
cross section wire because of the very low current level
drawn). For very high voltages capacitive voltage
transformers (CVTs) are used rather than magnetic types. Or
there may be combined types with capacitance divider and

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 23/79

low end magnetic transformer. Figs 20-21 shown some types
of VT.

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Figure 17
Insulation for instrument transformers.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 24/79

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Figure 18
High voltage current transformer
‘U-primary’ – ‘Dead tank’

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Figure 19: High voltage current transformer

‘O-primary’ – ‘Dead tank’

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Figure 20: Magnetic voltage transformer

(up to 132kV)

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 27/79

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Figure 21: Magnetic voltage transformer (>132kV)

2 coil cascade arrangement

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 28/79