Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Transformer Noise
Transformer Noise
Understanding
111
UNDERSTANDING REDUCING
TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER
NOISE NOISE AT THE
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. But, SOURCE
what is unwanted sound? A mellow sound
to some, can be completely unacceptable The obvious question is why not reduce
to others. Attending rock concerts with the noise in the core by reducing the
noise levels at eardrum rattling levels is amount of flux. Why? Because it is not
totally stimulating to many people. Put that simple.
those same people in a different environ- Transformer voltages are fixed by system
ment, possibly next to a transformer, and
there will be wild protestations. The WHAT MAKES A requirements, and the amount of magne-
tization, by the ratio of these voltages to
difference then between noise and sound
is in the “ear of the hearer”. Since it is
TRANSFORMER the number of turns in the winding. The
decision on what this ratio of voltage to
necessary to place electrical apparatus HUM? turns will be, is made for reasons, mainly
alongside a wide spectrum of people we
Transformer noise is caused by a phenom- economic. It means that the amount of
have to accept the inevitable, that even
enon called magnetostriction. In very flux at the normal voltage is invariably
under normal conditions, somebody will
simple terms this means that if a piece of fixed, thus setting the noise and vibration
always complain.
magnetic sheet steel is magnetized it will level. Also, increasing (or decreasing)
extend itself. When the magnetization magnetization does not increase or de-
is taken away, it goes back to its original crease the magnetostriction by the same
condition. A transformer is magnetically amount. In technical terms the relation-
excited by an alternating voltage and ship is not linear. Therefore, when we
current so that it becomes extended and are asked, as we invariably are,– “can
contracted twice during a full cycle of you reduce the noise level at the source?”
magnetization. – the answer is that it can be done, at a
cost and for not much improvement in
noise level.
will also have an effect on what hap- Standards are laid down on how this
It has been explained that the noise from pens once the noise and vibration is
a transformer is caused by mechanical should be done. The main ones are ANSI
produced. Standard C57-12-90 or NEMA Standard
movement of the individual lamination
of the core under magnetization. The TRI-2-068-1954.
There are three basic categories currently
pulsation will cause not only air distur- in use: What happens is that you imagine a string
bances, thus producing noise, but also following the contours of the transformer.
physical vibration of the core structure • Those immersed in liquids - oils,
You step back 1 foot from that contour
and everything attached to it. The vibra- silicones, etc.
line with the unit excited at the normal
tion will have similar frequencies to those • Those immersed in vapors and gases
voltage, and record a measurement.
measured in the noise analysis. – nitrogen, fluro-carbons, etc.
You take these measurements at 3 foot
• Those mounted in air.
113
intervals along the imaginary string. • Do not make any reflecting surface co-
The measurements are totaled and then incident with half the wave length of the
averaged. The result is the transformer METHODS OF frequency. What does this mean? Well,
noise level. CUTTING AIR BORNE every frequency has a wave length. To
find the wave length in air, for instance,
NOISE you divide the speed of sound, in air
(generally reckoned as 1130 feet/second)
• Put the object in room in which the
by the frequency.
walls, floor are massive enough to re-
duce the noise to a person listening on
the other side. Noise is usually reduced
(attenuated) as it tries to pass through
a massive wall. Walls can be of brick,
steel, concrete, lead, etc.
to lower the flux density and this means The user thinking should start at the con- After taking all the precautions, a noise
increased cost. There have to be trade- ceptual stage. If he can, he must consider if survey after installation, with the trans-
offs between cost and noise annoyance he has a noise problem before he specifies former excited might be useful.
or treatments. his transformer. If he does, a noise survey
including frequency analysis, would be The most profitable thing a USER can
If the manufacturer is only supplying core advisable. If for instance, a building is do is ‘THINK AHEAD!”
and coils, then what happens next is in only in the conceptual stage, then a little
the hands of the user, assuming all noise thought beforehand will make sure that Save money, time and future headaches
level requirements have been met. If the transformers are not placed in small re- by considering where to put a transformer
core and coil is mounted in a containing verberant rooms next to a proposed board and if necessary consult the manufacturer
115
for advice. Do that even if is only to warn 13. Enclosure mounts should be sepa- 30. When assessing the required noise
the manufacturer of an impending prob- rate from the transformer base level of a transformer work back-
lem. It will avoid conflicts later on. – or at least, isolated somehow. wards from the required noise level
14. All connections - cables, etc. to at a location. Consider the inefficien-
enclosed transformers should be cies of the site.
flexible. 31. Consider very carefully where trans-
15. Remember bushings vibrate and formers will be mounted. Resilient
A SUMMARY - THE losses (acoustic) are experienced structures such as wooden mezza-
through them. Flexible acoustic nines might be harmful.
DO’S AND THE protection between enclosure and
DON’TS bushings are needed.
16. Bushings used in an enclosure
It has not been possible to give all the
points and suggestions that might assist
It might be useful to review the salient might have to have a longer a user in producing a trouble free (noise)
points and give some extra pointers: ground sleeve to accommodate site. However, we are always available
the enclosure roof distances. for assistance.
1. Transformer noise is difficult to 17. Pay close attention to access
change at the source. Flux density doors and removable covers The purpose of this leaflet is to make
reduction is the main thrust, but this on enclosures. Tight fits are people aware of the important points. If
means increased cost. essential. we have encouraged users to plan ahead
2. Transformer core constructions 18. Watch the dimensions of rooms in with their noise problems then we have
help to a degree. Reputable which units are mounted. Damp succeeded.
manufacturers will use good joints, them if necessary, suitable for
flat steel, consistent thickness, good transformer frequencies.
core supports, few bolts, etc. 19. Damping materials are needed if
3 Transformer current loading standing waves or reverberations
has little or no effect on the noise are possible.
level. 20. Choose damping materials com-
4. Placing transformers in liquid patible with trans former frequen-
(oil) does not help since oils are cies.
incompressible. 21. If steel plates are used for
5. Vibration – isolating core and coils enclosures ensure that they are
within a tank does assist vibration gasketed. Isolate the fastening down
isolation although isolation of the bolts.
whole tank is still needed. 22. Carry out sound surveys before
6. Noise reduction by distance is and after installations. Remember
the simplest form of attenuation. to do a frequency analysis so
If it can be achieved without cost– that transformer noise can be
excellent. Usually it cannot. differentiated.
7. Noise reduction by screens, bushes, 23. Anticipate transformer noise
etc., is the next simplest but use problems when accommodating
should be made of the topography them inside a building - especially
of the site. Remember the shadow for dry types.
effect means the noise could be heard 24. Pay careful attention to removing
outside the shadow of that screen. unnecessary bolting or stiffening
8. Full enclosure is usually the only used originally for shipping. Make
option left to a troublesome trans- sure the manufacturer identifies
former. what can and cannot be used or
9. Full enclosure can be made of any removed.
material with a high mass/weight 25. Remember transformers need
ratio. Brick, concrete, steel have cooling air in rooms. Be careful
been used. Expect 25-30dBA (acoustically) when you position air
reductions. ducts, ventilators and grilles, etc.
10. Full enclosures using masonry 26. Pay attention to flexible connec-
products are not easily tions inside rooms containing
Transformer Noise
demountable. Prefabricated
Understanding
transformers.
concrete block is the best for this 27. Make sure the vibration isolators
application. are correctly mounted and will
11. Steel, mass or limp panel techniques accommodate transformer frequen-
make good demountable cies.
enclosures. A 15 – 20dBA reduction 28. Select rooms which are not near
is possible with properly designed potential complaint areas.
enclosures. 29. Check the voltage on the system.
12. External cooling to the enclosure Increased flux density by having a
requires flexible treatments to the higher than normal system voltage
connecting pipework. will raise the noise level.
116