CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Settings

In this chapter the researcher discuss about the background of the research and the

problems that the researcher encounter in doing this research, and also the main objective of the

study and its scope and limitations.

1.1 Background of the Study

The transmission and distribution systems today are dependent on transformer, which is

more efficient and sustainable than those of the decades or even century ago. There are

considered to be in their final stage, because of a larger population of power transformer with

other power system that have been in service for more than a decade. Due to population growth

and economic businesses the electricity demand is rising quickly than unusual. One of the most

important as well as one of the most costly elements in electricity is power transformer. One of

the possible uses of power transformer is effective transmission and distribution of electricity

through different levels of voltage.

The electrical power transformer also known as transformer is a device used in

transferring electrical energy from one circuit to another. Transformer is working without

changing its frequency. The transformer works on the principle Faraday Law’s of

electromagnetic induction or mutual induction of two coils. The power transformer can make the

voltage increase or decrease with correspond in current. Most AC voltage can change from one

value to another by using electrical transformer. The transformer is commonly used where there

is a need of converting AC voltage from one level to another. The transformer are categorized

into two different types the electronic transformers and the power transformer. The electronic

1
transformer is used in electronic equipments like computer, television and other devices, which

used very low voltages. Unlike electronic transformer, the power transformers are used in power

generation, transmission and distribution to increase or decrease the levels of voltages.

In the year 1831, Michael Faraday the inventor of electromagnetic induction

demonstrates the principle of his invention electromagnetic induction. On the 29th of August

year 1831, the first introduction of electromagnetic induction that breakthrough in solving the

problem of producing electricity from magnetism occurred [1]. Michael Faraday’s apparatus was

designed to study the direct current (DC), and also the magnetic field that was produced by a DC

coil was induced voltage in another coil. But later on Faraday realise that the constant DC does

not have such effect. The basic elements of transformer were found in Faraday’s invention.

The first transformer invented by Ottó Bláthy, Miksa Déri, Károly Zipernowsky was first

introduced Austro-Hungarian Empire, was designed and used in both commercial systems and

experimental. But later on Lucien Gaulard, Sebstian Ferranti, and William Stanley perfect the

design of power transformer. In the year 1886, the first AC power system used in modern

transformer and that happened in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. William Stanley and George

Westinghouse create the step up and step down transformer that is practical to produce. In the

year 1895 William Stanley built an air cooled transformers for a three phase AC power station

[2]. Today’s transformers are improved by increasing capacity, efficiency and reducing size.

1.2 Problem Statement and Justification

Generally, the proposed project would try to determine the cause and effect of

transformer failure.

Specifically, this study will answer the following question:

2
1. What are the cause and effect of transformer failure?

2. How to prevent the transformer failure?

3. What are the safety precautions when there is transformer failure?

1.3 Significance of the study

The following will benefit from this study:

 The Readers. Trough this study, the readers will be able to understand why many

transformer failed. Also the readers will know about the cause and effect of transformer

failure.

 The Schools. Trough this study, the school will get the idea about the effect of

transformer failure in the electricity of school.

 The Fellow Engineers. Trough this study, fellow engineers will know the types of

transformer and what are the function of it in the industry.

 The Future Researchers. Trough this study, the future researchers will have a

background about the transformer failure.

Moreover, this research can give the factors about the cause and effect of transformer failure

in the community and also in the industry.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this research is to know the capability of transformer and to know why

many transformers failed. Also the researcher will find the cause and effect of transformer

failure.

3
 1.4.1 General Objectives

In this research, the researchers will find a way to lessen the transformer failure

accident.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

The researchers will focus on how to understand the cause and effect of

transformer failure.

1.5 Research Question

The key hypothesis of this study will be:

- The cause of transformer failure.

- The effect of transformer failure.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is focus on finding how transformer failed and also to know the cause and

effect of the transformer failure. This study is limited only to the manufacturer and expert about

transformer. This study will help us understand why many transformers failed. The researchers

surveyed at least 10 experts about transformer.

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 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents the documentation on the literatures that are relevant to my topic,

which is the cause and effect of transformer failure. Electrical Power Transformer also known as

transformer is a static device which transforms electrical energy from one circuit to another

without any direct electrical connection and with the help of mutual induction between two

windings.

2.1 History of Transformer

In the year 1831, Michael Faraday was doing some series of research and experiments

demonstrating the principle of electromagnetic induction. On the 29th of August in the same

year, the first breakthrough in solving the problem of producing electricity from magnetism

occurred. On that day also, Faraday demonstrated the electromagnetic induction, he took a soft

iron ring with a thick of 7/8 inch and in external diameter is 6 inches. The ring's circumference

which side he called A is around one half of it, he tied three coils of wire. There are 24 feet of

wire in each coil with the turns separated by wine and calico. On side B, but it was separated

from side A by a distance, he tied 60 feet of wire in two separate coils in the same direction as

the former coils. He connected the two coils on the side B in series and carried the connecting

wire over a magnetic needle. He then connected one of the sides a coil to a battery and closed

the circuit on side A. The magnetic needle on side B immediately sensed it, oscillated and then

returned to its original position. In the opposite direction, he observed the disturbance of the

needle, only when he broke the battery connection on side A. Faraday's report of this momentary

5
disturbance of the magnetic needle was the first demonstration of what is known as

electromagnetic induction today [1].

In the year 1886, the first AC power system used in the modern transformer was in Great

Barrington, Massachusetts. While in the year 1878-1880s and 1882 onward earlier forms of the

transformer were used in Austro-Hungary in England. Lucien Gaulard a Frenchman used an AC

power system for the revolutionary Lanzo to Turin electrical exposition in the year 1884 in

Northern Italy. In the year 1891, Mikhail Dobrovsky the mastermind in the Electro-Technical

Exposition at Frankfurt, Germany designed and demonstrated his 3 phase transformers. The

Austro-Hungarian Empire was the first designer and user of the transformer in both commercial

systems and experimental, and it was Ottó Bláthy, Miksa Déri, Károly Zipernowsky who

designed it. But later on Lucien William Stanley, Gaulard, and Sebstian Ferranti perfected the

design. In the year 1830's the property of induction was discovered but it wasn't until 1886

that William Stanley built the first reliable commercial transformer while working

for Westinghouse [2].

2.2 Parts of Transformer

There are many basic parts of transformer like winding, breather, conservator, core, tap

changer, insulating material and many more. But the following are found in almost all of

transformer.

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2.2.1 Core

Fig. 1 Core

Shown in the figure 1 is an electrical power transformer, there are two main parts of core

and this are the primary and secondary, and may be tertiary windings. The flux linkages between

these windings depends the performance of a transformer. One low reluctance magnetic path

common to all windings should be provided in the transformer for efficient flux linking between

these windings. The Core of transformer is also known as the low reluctance magnetic path in

transformer [3].

2.2.2 Transformer Windings

Fig. 2 Transformer Windings

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 As shown in figure 2, is the part of transformer called windings which consists of two

coils that are wrapped around a core. The transformer operates when a source of AC voltage is

connected to one of the windings and a load device is connected to the other. The winding that is

connected to the source is called the primary winding. The winding that is connected to the load

is called the secondary winding [4].

2.2.3 Insulating Materials

Fig. 3 Insulating Materials

Shown in the figure 3 is one of the most important constituent of a transformer called

Insulation materials. The stability and durability of the transformer depends upon the proper

utilization of insulating materials in it. There are three insulating materials are used in

transformers. The Press board, Insulating paper, Transformer oil is used as insulating materials.

But the transformer oil is the major insulating material used in three [5].

2.3 Types of Transformer

There are various types of transformer used in the electrical power system for different

purposes, like distribution, transmission and generation and utilization of electrical power. The

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different types of transformer are Power Transformer, Instrument transformer comprising current

and Potential Transformer, Distribution Transformer, Single phase and Three phase transformer,

Step up and Step down Transformer.

2.3.1 Step up and Step down Transformer

Fig. 4 Step up and Step down Transformer

As shown in the figure 4 above is the type of transformer, in this type of transformer is

categorized on the basis of a number of turns in the primary and secondary windings and the

induced EMF. It transforms a low voltage, high current AC into a high voltage, low current AC

system in this type of transformer the number of turns in the secondary winding is greater than

the number of turns in the primary winding it is called Step up transformer. It converts a high

primary voltage associated with the low current into a low voltage, high current it is called Step

down transformer. The number of turns in the primary winding is greater than the number of

turns in the secondary winding in this type of transformer [6].

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 2.3.2 Power Transformer

Fig. 5 Power Transformer

Shown in figure 5 is a power transformer that changes both the current and the voltage of

the electricity flowing, which is commonly used in engineering. It transfers the electricity and it

is made up of a coil wrapped around an electromagnet. This power transformer is meant to

handle high voltages. Power transformers help to regulate power to your home, meaning they’re

not only necessary; they’re an important part of the complicated process in which our society

uses electricity they are designed to operate at 100% efficiency. The power transformer receives

huge amounts of electricity, at 115,000 or 46,000 volts, which is way too much to have in any

one home [7].

2.3.3 Distribution Transformer

Fig. 6 Distribution Transformer

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 As shown in figure 6 is the distribution transformer that used for the distribution of

electrical energy at low voltage as less than 33KV in industrial purpose and 440v-220v in

domestic purpose. It work at low efficiency at 50-70%, easy in installation, small size, having

low magnetic losses & it is not always fully loaded. Distribution transformers are used for lower

voltage distribution networks as a means to end user connectivity. Distribution Transformer is

used at the distribution level where voltages tend to be lower [8].

2.3.4 Instrument Transformer

Fig. 7 Instrument Transformer

Shown in figure 7 is Instrument Transformers used in AC power system for measurement

of electrical quantities i.e. current, power, power factor, energy, frequency, voltage. The

Instrument transformers are also used with protective relays for protection of power system. Step

down the AC System current and voltage is the basic function of Instrument transformers. The

current and voltage level of power system is very high. It is very costly and difficult to design the

measuring instruments for measurement of such high level current and voltage.

Generally measuring the instrument are designed for 110 V and 5 A [9].

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 2.3.5 Potential Transformer

Fig. 8 Potential Transformer

As shown in figure 8 is the Potential transformers are also known as voltage

transformers and they are basically step down transformers with extremely accurate turn’s ratio.

Step down the voltage of high magnitude to a lower voltage which can be measured with

standard measuring instrument is Potential transformers. These kind transformers have a larger

number of primary turns and smaller number of secondary turns. This is typically expressed in

primary to secondary voltage ratio [10].

2.3.6 Single Phase Transformer

Fig. 9 Single Phase Transformer

Shown in figure 9 is a type of transformer that accepts single-phase AC power and output

single-phase AC power, typically at a lower or higher voltage level is called Single-phase

transformer. Via electromagnetic induction the energy is transferred from one circuit to one or

12
more circuits. This is a type of power transformer that utilizes single-phase alternating current,

meaning that the transformer relies on a voltage cycle that operates in a unified time phase called

a single-phase transformer. They are often used to localize transmission currents into power

levels more suitable for light-commercial and residential applications and to step-down long

distance [11].  

2.3.7 Three Phase Transformer

Fig. 10 Three Phase Transformer

As shown in figure 10 is a type of transformer, it is a common method of electric power

transmission which is called Three-phase electric power. It is used to power motors and many

other devices which are called polyphase system. A three-phase system that transmits electric

power than equivalent two-phase, single-phase, or direct-current systems at the same voltage,

also it uses less conductor material. Three circuit conductors carry three alternating currents of

the same frequency which reach their instantaneous peak values at different times is used In a

three-phase system. The other two currents are delayed in time by one-third and two-thirds of

one cycle of the electrical current, by taking one conductor as the reference [12].

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2.4 Causes of Transformer Failure

The power Transformers play an important role in a power distribution system. Every

Transformer have a long life of 25 to 30 years; but they also failed in large numbers, within a 3

years, due to different reasons, causing huge service and economic impact on the distribution

system as well the power consumers. Indian problems are the most particular problems facing in

power distribution system. Reliable power supply is the need and like of the most Consumers of

electricity from different sectors. The heart of the distribution system plays a major role in

providing reliable service distribution transformers. The failure of the transformers causes

financial loss and inconvenience to both the distribution power utility as well as to the consumers

[13].

An investigation conducted in a region in the South of Brazil that result with the aim of

reducing to an acceptable level of the lightning-caused distribution transformer failure rate. A

high lightning activity in the border of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and Argentina is

characterized. In the analysis of field results and failed transformers it shows that the installation

of surge arresters at the transformer LV side does not drastically change the failure rate. In the

Computer simulations the results confirms that failures are mostly associated with surges coming

from the MV side. The recommendations at the primary side are mainly related to the surge

arrester installation procedures. According to which the installation of secondary arresters leads

to substantial reduction in transformer failure rates is provided the reasons for the apparent

discrepancy with regard to the conclusions of similar investigations carried out in Norway, USA,

and Australia [14].

An increasing need to know its internal condition with the increasing age of the primary

equipment of the electrical grids there exists also. In recent years, the off- and online diagnostic

14
methods and systems for power transformers have been developed. The online monitoring

method is used continuously during the operation and the possibilities to record the relevant

stresses which can affect the lifetime. The results and evaluation of these data offers the

possibility of detecting oncoming faults early. While in offline methods it requires disconnecting

the transformer from the electrical grid and it is used during planned inspections or when the

transformer is already failure suspicious. It presents the status and the current trends of different

diagnostic techniques of power transformers. It shows that the power transformer is not anymore

a black box that does not allow a view into its internal condition, and it presented diagnostic

techniques [15].

The identification of the most critical transformer sites for system reliability is the effects

of age related failure of power transformers. The power transformers are modified first to

integrate loading conditions effect using the end-of-life failure model. The Arrhenius-Weibull

probability distribution was compared with the commonly used model Gaussian probability

distribution model, which also represents the effect of thermal stress on the transformer's end-of-

life failure. It determined the sensitivity of results to the uncertainty in model parameters is

thoroughly assessed and acceptable level of uncertainty. The result of the importance of

integration of loading conditions into the failure model was demonstrated [16].

The Power transformers are one of the most expensive items and a utility must decided

when it is economically preferable to replace one, or when to invest in refurbishments or repairs.

In this determination the expected probability of failure of a transformer is often used. A

challenge that frequently encountered by a utility when analyzing their power transformer data is

that because this failure rate is so low, a population size larger than they own is required to make

meaningful statistical conclusions. International surveys have been produced on mode and

15
probability of failure, but the data of Australian usage is unknown. A study was performed in

Australia where the Australian utilities were surveyed to find the age, and the number of failures

and retirements, when this occurred. Data on over 630 failures and retirements was collected and

then analysed. In this article the Proportions of failure modes are presented and discussed [17].

The continuous supply to a growing demand of energy translates into a new challenges

for engineers on the maintenance and operation of power equipment that often used on the limit

and, sometimes, above the nominal capacity. In this case of the power transformers failure, due

to the high investment time and cost of replacement, it is necessary that the operation be

accompanied by efficient monitoring of operational conditions and loss of life. The risk analysis

can be useful for decision making in substations with power transformers, in situations that

present fault indicators, providing support for the operator to decide for the withdrawal of

equipment (to anticipate the maintenance) or to continue in operation until the risk involved is

consistent with the situation experienced [18].

2.5 Effect of Transformer Failure

The Transformers are one of the most expensive pieces of equipment used in a

distribution network system. The role of transformer’s has not changed over the last decades.

With the simple construction and at the same time mechanically robust, the transformers offer a

long term services that on average can reach half a century. As of today, with the ongoing trend

to supply a growing number of non-linear loads along with the notion of distributed generation

(DG), a new challenge has arise in terms of transformer sustainability, with one of the possible

consequences being accelerated ageing. In this paper we carefully review the existing studies in

the literature of the effect of loads and other key factors on oil-transformer ageing [19].

16
 Oil-paper insulation is an example of the effect of transformer failure, as a major

insulation mode used in power transformers; the oil-paper insulation is continuously and

unavoidably subjected to repeated lightning impulses, which may bring the potential risk to the

insulation system. In the recent study the accumulative effect of repeated lightning impulses and

its damage mechanism in oil-impregnated paper (OIP) are investigated. The results in the

investigation indicated that the repeated lightning impulses produce accumulative damage to the

OIP and hence lead to the morphology change and generation of translucent gelatinous substance

on the sample surface. Both the dielectric parameters and surface roughness increase with the

accumulating of repeated lightning impulses, which can be attributed to the effects of polar

products, fiber deformation and the translucent gelatinous substance together [20].

17
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

It takes much time and effort in order to come up with a research project. A step-by-step

process must be followed in order to guarantee a finished and successful result in the end. In-

order for me to come up a design, planning must be done for this specific article. The problems

that may occur must be identified to be able to discover the probable explanations and solutions.

The Researchers elaborated the procedures that they had under go in gathering data. Compliance

to the chronological process is necessary to have a more efficient way to complete the research.

This chapter shows the steps and the methods included in the research, data sources, gathering

data and statistical treatment of data, analytical tools and models used.

3.1 Research Methods Used

This study about the cause and effect of transformer failure aims to produce a descriptive

approach in ascertaining the effectiveness of the design. Related and essential data were gathered

in order to obtain some information in the form of web research, surveys and some interviews

with reliable persons that can help in the success of this research.

3.2 Sources of Data

The primary sources of the data that I gathered were from web surfing, reading closely

related books, surveys and interviews on people with a broad knowledge regarding the cause and

effect of transformer failure.

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3.3 Sampling Techniques

A survey will be conducted, to gather information about the cause and effect of

transformer failure using purposive sampling. The respondents were randomly selected. Also an

in-depth interview will be conducted, to gather information from reliable professors of Electrical

Engineering Department of Technological Institute of Philippines Manila. Through this process

I, the proponent of this research, can further obtain information that can be used on studying

about the cause and effect of transformer failure. The comments and suggestions of each

interviewee will also be noted.

3.4 Data Gathering Procedure

This is considered as the most important part of research, Data Gathering, is the part that

will give me the knowledge necessary to accomplish this study. Data Gathering can be done

through;

3.4.1 Survey/Questionnaire

The researcher will conduct an actual survey for the data. The data collection

methods that tend to be used in surveys are questionnaires or scales, in this method the

data that collected will help the researcher to analyze the study about cause and effect of

transformer failure. The basic principle where gathered from book and internet to avoid

failure in researching.

3.4.2 Interview

This data gathering process or method is done by asking series of closely related

questions to the person who has a background or the person who is knowledgeable about

19
 the article. The advantage of this method is that you can acquire comments and

suggestions of the respondents with regards to the proposed study.

3.4.3 Research

This method refers to web surfing and reading related books in order to acquire

data and information that is guaranteed to be closely related to the topic. But, the most

important ways is by using internet to gather information about the cause and effect of

transformer failure.

3.5 Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

Gathered all Collection and The researchers

data that are relevant gathering of necessary are expecting some

and necessary to information through important results to

have an outcome of web surfing and

support the claims of
reading books for
the Cause and Effect proposed project and
relevant data that the
of Transformer setup in terms of the
researchers will analyze
Failure traits in the input.
and evaluate.

Fig. 11 Conceptual Framework

The fig. 12 represents the synthesis that portrays on how will the research project

develops and operates in the whole process. The figure above provides information on gathering

data that will be analyzed and evaluated that will help support the claims of the research.
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Fig. 12 Flow chart of the proposed project

START

NO
Gathering information and data for
the proposed project

Appropriate
?
YES
Gathering all information about the
cause and effect of transformer failure

Doing some research about the

background of transformer failure B
using web surfing

Gathering information using survey,

questionnaire, and interview

Gathering information through

their comments and feedback

Assessment of all gathered data

NO
It is enough
information? B

YES

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 A

Do some statistical report

Make a conclusion

The Cause and Effect

of Transformer
Failure a Case Study

The figure above is design to introduce the methodology of the proposed project. The

concept of transformer failure was introduced from conceptualizing the data and information

gathering. When the data are appropriate for the study, gathering information using

survey/questionnaire and interview will be conducted. Getting information from the feedback

and comments of the respondents will be the next step. If the information is not enough we will

conduct a survey again, if the information is enough we will do a statistical method to know what

is the respondents known about the transformer failure. Then, make a conclusion about the result

of the study and recording the output is considering for some future recommendations.

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3.6 System Architecture

Fig. 13 System Architecture

The figure has shown the process on how the proposed model or design of the cause and

effect of transformer failure work. First the lightning surges will be the cause of transformer

failure, and then the transformer will be failed. So the effect will be damage in electrical

appliances like computers, television sets, and many more. Also there will be a short circuit, so

the results can be a fire or blackout.

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