Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION OF TRANSFORMERS
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another
through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the
first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and
thus a varying magnetic field through the secondary winding. This varying magnetic
field induces a varying electromotive force (EMF), or "voltage", in the secondary
winding. This effect is called inductive.
If a load is connected to the secondary, current will flow in the secondary winding, and
electrical energy will be transferred from the primary circuit through the transformer to
the load. In an ideal transformer, the induced voltage in the secondary winding (Vs) is in
proportion to the primary voltage (Vp) and is given by the ratio of the number of turns in
the secondary (Ns) to the number of turns in the primary (Np) as follows:
Figure 1.1: Relationship between current, magnetic field strength and flux
A transformer is a static piece of apparatus used for transferring power from one circuit
to another at a different voltage, but without change in frequency. It can raise or lower the
voltage with a corresponding decrease or increase of current.
Δ𝐵 Δ𝐵
Vp = -Np A Vs = -Ns A
Δt Δt
Vs Ns
= Np
Vp
Figure 1.2: Transformer schematic
A Current in the primary winding produces a magnetic field in the core. The magnetic
field is almost totally confined in the iron core and couples around through the secondary
coil. The induced voltage in the secondary winding is also given by Faraday’s law
Δ𝐵
Vs = -Ns A --- (2)
Δt
The rate of change of flux is the same as that in primary winding. Dividing equation (2)
by (1) gives
Vs Ns
=
Vp Np
In Figure 2, the primary and secondary coils are shown on separate legs of the magnetic
circuit so that we can easily understand how the transformer works. Actually, half of the
primary and secondary coils are wound on each of the two legs, with sufficient insulation
between the two coils and the core to properly insulate the windings from one another and
the core. A transformer wound, such as in Figure 2, will operate at a greatly reduced
effectiveness due to the magnetic leakage. Magnetic leakage is the part of the
magnetic flux that passes through either one of the coils, but not through both. The larger
the distance between the primary and secondary windings, the longer the magnetic circuit
and the greater the leakage. The following figure shows actual construction of a single
phase transformer.
In addition to the voltage equation, a power equation expressing the volt-ampere rating in
terms of the other input parameters is also used in transformer design. Specifically, the
form of the equation is
VA = 4.44×f×N×Bmax×Acore×J×Acond
Where, N, Bmax, Acore and f are as defined above, J is the current density (A/ sq. mm),
and Acond is the coil cross-sectional area (mm2) in the core window; of the conducting
material for primary winding. J depends upon heat dissipation and cooling.
Winding Construction
Core Assembly
Core & Winding(Coil) Assembly (CCA)
Tapping &Tap Changer
Drying Process
Tank Construction
Tanking & Final Fitting
Fittings & Accessories
Painting
Oil Filling & Filtration
Testing
Conducting material is used in the windings of the transformer. Usually the windings are
in concentrically to minimize the flux leakages. There are two types of windings. The
coils are wound on the limbs and are insulated from each other in the basic transformer
the two windings wound on the two different limbs. Due to this leakage flux increases
which affects the transformer efficiency or performance so it should be necessary that
the windings should be very close to each other to increase the mutual inductance.
Such cylindrical coils are used in core type transformers and sandwich coils are very
commonly used in shell type transformer here each high voltage winding lies between
two low voltage windings such subdivisions of windings into small portions reduce the
flux leakages.
Transformer windings are designed to meet three fundamental requirements, viz.
mechanical, thermal and electrical. They are cylindrical in shape and are assembled
concentrically. Paper insulated conductors of high conductivity & soft drawn E.C. Grade
copper is used which comply with the latest Indian as well as international Standards.
Windings are made with great care by well experienced skilled workers in dust free &
temperature controlled environment.
Insulation between layers and turns is based upon the electrical and mechanical strength
level. Interlayer cooling ducts (Axial & Radial) are provided to minimize the temperature
gradient between windings and oil, and hence the hot spot temperature is kept to a
minimum. This also ensures that the rate of insulation deterioration is minimized and
high life expectancy is achieved.
Helical/Layer windings are most suitable for low voltage windings of large power
transformers to mitigate high current design requirement. For High voltage windings the
disc coils with excellent mechanical strength are used to take the stresses due to voltage
level. Special interleaved or shielded construction offers most uniform voltage
Resistive loss can be lessened by reducing the number of winding turns, by increasing the
cross-sectional area of the turn conductor, or by a combination of both. Reducing the
number of turns requires an increase in 8m, i.e. an increase in the core cross-section,
which increases the iron weight and iron loss. So load loss can be traded against iron loss
and vice versa. Increased frame size requires reduced winding length to compensate and
thus retain the same impedance, although as already explained there will be a reduction in
the number of turns (which was the object of the exercise) by way of partial
compensation. Reduction of the winding axial length means that the core leg length is
reduced, which also offsets the increase in core weight resulting from the increased frame
size to some extent. There is thus a band of one or two frame sizes for which loss
variation is not too great, so that optimum frame size can be chosen to satisfy other
factors, such as ratio of fixed to load losses or transport height.
The paths of eddy currents in winding conductors are complex. The effect of leakage flux
within the transformer windings results in the presence of radial and axial flux changes at
any given point in space and any moment in time.These induce voltages which cause
currents to flow at right angles to the changing fluxes. The magnitude of these currents
can be reduced by increasing the resistance of the path through which they flow, and this
can be effected by reducing the total cross-sectional area of the winding conductor or by
subdividing this conductor into a large number of strands insulated from each other. (In
the same way as laminating the core steel reduces eddy current losses in the core). The
Core is built with Cold Rolled Grain Oriented Silicon Steel, low loss silicon steel
lamination . Bonded core design/ technique is used to eliminate hole punching and to
minimize fixed losses and Magnetizing Current. Use of HiB grade & Laser scribed
Laminations and Rigid clamps significantly reduce vibrations and noise level. Cooling
ducts are provided in large transformers for efficient circulation of oil to keep
temperature of core well within limit without affecting the flux distortion and also in the
core suitable insulation paper are inserted between some laminations for the purpose of
reducing eddy currents and also minimizing magnetic short circuit.
Core of the transformer is either in square or rectangular in size. It is further divided into
two parts. The vertical position of the core is limbs and horizontal position of the core is
yoke of the core. Core is made up of laminations to reduce the eddy current losses get
minimized. This lamination is insulated by using insulations line varnish or thick paper.
Paper insulation is used for low voltage transformer and varnish is used for high voltage
transformer.
The step lap or Mitred joints at the core corners ensure a stream line magnetic flux path.
The core limb are held with resin bonded glass bands to eliminate limb bolts. Yokes are
clamped by solid mild steel plates with yoke stud ensuring high rigidity for withstanding
mechanical socks during transportation & Short Circuits. The leg core in a which hard
wooden bars are inserted, are tighten with synthetic resin impregnated fibre glass tape.
The transformer core is closed magnetic circuit built up of thin laminations of electrical
sheet steel. It is intended to concentrate the main magnetic flux linking with the winding
and consists of limbs which carry the windings and yokes which close the magnetic
circuit. The core laminations are insulated from one another by a film of heat-resistant
coating or varnish, or by a combination of both. There may be forms of magnetic circuit:
the shell type and the core type.
A magnetic circuit of the shell types is branched: there are two yokes per limb, which
encircle the limbs on both sides. As the magnetic flux leaves a limbs, it branches off into
two parts, therefore, in shell-type transformers, the cross-sectional area of the limbs is
twice that of the yokes. The limbs and yokes are rectangular in section, which
necessitates the use of rectangular disk windings. Because of the insufficient strength of
such windings in the event of short circuits, complications in assembly and also
somewhat greater mass of the shell-type magnetic circuits as compared with the core
types circuits using cylindrical windings, the shell type in the Soviet Union is employed
only for single-phase transformers in household appliances and for some special-purpose
transformers.
The core is built horizontally by stacking laminations, usually two or three per lay, on a
jig or stillage. The lay-down sequence must take account of the need to alternate the
lengths of plates to provide the necessary overlaps at the mitred corners as shown in
shows a large core being built in the manufacturer’s works. The clamping frames for top
and bottom yokes will be incorporated into the stillage but this must also provide support
and rigidity for the limbs until the core has been lifted into the vertical position for the
fitting of the windings. Without clamping bolts the limbs have little rigidity until the
windings have been fitted so the stillage must incorporate means of providing this. The
windings when assembled onto the limbs will not only provide this rigidity, in some
designs the hard synthetic resin-bonded paper (s.r.b.p.) tube onto which the inner winding
is wound provides the clamping for the leg laminations. With this form of construction
the leg is clamped with temporary steel bands which are stripped away progressively as
the winding is lowered onto the leg at the assembly stage. Fitting of the windings requires
that the top yoke be removed and the question can be asked as to why it is necessary to
build it in place initially. The answer is that some manufacturers have tried the process of
core building without the top yokes and have found that the disadvantages outweigh the
saving in time and cost of assembly. If the finished core is to have the lowest possible
loss then the joints between limbs and yokes must be fitted within very close tolerances.
Building the core to the accuracy necessary to achieve this without the top yoke in place
is very difficult. Once the windings have been fitted the top yoke can be replaced,
suitably interlaced into the projecting ends of the leg laminations, followed by the top
core frames. Once these have been fitted, together with any tie bars linking top and
bottom yokes, axial clamping can be applied to the windings to compress them to their
correct length.
The reason we laminate the iron cores in transformers is because we want to limit what
are called eddy currents. Transformers are basically two coils of wire wrapped around a
core of iron. They work by induction. Induction occurs when current flows in one
conductor (or one set of windings in the transformer) and the magnetic field that forms
around that conductor (that set of windings) sweeps the other conductor (the other set of
windings) and induces a voltage. In order to increase the effectiveness of the transformer,
we need to improve the way the magnetic fields are coupled from one set of windings to
the other set. Iron conducts magnetic lines of force well, so we use that to help conduct
the magnetic lines of force from coil A to coil B. Problem is, iron is also a conductor, and
L.V. Windings are normally placed near core over insulating cylinder and oil ducts. HV
Windings are assembled co-axially placed with respect to LV. Spacers between coils are
'T' shaped for added firmness. Coils are assembled with best insulating materials and are
adequately clamped. SPA methodology is now a day widely adopted to have it's special
beneficial characteristics. The winding is rigidly supported by a common spacer ring of
densified wood at the top and bottom for precise alignment. Well profiled angled rings
are placed between LV & HV windings to reduce voltage stress level. The ends &
tapping leads of all windings are connected by special extra flexible, insulated copper
cables which are rigidly braced in position.
The core- coil assembly is placed in Vacuum Auto Enclave to eliminate moisture content
which is targeted less than 0.5 % moisture. Drying process is to be carried out @ 90°C &
respective vacuum cycle at rated interval to improve Insulation resistance and remove
ingress of moisture in insulation material.
Drying of grain involves exposing grain to air with low relative humidity (RH) which
will lead to evaporation of the moisture in the grain and then the moisture’s removal
away from the grain. Since drying practices can have a big impact on grain or seed
quality, it is important to understand some fundamentals of grain drying.
There are three different drying periods which will occur consecutively in time:
By using the 18% MC and the drying curve characteristics as a guideline, a few
recommendations can be made in regard to grain drying procedures. These guidelines can
be used regardless whether grain is dried in the sun or by using artificial grain dryers.
Above 18% MC the grain drying rate can be increased (that is, drying will occur faster)
by providing a higher temperature or more drying air without major changes in grain
temperature. Below 18%MC increase in drying air temperature will not increase the
drying rate but will increase grain temperatures and potentially damage the grain.
Therefore, higher drying air temperatures can be used to dry grain quickly down to 18%
MC (to remove "surface moisture") but lower temperatures should be used to remove
internal moisture from the grain.For seed purposes, drying air temperatures should never
exceed 43ºC, regardless of the MC, to avoid overheating of the grain which kills the
germ. Exposing paddy to 60ºC for one hour can reduce the seed germination rate from
95% to 30%. Two hours at 60ºC will reduce the germination rate to 5%.
When the drying of grain is temporarily stopped the moisture within the grain equalizes
due to diffusion. When drying is restarted, the drying rate becomes higher compared to
continuous drying. The process of stopping intermittently is called tempering. In addition
during tempering the moisture differences between grains equalize. Tempering therefore
also ensures that moisture gradients in the grain bulk that develop during drying in certain
dryer types are minimized.To maintain grain quality, including a tempering period is
recommended to allow for redistribution of internal moisture in the grain. In modern re-
circulating grain dryers, grain is not dried continuously but goes through a cycle of
drying followed by tempering. This improves drying rates, grain quality and reduces
energy costs.
Small capacity tanks are fabricated from sheet steel while larger ones are assembled with
cast aluminium. For cooling purpose the tank is welded with cooling tubes. These are
some types of transformer tanks.
Protection of active part in transformer is very important. While achieving the optimized
size of transformer to suit the site condition for installation. The main role of the tank is
to protect the active part and tank is manufacture to have sufficient strengths to withstand
internal & external faults that may occur during operation. Tanks are fabricated from low
carbon M.S. Sheet of best quality proceed by qualified welders. The tank is designed to
withstand vacuum and pressure test as per Indian / International standards. A robust skid
under base is provided, and guide bars are located inside the tank to securely fix the core
and windings assembly in position, and to prevent any movement during transportation.
Dried out Core & Coil Assembly is tightened before application of hot oil shrinkaging for
24 hours. The oil shrinkaging process avoids looseness of active parts during it's service
at site. At last uniform pressing is done on Core & Coil Assembly. High mechanical
rigidity is achieved by hydraulic pressing at circulated force and tightening all pressure
screws. Pressed Core & Coil Assembly is put in to the tank with proper locating &
locking arrangements which is of prime importance to achieve high resistivity against
transient damages, vibrations during service and Forces develop during fault occurrence.
After completion of Core & Coil Assembly insertion in tank, hot, degassed oil is then
allowed into the transformer tank under vacuum. This oil is then circulated through the
transformer and the oil degassing plant until all gas trapped in the core, windings, and the
insulation is removed. This ensures a high degree of stability in the insulation structure
and early attainment of its mature condition, which would not otherwise be achieved until
the transformer had been in service for some time.
2.8.5 Valves
Every transformer is provided with drain cum filter valve at bottom of tank, and filter
valve at top of the tank. Valves are fitted with plugs/blanking plates to stop oil coming
out.
Mainly two types of valves are provided.
1. Wheel valves.
2. Butterfly valves.
The wheel valves are used either with female screw threads or with flanges. These are of
gun metal/cast iron type.
Generally, one isolating valve also known as shut off valves is provided for transformer
up to 2000KVA between conservator and buchholz relay.
The butterfly type cast steel valves with the machined flanges are used at points of
connection between tank and detachable radiators.
2.9 Painting
Metal which has been pre-treated by means of shot blasting to remove rust and welding
scale is thoroughly cleaned, and then a coat of epoxy zinc chromate primer paint is
immediately applied to all external surfaces. This anticorrosive primer has rust inhibitive
properties and excellent chemical resistance. Two coats of Epoxy or PU paint , which is
highly resistant to chemicals and oil, are then applied. Inside surface of the tank is
applied with HOR paint.
All the Transformers are supplied with first filling of oil conforming to IS 335. Before
filling, oil is heated, filtered and vacuum treated in filter machine to remove any foreign
particles, moisture and air.
Before dispatch, each and every transformer is subjected to all routine tests as specified
by IS/IEC/BS/ANSI standards.
Current transformers and Potential transformer are very important equipments of any
power system for metering and protection. Failure of these equipments will cause
After performing transformer sound level measurement, the machine is de-energised and
background noise level is measured again; At the end, the final transformer sound level
shall result by applying a correction by taking into account the lower background noise
level. In case there is a high difference between the transformer and background noise
level (>8 dB) no correction shall be applied.
The average temperature rise shall be determined by means of the variation of winding
resistance. The core temperature rise shall be determined by use of a thermometer. All the
carries at rated conditions shall be performed in accordance with IEC 60726.
a. Core movement
b. Winding deformation and displacement
c. Faulty Core ground
d. Partial winding collapse
e. Hoop buckling
f. Broken or loosened clamping structures
g. Shorted turns and open winding
This section illustrated procedure for installation & Commissioning of our transformers.
A format of “Commissioning Report” is included at the end of this section. Results of
various pre commissioning tests as well as well as confirmation of check point are to be
recorded in this report. This Report then would saver as a handy record for future
reference.
3.1 Installation
3.1.1 Location
The transformer should be kept in a well ventilated place, free from excessive dust,
corrosive fumes etc. Adequate ventilation is necessary for tank radiators so that they can
dissipate heat. There should be clear space of about 1.25 m on all sides of the
transformers if it is enclosed in a room.
3.1.2 Foundation
Foundation should be firm, horizontal and dry. Where rollers are fitted, suitable rails
should be provided.
3.1.6 Bushing
Clean the bushings and check that there are no hair-cracks or other damages. Test IR
value of each bushing with a 500V Megger. It should be 100 M ohms or greater. Note
details of Bushings in the “Commissioning Report.” Mount all the bushings as described
in 2.6. Ensure that the test tap cap is fully tightened, thus positively grounding the same.
3.1.9 Breathers
Note details of Breathers, in the “Commissioning Report.” If OLTC is provided, it may
have its own separate breather. Note details of these Breathers also in the
“Commissioning Report”. Check that the colour of silica Gel in Main Breather is Blue.
Remove the rubber cap closing the breather pipe and fit the breather. Fill oil in the oil cup
and remove the seal which closes the breather opening. Similarly mount the OLTC
breather.
3.2 Commissioning
(1) Its voltage ratio is same as the existing transformer on all tappings.
(2) Its % Impedance is within +1% of value of existing transformer.
NOTE: Due to difference in % impedances, when one transformer reaches its rated load,
the other would share less than its rated load. As a result, the combination can supply
load less than the sum of the two KVAs.
(3) Rated KVAs of the two transformers to be connected in parallel should not differ
by more than 1:3 as otherwise only marginal increase will be obtained in the
capacity of the combination.
(4) Vector group is compatible. If the vector groups of the two are such that terminals
to be paralleled have a phase different then they can not be connected in parallel.
Hence only certain Vector Groups are compatible with each other.
If possible, one should check zero voltage between the corresponding phases to be
paralleled.
Other controlling and protecting equipments like C.T.s, Breakers, relays etc. from a part
of the transformer installation. Note their details in “Commissioning Report”
After completing installation and pre-commissioning tests, check that the various points
mentioned in the “Commissioning Report” have been complied with. Compliance
nothings should be made in the “Commissioning Report”.
3.5 Energising
When all the pre-commissioning tests are found satisfactory and all the check points are
confirmed the transformer can be energized on No load. It is preferable to keep settings
of all protective relays to the minimum. The transformer should be allowed to run on No-
Load for about 3 hours. During this period, the transformer should be observed for any
abnormality in the hum and gas collection in the Buchholz Relay. Sometimes during this
4.1 OPERATION
I.S.2026-1977 states that a Power Transformers loaded at its rated KVA will fulfill its
normal life when its hottest spot temperature [ H.S.T.] is 98˙C for an air temperature of
32˙C As the ambient air temperature exceeds 32˙C the H.S.T. exceeds 98˙C The
insulation ageing { which decides the life of transformer}increased with increase of
H.S.T. increase of H.S.T. by 6˙C doubles the rate of ageing { i.e. reduces the life by
50%}. When the ambient air temperature is lower than 32˙C the H.S.T. is lower than
98˙C. The insulation ageing decreases thus increases the life of transformer.
It is considered {by the I.S. 6600-1973} that periods of accelerated ageing due to higher
ambient temperature are compested by the period of reduced ageing due to lower ambient
temperature.
Some times a transformer may be required to deliver load higher than its rating. Guidance
on overloading it provided by I.S. 6600 Basis for the recommendation is an follows.
In a 24 hours loading. If ambient temperature is low and loaded for a substantial time
duration is also low a short time over load may be permitted such that equivalent aging
due to this varying load will be the same as that of loading over a period of 24 hours.
4.2 Maintenance
4.2.1 General
Compared to most electrical equipments transformer requires relatively less maintenance.
However in order to obtain a long and trouble free service from the transformer. It must
be properly maintained. Maintenance consist of regular inspection testing and
reconditioning When necessary. Principal object of maintenance is to maintain the
insulation in good condition. Moisture dirt and high temperature causes insulation
deterioration i.e. ageing. Hence they must be prevented.
No work should be done on the transformer unless It is disconnected from all external
circuits and all windings have been solidly earthed.Naked lights and flames should be
kept well away from the transformer.
Precautions must be taken to secure tools with tapes to prevent them from falling inside
the tank.Maintenance hints on main constituents of the transformer are given in the
following paragraph.Recommended frequency of maintenance is given at the end of the
chapter. Detailed guidance on Maintenance is given in I. S. 10028 { part-II} – 1981.