Institute of Technology of Cambodia

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OF CAMBODIA

Department: Génie Electrique et Energétique

Group: I4-EE_B
Report
“Distribution Transformer”
Subject : Electrical Machinery
Lecturer : Mr. SEAN Piseth

Student’s name ID
NON Mono e20181652
SEM Wathanakvichear e20160591
SRENG Sovann Devith e20160675
YEAM Sreng e20160822

Academic Year 2019-2020

Contents
I. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1) Objectives......................................................................................................................................... 1
2) History.............................................................................................................................................. 1
II. Body.................................................................................................................................................. 5
1) Purposes ........................................................................................................................................... 5
2) Operations ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3) Types ................................................................................................................................................ 7
1. Mounting Location...................................................................................................................... 7
2. The type on insulation and its cooling method (Oil-type and Dry-type): .............................. 8
3. Number of Phase ....................................................................................................................... 13
4. Voltage Class ............................................................................................................................. 15
4) Applications ................................................................................................................................... 15
III. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 18
1) Summary........................................................................................................................................ 18
2) References ...................................................................................................................................... 18
 Institute of Technology of Cambodia

I. Introduction
1) Objectives
 To know the revolution of Power Transformer and Distribution Transformer.
 To Understand it operation of their system
 To know their impact of each type
 The practice uses of Distribution Transformer.

2) History
The development of transformer:
- 1830s - Michael Faraday work with electromagnets and discover the property of
induction independently on separate continents.

Figure: Experiment of emf

- 1836 - Rev. Nicholas Callan of Maynooth College, Ireland invents the induction
coil.

Figure: Rev. and his innovation

- 1876 - Pavel Yablochkov uses induction coils in his lighting system.

- 1878 -1883 - The Ganz Company (Budapest, Hungary) uses induction coils in
their lighting systems with AC incandescent systems. This is the first appearance and
use of the toroidal shaped transformer.

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- 1881 - Charles F. Brush of the Brush Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio

develops his own design of transformer (source: Brush Transformers Inc.)

- 1880-1882 - Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (English born with an Italian parent)

designs one of the earliest AC power systems with William Thomson (Lord
Kelvin). He creates an early transformer. Gaulard and Gibbs later design a similar
transformer and loose the patent suit in English court to Ferranti.

Figure: A prototype of Transformer

- 1882 - Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs first built a "secondary generator" or
in today's terminology a step down transformer which they designed with open iron
core, the invention was not very efficient to produce. It had a linear shape which did
not work efficiently. It was first used in a public exhibition in Italy in 1884 where the
transformer brought down high voltage for use to light incandescent and arc lights.
Later they designed a step up transformer. Gaulard (French) was the engineer and
Gibbs (English) was the businessman behind the initiative. They sold the patents to
Westinghouse. Later they lost rights to the patent when Ferranti (also from England)
took them to court.
- 1884 - In Hungary Ottó Bláthy had suggested the use of closed-cores, Károly
Zipernowsky the use of shunt connections, and Miksa Déri had performed the
experiments. They found the major flaw of the Gaulard-Gibbs system were
successful in making a high voltage circuit work using transformers in parallel. Their
design was a toroidal shape which made it expensive to make. Wires could not be
easily wrapped around it by machine during the manufacturing process.

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Figure: Ottó Bláthy, Károly Zipernowsky and Miksa Déri with their innovation.
- 1885 - George Westinghouse orders a Siemens alternator (AC generator) and a
Gaulard and Gibbs transformer. Stanley begin experimenting with this system.

- 1885 - William Stanley makes the transformer more practical due to some design
changes: "Stanley's first patented design was for induction coils with single cores of
soft iron and adjustable gaps to regulate the EMF present in the secondary winding.
This design was first used commercially in the USA in 1886". William Stanley
explains to Franklin L. Pope (advisor to Westinghouse and patent lawyer) that is
design was salable and a great improvement. Pope disagrees but Westinghouse
decides to trust Stanley anyway.
- George Westinghouse and William Stanley create a transformer that is practical to
produce (easy to machine and wind in a square shape, making a core of E shaped
plates) and comes in both step up and step down variations. George Westinghouse
understood that to make AC power systems successful the Gaulard design had to be
changed. The toroidal transformer used by the Ganz Company in Hungary and Gibbs
in England were very expensive to produce (there was no easy way to wind wire
around an iron ring without hand labor).
- 1886 - William Stanley uses his transformers in the electrification of downtown
Great Barrington, MA.This was the first demonstration of a full AC power
distribution system using step and step down transformers.

Figure: William Stanley and his usable Transformer

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- 1889 - Russian-born engineer Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky developed the first

three-phase transformer in Germany at AEG. He had developed the first three phase
generator one year before. Dobrovolsky used his transformer in the first powerful
complete AC system (Alternator + Transformer + Transmission + Transformer +
Electric Motors and Lamps) in 1891.
- 1880s - today - Transformers are improved by increasing efficiency, reducing size,
and increasing capacity.
Conclusion
The property of induction was discovered in the 1830's. but it wasn't until 1886 that
William Stanley, working for Westinghouse built the first reliable commercial
transformer. His work was built upon some rudimentary designs by the Ganz
Company in Hungary (ZBD Transformer 1878), and Lucien Gaulard and John
Dixon Gibbs in England. Nikola Tesla did not invent the transformer as some dubious
sources have claimed. The Europeans mentioned above did the first work in the field.
George Westinghouse, Albert Schmid, Oliver Shallenberger and Stanley made the
transformer cheap to produce, and easy to adjust for final use.

Figure: The Revolution of Transformer

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II. Body
1) Purposes

Figure: Where the Distribution Transformer Located.

Distribution transformers are the last port of call on a distribution grid. The grid will
soak up high amounts of electrical energy and distribute it accordingly for the customer,
be it household or commercial use.
The distribution transformer is type of transformer that is responsible for outputting
the correct voltage. It converts the voltage from the transmission lines and delivers it for
domestic or industrial usage.
As we know, distribution transformers are used for the correct distribution of
electrical energy to the necessary consumer. Typically, it’s needed to manage the voltage
output (often at a low level). For instance, industrial purposes may require a low voltage
of less than 33KV whilst more domestic users only need between 220v-440v.
Not only do distribution transformers help to distribute the correct levels of energy
but they combat energy waste and core losses too which is critical for today’s climate.
Furthermore, it has some special characteristic such as:
 It works at low efficiency at 50-70%
 Small size
 Easy installation
 Low magnetic losses
 It is not always fully loaded

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2) Operations

A schematic drawing of a single-phase distribution transformer appears in Fig. below.

The single-phase distribution transformer consists of a primary winding and a secondary
winding wound on a laminated steel core. If the load is disconnected from the secondary
winding of the transformer and a high voltage is applied to the primary winding of the
transformer, a magnetizing current will flow in the primary winding. If we assume the
resistance of the primary winding is small, which is usually true, this current is limited by
the counter voltage of self-induction induced in the highly inductive primary winding. The
windings of the transformer are constructed with sufficient turns in each winding to limit
the no-load or exciting current and produce a counter voltage approximately equal to the
applied voltage. The exciting current magnetizes, or produces a magnetic flux in the steel
transformer core. The magnetic flux reverses each half cycle as a result of the alternating
voltage applied to the primary winding. The magnetic flux produced cuts the turns of the
primary and secondary windings. This action induces a counter voltage in the primary
winding and produces a voltage in the secondary winding. The voltages induced in each
turn of the primary and secondary winding coils will be approximately equal, and the
voltage induced in each winding will be equal to the voltage per turn multiplied by the
number of turns.
So, due to the fact that a distribution transformer has no moving parts, the concept of
how it works is fairly simple. The main body of the transformer houses two or more coils
of insulated wires wound on a steel core. As soon as voltage is introduced to one of the
coils (Primary/Input Coil), the core magnetizes. As a result, voltage transfers into the other
coil (Secondary/Output Coil). It’s down to the turn ratio of the two coils to determine the
change in voltage levels and final distribution.

Figure: Schema of a single-Phase Transformer

NOTE: Of cause the next point (Type) we going to discuss about their operation base on
the type.

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3) Types

We can do the classification of a Distribution transformer base on:

1. Mounting Location

We also need a suitable place but with this we also need a right type of
transformer to suitable with the space or place we locate it too.
For Distribution transformer also have 3 type of mounting location:
 Pole: the transformer which install on the electrical pillar.

Figure: Pole (3phase), Pad(3phase) and Underground vault distribution transfomer

 Pad: the transformer which install on the ground level.

 Underground vault: the transformer which install underground level

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2. The type on insulation and its cooling method (Oil-type and Dry-type):
2.1.Oil-Type Distribution Transformer

Figure: Single phase Function of Oil in Oil-Type Transformer

The main function of insulating oil in a transformer is to provide electrical
insulation between the various energized parts; it also acts as a protective coating
layer to prevent oxidation of the metal surfaces.
Other Function:
1. Liquid insulation between the windings and other parts of transformer;
2. Cooling system;
3. Protection from oxygen and cellulose interaction.
Operation of Oil type transformer (3phase) and its component’s function:

Figure: Hermetic oil transformer component function (1)

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(10) : Low Voltage Winding Connection

(11) : High Voltage Winding connection
(12) : Laminate Steel Core Upper Yoke
(13) : Low Voltage Insulated Winding
(14) : High Voltage Insulated Winding
(15) : Neutral Connection
(16) : Laminate Steal Core Limb
(17) : Laminate Steal Core Lower Yoke
(18) : Heat exchnage Radiator
(19) : Tank.

Figure: Hermetic oil transformer component function (2)

Figure: Hermetic oil transformer component function (3)

(3) : Oil filling Pipe

(4) : Low Voltage Bushing Connection

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(5) : High Voltage Bushing Connection

(6) : Temperature Gauge
A gauge is used to indicate the oil
temperature of the oil. Transformers
typically have two areas of temperature
measurement, these are, ‘top oil’ and
‘winding’. The gauge displayed is for local
visual indication only although the
temperature may be relayed to a remote
location.
Top oil temperature measurement
indicates the temperature of the oil at the
top of the tank. The oil temperature is
measured at the top because it is the hottest
area for the oil (heat rises due to natural
convection). Figure: Component (6)and (7)
Winding temperature measurements are usually taken from the low
voltage side as this is the area closest to the core and thus is the hottest. The
temperature sensor can be used to activate fans if a high temperature is reached,
activate a high temperature alarm which is relayed to a remote location, or,
automatically shut-down the transformer.
(7) : Gas Accuated Relay
gas actuated relay is utilised to shut-down the transformer should an internal fault
occur. An internal fault such as a short-circuit, will create an arc in the insulating
medium (normally oil) which will create gasses. These gasses rise to the top of
the tank, then activate the relay, which causes a shut-down of the transformer.
The gas actuated relay is an important protection device as any major fault may
lead to catastrophic failure if the transformer is not quickly isolated.
Gas relays and Buchholz relays are often mentioned intermittently without any
clear definition between the two. It should be noted though, that a Buchholz relay
has three functions whilst a gas actuated relay has only one.
2.2.Dry-Type Distribution Transformer
A dry-type transformer has no moving parts and is a completely static solid-state
device, under normal operating conditions, are usually insure a long and trouble-free life.
In general, choosing a distribution transformer are most take Dry-type insulation
transformer. Because Distribution transformer use in the range of low voltage so there no
need such material (oil) to prevent excited

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Figure : Dry-Type Insulation D-T

Dry type transformers are also the most technologically advanced,
designed for the severe conditions present in:
 Chemical processing, offshore platforms for oil wells, offshore drilling
platforms, marine applications, container cranes at seaports.
 Heavy industrial applications: wind power generation, underground
railways, stations and underground mines in non-classified areas. Rectifiers
and frequency converters for AC motors. Power plants for auxiliary
services and excitation transformer systems.
Operation of Dry type transformer (3phase) and its component’s function:

Figure: three phase cast resin Distribution Transformer Environment.

(3): Low Voltage Terminal
The low voltage windings connect to an exterior bus bar or cables via the LV terminals.

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(4): Laminate Steel Core

The steel laminate core shown here is a
tree limb core. The core consists of many flat
metal laminate sheets pressed together. The
metal of each laminate sheet is cold rolled
during manufacture in order to align the grains
and reduce eddy current losses.
(6): Core Limb
The connections between the core
yokes are called ‘Limbs’
(7): Straps
Straps are used to press the laminate sheets in
position and prevent movement of the sheets.
(8): Low Voltage Winding
LV winding are constructed of either
aluminum or copper. The LV winding are
always installed closest to the Limb. The
winding is held in place using insulated sheet
and adhesive.
Figure: Cross Section of D-T
(9): High Voltage Winding
HV winding are constructed of either
aluminum or copper. The HV winding are
always installed on the outside of the limb. The
Windings are held in place using insulated sheet
and adhesive.
(10): High Voltage Terminal The winding
configuration of the transformer can be partially set
using the bars on this side of the transformer. The HV
terminal connects the HV windings with the HV supply.
(11): Epoxy Resin
The outer casing is made of epoxy resin
and is designed to prevent moisture and foreign
particle ingress. Some designs are flame
resistant and will self-extinguish should a fire
occur.

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(12): Cooling Fans

Cooling fans may be used to increase the total available power output. A cooled
transformer has a higher kVA rating than an un-cooled transformer of the same size. This
type of cooling is referred to as ‘forced cooling’, or, ‘air forced (AF)’ cooling.
Conclusion
For choosing Dry-Type or Oil-Type we need to understand it will be located. As
we know the Oil Distribution also need a good maintanace.

3. Number of Phase

There are 2 type of Distribution transformer that base on Phase are:

 Single Phase Distribution Transformer
A single-phase transformer is a type of power
transformer that utilizes single-phase
alternating current, meaning the transformer
relies on a voltage cycle that operates in a
unified time phase. They are often used to
step-down long distance and localized
transmission currents into power levels more
suitable for residential and light-commercial
applications. The ratio of primary (input)
windings to secondary (output) windings
determines the change in current.
Note: we can use 3 single phase
transformers to create a 3phase transformer too by
connecting it to: ∆ 𝑜𝑟 𝑌

Figure: Combination of single phase to three phase of distribution transformer

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 Three Phase Distribution Transformer

Three phase transformers are designed
to supply electric power to three-phase
systems. These electrical devices have three
circuit conductors and may or may not have a
neutral wire. Three phase power is used by
electric power distribution grids and to power
large motors and other large loads.
Like other types of transformers, three
phase transformers are used to increase or
decrease the voltage from one side of the
transformer to the other. The turn ratio or
number of windings on the primary and
secondary sides of the device determines the
change in voltage. One-to-one three phase
transformers have a turn ratio of 1:1 or near
1:1. Variable transformers are three phase
devices with a setting for changing the turn
ratio as needed. Step-up transformers produce a secondary voltage that is larger
than the primary voltage. Step-down transformers have a secondary voltage that is
smaller than the primary voltage.
Three phase distribution transformer is connecting in ∆ − 𝑌. Because from
Substation transformer, its secondary coil also connected in ∆.
Three Phase Ideal transformer

Figure: ∆ − 𝑌 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
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In ∆ − 𝑌 connection, the primary line voltage is equal to the primary-phase

voltage 𝑉𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 = 𝑉𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 , While the secondary voltage are related by
𝑉𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 = √3𝑉𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 .

Then

𝑉𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑉𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 √3

= =
𝑉𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 √3𝑉𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑎

This Connection makes the secondary voltage lag the primary voltage by 30°.
4. Voltage Class
To classification the range of voltage that transformer can handle they are many
spec that we can find by using many standards by the manufacturer.
Example: ABB production (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001) they cartage oil-type
distribution transformer to 3 class of voltage:

Figure: Oil-Type Transformer from ABB manufacturer

4) Applications

Depending on the type of distribution transformer, they can be squeezed in to the

tightest of spaces; generally, you’ll find them in open and expansive spaces on solar or
wind farms, for example. Generally, you will see two different types of distribution
transformer: pole mounted (if transmission lines run above ground) and pad mounted
(transmission lines underground).

4.1. Testing Before installation:

Standard transformer tests performed for each unit include the following:
• Ratio, for voltage relationship;
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• Polarity for single- and 3-phase units (because single-phase power transformers are
sometimes connected in parallel and sometimes in a 3-phase bank);
• Phase relationship for 3-phase units (important when two or more power
transformers are operated in parallel);
• Excitation current, which relates to efficiency and verifies that core design is
correct;
• No-load core loss, which also relates to efficiency and correct core design;
• Resistance, for calculating winding temperature
• Impedance (via short circuit testing), which provides information needed for
breaker and/or fuse sizing and interrupting rating and for coordinating relaying schemes;
• Load loss, which again directly relates to the transformer’s efficiency;
• Regulation, which determines voltage drop when load is applied; and
• Applied and induced potentials, which verify dielectric strength.
There are additional tests that may be applicable, depending upon how and where the
transformer will be used. The additional tests that can be conducted include the following:

• Impulse (where lightning and switching surges are prevalent);

• Sound (important for applications in residential and office areas and that can be
used as comparison with future sound tests to reveal any core problems);
• Temperature rise of the coils, which helps ensure that design limits will not be
exceeded;
• Corona for medium voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) units, which helps
determine if the insulation system is functioning properly;
• Insulation resistance (meg-ohmmeter testing), which determines dryness of
insulation and is often done after delivery to serve as a benchmark for comparison against
future readings; and
• Insulation power factor, which is done at initial installation and every few years
thereafter to help determine the aging process of the insulation.

4.2. Protection

Grounding is necessary to remove static charges that may accumulate and also is
needed as a protection should the transformer windings accidentally come in contact with
the core or enclosure (or tank for wet types).

Figure: Grounding of a Distribution transformer enclosure to remove static charges.

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4.3. Distribution Transformer Maintenance

Annual tests are usually done while the transformer is in service, and consist of the
following:

1. Check the operation of the LTC mechanism for misalignment or excessive noise.
2. Take an oil sample from the LTC.
3. Inspect fan operation.
4. Check oil level in bushings
5. Make sure all control heaters are operating.

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III. Conclusion
1) Summary

Distribution transformer is the type of transformer that used to step down the high
voltage that get from substation to low rated voltage such as 480 or 230v to supply the
industries or domestics. Its operating is like the step-down transformer that get high voltage
in the primary side then produce low rate in secondary side. The types of DT are be
classifier in 4 class such as mounting location, type on insolation, number of phases, and
voltage class. DT are generally used in distribution station, also for industries, building
domestic purposes and for transporting to rural areas as well.

2) References

 Maury K. (2009), The Power Maker: Steam, Electricity, and The Men Who invented
Modern America.
 William S. (1912), Alternative Current Development in America.
 Stephen J. Chapman (2005), Electrical Machinery Fundamental (4th ed.). Chapter 2:
Transformer, p. 65-143.
 Installation guid for Distribution Transformer by Wilson power solution
 https://www.3d-knowledge.com/electrical-machinery.html
 Rao S. Z. (2015), Distribution Transformer. Retrieved December 30, 2019, from
Slideshare website:
https://www.slideshare.net/RaoSaimZafar/distribution-transformers-52102648
 Engr M. I. (2015). Distribution Transformer. Retrived December 30, 2019, from
slideshare website:
https://www.slideshare.net/EngrMuhammadImran/distribution-transformer-56063921
 Richard A. (2001), Distribution Transformer Handbook (3rd ed), California.
 Stylianos K. (2009), Distribution Transformer And Maintenance.

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