Transformers :

Principle, Ratings & Sizing, Constructional

Details, Accessories etc.

Nilanjan Tewari
Asst. Professor
VIT University
 Introduction
The transformer is a static device that transfers electrical energy from
one electrical circuit to another electrical circuit through the medium of
magnetic field by the principle of electromagnetic induction without a change
in the frequency. It usually steps up or steps down electrical energy from one
voltage level to another voltage level.

In small sizes, single phase transformers are used. For large ratings,
3phase transformers are more common.

The electric circuit that receives energy from the supply mains is called
primary winding and the other circuit which delivers electric energy to the load is
called the secondary winding. The primary and secondary windings of a transformer
are not connected electrically but coupled magnetically.
Working Principle
Working Principle (Cont.)
 Connection diagram of a transformer

o The electric circuit that receives energy from the supply mains is called primary winding
and the other circuit which delivers electric energy to the load is called the secondary.
o We consider a lossless transformer with an input (primary) winding having Np turns and a
secondary winding of Ns turns.
o The relationship between the voltage applied to the primary winding vp(t) and the voltage
produced on the secondary winding vs(t) is

v p (t ) Np
 a
v s (t ) Ns
Connection diagram of a transformer (Cont.)

The relationship between the primary ip(t) and secondary is(t) currents is

i p (t ) 1

i s (t ) a

In the phasor notation,

Vp
a
Vs

Ip 1

Is a
Transformer Losses And Efficiency
 Transformer Voltage Regulation
Loading changes the output voltage of a transformer.
Transformer regulation is the measure of such a deviation.
Definition of % Regulation

Vnoload  RMS voltage across the load terminals without load.

Vload  RMS voltage across the load terminals with a specified load.

Since a real transformer contains series impedances, the transformer’s output

voltage varies with the load even if the input voltage is constant.
Note, the VR of an ideal transformer is zero
 Layout of Switchyard showing locations
of different Transformers in a TPS :
 Transformers installed in typical 210 MW TPS :

» Main Unit Step Up Transformer (Generator

Transformer) : stepping up the generator
terminal voltage (15.75 kV) to the Grid Voltage
level (220kV , 400 kV etc.) with an Off–Load
Tap Changer. The MVA capacity to be matched
with the generator capacity.

» Unit Auxiliary Transformer (UAT) : stepping

down the generator terminal voltage (15.75
KV) to the unit auxiliaries voltage level (6.6 kV)
with On–Load Tap Changer.

» Station Auxiliary Transformer (SAT) : stepping

down the Grid Voltage (220kV , 400 kV etc.) to
the station auxiliaries voltage level (6.6 kV)
with On–Load Tap Changer.
 Types of Transformer :
(1). As per construction :
(a) Core type transformer (b) Shell type transformer
Core Type 3–φ Transformer :
Shell Type 3–φ Transformer :
Core and Shell Type Transformer :
 Comparison of Core and Shell Types
of Transformers
 Construction
Core types are much simpler in design and permit easier
assembly, dismantle and insulation of windings.
The windings in core type transformers are more susceptible to
damage under short circuit conditions, than the windings of a shell type
transformers.

Electromagnetic forces on Transformer windings

Comparison of Core and Shell Types of
Transformers (contd.)

 Leakage Reactance
Due to large space required between the high and low
voltage windings, it is not easily possible to subdivide the windings
to a great extent in case of core types, while, in the shell types, the
windings can be easily subdivided by using sandwich coils. Thus it
is possible to reduce the leakage reactance of shell type
transformers to any desired value.
 Repairs
The windings of a core type transformer are completely
accessible except for a small portion in the window. But in a shell
type transformer, the coils are surrounded by core for a large
length and therefore it is great difficulty in inspection and repair of
coils.
Comparison of Core and Shell Types of
Transformers (contd.)
 Cooling
In case of core type transformer, the windings are exposed
and therefore the cooling is better in windings than in core.
In case of shell type transformer, the core is exposed and
therefore cooling is better in core than in winding.
Therefore, core type construction is universally followed
because it affords better heat dissipation facilities from a part
which is most prone to damage on account of heat dissipation.
 Types of Transformer (contd.) :

(2). As per phase : (b) 3–φ Transformer

» bank of 3 Nos. of
(a) 1–φ Transformer 1–φ Transformer

OR, single unit 3–φ Transformer

 Advantages of bank of three 1–φ units :

» Greater availability with a single standby.

» Ease of maintenance.
» Ease of manufacture, transportation and erection.

 Advantages of single unit 3–φ Transformer :

» Greater efficiency due to shorter magnetic path.

Consequently the volume of the core and hence the
core loss is smaller.
» Smaller size
» Less cost compared with a Bank having equal
kVA capacity of three 1–φ Transformer
 Types of Transformer (contd.) :
(4). As per winding :

(b) Two winding transformer

(c) Three winding transformer

 Tertiary Winding in Three-Winding Transformer :

(1). Reduces triple harmonic contents of output voltage thereby stabilizes

potential of neutral point.

(2). Suppresses 3rd harmonic current which causes communication interference.

(3). Permits the transformation of unbalanced 3–φ load.

(4). Reduces system zero sequence impedance for effective grounding.

(5). Supplies additional auxiliary load.

 Types of Transformer (contd.) :
(5). As per application :
Mainly two types ---

(a) Power Transformer

» rating above 2.5 MVA
» used in EHV and UHV systems with two-winding as well
as three-winding features
» used either as step-up and step-down transformer

(b) Distribution Transformer

» rating between 25 kVA to 315 kVA for pole mounting,

350kVA to 2.5 MVA for ground mounting type
» use in medium voltage systems (3.3 kV to 33 kV)
» used for distribution of power for domestic, commercial
and industrial purpose
Differences between Power Transformer
and Distribution Transformer :
Differences between Power Transformer
and Distribution Transformer (contd.) :
Differences between Power Transformer
and Distribution Transformer (contd.) :
Differences between Power Transformer
and Distribution Transformer (contd.) :
 All–Day Efficiency
 Power Transformers (PT) are manipulated to operate almost always at or near their
rated capacity (kVA ratings). Therefore, PT’s are disconnected during light load
periods. In view of this, a PT is designed to have maximum efficiency at or near full
load (rated) kVA.
 Hence the choice of PT’s out of a large numbers of competing transformers, should
be based on full load efficiency.
 A PT does not come in direct contact with the consumer’s terminals, whereas a DT
must have its secondary directly connected with the consumer’s terminals. The load
on a DT varies over a wide range during a 24 hour day.
 The primary of DT’s are always energised, and, therefore the core loss takes place
continously. In view of this, DT’s are designed to have very low value of core loss.
But, for reduced core loss, the maximum efficiency may occur at about one-half of its
rated kVA.
 Thus, a DT should not be judged by its full load efficiency, which is usually much less
than its maximum efficiency. However, the choice of a DT, out of a large number of
competing transformers, can be based on energy efficiency recognised as “All-Day
Efficiency”, where energy efficiency is computed for a day of 24 hours.
 All-Day Efficiency = 1 – (Losses in kWh in a day / Input in kWh in a day)
Transformer Specifications :

(1). kVA / MVA rating

(2). Rated Voltage
(3). No. of phases
(4). Rated Frequency
(5). Connections
(6). Tappings
Name Plate Details :
(1). IS standard – IS:2026:1962 etc.
(2). Manufacturer’s Name.
(3). Serial No.
(4). Rated kVA / MVA.
(5). Frequency.
(6). Number of phases.
(7). Rated voltage on no–load (HV/LV).
(8). Rated current (HV/LV).
(9). Impedance voltage in %.
(10). Winding connection – vector diagram.
(11). Type of cooling.
(12). Weight of core assembly and winding in Kgs.
(13). Total quantity and weight of insulating liquid.
(14). Weight of complete transformer.
(15). Temperature rise in oil.
(16). Year of manufacture.
(17). Customer reference.
Construction :
(01). Core
(02). Windings
(03). Tap Changers
(04). Tanks
(05). Bushings
(06). Auxiliary Equipments
(07). Cooling System
(08). Insulating Oil
(09). Conservator Tank
(10). Breather
(11). Radiators
(12). Buchholz Relay
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Basic Requirements of Core Materials
In a transformer energy is transferred
from one circuit to another through magnetic
field in the magnetic core.
Transformer core is made up of iron
sheets to reduce the reluctance of flux path, so
that little current is required to induce the flux.
Iron provides the benefits like,
> small magnetizing current.
> increase the total flux linkage.
> high ratio of mutual to linkage
flux resulting in reduction in
stray losses.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
Materials Used
• stack of M4, Hi–B grade CRGO laminated steel
sheets
• thickness : 0.30 mm to 0.50 mm
• 3% silicon iron steel. Steels with more than 5%
silicon becomes too hard and brittle for fabrication
purpose.
• The iron losses are minimized by using steel of
high silicon content for the core and by using thin
laminations .
• Ultra-efficient transformer cores made with new
generation amorphous metal alloy make lower
core losses possible. Amorphous metal distribution
transformers are key to improving utility
economics and enhancing energy conservation
efforts worldwide.
Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
IMPROVEMENT IN TRANSFORMER CORE MATERIALS
Year Type of Material Thickness Total Losses
(mm) (watts/kg)
1890 Laminated soft iron 0.35 5.90
1905 Enameled sheet steel 0.35 3.50
lamination
1910 3.25% hot-spilled silicon 0.35 1.75
steel
1925 4%silicon steel 0.35 1.40
1945 3.2% CRGO silicon steel 0.33 0.57
1970 3% CRGO silicon steel 0.30 0.40
1980 Amorphous core 0.30 0.25
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
• Merits of amorphous metal :
» New class of metal (metallic glass alloys
or Glassy Metal)
» High Dielectric strength
» Hardness, flexibility &Good Toughness
» Excellent Magnetic Properties
» Reduces 60 to 70 % core loss
( over CRGO Silicon steel)
» Suitable for Distribution Transformers
( low load factor, More number of
installed distribution transformers )

• Demerits of amorphous metal :

» Low space factor ( Larger core area - coil, tank)
» Lower magnetic saturation density
(CRGO 2Tesla/AM , 1.58 Tesla / AM)
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Cruciform Core (Stepped Core):

To minimize the wastage of flux

linkage between coil and core, the best shape
Of core limbs cross section would be circle, but
this would require a great number of lamination
widths.
As a compromise solution, a cross section is made by
lamination of varying widths and packet height in such a way
that overall cross section is approximately a circle.
Construction (contd.) : (1). Core

Core Assembly
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
• Core Jointing:
 Mitred Core jointing

 35/55 degree mitre improves the flow

of flux around the corner.

 45 degree mitre reduces waste of core material during cutting process.

Construction (contd.) : (1). Core

• Necessity of Mitred Core :

The use of mitred core joints assure that the flux flows along the
direction of grain orientation thereby minimizing both core loss and the
magnetizing current.
Core Assembly : Mitred Core (contd.)
 Core Assembly : Interleaved Core

 Interleaved Core jointing

In large type transformers the joints between

limbs and yokes are interleaved.
If the magnetic properties of circuit are the only consideration, the best
arrangement is obtained by interleaving one plate at a time.
It is usually desirable for mechanical reasons to interleave the plates two,
three or four at a time.
As many as 20 widths of steel strip are interleaved at a time for large power
transformers as this accelerates the magnetic circuit assembly and minimizes the risk
of imperfect interleaving on account of buckling of laminations.
 Core Assembly : Interleaved Core(contd.)

 Caution:
In order to reduce the magnetizing current, the interleaving at
the lamination joints should be done with utmost care. The gaps
between laminations must not be greater than 1-2 mm.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core

 In general, for transformer the following types of cores are manufactured:

> Single phase2 limbed core.

> Single phase 3 limbed core.

> Three phase 3 limbed core.

> Three phase 5 limbed core.

The selection of no. of limbs to be used depends upon the rating of transformers and
transport consideration.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Single Phase 2 limbed core:
For large rating single phase transformer,
3 limbed core width would become too large to be
transported. To overcome such difficulties, the
windings are split into two parts and placed around
Two separate limbs.

The cross sectional area of the limbs and the yokes are identical.
Consequently these cores are bulkier than single phase 3 limbed arrangement.

The percentage leakage reactance for this type is comparatively

higher due to distributed nature of the windings in the two limbs separately.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Single Phase 3 limbed core:
> The winding placed around the central limb. The main
magnetic flux generated in the central limb gets divided into two
parallel return paths provided by the yoke and auxiliary limbs.
> This type of construction is more economical.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Three Phase 3 limbed core:
> Generally used in three phase power
transformers of small and medium power rating.

> Both the windings of each phase is

placed around each leg. For each phase of
magnetic flux appearing in a limb, the yokes and the remaining limbs
provide the return path.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
 Three Phase 5 limbed core:
> For large power transformers, cores have to be build up in large
diameter, where a core height will go up leading to transport problems.
> For such cases, the yoke cross sections are reduced and auxiliary
path for the magnetic flux are provided through auxiliary yokes and limbs.
> The cross section and height
of auxiliary limbs and yokes are lower
than that of main limbs and yokes.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
Clamping arrangement for transformer core:
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
Clamping arrangement for transformer cores (contd.)
Methods:
> Clamping plate having bolts assembly.
> Clamping arrangement having top & bottom frame.
> Boltless arrangement.

Clamps
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core

• Clamping arrangement for transformer core (contd.)

» In large transformers, cores are kept in position by side plates
bolted together at intervals along the limbs and the yokes.
» Holes are punched out in the laminations in order to accommodate the
bolts. These bolts, which necessarily pass through the cores must be
laminated both from the side plates and laminations.
» The side plates are also laminated from the insulation.
» The isolation is necessary as otherwise the bolts would short circuit the
laminations and would provide paths for the eddy currents.
» In order to provide more rigidity to the core and to prevent bulging of
core between bolts, flitch plates are used.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core

No of Oil Ducts and Location:

Oil Ducts are provided in the core to reduce hot spot temperature (due
to core losses) rises within well below the permissible limits.

The no of oil ducts depend on:

Core diameter.
Specific core losses.
 Construction (contd.) : (1). Core
Requirement of Core Earthing:
Any conducting metal paths in a transformer unless solidly bonded to earth will
acquire a potential in operation due to presence of magnetic flux. Hence these paths are
bonded to earth at one place with the help of cu.

> This bonding must ensure good dielectric contact and remain secure through
out the transformer life.

> No conducting loop must be formed, otherwise circulating current will lead to
losses and localized overheating.
Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
In a transformer generally two types of
windings are used:
1. Low voltage winding.

2. High voltage winding.

The low voltage winding is placed near to the

core as less insulation is required to insulate it
w.r.t. core.

H.V. winding is placed near to L.V. winding.

 Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding

• selection of a particular type depends on –

» current rating, » short circuit strength, » temperature rise, » overload condition, » impedance, » voltage surge strength

• Winding Material –
Generally, copper and aluminum are used for transformer windings. As with silicon steel, these materials are available in
a variety of grades and thicknesses, each with their own efficiency characteristics. The types of windings chosen by the
transformer designer are also dependent on the cost of a specific utility's losses and on assumed transformer loading
levels.
Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
 Cylindrical Coil Construction :
Coils have cylindrical cross-section
 Concentrically wound with HV over LV (Lowest voltage nearest core)
» Insulation
» Cooling
» Tapping
 Requires stacked core
 Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
 Cylindrical Coil :

 The windings are made of PVF grade enameled copper wire or paper wrapped flat
copper wire. Insulation between layers of winding normally comprises of class-A
insulation paper. The windings are constructed to meet besides the required dielectric
strength, but also a sound mechanical strength. Low copper losses and standard
percentage impedance and smooth circulation of oil through the windings provide good
performance.
 Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding

 Cylindrical Coil:
Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding

 Helical winding:

 This coil as it’s name indicates, is wound in the form of

continuous helix.

 The helical winding has it’s turn wound in an axial direction

along direction along a screw line with an inclination
corresponding to the height of the conductor and oil duct
between turns.
Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
 Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
 Rectangular Coil Construction :
» Coils have rectangular cross-section
» HV over LV winding
» Core can be stacked (core form) or
wound (shell form)

 Interlayer Insulation :
After winding a neat layer of wire on a
coil, a thin layer of insulating paper,
plastic film, etc is put over it. This is
interlayer insulation. It helps keep the
insulation of the wires from breaking
down from the stress of the voltage
difference between layers, and
mechanically helps to form a neat, solid
coil.
Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding

 Transposition: Transposition is essential for equalizing the

resistance and leakage reactance of each of the parallel
conductors.
Absence of transposition lead to non-uniform
distribution of current in parallel path thereby
causing additional eddy current loss by over
loading of portion of conductors.
For helical winding, usually three
transpositions are provided. The complete
transposition is provided in the middle of
the winding.
Two partial transpositions are done at 25%
and 75% of turns.
 Construction (contd.) : (2). Winding
 Core and Winding Assembly :
Coil is first made and then the core is inserted into it. The core and
coil of the transformers are assembled together and heated and
dried in a vacuum drying oven until the insulation resistance goes
up to several mega–ohms. After drying, the assembly is placed in a
metallic tank and oil is filled in the transformer under vacuum
condition to ensure the permanent elimination of air and moisture.
 Construction (contd.) : (3). Tank and Lid
 The Tank and cover is fabricated from mild steel plate, blended and welded to construct them
as required size and shape. The fabricated tank (before coating/painting) is subjected to
pressure test to ensure no oil leakage.

 The inner dimensions of the transformer tank

are fixed by the active dimensions of the
transformers and clearances between windings
and grounded parts of transformer.

 Width of tank,
Wt = 2D+De+2b (for three phase transformer)
= D+De+2b (for single phase transformer)
 Length of tank, Lt = De+2l and Height of tank, Ht = H+h
 Construction (contd.) : (3). Tank and Lid
 The coating of tanks strictly follows a standard procedure :
» pre-treatment process which help to eliminate the grease and rusts on tank
surface followed by phosphating process by dipping the tank into a
phosphating tank
» Base coat (primer) is to be applied after the pre-treatment
» after then, being baked properly, final coat (surface coat) up to the
required thickness is done by using oil and heat resistant grade dark gray
paint (colour code No. : RAL 7003).
» The use of gray colour is for reflection of sun radiation. Minimum thickness of surface
paint coating must be 80 microns.
 Construction (contd.) : (4). Insulating Oil
 The insulating oil for Transformers (and Switchgear) is a pure hydrocarbon mineral oil with or
without additives. It performs main two functions :
» to provide insulation between the conductors and coils
» to extract heat as a coolant without losing its insulating properties

 Properties of insulating oil :

» Appearance : the oil should be clear and transparent and free from suspended
matter or sediment
» Density : as per IS standard 0.89 gm/cm3
» Viscosity : Lower viscosity is advantageous on account of heat transfer.
Maximum kinematic viscosity as per IS standard is 27 CST at 27 °C
» Flash point : minimum specified value as per IS standard is 140 °C pour point
» Acidity : oil should be free from mineral acids and organic acids. Acidity value of the
oil to be maintained at 0.03 mg of KOH per gm of oil
» Electric Strength : when tested between horizontal electrodes 2.5 mm apart,
unfiltered oil must possess the strength as 30 kV (rms).
If this value is not attained, oil is to be filtered.
Contaminants specially moisture and fibrous substance reduces
the dielectric strength of the oil.
 Construction (contd.) : (4). Insulating Oil
 Shell Diala B grade mineral oil (or equivalent) manufactured from quality
petrolium base stocks, blended with selected additives is used as transformer
oil, which has critical electrical peoperties.

 Selection of low viscosity index Naphthenic base oils ensures excellent

cooling characteristics.

 The colour of new transformer oil is pale–amber.

 Askarel is a synthetic cooling oil used instead of sheel diala B.

 Askarel is a special type of dielectric oil used to cool electrical equipments

such as transformers and switchgears. Some types of Askarel contain
Polychlorinated biphenyl to improve characteristics.

 Askarel produces poisonous gas and danger to life when it comes in contact
with air. Disposal of used Askarel is difficult.
 Construction (contd.) : (4). Insulating Oil

 Following are the disadvantages of Transformer oil :

» arc produced in the oil is inflammable and explosive. If arc is not

extinguished, the pressure in the tank may rise above the safe
limit and explosion may occur.

» oil absorbs moisture and dielectric strength reduces by

carbonization which occurs during arcing

» oil needs periodic testing and filtration and replacement

» the dust particles and sludge can create flashover due to tracking
 Construction (contd.) : (5). Conservator Tank
 Conservator Tank, placed at the top of the transformer main tank, is fabricated
steel tank fitted with air cushion, for accommodating the transformer oil created
due to expansion or contraction in the main tank.

 Conservator is provided with oil level indicator, oil draining valve , air valve, and
diaphragm. For OLTC, either separate conservator or partition in the main
conservator is required.
 Oil conservator shall have a volume of at least 11% of the transformer oil
volume.
 Control cubicle and OLTC cubicle should not be mounted below the conservator.
Construction (contd.) : (5). Conservator Tank
 Construction (contd.) : (6). Radiators and Tubes

 The purpose of radiators is to limit the temperature of oil and winding in a

transformer by dissipating heat.
 Radiators are manufactured from cold rolled steel sheets, cold drawn and seam
welded to form its desired dimensions and then galvanized after fabrication.
 Radiator is provided with air release plug, oil drain plug, shut-off valve to stop the oil
flow if the radiator is leaking. Where built-on type radiator shall be connected to the
main tank through flanged valves.
 Construction (contd.) : (6). Radiators and Tubes
 Number of tubes = {1/(8.8π dt lt )}.{(Pi + Pc)/θ) – 12.5 St }
 The diameter of tubes, normally used, is 50 mm and they are spaced at 75 mm.
Elliptical tubes with pressed radiators are increasingly being used as they give a
greater dissipating surfact for smaller volume of oil.
RADIATOR
 Construction (contd.) : (6). Radiators and Tubes

Transformer Capacity Type of Tank (normally)

25 KVA Plain tank.

Corrugated tanks
50 , 63 and 100 KVA
/ tanks with tubes

200 KVA and above With radiators welded

Power & EHV With radiators, fans & pumps

fitted separately
 Construction (contd.) : (7). Bushings

 Up to 33 kV – Porcelain Bushings

 Above 33 kV – Condenser Bushings

» OIP – Oil Impregnated Bushings

» RIP – Resin Impregnated Bushings
» SRBP – Synthetic Resin Bonded
Paper Bushings
 Construction (contd.) : (7). Bushings
Pollution Level Minimum Creepage Distance of Porcelain

Normally Polluted Area 16mm/kV of highest system voltage

Medium Polluted Area 18mm/kV of highest system voltage
Heavily Polluted Area 25mm/kV of highest system voltage
Very High Polluted Area 31mm/kV of highest system voltage

Creepage (leakage) distance is the

shortest distance along the surface
of an insulator from one conducting
part (terminal) to another
conducting part, which may be
energised or at ground potential.
 Construction (contd.) : (7). Bushings
 1 : terminal for connection of tubular bus bar or AAAC conductor
 2 : assembly of central tube and conductor in the bushing
 3 : aluminium casted head with oil expansion chamber and oil level indicator.
The chamber is hermatically sealed.
 4 : COT bushings are fitted with dried degassed insulating oil.
 5 : porcelain insulator made of high-grade electro-technical porcelain conforming
to IEC 815. The insulator is connected to the mounting flange using Portland
cement & sealed with O-ring gasket.
 6 : Central tube and conductor made of oil impregnated wide band paper with
layers of aluminium foil to control the field strength radially and axially.
 7 : mounting flange with integrated test tap made of corrosion free aluminium
alloy machined to ensure that an excellent seal between the bushing and
the transformer.
 8 : current transformer pocket suitable for mounting multi-core transformer
for protection and metering.
 9 : Epoxy resin insulator on the oil side of the transformer tank. It is designed
to withstand 130 °C.
 10 : End Shielding, which is special aluminium electrode cast in to the end of the
epoxy resin tube. It controls the electric field strength in this area.
Construction (contd.) : (7). Bushings
TERMINAL BUSHINGS
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers :

(01). Buchholz Relay

(02). Silica Gel Dehydrating Breather
(03). Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
(04). Ladder
(05). Flow Indicators
(06). Winding Temperature Indicators
(07). Top Oil Temperature Indicator
(08). On–Load Tap Changer (OLTC)
(09). Impact Recorder
(10). Arcing Horn
 Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve

 Two types of PRV are provided :

» Diaphragm Type (Explosion Vent)
» Spring Loaded Type (Pressure Relief Vent)
Explosion Vent
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve
 Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Silica Gel Breather

 Whenever there is a change in the ambient temperature or

in the load of an oil immersed transformer, there is a
change in oil temperature and, consequently in the volume
of oil. Increase in volume causes the air above the oil level
in the conservator to be pushed out and decrease in oil
volume causes air to be drawn in. Thus, the transformer
“breathes”.
 When air is breathed-in, there is a possibility of moisture
and dust from atmosphere to be sucked in. These
contaminants deteriorate the insulation properties of oil.
 Silica Gel Breather is provided which arrests moisture and
dust from the drawn in air, and admits only dry air.
 Normal (dry) colour of Silica Gel is bright blue, which
becomes pink when moisture is absorbed. It can be dried
by heating during the periodic maintenance, to obtain blue
colour.
 Silica Gel Breather is installed in a pipe from conservator,
filled with dry silica gel and shall be mounted 1500 mm
above ground level.
 Separate silica gel breather is required for OLTC
conservator.
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Buchholz Relay
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Buchholz Relay
Buchholz Relay
 Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer

 Voltage control in electric power supply network is required for

adjustment of voltage at consumers’ premises as short period
(1 – 2 %), daily (3 – 5 %) and seasonal (5 – 10 %) voltage
variations in accordance with variations of load.

 Tappings are invariably provided on the HV winding.

» fine voltage variation
» current interruption level
» position of HV and LV windings w.r.t. core

 Principal Tapping , Positive Tapping , Negative Tapping

Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
 Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Off–Load Tap Changer

 Occasional adjustment (manual) of

voltage by disconnecting the
transformer from the supply.
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Off–Load Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
 Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer

 In generating stations mainly OFF–Load type Tap

Changers are used as voltage regulation is done by AVR.

 Power Transformers in receiving stations / substations are

having ON–Load type Tap Changer.

 In Power Stations, station service transformers have ON–

Load type Tap Changer.
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) :
Tap Changer
 Transformers Cooling Systems :

 Mediums of Cooling :
» Air – symbol is A
» Gas – symbol is G
» Synthetic Oil – symbol is L
» Mineral Oil – symbol is O
» Solid Insulation - symbol is S
» Water – symbol is W

 Circulation :
» Natural – symbol is N
» Forced – symbol is F
 Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :

 Different cooling systems employed for oil immersed power and distribution
transformers are :

» 1. ONAN (Oil Natural, Air Natural) : cooling by Radiators only

» 2. ONAF (Oil Natural, Air Forced) : cooling by Radiator and Fans

» 3. OFAN (Oil Forced, Air Natural) : forced oil circulation by oil pump and coolers

» 4. OFAF (Oil Forced, Air Forced) : forced oil circulation and forced air cooling

» 5. OFWF (Oil Forced, Water Forced) : forced oil and forced water cooling
 Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :
ONAN

Transformer Capacity Type of Tank (normally)

25 KVA Plain tank.

Corrugated tanks
50 , 63 and 100 KVA
/ tanks with tubes

200 KVA and above With radiators welded

With radiators,
Power & EHV
fans & pumps
fitted separately

ODAN: Oil Directed Air Natural : Inside the transformer the core is sometime
provided with certain fins for proper flow of oil and thus cooling effect is better here.
Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :
ONAN
 Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :
ONAF

 In this system, in addition to panel type radiators, air blowers are provided for forced air
cooling. Automatic control of air blowers are through winding thermometer or oil
thermometer.

 Combined ONAN/ONAF transformers have dual ratings.

For example, 12/16 MVA, 33/11 kV, ONAN/ONAF Transformer. This transformer will
deliver 12 MVA as ONAN and 16 MVA as ONAF conditions.

FANS

Transformer
Tank
RADIATORS
 Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :
ONWF

 ONWF is an old practice, not used any more. ONWF were being used for transformers installed in
high-head Hydroelectric Power Stations as natural water head is already available there.

Active Part

Water PUMP

Transformer Tank
 Water forcing is by providing tubular coils mounted around the active part in the transformer tank
with normal transformer oil and forcibly circulating water in the tubular coils.
 The tubular connections are so made that the circulating water is led into a water tank and cooled by
sprinkling from a height.
 This cooled water is re-used, thus forming a closed water circulation arrangement with necessary
pumps, piping arrangements, valves etc.
 Transformers Cooling Systems (contd.) :
OFAN and OFAF

 OFAN system consists of

conservator, cooler and oil
pumps. Oil is circulated
through external cooler unit.
Automatic control of the oil
pump / stand by oil pump is
maintained by the pressure
switch.

 OFAF is similar to OFAN, but

cooler is exposed to forced
air to exchange heat from oil
to air.
Thank you