ISSN 2394-3777 (Print)

ISSN 2394-3785 (Online)

Available online at www.ijartet.com

International Journal of Advanced Research Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJARTET)

Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2020

Power Transformer: Explained Practically

K. Mounika Reddy1, N. Sai Krishna2, K. Koti Reddy3, B. Durga Naik4
UG-EEE, TKR College of Engineering and Technology, JNTU, Hyderabad, India1, 2
UG-EEE, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, JNTU, Hyderabad3
Assoc. Prof., TKR College of Engg. and Technology, JNTU, Hyderabad4
[email protected]

Abstract: Transformers, either power or distribution type, cater the needs of electrical power consumers by acting as a
bridge between a Generator and Consumer. There are enormous volumes of text books on their theory like basic working
principle, construction, classification, tests and their operation. However there is little information available on their
practical aspects, unless one has to work on them practically. This paper explains the practical aspects of power
transformers with reference to their name plate data and industry trends. Suitable examples are given as appropriate places
for their understanding and ease to work at field.

Keywords: Power transformer, MVA rating, vector group, impedance, voltage, oil, maintenance.

I. INTRODUCTION
Transformers are the very vital components in almost all
the parts of electrical power systems like generation,
transmission, distribution and essential utilisation area. It
can be either step-up or step- down the voltage at these
areas, but it is needed in all the parts of human life, right
from home to industry whatever the industrial revolution.
Transformers are known to be more reliable and higher
energy efficient of the order of around 98% as on date.
There is so much of literature on transformers theory like
it’s working principle, construction, operation and
maintenance in the form of text books [1-2] and hand books
[3]. Also the continuous research is going on globally on
transformers design [4-6], construction, efficiency, smart
transformers [7], maintenance and modelling is being
disseminated through various forms like journals and Fig. 1 500 KVA Transformer
conferences/seminars. But little information is available as Fig. 2 shows the image name plate or rating plate or
place about the practical aspects with reference to its name technical specifications of one DTR which is explained
plate specifications. This has a major significant thrust on as follows:
fresh electrical engineers joins any industry who generally
knows most of the theory only. Hence it is proposed to
explain about a transformer practically by taking the name
plate example one Distribution Transformer (DTR) of an
Engineering College.

II. NAME PLATE DATA

Fig. 1 shows the image of a 500 KVA DTR :

All Rights Reserved © 2020 IJARTET 10

 ISSN 2394-3777 (Print)
ISSN 2394-3785 (Online)
Available online at www.ijartet.com

International Journal of Advanced Research Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJARTET)

Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2020

having 10 parts with different years in which part 1 is of

2011 version for general specification.
3. Year of manufacturing: This is required to know the age
of Transformer at any time and also helpful in attending
regular preventive maintenance and overhauling
systematically [10].
4. Type (Core): It is required to know whether it is core
type (of CRGO i.e. Cold Rolled Grain Oriented or
Amorphous) or shell type. CRGO core type is used for
normal power and distribution purpose where as shell is
type is used for larger power transformers. Amorphous
material is latest in which core losses are very low and is
presently used for distribution purpose.
5. Voltage at No-load: Here the line to line voltages of both
HV (11000 Volts) and LV (433 Volts) windings are
given at rated tap. Higher voltages cannot be given to
primary side since it may be leads to winding
instantaneous failure.
6. Current: The rated current of both HV (13.1 Amps) and
LV (333.33 Amps) windings are given. This is the
maximum value to which Transformer can be loaded
beyond which the temperature will go high and damages
windings, wires and insulations.
7. Phases and frequency: The number of phases of HV and
LV windings (3 in present example) and supply
frequency (50 Hz) are given. Transformers are to be
charged with voltage of rated frequency only otherwise
Fig. 2 Name plate of DTR
it may lead to over fluxing or higher core losses.
1. Power rating of 500 KVA: Generally it will be given as
8. Number of windings: Generally two windings i.e.,
MVA (large rated) or KVA (smaller). Even though
primary (to which supply is given) and secondary (from
motors are rated in HP (horse power) or KW (kilo watt),
which the supply is taken out). There are some three
transformers being a source for different types of loads
winding Transformers having Primary, secondary and
are rated in VA since it’s voltage rating and ampacity
tertiary. The tertiary winding is either for other voltage
are only known. Being a source, the power factor of
or for harmonic compensating delta winding in case of
loads which are fed from time to time is changing based
both primary and secondary in star connected mode.
on type of load. Hence rating is either in MVA or KVA.
9. Temperature (in °C): The value of ambient temperature
This can be obtained as KVA =√3 VI×10-3 (1)
(generally 50° C) and permissible temperature rise of oil
Where V= Rated voltage of primary winding, if primary (in case of immersed windings) and winding. These are
is considered and the values for monitoring and setting of oil and winding
I= Rated current of primary winding, if primary temperature gauges for alarm and trip.
is considered.
10. Mass: The weight of total Transformer, oil (in case of
It is same either from primary side or secondary side.
oil filled Transformer),untangling and a core windings
are given for foundation and transformation purpose. If
the oil is in different form like mineral oil, synthetics or
2. Standard reference: The standard followed for design, the latest trend of using vegetable oils [11] will be
construction and testing is mentioned. It can be either given.
Indian Standard like IS 2026-1: 2011[8] by Bureau of
Indian Standards or IEC [International Electro-technical 11. Impedance volts (4.3% in example):
Commission standard] like IEC-60076-1[9]. IS-2026 is
% Impedance (Z) = (I1×Z×100) ÷ V1=

All Rights Reserved © 2020 IJARTET 11

 ISSN 2394-3777 (Print)
ISSN 2394-3785 (Online)
Available online at www.ijartet.com

International Journal of Advanced Research Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJARTET)

Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2020

(I2×Z×100) ÷ V2 (2) The phase angle between HV and LV induced EMF’s

is given by a clock number and to be specified in anti-
This value will be ranging from 4% (250 KVA
clockwise direction.
Transformers onwards ) to 12.5%(7.5 MVA and above).
The suggested values are given in below table I [12]. e.g : 11 =11° clock i.e. LV leads HV by 30°.
TABLE I
Others like; 1= 1° clock i.e. LV lags HV by 30°,
% IMPEDANCE VALUES 0 = 12° clock i.e. LV and HV are in phase,
6= 6° clock i.e. LV and HV opposite by 180°.
S. No. KVA Rating %Z The information is required in parallel operation.
Since same vector grouped Transformers only to be
1 Up to 630 4 connected in parallel.
2 631-1250 5
3 1251 - 2500 6 13. Tap switch: It used for voltage regulation purpose by
2501-6300 7 maintaining EMF per turns as constant. The tap
4
changes is used to add or remove some turns from
5 6301-25000 8
winding (generally HV) to maintain constant voltage at
6 25001-40000 10 other side (generally LV). These of either One load tap
7 40001-63000 11 changes (OLTC) or Off-circuit tap changes (OCTC).
8 63001-100000 12.5 The taps and their switch position with voltages will be
diagrammatically shown on name plate [8].
9 Above 100000 >12.5
14. Type of cooling: In case of liquid filled transformers,
This value used to know the type of cooling is indicated by alphabetic letters.
i. The voltage drop when it is loaded fully which is ONAN= Oil Natural Air Natural
useful in selecting taps. ONAF= Oil Natural Air Forced
OFAF= Oil Forced Air Forced
Voltage drop= %Z×V1 = %Z×V2 (3) It is known that each forced cooling will increase the
capacity by 15 to 25% due to better heat dissipation.
ii. To know the fault current (short circuit) which is
useful in selecting equipment and relay settings.
Isc= Irated ÷ %Z (4) e.g. A 16 MVA transformer with ONAN cooling can
iii. To know %load shared by a transformer when cater the loads up to 20 MVA without exceeding its
temperature limits if oil forced cooling (i.e. ONAF) is
parallel connected.
provided.
Loading on the transformer-1 =
Total Load KVA(Z2/Z1+Z2) (5) Note: Other than the details mentioned above, it may
contain additionally the name of the manufacturer,
Loading on the transformer-2 =
Current transformer (For winding temperature and
Total Load KVA(Z1/Z1+Z2) (6) neutral CT for earth fault protection).
Where Z1, Z2= % impedances of T1 and T2.
Generally transformers with lower %Z shares more load III. INTERNAL PARTS
that that of higher %z impedance rating. Fig. 3 shows the internal parts of an oil immersed
transformer on lifting its core from tank.
12. Vector Group (Dyn11): This is an connection symbol
used to inform about type of connection of 3 phase
windings and angle [8].
e.g. : Dyn11
The type of connection of high voltage (HV) winding
is denoted by a capital letter; D=delta, Y=Star Z=
Zig- Zag connection and A=Auto Transformer.
Similarly the type of connection of low voltage (LV)
winding is denoted by a small letter; d=delta, y=Star
nd z= Zig-Zag connection and a=Auto Transformer.

All Rights Reserved © 2020 IJARTET 12

 ISSN 2394-3777 (Print)
ISSN 2394-3785 (Online)
Available online at www.ijartet.com

International Journal of Advanced Research Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJARTET)

Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2020

REFERENCES
[1]. Rajput, “A Text Book of Electrical Machines”, Firewall Media, 2006.

[2]. V. K. Mehta, R. Mehta, “Principles of Electrical Machines”, S.

Chand Limited, 2008

[3]. BHEL, “Transformers”, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, Jan-2003.

[4]. Indrajit Dasgupta, “Design of Transformers”, Tata McGraw-Hill

Education, 2002.

[5]. M. G. Say, “The performance and design of alternating current

machines”, CBS Publishers, 3rd edition, 2002.

[6]. B. K. Reddy,“Design Changes to Improve Transformer performance”

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol.
6, issue 6, pp 2621-2624. June 2019.

[7]. M. Liserre, et al. “The Smart Transformer, its impact on the electric
grid and its technology challenges” IEEE Industrial Electronics, July
2016.

[8]. IS 2026-1: 2011, Power transformers- General, Bureau of Indian

Standards, 2011.
Fig. 3 Internal parts of a Transformer
[9]. IEC 60075-1, Power transformers- General, International Electro-
technical Commission, 2009.
Fig. 4 shows the image of Off-circuit tap switch. [10]. B. K. Reddy, “Systematic Steps in Overhauling of a Transformer”,
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, vol.
6, issue 7, pp 1453-1456, July 2019.

[11]. B. K. Reddy, “Latest Trends in Use of Transformer Oils”,

International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, vol. 67,
issue 7, pp 37-39, July 2019.

[12]. IS 2026-2: 2011, “Power transformers-Ability to withstand short

Circuits”, Bureau of Indian Standards, 2011.

Fig. 4 Off-Circuit Tap switch

IV. CONCLUSION
The practical aspects of a transformer are discussed in
detail with an example. The details are given in brief with
explanations useful at field. This information is very
essential for any electrical person right from electrician to
engineer. With this data, an electrical person can understand
the transformer in depth along with parallel operation
suitability, fault currents relay settings, voltage drop etc.

All Rights Reserved © 2020 IJARTET 13