TRANSFORMER

TRANSFORMER
A transformer is a device used in the electrical power systems to transfer electrical energy from
one circuit to another through the process of electromagnetic induction. It is commonly used to
increase or decrease the supply voltage without a change in the frequency of AC between
circuits.
Working principles
Transformer works on Faraday's law of mutual induction which states that, when a change takes
place in the magnetic flux which is linked with a circuit, an electromotive force current will be
induced in the circuit.
The transformer consists of two separate winding placed over the laminated silicon steel core.
The winding to which AC supply is connected is called primary winding and that to which load
is connected is called the secondary winding
When the AC supply is given to the primary winding with a certain voltage, an alternating flux
sets up in the core of the transformer, which links with the secondary winding and as a result of
it, an emf is induced in it. The direction of this induced emf is opposite to the applied voltage.
1
EMF Equation
(1)
(2)
Equating the equation (1) and (2)
We get
(3)
Where K is known as the transformation ratio.
Example 1
A transformer has 600 turns of the primary winding and 20 turns of the secondary winding.
Determine the secondary voltage if the secondary circuit is open and the primary voltage is 140 V.
Transformer Types
There are various types of transformers which are classified based on the following factors;
Working voltage range: Commonly used transformer type, depending upon voltage they are
classified as:
 Step-up Transformer: These transformers are used to convert low voltage primary
supply to high voltage secondary output
 Step down Transformer: These transformers are used to convert high voltage primary
supply to low voltage secondary output.
Medium of Core Used

This type include:
 Air core Transformer: The flux linkage between primary and secondary winding is
through the air. The coil or windings wound on the non-magnetic strip.
2
 Iron core Transformer: Windings are wound on multiple iron plates stacked together,
which provides a perfect linkage path to generate flux.
Winding Arrangement
 Autotransformer: It will have only one winding wound over a laminated core. The
primary and secondary share the same coil. Auto also means “self” in language Greek.
Installation Location
 Power Transformer: It is used at power generation stations as they are suitable for high
voltage application
 Distribution Transformer: Mostly used at distribution lanes for domestic purposes.
They are designed for carrying low voltages. It is very easy to install and characterized by
low magnetic losses.
Temperature Rise on Transformers
When current passes through the coils of a transformer.it causes heat to be generated in the
transformer. The heat is as a result of losses due to the resistance of the coil. Also the magnetic
induction which takes place in the transformer causes losses which leads to rise in temptation in
the transformer.
Other causes of temperature rise in transformers include:
1. overloading the transformer
2. Higher ambient temperature.
3. High moisture in the transformer oil increases the temperature rise because, the
transformer oil ability to dissipate heat decreases.
4. Blocked ventilation openings of transformers, sometime by birds’ nests.
5. Connecting loads with poor Power Factor.
6. Misaligned or broken cooling fan of the transformer.
7. Faulty transformer cooling system i.e air fans or oil pumps.
8. internal fault
3
Effects of Temperature Rise on Transformers
If a transformer overheats from its rated temperature, the following issues could occur:
 Oil will expand, and may get out of the breather.
 Insulation paper will start degrading.
 The winding insulation decreases until it breaks down, causing a short circuit.
Methods of Cooling Transformers

Transformers incur some losses, most of which get converted into heat. If this heat is not
dissipated properly, the excess temperature in transformer may cause serious problems like
insulation failure. Therefore, transformers need cooling system. Different cooling methods of
transformers are -
For Dry Type Transformers
 Air Natural Or Self Air Cooled Transformer

This method of transformer cooling is generally used in small transformers (upto 3
MVA). In this method the transformer is allowed to cool by natural air flow surrounding
it.
 Air Blast
For transformers rated more than 3 MVA, cooling by natural air method is inadequate. In
this method, air is forced on the core and windings with the help of fans or blowers. The
air supply must be filtered to prevent the accumulation of dust particles in ventilation
ducts. This method can be used for transformers upto 15 MVA.
For Oil Immersed Transformers

 Oil Natural Air Natural (ONAN)
This method is used for oil immersed transformers. In this method, the heat generated in
the core and winding is transferred to the oil. According to the principle of convection,
the heated oil flows in the upward direction and then in the radiator. The vacant place is
filled up by cooled oil from the radiator. The heat from the oil will dissipate in the
atmosphere due to the natural air flow around the transformer. In this way, the oil in
transformer keeps circulating due to natural convection and dissipating heat in
4
atmosphere due to natural conduction. This method can be used for transformers upto
about 30 MVA.
 Oil Natural Air Forced (ONAF)

The heat dissipation can be improved further by applying forced air on the dissipating
surface. Forced air provides faster heat dissipation than natural air flow. In this method,
fans are mounted near the radiator and may be provided with an automatic starting
arrangement, which turns on when temperature increases beyond certain value. This
transformer cooling method is generally used for large transformers upto about 60 MVA.
 Oil Forced Air Forced (OFAF)

In this method, oil is circulated with the help of a pump. The oil circulation is forced
through the heat exchangers. Then compressed air is forced to flow on the heat exchanger
with the help of fans. The heat exchangers may be mounted separately from the
transformer tank and connected through pipes at top and bottom as shown in the figure.
This type of cooling is provided for higher rating transformers at substations or power
stations.
 Oil Forced Water Forced (OFWF)

This method is similar to OFAF method, but here forced water flow is used to dissipate
hear from the heat exchangers. The oil is forced to flow through the heat exchanger with
the help of a pump, where the heat is dissipated in the water which is also forced to flow.
The heated water is taken away to cool in separate coolers. This type of cooling is used in
very large transformers having rating of several hundred MVA.

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TRANSFORMER

Medium of Core Used

Temperature Rise on Transformers

Methods of Cooling Transformers

 Air Natural Or Self Air Cooled Transformer

For Oil Immersed Transformers

 Oil Natural Air Forced (ONAF)

 Oil Forced Air Forced (OFAF)

 Oil Forced Water Forced (OFWF)

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