Transformer

A transformer is a type of electrical device used to raise or lower the

voltage of an alternating current (AC). It works by changing the ratio
of the primary and secondary windings, which then changes the AC
voltage delivered to the load. In other words, a transformer is an
electrical device that takes an electrical input and delivers an electrical
output with a different voltage.

Types of transformers?
A transformer is categorized into various types depending on different
aspects as mentioned below.

Based on the supply system

• Single-phase transformer
• Three-phase transformer
Based on the winding structure
• Auto-transformer ( single winding )
• Two winding transformer
• Three winding transformer
• Six winding transformer
Based on construction and design
• Core type transformer
• Shell type transformer
Based on service
• Distribution transformer
• Power transformer
Based on measurements
• Current transformer (CT )
• Voltage transformer OR potential transformer ( PT )
• Capacitive voltage transformer ( CVT )
Based on function

• Isolation transformer
• Step down transformer
 • Step-up transformer

Based on the cooling system

• Oil cooled transformer

• Air-cooled transformer

Can we use a transformer in the DC system?

No, Transformers do not work on DC supply. Because when a DC

voltage is applied to the primary transformer. Then primary winding of
the transformer will draw a constant current, hence magnetic flux
produced will be constant. As a result, there will be no mutual induction
between primary and secondary winding, and hence no EMF will
induced in the secondary of transformer. Also due to DC voltage in
primary, primary winding drow heavy current and hence due to low
impedance (only resistance) of windings, it will be burnt out. So if we
apply DC supply to transformer then it will not work and its winding
will burn out.

Why transformer is rated in kVA, not in KW?

The rating of an AC machine depends on the losses, and losses depend
on voltage and current. In the case of a transformer, both iron losses
and copper losses don’t depend on the power factor of the load. Hence
the rating of the transformer is also independent of the load power
factor. That’s why the transformer is rated in kVA but not in kW.

How to minimize the hysteresis losses in the transformer?

What is the function of no-load current in a transformer.?

The main function of no-load current is to set up working flux in the
core and also it is responsible for supplying no-load losses ( Eddy
current loss and hysteresis loss ).
Why iron losses are considered as constant losses in transformers?
Why open circuit ( OC ) test is performed on the LV side of the
transformer.?

Why SC test is generally performed on the HV side of the transformer.?

work

The transformer works by using the principle of electromagnetic

induction. When an alternating current is passed through the primary
winding of the transformer, a changing magnetic field is created. This
changing magnetic field then induces an electric current in the
secondary winding of the transformer. The ratio of the primary and
secondary windings determines the voltage transformation

What is the purpose of an isolation transformer?

An isolation transformer is designed to provide a safe voltage output,

while isolating the output from the input. This is done by providing a
galvanic isolation between the primary and secondary windings of the
transformer. This prevents any electrical energy from the input being
transferred to the output and vice versa.
What is the purpose of a transformer tap?

The purpose of a transformer tap is to adjust the voltage output of a

transformer without having to replace the transformer. This allows for
more flexibility when using a transformer

How can a transformer be tested?

What are the main components of a transformer and how do they

function?

The main components of a transformer are the primary and secondary

windings, core, and insulation. The primary winding is made up of
conducting wire which is connected to a power source, while the
secondary winding is usually composed of multiple turns of wire that
is connected to a load. The core is made up of several layers of
laminated steel sheets, and its function is to provide a magnetic path for
the current to flow. The insulation serves to keep the primary and
secondary windings separated from each other, as well as to prevent
electrical short circuits.

What is the difference between a transformer and an inductor?

The main difference between a transformer and an inductor is that a

transformer uses two or more windings to transfer energy, while an
inductor only uses one winding. Additionally, transformers are capable
of transferring power between two circuits, while an inductor is only
able to store energy.
. What is the maximum allowable temperature of a transformer?

The maximum allowable temperature of a transformer is dependent on

the type of transformer and the environment it is in. Generally
speaking, the maximum temperature for most types of transformers is
around 80 °C, although this can vary based on the application.

. What is meant by a transformer’s rating?

A transformer’s rating is the maximum power that may be extracted
from it without the temperature increase in the winding exceeding the
permissible limits for the type of insulation used.

How and why is a transformer’s rated capacity expressed?

A transformer’s rated capacity is indicated in KVA rather than KW. A
transformer’s rating can often be determined by its temperature
increase.

The losses in the machine cause the temperature to rise. Copper loss is
proportional to load current, while iron loss is proportional to voltage.
As a result, the overall loss of a transformer is determined by the volt-
ampere (VA) & is independent of the load power factor.

At any power factor value, a given current will result in the

same I2R loss.

This loss reduces the machine’s production process. The power factor
determines the output in kilowatts. If the power factor falls for a given
KW load, the load current rises correspondingly, generating higher
losses and a rise in machine temperature.

For the reasons stated above, transformers are typically rated

in KVA rather than KW.

The essential components are:-

 • Magnetic circuit made up of a laminated
• Iron core & clamping structures
• The primary winding
• The secondary winding
• An insulating oil-filled tank
• Terminals (H.T) with bushing
• Terminals (L.T) with bushing
• Conservator Tank
• Breather
• A vent-pipe
• Wind Temperature Indicator (WTI)
• Oil Temperature Indicator (OTI) and
• Radiator

What material is chosen for transformer cores and why?

Because of its high electrical resistance, high permeability, non-aging
qualities, and low iron loss, laminates of specifically alloyed silicon
steel (silicon ratio 4 to 5%) are utilized.

Why is the transformer power factor being so low when there is no

load?
The current passing through the transformer has two components.
Magnetizing current (Im) in quadrature (900) to the applied voltage & in
phase current in phase with the applied voltage.

The majority of the excitation current received by the transformer from

the primary winding under no-load conditions is used to magnetize the
path.
As a result, the excitation current drawn by the transformer during no-
load conditions is largely made up of magnetizing current, which is
employed to generate a magnetic field in the transformer circuits
(inductive nature).

As a result of the inductive nature of the load, the power factor of the
transformer during no-load conditions will be in the range of 0.1 to 0.2.

What is the purpose of using silica gel in transformers?

Silica Gel is utilized to eliminate moisture from the air that enters the
transformer.

During the transformer’s breathing, air enters the transformer. This air
comes into touch with the heated transformer oil in the conservator &
convectively removes the heat.

If the air entering the transformer contains moisture, the characteristics

of the transformer oil will decline.

As a result, silica gel crystals are used in the breather to remove

moisture from the air. Silica gel crystals are initially blue, but after
absorbing moisture, they turn pink.

What are taps & what is their applications?

Some transformers have taps on the high voltage winding to
compensate for high or low voltage circumstances while still delivering
full rated output voltages at secondary terminals.
Taps are designated as “ANFC” (above normal full capacity)
(or) “BNFC” (below normal full capacity) by
the ASA and NEMA standards.

In a tap changing transformer, is the tap linked to the primary or

secondary side?
Because of the low current, tapings are always connected to the high
voltage winding side. When connecting tapings to the low voltage side,
sparks will form due to the high current.

Why are Delta-Star Transformers used to power lighting loads?

Because lighting loads require a neutral conductor, the secondary needs
to have a star wound. In all three phases, this illumination load is
always uneven.

To reduce current unbalance in the primary, delta winding is used in

the primary. For lighting loads, a delta / star transformer is utilized.

What types of cooling systems are applicable in transformers?

• ONAN (natural oil, natural air)

• ONAF (oil natural, forced air)
• OFAF (oil-forced, air-forced)
• ODWF (oil direct, water forced)
• OFAN (oil-forced, air-forced)

operating time of Buchholz Relay?

Buchholz relay is slow acting device. The minimum operating time of

this relay is 0.1 sec and average time is 0.2 sec. It is mechanical
operated relay.
What is the use of pressure relief valve is power X,MER?

An oil pressure relief valve is fitted at the top of the transformer tank.
It is a spring controlled valve located at the end of an oil relief pipe
protruding from the top of the tank. Whenever a surge in the oil is
developed, it bursts, thereby allowing the oil to discharge rapidly. It
operates when the pressure exceeds 10 PSI but closes automatically
when the pressure falls below the critical level. This avoids the
explosive rupture of the tank and the risk of fire.

type of fault occurs in transformer?

• 1. Ground faults
• 2. Phase to phase fault
• 3. Inter turn faults
• 4. Core faults
• 5. Overload faults
• 6. External short circuit faults
• 7. Magnetizing inrush faults
• 8. Ferro resonance faults

There are three types of characteristic generally provide detection of

transformer faults:

1. An increase in phase current

2. An increase in differential current
3. Gas formation caused by fault arc

unit protection and non-unit protection?

Unit protection are operated only for fault in the protected
transformer\n Non unit protection are operated for a fault outside
the transformer. It is also called as a backup protection of
transformer.