EE8301 ELECTRICAL MACHINES – I

Unit – II Transformer
Topic: Introduction and construction

P. RAMESH BABU
Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Saranathan college of Engineering

Monday, September 21, 2020 PRB/EEE/SCE 1

 TRANSFORMERS

Transformer is a static device and its action is based

on Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
principle that electrical energy may be efficiently
transferred from one set of coils to another by
means of varying magnetic flux with increase or
decrease a voltage corresponding to decrease or
increase a current without change in supply
frequency

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 Yoke

Window

Limb

E1 = 4.44fФmax N1 volts (V2 / V1) = (E2 / E1) = (N2 / N1) = (I1 / I2) = K,
Transformation Ratio

E2 = 4.44fФmax N2 volts

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 Classification
1. Number of phases
a. Single phase transformer
b. Three phase transformer
2. Relative position of core and winding
a. Core type
b. Shell type
c. Distributed shell type or Berry type
3. Number winding per phase
a. one winding per phase – Auto transformer- part of
single winding act as primary and part of it act as
secondary
b. Two windings per phase -one primary one secondary
winding is provided in each phase. The KVA rating
of both windings are equal.
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 4. Three windings per phase – One primary winding and two
secondary windings at two different voltage ratings are provided in
each phase. The primary kVA rating of primary winding is the sum
of kVA ratings of the two secondary winding.

5. Voltage ratings
a. up to 1.1 KV ---- Low voltage transformer
b. 1.1 kV to 11 kV -------- Medium voltage
c. greater than 11kV ----- High Voltage

6. Methods of Cooling
a. AN – Air Natural ; b. AB – Air Blast ; c. ON – Oil Natural ; d. OB – Oil
Blast ; e. OF - Forced Oil Cooling ; f. OFW - Oil and Water Cooled

7. Service conditions
a. Power Transformer
b. Distribution Transformer

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 Constructional Features

Explosion vent

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 1. Transformer Tank – this holds the transformer windings and its insulating
medium (oil-filled). Transformer tanks must be air-tightly sealed for it to
isolate its content from any atmospheric contaminants.

2. High Voltage Bushing – this is the terminals where the primary windings of
the transformer terminates and serves as an insulator from the transformer
tank. Its creapage distance is dependent on the voltage rating of the
transformer.

3. Low Voltage Bushing – like the high voltage bushing, this is the terminals
where the secondary windings of the transformer terminates and serves as
an insulator from the transformer tank. Low voltage bushing can be easily
distinguished from its high voltage counterpart since low voltage bushings are
usually smaller in size compared to the high voltage bushing.

4. Cooling Fins/Radiator – in order for the transformer to dissipate the heat it

generated in its oil-insulation, cooling fins and radiators are usually attached
to the transformer tanks. The capacity of the transformer is dependent to its
temperature that is why it is imperative for it to have a cooling mechanism for
better performance and higher efficiency.
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5. Cooling Fans – can be usually found attached to the cooling fins. Cooling fans
can be either be a timer controlled or a winding/oil temperature controlled.
Cooling fans helps raises the transformer capacity during times when the
temperature of the transformer rises due to its loading. Cooling fans used on the
transformer are actuated by the help of a relaying device which when senses a
relatively high temperature enables the fan to automatically run.

6. Conservator Tank – An oil preservation system in which the oil in the main
tank is isolated from the atmosphere, over the temperature range specified, by
means of an auxiliary tank partly filled with oil and connected to the completely
filled main tank.

7. System Ground Terminal – system ground terminals in a power transformer

are usually present whenever the connection type of the transformer windings
has wye in it. This terminal can be found in-line with the main terminals of the
transformer.
8. Drain Valve – can be usually found in the bottom part of the transformer tank. Drain
valves are used whenever oil replacement is necessary. Through this valve, the
replacement of oil in an oil-filled transformer can be easily done simply by opening
this valve like that of a faucet.

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 It is a cylindrical tank mounted on supporting structure on
the roof of the transformer's main tank.
Function: When transformer is loaded and when ambient
temperature rises, the volume of oil inside transformer
increases. A conservator tank of transformer provides
adequate space to this expanded transformer oil. It also
acts as a reservoir for transformer insulating oil.
When volume of transformer insulating oil increases due to
load and ambient temperature, the vacant space above the
oil level inside the conservator is partially occupied by the
expanded oil. Consequently, corresponding quantity of air
of that space is pushed away through breather. On other
hand, when load of transformer decreases, the transformer
is switched off and when the ambient temperature
decreases, the oil inside the transformer contracts. This
causes outside air to enter in the conservator tank of
transformerthroughSARANATHAN
silica gel breather.
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 When load on transformer increases or when the transformer under full
load, the insulating oil of the transformer gets heated up, expands and
gets expel out in to the conservator tank present at the top of the power
transformer and subsequently pushes the dry air out of the conservator
tank through the silica gel breather. This process is called breathing out of
the transformer.

When the oil cools down, air from the atmosphere is drawn in to the
transformer. This is called breathing in of the transformer.

During the breathing process, the incoming air may consist of moisture and
dirt which should be removed in order to prevent any damage. Hence the air
is made to pass through the silica gel breather, which will absorb the moisture
in the air and ensures that only dry air enters in to the transformer. Silica gel
in the breather will be blue when installed and they turn to pink colour when
they absorb moisture which indicates the crystals should be replaced. These
breathers also have an oil cup fitted with, so that the dust particles get settled
in the cup.

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 Buchholz relay is used for the protection of
transformers from the faults occurring inside the
transformer. Short circuit faults such as inter turn
faults, incipient winding faults, and core faults may
occur due to the impulse breakdown of the insulating
oil or simply the transformer oil. Buchholz relay will
sense such faults and closes the alarm circuit.

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 9. Dehydrating Breather – Dehydrating
breathers are used to prevent the
normal moisture in the air from
coming in contact with the oil in
electrical equipment as the load or
temperature changes. This reduces
the degeneration of the oil and helps
maintain its insulation capability.
When used with conservator system
with a rubber air cell it reduces
moisture accumulation in the cell.
Some breathers are designed for
sealed tank transformers and breathe
only at pre-set pressure levels.

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 10. Oil Temperature/Pressure gauges – these are used for monitoring the internal
characteristics of the transformer especially its windings. These gauges help the
operator in knowing the level of temperature and pressure inside the transformer (oil
& winding). This will also serve as an alarm whenever a certain level is reached that
could be harmful to the transformer windings.

11. Bushing Current Transformers – modern transformer construction today now

includes current transformers. These are usually found around the transformer
terminals which will be later be used for metering and relaying purposes. Its terminals
are found in the control panels attached to the transformer.

12. Control Panel – this houses all of the transformer’s monitoring devices terminals
and auxiliary devices including the terminals of the bushing current transformers and
cooling fans. Control panels are very useful especially when a remote control house is
needed to be constructed, this will serve as their connection point.

13. Surge Arresters – this type of arresters are placed right directly before and after the
transformer terminals in order to minimize the exposure of the transformer. Like any
other surge arresters, its purpose is to clip sudden voltage surge that can be damaging
to the winding of the transformer.

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 Classification based on position of core and winding

1.Core type : It has two limbs, two yokes and one window.
Around each limb half of LV and half of HV coil
is housed. It has only one magnetic circuit as
denoted by dotted lines in fig. Full value of flux
pass through both limbs and yokes. Since the
yokes do not have any windings around it, its area of
cross-section is little more than the limb to reduce the
flux density and hence magnetic losses

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 Фm/2
2. Shell type

It has three limbs, 1 centre

limb and 2 outer limbs, 2 yokes
and 2 windows. The entire HV
and LV coils are housed
around the centre limb . It has
two magnetic circuits. The
total flux ,Ф passing through
Фm
the centre limb divide into 2
halves, Фm/2 in the yoke

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3. Berry type transformer or Distributed shell type

Berry type transformer are similar to Shell type, only they have a distributed
magnetic circuit. This core construction is similar to spokes of wheel. The
number of magnetic flux path is more than 2. It has one centre limb around
which LV and HV windings are housed

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 Construction of core

1.Core part forms the path of magnetic field

2.Core is made up of number of thin laminated sheets (Cold Rolled Grain

Oriented Steel-CRGOS)

3. Laminating the core- reducing eddy current loss

Addition of 3 to 5% silicon added with steel - Reducing Hysteresis loss

4. The thickness of lamination on stampings varies from 0.35mm to .05mm

and are insulated from each other by providing thin varnish coating
(Epoxide thermosetting resins)

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 Types of core stampings

(a) U & I sections for core type

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 (b) U & T sections and E & I sections for shell type

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 Significance of staggering construction of core?

The complete laminated core consists of a

number of laminations placed alternatively
one over the other ,as illustrated in fig. so
that the joints are staggered. The joints are
staggered to avoid continuous gap causing
increase in magnetizing current. Also if the
joints are not staggered, the core will have
less mechanical strength and during
operation there would be undue humming
noise .
avoid continuous gap causing increase in
magnetizing current.
B. increase the mechanical strength of the
assembled core.
C. avoid undue humming noise.
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 Comparison between core, shell and berry type transformers

S.No. Core type Shell type Berry type

1. The winding encircles the core
2. The cylindrical type of coils are used
3. AS windings are distributed, the natural
cooling is more effective.
The core encircles most part of the
winding
Multilayer disc type or sandwich
coils are used
As windings are surrounded by the
core, the natural cooling does not
exist.
The core encircles most part of the
winding
Multilayer disc type or sandwich coils
are used
As windings are surrounded by the
core, the natural cooling does not exist.

4. The coils can be easily removed from For removing any winding for the For removing any winding for the
maintenance point of view maintenance, large numbers of maintenance, large numbers of
laminations are required to be laminations are required to be
removed. This is difficult. removed. This is difficult.

5. The construction is preferred for low The construction is preferred for The construction is preferred for high
voltage transformer ( i.e., Distribution high voltage transformer ( i.e., Large voltage transformer ( i.e., Large power
transformer) power transformer) transformer)

6. It has single magnetic circuit It has double magnetic circuit It has more than two magnetic circuit

7. Insulating the coil is easy More difficult Most difficult

8. Cost is comparatively cheaper than other Costlier More costlier
types

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 Comparison between distribution and power transformer

S.No
Point of comparison Distribution transformer Power transformer
.
1. Capacity Up to 500 kVA Beyond 500kVA up to 500
MVA or more
2. Voltage Rating 11,22, or 33 kV/440 (3phase) 400kV/33kV; 220kV/11kV
etc.,
3. Connection for 3 phase Delta/star -3 phase ,4 wire Delta/Delta; Delta/Star,
system 3phase,3wire system
4. Load 100% for few hours, part of load Nearly on full load
for some time, no load for few
hours
5. Flux density Upto 1.5 Tesla with CROS Upto 1.5 Tesla with CROS
6. Current density Up to 2.6 A/mm2 Up to 3.3 A/mm2
7. Ratio of iron loss to cu.loss 1:3 (approx.) 1:1 (approx.)

8. Regulation 4 to 9% 6 to 10%
9. Cooling Self oil cooled Forced oil and fan cooled

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 In brief, those transformers installed at the ending or
receiving point of long and high voltage transmission lines
are the power transformers (mostly Step up). At the other
hand, The distribution transformers (generally pole
mounted) are those installed nearby the load terminals
(City and villages) to provide utilization voltage at the
consumer terminals (mostly step down).

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 Power transformer

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 Power transformer

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 Forced air and oil cooling

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 Distribution transformers

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 TANK

COOLING TUBES

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 Applications
1.Stepping up of voltage
Generally generating stations are situated far away from the consumers,
electrical energy is generated at a voltage of around 11kV,or 22kV. From
transmitting the power from generating stations to the place of use by
long transmission lines, it is more economical to raise the level of voltage
transmission to 220 kV to 440kV. This stepping up of voltage is carried out
by installing transformers.
2.Stepping down of voltage
HT consumers are provided with electric power at 11kV or 6.6kV, 3phase
and LT consumers are provided with electric power at 415 V , 3 phase. This
stepping down of voltage is carried out by installing transformers.
3. Instrument Extension
To measures high currents in the order of several hundred amps and
voltage of several kilo-volts, instrument transformers (CT and PT) are used
along with ammeters and voltmeters of lower range .
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 4. Electrical Isolation
In transformer power is transferred from primary to secondary via
magnetic field. There is no conductive connection between the primary
and secondary.(i.e. Both windings are inductively connected through
core.)

Although any transformer with a separate primary and secondary

winding is an isolation transformer to some extent, The term is usually
used to denote a special-purpose transformer built just for that use. It is
tested and rated to withstand a very high voltage difference, called the
withstand voltage, so that even if thousands of volts are applied to the
primary, it will not leak through to the protected side. These transformers
are used in the medical industry, to protect patients hooked up to
monitoring instruments that are powered by utility mains, as well as other
uses.

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 5. Impedance matching
According to maximum power transfer
theorem, maximum power is transferred from
source to load only if load impedance is equal to
source impedance. In case the actual impedance
is not equal to source impedance, in between
source and load, a transformer can be used for
impedance matching. For example , loud
speakers being connected to amplifiers.

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 6. Link between AC and DC systems

Appliances and equipments like radios, TV, electronic motor

controllers, computers etc. function with electronic circuits. They
require suitable DC Supply. As normal power is available is only
AC in nature, rectifiers are used to convert AC supply to DC
supply. In between AC supply and rectifier a transformer is used
for two purposes, to change the level of voltage and also to provide
electrical isolation.

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Why transformer rating in kVA?
AS seen , cu. Loss of a transformer depends on
current and iron loss on voltage. Hence, total transformer
loss on volt-ampere (VA) and not on phase angle between
voltage and current i.e. it is independent of load power
factor. That is why rating of transformers is in kVA and not
in kW

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 What happen if a transformer connected to a DC source?

If a rated voltage dc voltage applied to the primary of a transformer , the

flux produced in the transformer core will not vary but remains constant in
magnitude and therefore, no emf will be induced in the secondary winding
except at the moment of switching on. Thus the transformer is not capable
of raising or lowering the dc voltage. Also there will be no self induced emf
in the primary winding , which is only possible with varying flux linkage , to
oppose the applied voltage and since the resistance of primary winding is
quite low, therefore heavy current will flow through the primary winding
which may result in the burning out of the primary winding. This is reason
that dc is never applied to a transformer.

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