Transformers, part 1

General, Types, Configurations

Advanced Transformer Testing, 2009

Presented by Peter Werelius

1
What is a transformer?

 Low voltage = easy to handle,

High voltage = lower losses
 Electrical gear box
• From high voltage and low current to
low voltage and high current or
opposite direction.
• High efficiency >99%
 U1(Europe)=V1 (U.S)
 V1*I1 = V2*I2 + loss

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The electric gear box

 Fixed ratio, e.g. 100 kV / 10 kV

 LTC (Load Tap Changer)
• 100±9x1.67% / 10 kV
 DETC (De-Energized Tap Changer)
• Tuning voltage level
• Change configuration, e.g. from Dzn10 to
Yzn11

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Modeling

 “Make it as simple as possible; but make is not

simpler than that”, Albert Einstein
 Generally in science
• (Observe, measure)
• Model
• Verify model; by experiments
• Extend model (only) if necessary

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 Transformer model

 Primary side:
• Winding resistance,
• Inductance
• Magnetization current
(magnetization inductance)
 Secondary side
• Winding resistance
• Inductance

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 Model parameters
 Winding resistance
• No voltage dependence
• No current dependence
• Temperature dependence (higher temperature gives higher
resistance)
• Effective winding resistance is frequency dependent
 Leakage inductance
• Depends on geometry
• No voltage, current dependence
• No temperature dependence
• No frequency dependence

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 Model parameters
 Magnetization current
• Voltage dependent
• Weak temperature dependence (up to
Curie temperature where the
magnetization vanishes)
• Weak frequency dependence (up to a
couple of kHz where magnetization
vanishes). Note, however, this weak frequency
dependence play a role in winding resistance
measurements

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Determine the parameters
 Excitation (magnetization)
current and no-load loss
measurements measurements
 Winding resistance
measurements
 Load-loss measurements
 Impedance (voltage) R+jX = R1+jX1 + (N1/N2)2 x (R2+jX2)
measurements

Advanced Transformer Testing 2009

 Example: Generator Step-Up (GSU)
 Excitation current (16 kV)
 110%: 54,2A, 143 kW
 105%: 33,2A, 120 kW
 100%: 24.4A, 105 kW
(120 kW / 105 MW = 0.12%)
 105 MVA, 51.5 MVA, 51.5 MVA
(24.4A / (3218*2) A = 0.38%)
 Winding resistance:  403/sqrt(3) kV, 16 kV, 16 kV
 HV side : 0.52 Ohm  442.4 A, 3218 A, 3218A
 LV side : 0.0037 Ohm
(0.0037x (N1/N2)2 = 0.78 Ohm)

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 Example: Generator Step-Up (GSU)
 Load loss (at 75C)
 A - a + b: 271 kW
 A - a: 138 kW
 A - b: 138 kW
(271 kW / 105 MW = 0.26%)
 Impedance voltage (%)  105 MVA, 51.5 MVA, 51.5 MVA
 A - a + b: 9.09%  403/sqrt(3) kV, 16 kV, 16 kV
 A - a: 9.11%  442.4 A, 3218 A, 3218A
 A - b: 9.12%
 a - b: 18.37%
(small transformers 2-4%, large up to 15%)

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 Summary
 The ideal transformer combined with the
simple equivalent circuit describes the
physics of the transformer well.
 The important parameters are:
 Magnetization current and no-load
loss (very much voltage dependent)
 Winding resistance (temperature
dependent)
 Impedance and load loss (load loss
is temperature dependent)

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Core designs:
Shell form and core form transformers

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Shell form and core form transformers

• The zero-sequence
impedance (i.e. all
phases have same
phase) is much lower
in a 3-leg core
compared with 5-leg
and shell form cores

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 Shell form and core form transformers
 Advantages of Shell Form Transformers (from www.meppi.com )
• High short-circuit withstand capability
• High mechanical strength
• High dielectric strength
• Excellent control of leakage magnetic flux
• Efficient cooling capability
• Flexible design
• Compact size
• Highly Reliable Design
 Disadvantages of Shell Form Transformers
• Complicated manufacturing process, i.e. more expensive

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Types of transformers
 Power Transformers
 Distribution Transformers
 Phase-Shifting Transformers
 Rectifier Transformers
 (Dry-Type Transformers)
 (Instrument Transformers)
 (Step-Voltage Regulators)
 (Constant-Voltage Transformers)
 (Reactors)

Electric Power Transformer Engineering, CRC Press, 2004, ISBN 0-8493-1704-5

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Type of transformers
 Power Transformers
• One-phase
• Three-phase
 Distribution Transformers
• Three-phase
• “Two”-phase (mainly in the U.S)
 Phase-Shifting Transformers
• Three-phase
 Rectifier Transformers
Why three-phase?
• Six-phase, twelve-phase
The sum of the power in the three
phases is constant, i.e. the torque is
constant.

Electric Power Transformer Engineering, CRC Press, 2004, ISBN 0-8493-1704-5

Advanced Transformer Testing 2009

Configurations
 One phase, two windings or three windings, e.g. YNyn0
 Three phase, two windings or three windings. e.g. YNyn0yn6
 Auto transformers with or without tertiary, e.g. YNa0
 Six-phase, twelve phase
 Phase-shifting (uses LTC on a different core leg)

Advanced Transformer Testing 2009