CHAPTER 3

DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER
APPLICATION
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

The Region’s Premier University of Choice

 INTRODUCTION

Transformers are one of the keys to allowing widespread distribution of

electric power as we see it today. Transformers efficiently convert electricity
to higher voltage for long distance transmission and back down to low
voltages suitable for customer usage. The distribution transformer normally
serves as the final transition to the customer and often provides a local
grounding reference. Most distribution circuits have hundreds of distribution
transformers. Distribution feeders may also have other transformers:
voltage regulators, feeder step banks to interface circuits of different
voltages, and grounding banks.

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 DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

From a few kVA to a few MVA, distribution transformers convert primary

voltage to low voltage that customers can use. The transformer connection
determines the customer’s voltages and grounding configuration.

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 DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

Distribution transformers are available in several standardized sizes as shown in

table below. Most installations are single phase. The most common overhead
transformer is the 25-kVA unit; pad-mounted transformers tend to be slightly larger
where the 50-kVA unit is the most common.

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 TYPES OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

THE DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS

1. Dry type.
2. Liquid-filled type.

The liquid-filled-type distribution transformers can

further be classified as

a. oil filled
b. inerteen filled.

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 TYPES OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

The distribution transformers employed in overhead

distribution systems can be categorized as

Conventional transformers

Completely self-protecting (CSP) transformers

Completely self-protecting for secondary banking

(CSPB) transformers

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 TYPES OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

The distribution transformers employed in underground

distribution systems can be categorized as

Subway transformers

Low-cost residential transformers

Network transformers

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 TERMINAL OR LEAD MARKINGS

The terminals or leads of a transformer are the points to

which external electric circuits are connected. According to
NEMA and ASA standards, the higher-voltage winding is
identified by HV or H, and the lower-voltage winding is
identified by LV or x.

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 TRANSFORMER POLARITY

Transformer-winding terminals are marked to show polarity, to indicate the HV from the LV
side. Primary and secondary are not identified as such because which is which depends
on input and output connections. Transformer polarity is an indication of the direction of
current flowing through the HV leads with respect to the direction of current flow through
the LV leads at any given instant. In other words, the transformer polarity simply refers to
the relative direction of induced voltages between the HV leads and the LV terminals. The
polarity of a single-phase distribution transformer may be additive or subtractive. With
standard markings, the voltage from H1 to H2 is always in the same direction or in phase
with the voltage from X1 to X2. In a transformer where H1 and X1 terminals are adjacent,
the transformer is said to have subtractive polarity. On the other hand, when terminals H1
and X1 are diagonally opposite, the transformer is said to have additive polarity.

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TRANSFORMER POLARITY

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 DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER LOADING GUIDES

The rated kVA of a given transformer is the output that can be

obtained continuously at rated voltage and frequency without
exceeding the specified temperature rise. Temperature rise is
used for rating purposes rather than actual temperature, since
the ambient temperature may vary considerably under
operating conditions. The life of insulation commonly used in
transformers depends upon the temperature the insulation
reaches and the length of time that this temperature is
sustained. Therefore, before the overload capabilities of the
transformer can be determined, the ambient temperature,
preload conditions, and the duration of peak loads must be
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 SINGLE-PHASE TRANSFORMER PARALLELING

When greater capacity is required in emergency situations, two

single-phase transformers of the same or different kVA ratings
can be connected in parallel. The single-phase transformers can
be of either additive or subtractive polarity as long as the
following conditions are observed and connected

1. All transformers have the same turns ratio.

2. All transformers are connected to the same primary phase.
3. All transformers have identical frequency ratings.
4. All transformers have identical voltage ratings.
5. All transformers have identical tap settings.
6. Per unit impedance of one transformer is between 0.925 and
1.075 of the other in order to maximize capability.
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SINGLE-PHASE TRANSFORMER PARALLELING

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CONNECTIONS

Δ–Δ Transformer Connection

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CONNECTIONS

OPEN Δ– OPEN Δ Transformer Connection

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CONNECTIONS

Δ– Y Transformer Connection

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CONNECTIONS

OPEN Y – OPEN Δ Transformer Connection

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CONNECTIONS

Y – Δ Transformer Connection

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CONNECTIONS

Y – Y Transformer Connection

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THANK YOU!