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Transformers :
Introduction
The transformer is a static device that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another electrical circuit through the medium of magnetic field by the principle of electromagnetic induction without a change in the frequency. It usually steps up or steps down electrical energy from one voltage level to another voltage level. In small sizes, single phase transformers are used. For large ratings, 3phase transformers are more common. The electric circuit that receives energy from the supply mains is called primary winding and the other circuit which delivers electric energy to the load is called the secondary winding. The primary and secondary windings of a transformer are not connected electrically but coupled magnetically.
Working Principle
o The electric circuit that receives energy from the supply mains is called primary winding and the other circuit which delivers electric energy to the load is called the secondary. o We consider a lossless transformer with an input (primary) winding having Np turns and a secondary winding of Ns turns. o The relationship between the voltage applied to the primary winding vp(t) and the voltage produced on the secondary winding vs(t) is
v p (t ) v s (t )
Np Ns
i p (t )
1 i s (t ) a
Vp Vs
Ip
1 Is a
Vload
Since a real transformer contains series impedances, the transformers output voltage varies with the load even if the input voltage is constant. Note, the VR of an ideal transformer is zero
Main Unit Step Up Transformer (Generator Transformer) : stepping up the generator terminal voltage (15.75 kV) to the Grid Voltage level (220kV , 400 kV etc.) with an OffLoad Tap Changer. The MVA capacity to be matched with the generator capacity. Unit Auxiliary Transformer (UAT) : stepping down the generator terminal voltage (15.75 KV) to the unit auxiliaries voltage level (6.6 kV) with OnLoad Tap Changer.
Station Auxiliary Transformer (SAT) : stepping down the Grid Voltage (220kV , 400 kV etc.) to the station auxiliaries voltage level (6.6 kV) with OnLoad Tap Changer.
Types of Transformer :
(1). As per construction :
(a) Core type transformer (b) Shell type transformer
AllDay Efficiency
Power Transformers (PT) are manipulated to operate almost always at or near their rated capacity (kVA ratings). Therefore, PTs are disconnected during light load periods. In view of this, a PT is designed to have maximum efficiency at or near full load (rated) kVA. Hence the choice of PTs out of a large numbers of competing transformers, should be based on full load efficiency. A PT does not come in direct contact with the consumers terminals, whereas a DT must have its secondary directly connected with the consumers terminals. The load on a DT varies over a wide range during a 24 hour day. The primary of DTs are always energised, and, therefore the core loss takes place continously. In view of this, DTs are designed to have very low value of core loss. But, for reduced core loss, the maximum efficiency may occur at about one-half of its rated kVA. Thus, a DT should not be judged by its full load efficiency, which is usually much less than its maximum efficiency. However, the choice of a DT, out of a large number of competing transformers, can be based on energy efficiency recognised as All-Day Efficiency, where energy efficiency is computed for a day of 24 hours. All-Day Efficiency = 1 (Losses in kWh in a day / Input in kWh in a day)
Transformer Specifications :
(1). (2). (3). (4). (5). (6). kVA / MVA rating Rated Voltage No. of phases Rated Frequency Connections Tappings
Construction :
(01). (02). (03). (04). (05). (06). (07). (08). (09). (10). (11). (12). Core Windings Tap Changers Tanks Bushings Auxiliary Equipments Cooling System Insulating Oil Conservator Tank Breather Radiators Buchholz Relay
New class of metal (metallic glass alloys or Glassy Metal) High Dielectric strength Hardness, flexibility &Good Toughness Excellent Magnetic Properties Reduces 60 to 70 % core loss ( over CRGO Silicon steel) Suitable for Distribution Transformers ( low load factor, More number of installed distribution transformers )
Demerits of amorphous metal : Low space factor ( Larger core area - coil, tank) Lower magnetic saturation density (CRGO 2Tesla/AM , 1.58 Tesla / AM)
linkage between coil and core, the best shape Of core limbs cross section would be circle, but this would require a great number of lamination widths. As a compromise solution, a cross section is made by lamination of varying widths and packet height in such a way that overall cross section is approximately a circle.
35/55 degree mitre improves the flow of flux around the corner. 45 degree mitre reduces waste of core material during cutting process.
The use of mitred core joints assure that the flux flows along the direction of grain orientation thereby minimizing both core loss and the magnetizing current.
In large type transformers the joints between limbs and yokes are interleaved. If the magnetic properties of circuit are the only consideration, the best arrangement is obtained by interleaving one plate at a time. It is usually desirable for mechanical reasons to interleave the plates two, three or four at a time. As many as 20 widths of steel strip are interleaved at a time for large power transformers as this accelerates the magnetic circuit assembly and minimizes the risk of imperfect interleaving on account of buckling of laminations.
Caution:
In order to reduce the magnetizing current, the interleaving at the lamination joints should be done with utmost care. The gaps between laminations must not be greater than 1-2 mm.
The selection of no. of limbs to be used depends upon the rating of transformers and transport consideration.
For large rating single phase transformer, 3 limbed core width would become too large to be transported. To overcome such difficulties, the windings are split into two parts and placed around Two separate limbs. The cross sectional area of the limbs and the yokes are identical. Consequently these cores are bulkier than single phase 3 limbed arrangement. The percentage leakage reactance for this type is comparatively higher due to distributed nature of the windings in the two limbs separately.
> Both the windings of each phase is placed around each leg. For each phase of magnetic flux appearing in a limb, the yokes and the remaining limbs provide the return path.
Clamps
Clamping arrangement for transformer core (contd.) bolted together at intervals along the limbs and the yokes.
In large transformers, cores are kept in position by side plates
Holes are punched out in the laminations in order to accommodate the bolts. These bolts, which necessarily pass through the cores must be laminated both from the side plates and laminations. The side plates are also laminated from the insulation. The isolation is necessary as otherwise the bolts would short circuit the laminations and would provide paths for the eddy currents. In order to provide more rigidity to the core and to prevent bulging of core between bolts, flitch plates are used.
selection of a particular type depends on current rating, short circuit strength, temperature rise, overload condition, impedance, voltage surge strength Winding Material Generally, copper and aluminum are used for transformer windings. As with silicon steel, these materials are available in a variety of grades and thicknesses, each with their own efficiency characteristics. The types of windings chosen by the transformer designer are also dependent on the cost of a specific utility's losses and on assumed transformer loading levels.
Cylindrical Coil Construction : Coils have cylindrical cross-section Concentrically wound with HV over LV (Lowest voltage nearest core) Insulation Cooling Tapping Requires stacked core
Cylindrical Coil :
The windings are made of PVF grade enameled copper wire or paper wrapped flat copper wire. Insulation between layers of winding normally comprises of class-A insulation paper. The windings are constructed to meet besides the required dielectric strength, but also a sound mechanical strength. Low copper losses and standard percentage impedance and smooth circulation of oil through the windings provide good performance.
Cylindrical Coil:
Helical winding:
This coil as its name indicates, is wound in the form of continuous helix. The helical winding has its turn wound in an axial direction along direction along a screw line with an inclination corresponding to the height of the conductor and oil duct between turns.
Rectangular Coil Construction : Coils have rectangular cross-section HV over LV winding Core can be stacked (core form) or wound (shell form)
Interlayer Insulation : After winding a neat layer of wire on a coil, a thin layer of insulating paper, plastic film, etc is put over it. This is interlayer insulation. It helps keep the insulation of the wires from breaking down from the stress of the voltage difference between layers, and mechanically helps to form a neat, solid coil.
Transposition: Transposition is essential for equalizing the resistance and leakage reactance of each of the parallel conductors. Absence of transposition lead to non-uniform distribution of current in parallel path thereby causing additional eddy current loss by over loading of portion of conductors. For helical winding, usually three transpositions are provided. The complete transposition is provided in the middle of the winding. Two partial transpositions are done at 25% and 75% of turns.
Core and Winding Assembly : Coil is first made and then the core is inserted into it. The core and coil of the transformers are assembled together and heated and dried in a vacuum drying oven until the insulation resistance goes up to several megaohms. After drying, the assembly is placed in a metallic tank and oil is filled in the transformer under vacuum condition to ensure the permanent elimination of air and moisture.
The Tank and cover is fabricated from mild steel plate, blended and welded to construct them as required size and shape. The fabricated tank (before coating/painting) is subjected to pressure test to ensure no oil leakage.
The inner dimensions of the transformer tank are fixed by the active dimensions of the transformers and clearances between windings and grounded parts of transformer.
Width of tank, Wt = 2D+De+2b (for three phase transformer) = D+De+2b (for single phase transformer)
Length of tank, Lt = De+2l and Height of tank, Ht = H+h
The coating of tanks strictly follows a standard procedure : pre-treatment process which help to eliminate the grease and rusts on tank surface followed by phosphating process by dipping the tank into a phosphating tank Base coat (primer) is to be applied after the pre-treatment after then, being baked properly, final coat (surface coat) up to the required thickness is done by using oil and heat resistant grade dark gray paint (colour code No. : RAL 7003). The use of gray colour is for reflection of sun radiation. Minimum thickness of surface paint coating must be 80 microns.
The insulating oil for Transformers (and Switchgear) is a pure hydrocarbon mineral oil with or without additives. It performs main two functions : to provide insulation between the conductors and coils to extract heat as a coolant without losing its insulating properties Properties of insulating oil : Appearance : the oil should be clear and transparent and free from suspended matter or sediment Density : as per IS standard 0.89 gm/cm3 Viscosity : Lower viscosity is advantageous on account of heat transfer. Maximum kinematic viscosity as per IS standard is 27 CST at 27 C Flash point : minimum specified value as per IS standard is 140 C pour point Acidity : oil should be free from mineral acids and organic acids. Acidity value of the oil to be maintained at 0.03 mg of KOH per gm of oil Electric Strength : when tested between horizontal electrodes 2.5 mm apart, unfiltered oil must possess the strength as 30 kV (rms). If this value is not attained, oil is to be filtered. Contaminants specially moisture and fibrous substance reduces the dielectric strength of the oil.
Shell Diala B grade mineral oil (or equivalent) manufactured from quality petrolium base stocks, blended with selected additives is used as transformer oil, which has critical electrical peoperties. Selection of low viscosity index Naphthenic base oils ensures excellent cooling characteristics. The colour of new transformer oil is paleamber. Askarel is a synthetic cooling oil used instead of sheel diala B. Askarel is a special type of dielectric oil used to cool electrical equipments such as transformers and switchgears. Some types of Askarel contain Polychlorinated biphenyl to improve characteristics.
Askarel produces poisonous gas and danger to life when it comes in contact with air. Disposal of used Askarel is difficult.
arc produced in the oil is inflammable and explosive. If arc is not extinguished, the pressure in the tank may rise above the safe limit and explosion may occur.
oil absorbs moisture and dielectric strength reduces by carbonization which occurs during arcing
oil needs periodic testing and filtration and replacement the dust particles and sludge can create flashover due to tracking
Conservator Tank, placed at the top of the transformer main tank, is fabricated steel tank fitted with air cushion, for accommodating the transformer oil created due to expansion or contraction in the main tank.
Conservator is provided with oil level indicator, oil draining valve , air valve, and diaphragm. For OLTC, either separate conservator or partition in the main conservator is required. Oil conservator shall have a volume of at least 11% of the transformer oil volume. Control cubicle and OLTC cubicle should not be mounted below the conservator.
The purpose of radiators is to limit the temperature of oil and winding in a transformer by dissipating heat. Radiators are manufactured from cold rolled steel sheets, cold drawn and seam welded to form its desired dimensions and then galvanized after fabrication. Radiator is provided with air release plug, oil drain plug, shut-off valve to stop the oil flow if the radiator is leaking. Where built-on type radiator shall be connected to the main tank through flanged valves.
Number of tubes = {1/(8.8 dt lt )}.{(Pi + Pc)/) 12.5 St } The diameter of tubes, normally used, is 50 mm and they are spaced at 75 mm. Elliptical tubes with pressed radiators are increasingly being used as they give a greater dissipating surfact for smaller volume of oil.
RADIATOR
25 KVA 50 , 63 and 100 KVA 200 KVA and above Power & EHV
Plain tank.
Up to 33 kV Porcelain Bushings Above 33 kV Condenser Bushings OIP Oil Impregnated Bushings RIP Resin Impregnated Bushings SRBP Synthetic Resin Bonded Paper Bushings
Creepage (leakage) distance is the shortest distance along the surface of an insulator from one conducting part (terminal) to another conducting part, which may be energised or at ground potential.
1 : terminal for connection of tubular bus bar or AAAC conductor 2 : assembly of central tube and conductor in the bushing 3 : aluminium casted head with oil expansion chamber and oil level indicator. The chamber is hermatically sealed. 4 : COT bushings are fitted with dried degassed insulating oil. 5 : porcelain insulator made of high-grade electro-technical porcelain conforming to IEC 815. The insulator is connected to the mounting flange using Portland cement & sealed with O-ring gasket. 6 : Central tube and conductor made of oil impregnated wide band paper with layers of aluminium foil to control the field strength radially and axially. 7 : mounting flange with integrated test tap made of corrosion free aluminium alloy machined to ensure that an excellent seal between the bushing and the transformer. 8 : current transformer pocket suitable for mounting multi-core transformer for protection and metering. 9 : Epoxy resin insulator on the oil side of the transformer tank. It is designed to withstand 130 C. 10 : End Shielding, which is special aluminium electrode cast in to the end of the epoxy resin tube. It controls the electric field strength in this area.
TERMINAL BUSHINGS
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) : Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve
Two types of PRV are provided : Diaphragm Type (Explosion Vent) Spring Loaded Type (Pressure Relief Vent)
Explosion Vent
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) : Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve
Accessories Mounted on Power Transformers (contd.) : Explosion Vent / Pressure Relief Valve
Whenever there is a change in the ambient temperature or in the load of an oil immersed transformer, there is a change in oil temperature and, consequently in the volume of oil. Increase in volume causes the air above the oil level in the conservator to be pushed out and decrease in oil volume causes air to be drawn in. Thus, the transformer breathes. When air is breathed-in, there is a possibility of moisture and dust from atmosphere to be sucked in. These contaminants deteriorate the insulation properties of oil. Silica Gel Breather is provided which arrests moisture and dust from the drawn in air, and admits only dry air. Normal (dry) colour of Silica Gel is bright blue, which becomes pink when moisture is absorbed. It can be dried by heating during the periodic maintenance, to obtain blue colour. Silica Gel Breather is installed in a pipe from conservator, filled with dry silica gel and shall be mounted 1500 mm above ground level. Separate silica gel breather is required for OLTC conservator.
Buchholz Relay
Voltage control in electric power supply network is required for adjustment of voltage at consumers premises as short period (1 2 %), daily (3 5 %) and seasonal (5 10 %) voltage variations in accordance with variations of load. Tappings are invariably provided on the HV winding. fine voltage variation current interruption level position of HV and LV windings w.r.t. core Principal Tapping , Positive Tapping , Negative Tapping
Occasional adjustment (manual) of voltage by disconnecting the transformer from the supply.
In generating stations mainly OFFLoad type Tap Changers are used as voltage regulation is done by AVR.
Power Transformers in receiving stations / substations are having ONLoad type Tap Changer. In Power Stations, station service transformers have ON Load type Tap Changer.
Mediums of Cooling :
Air symbol is A Gas symbol is G Synthetic Oil symbol is L Mineral Oil symbol is O Solid Insulation - symbol is S Water symbol is W
Different cooling systems employed for oil immersed power and distribution transformers are :
1. ONAN (Oil Natural, Air Natural) : cooling by Radiators only 2. ONAF (Oil Natural, Air Forced) : cooling by Radiator and Fans 3. OFAN (Oil Forced, Air Natural) : forced oil circulation by oil pump and coolers 4. OFAF (Oil Forced, Air Forced) : forced oil circulation and forced air cooling 5. OFWF (Oil Forced, Water Forced) : forced oil and forced water cooling
25 KVA
Plain tank.
ODAN: Oil Directed Air Natural : Inside the transformer the core is sometime provided with certain fins for proper flow of oil and thus cooling effect is better here.
In this system, in addition to panel type radiators, air blowers are provided for forced air cooling. Automatic control of air blowers are through winding thermometer or oil thermometer. Combined ONAN/ONAF transformers have dual ratings. For example, 12/16 MVA, 33/11 kV, ONAN/ONAF Transformer. This transformer will deliver 12 MVA as ONAN and 16 MVA as ONAF conditions.
RADIATORS
ONWF is an old practice, not used any more. ONWF were being used for transformers installed in high-head Hydroelectric Power Stations as natural water head is already available there.
Active Part
Water forcing is by providing tubular coils mounted around the active part in the transformer tank with normal transformer oil and forcibly circulating water in the tubular coils. The tubular connections are so made that the circulating water is led into a water tank and cooled by sprinkling from a height. This cooled water is re-used, thus forming a closed water circulation arrangement with necessary pumps, piping arrangements, valves etc.
OFAN system consists of conservator, cooler and oil pumps. Oil is circulated through external cooler unit. Automatic control of the oil pump / stand by oil pump is maintained by the pressure switch. OFAF is similar to OFAN, but cooler is exposed to forced air to exchange heat from oil to air.
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