*{r

What is transformer Noise

7
The main source of sound in a transformer is a magneto-striction. This is the property of
electrical sheet steel which causes it to elongate and contract in the presence of the magnetic
field. These periodic mechanical movements produce sound vibrations in the core, having a
fundamental frequency equal to twice the flux frequency. Due to a non-linear relationship
between magneto-striction and flux density a number fo harmonically related higher
frequency are also produced. This results in a noise spectrum, composed of fundamental
frequencies of 120 cycles per second and harmonics of 240,360,480, 600 etc.
The pulsations of the core also travel through other parts of the transformer, which have a
tendency to vibrate at one or other of these same frequencies. These add to the overall sound
level in the form of interlaminar core and coil vibrations, enclosure, and sub-assembly
vibrations. The amount of this addition is dependent upon the surface area and resonant
frequency of each component part.
How to control transformer sound and minimize its transmission
-
As outlined above. there
are fbur main sources of sound in a transformer:
1.
2.
a
J.
4.
Core vibrations
Interlaminar core and gap vibrations and coil vibrations
Subassembly vibrations
Enclosure vibrations
Never Make Megger Tests under Vacuum or Without Oil
The great the vacuum (unless it's perfect) the lower the spark-over level. At the vacuum
values normally reached in the field, it is very likely the megger readings will be zero; in
other words, creeping or flashing to gound will occur. Breakdown strength under vacuum is a
function of both pressure and distance.
It is not our intent at this point to go into a long discourse on the phenomenon of voltage
breakdown but simply to CAUTION you not to megger a unit while under vacuum.
It is also recommended that you do not megger a unit in air because the values may lead to
wrong conclusions and will not agree with readings taken at alater date when they are taken
under oil. Readings taken in oil are about ll2 to 114 that of the insulation resistance in air.
Evaluation of Insulation
Megger readings, power factor readings, and oil dielectric breakdown values are important
indicators as to whether or not a transformer is wet. The dielectric strength of oil lor high
voltage power transformers must be 30kv or better before it is put into a new unit in the field.
The megger readings on high voltage power transformers, when corrected to 20oC, should be
1 megohm per kv or higher.
*V
.fu'
On IIHV transformers a minimum value of 3 megohms per kv is requircd. Several one
minutes readings should be taken with a motor driven megger and the megohm results
compared with factory data. Power factor should be less than 2Yo on oil-filled transformers
with two windings and less than 2-ll2oh on units with load tap changers w.hen corrected to
20"c
Insulation
There is not much that can be done in the way of maintenance of the solid insulation of oil-
insulated transformers and regulators, but correct load and temperature control can do much
to keep insulation aging within normal limits. Aging of insulation is affected by the operatin_e
temperature of the windings and the condition of the oil in which it is submerged. Oil of high
acidity will accelerate again of the solid insulation. The aging rate of organic insulation
doubts for approximately each 8oC increase in its temperature the lower the operating
temperature, the longer the insulation life.
Since aging is so much more rapid at the higher range of temperature, excessively high
temperatures should be avoided as much as possible. On the other hand, little is gained by
having insulation life exceed the obsolescence life of the apparatus. Maximum lif'e is assured
only under uniform, normal loading. Therefore, loading should be controllcd as much as
possible to obtain that objective.
The Secondary of a current transformer (CT) should not be open-circuitccl under any
circumstances. Why?
If the CT secondary becomes open circuited, a high voltage will exit across the secondary
because the large ratio of secondary to primary turn causes the transformer to act as a step-up
transformer. Also, since the counter ampere-turns of the secondary no longer exist, the flux in
the core, instead of being due to the difference of the primary and secondary ampere-tLlrns,
will now be due to the total primary ampere-turns acting alone. This causes a large incr-ease
in the flux, producing excessive core loss and heating, as well as a high voltage across the
secondary terminals.
/--
-
a
{l
d' ,r
ri i',^t
i'' i
'i-{.'
i .,,
,,1
t
..i't
,,
o{' -{ r. t,s
1 r
y i'',u'"
''
,
i ',r'r"
!
,.t .
{
I ii.
,';-,,.
,,r,!,
, ,'
,.
,,
.,
:
ii(
,.-i
r ,
r.,;*.
.' '
-t'i
/i+,
{
:.r
,tr\\
Jt
;,;
'
Va,')
-".1t!
..*
i,..1,
/,:
/ i,f i"r.' dL-
.
^)
.,
.,,.,-.";:,
y/,.,
j,-* r*l.
i.,1
1. -
1
g j'.r d/rr
1..
; /^
,l! , , t
!
.
'*.;,
I
rkr ''
"
. ,tri
lr
j
4
.'f '
lr
sir
f,,