What is the function of rectifier diode?

A rectifier is a type of diode. The main working principle of a Rectifier is hidden in its own
name i.e. Rectifier= One which rectifies. Here in electronics or electrical Rectify means to
convert from Alternating current to Direct current.

To rectify an electrical signal, Rectifiers allow current flow in one direction only. Here is a
simple definition of a rectifier:

A rectifier is an electrical device consisting of one or more diodes that allows the flow of
current only in one direction. It basically converts alternating current into direct current.

Here is a simple block diagram how it is used in circuits:

As mostly all of the equipment uses current from main supply and it is Alternating Current.
But the AC can damage the circuitry due to its fluctuating nature. So just after the
transformer, a rectifier is put so that it can convert AC to DC for the circuit to work properly.

Rectifier diodes are used to current flow in the circuit to a uni-direction. Heres the I-V curve
of a pn diode:
Unlike components like resistors, the diodes current has a non-linear relationship to the
voltage across it. When positive voltage is being applied on the diode, it will be forward
biased, hence it will do its best to act as a short circuit (though there will always be a
forward potential to overcome, before the diode can act as such) - which shows that the
current can flow through the diode freely.

If negative potential is applied to the diode, current will be low, as it is manufactured to

restrict current flow from the other direction (likewise as before, the diode is never ideal,
hence there will be a small value of current flowing through).

I believe that if you could read up on what the applications of diodes are, it will piece
together the reason for rectifying your circuits and this would help solidify your
understanding on diodes.

What are Rotating Diodes ?

Rotating Diodes are diodes fitted in the rotor of the synchronous machine between the excitor
and the main field winding. The function of the Rotating Diodes is to rectify the AC output
of the excitor into DC which can be used to magnetise the main field windings and poles.

These diodes are connected in the shape of a normal three phase rectifier with six diodes
(sometimes twelve diodes are used). The Diodes are called Rotating diodes as they are
mounted on the rotor which is rotating. The diodes do not rotate by themselves.
The DC output from the rectifier assembly is usually collected from two rings in the
assembly. The Diodes are protected by a Varistor against voltage spikes during sudden load
fluctuations.

What is the function of a diode in a generator? How does it work in the circuit?

I believe you are referring to the rectifier diodes used in Alternators. As you know,
according to the principle of generation of AC, a magnetic field is required. To produce this
magnetic field, we use diode disc assembly, which consists of recrifier diodes ( equal number
of forward and reverse biased diodes). The Self excited Alternator has two sections, 1)
Exciter Field 2) Main field. The Alternator, starts using the principle of Residual magnetism ,
but to maintain generation of AC, the Main Feild Windings or the rotor windings require to
be magnetised ( Brushless Alternator). Hence the AC which is produced by the Exciter
System is fed to the diode disc assembly and the rectified output is fed to the Main field
windings (rotor) to magnetise the same. When this field is rotated inside the Stator ( Armature
Windings) , AC gets induced in the Armature windings.

There is another diode, which is used in the battery charging application. The DC battery
used in DG Sets, is charged using a Dynamo coupled with the Engine flywheel. This dynamo
is used to charge the battery and a diode is used between the same, to restrict charging in uni
direction.

A diode permits voltage to flow through it in one direction but blocks it from
flowing back the other direction. It's like an anti-backflow valve in plumbing.

This is valuable in a portable generator, which is usually actually just a big

alternator; alternators produce pure AC, but your generator's battery-charging
circuit (and possibly control circuits, and ignition circuit) requires DC and can't
tolerate AC. A diode permits only one phase of AC to flow, effectively converting
it to DC.

What type of transformer is used in power stations?

Step-up transformers are used at power stations to produce the very high
voltages needed to transmit electricity through the National Grid power lines. These
high voltages are too dangerous to use in the home, so step-
down transformers areused locally to reduce the voltage to safe levels.

Power transformers are used for transmission & receiving purpose, whereas distribution
transformers are used only for distribution purpose.

Power transformer voltage ratio varies b/w 756 kV to 11kV. Whereas distribution
transformer voltage ratio varies b/w 33kV to 430V.
Power transformers usually have higher MVA rating compare to distribution
transformers.

To understand above, I want you to understand the different voltage levels

which we use from starting of power generation till its distribution;

1. Generally electrical power is generated at low voltages i.e. 11kV.

Large generators are designed to generate voltage ranging from 11 kV to 28 kV
and frequency in 50 Hz or 60 Hz range. But To generate at 33kV, the size of the
generator might be twice as large as the size of the 11kV generator.
2. Now this generated energy is transmitted over the transmission lines of
several hundred kilometers. When a current flows through a wire some energy
is lost as heat. The higher the current, the more heat is lost. Hence we need to
transmit the power at low current to minimize the conductor size and losses. To
reduce the current we need to increase the voltage. In transmission/generating
stations we use Step-up transformer to increase the voltage to say 220 kV or
above, these transformers are called as power transformers.
3. Now this EHV transmission line terminates at local receiving station, where
220 kV voltage is step down to say 33 or 11kV using the step down
transformers, these transformers are also called as Power transformers.
4. Now, these 11kV voltage line is then distributed along every distribution
station of the city, where voltage is further step down to 430V AC using the step
down transformer. Transformers used here are called Distribution
transformers.
5. These 430V (3 Phase & 1 Neutral) AC is then given to industrial and
household consumers. Normally household consumer gets 230V as a
standard single phase voltage, this configuration is achieved with one
phase and one neutral wire.

Difference between Power Transformer and Distribution Transformer

Main Differences
Power transformers are used in transmission network of higher voltages for step-
up and step down application (400 kV, 200 kV, 110 kV, 66 kV, 33kV) and are generally
rated above 200MVA.
Distribution transformers are used for lower voltage distribution networks as a
means to end user connectivity. (11kV, 6.6 kV, 3.3 kV, 440V, 230V) and are generally
rated less than 200 MVA.

Transformer Size / Insulation Level:

Power transformer is used for thetransmission purpose at heavy load, high
voltage greater than 33 KV & 100% efficiency. It also having a big in size as compare to
distribution transformer, it used in generating station and Transmission substation .high
insulation level.
The distribution transformer is used for the distribution of electrical energy at low
voltage as less than 33KV in industrial purpose and 440v-220v in domestic purpose. It
work at low efficiency at 50-70%, small size, easy in installation, having low magnetic
losses & it is not always fully loaded.
Iron Losses and Copper Losses
Power Transformers are used in Transmission network so they do not directly
connect to the consumers, so load fluctuations are very less. These are loaded fully
during 24 hrs a day, so Cu losses & Fe losses takes place throughout day the specific
weight i.e. (iron weight)/(cu weight) is very less.
The average loads are nearer to full loaded or full load and these are designed in such a
way that maximum efficiency at full load condition. These are independent of time so in
calculating the efficiency only power basis is enough.
Power Transformers are used in Distribution Network so directly connected to the
consumer so load fluctuations are very high. these are not loaded fully at all time so iron
losses takes place 24hr a day and cu losses takes place based on load cycle. the specific
weight is more i.e. (iron weight)/(cu weight).average loads are about only 75% of full
load and these are designed in such a way that max efficiency occurs at 75% of full load.
As these are time dependent the all day efficiency is defined in order to calculate the
efficiency.

Power transformers are used for transmission as a step up devices so that the I2r
loss can be minimized for a given power flow. These transformers are designed to utilize
the core to maximum and will operate very much near to the knee point of B-H curve
(slightly above the knee point value).This brings down the mass of the core enormously.
Naturally these transformers have the matched iron losses and copper losses at peak
load (i.e. the maximum efficiency point where both the losses match).
Distribution transformers obviously cannot be designed like this. Hence the all-
day-efficiency comes into picture while designing it. It depends on the typical load cycle
for which it has to supply. Definitely Core design will be done to take care of peak load
and as well as all-day-efficiency. It is a bargain between these two points.
Power transformer generally operated at full load. Hence, it is designed such that copper
losses are minimal. However, a distribution transformer is always online and operated at
loads less than full load for most of time. Hence, it is designed such that core losses are
minimal.
In Power Transformer the flux density is higher than the distribution
transformer.

Maximum Efficiency
The main difference between power and distribution transformer is distribution
transformer isdesigned for maximum efficiency at 60% to 70% load as normally
doesnt operate at full load all the time. Its load depends on distribution demand.
Whereas power transformer is designed for maximum efficiency at 100% load as it
always runs at 100% load being near to generating station.
Distribution Transformer is used at the distribution level where voltages tend to be
lower .The secondary voltage is almost always the voltage delivered to the end
consumer. Because of voltage drop limitations, it is usually not possible to deliver that
secondary voltage over great distances.
As a result, most distribution systems tend to involve many clusters of loads fed from
distribution transformers, and this in turn means that the thermal rating of distribution
transformers doesnt have to be very high to support the loads that they have to serve.
All day efficiency = (Output in KWhr) / (Input in KWhr) in 24 hrs which is always
less than power efficiency.

What is the difference in size between power transformer

and its bushing?

Bushing is part of Power Transformer which is having three type of Bushing namely HV
Bushing, LV Bushing and Neutral Bushing. The size of bushing is decided by the voltage
level hence HV bushing is huge in size than LV and neutral bushing. So if you arrange
the size of bushing in descending order then it will be like HV>LV>Neutral bushing.

You just think as bushing is a part of Transformer mounted on Turret then how large will
be the size of a Transformer.

Which electrical supplier offers the best power and

distribution transformer? How do I identify why it's the
best?

In engineering, there generally is no such thing as best. There are pluses and minuses
to every option. What youre looking for is as good as possible within the parameters
limiting my choices.

Define your needs - those are your parameters:

What efficiency?

What impedance?

What temperature rise?

What rating(s)? (Primary & secondary voltage? kVA?)

Whats the physical size? Weight?

Whats the price?

Whats the needed delivery?

Etc.

If youre the engineer, you get to specify what it is youre looking for. Suppliers will try to
meet that specification as closely as they can. (Try not to specify something no one
actually builds!)

Build a spreadsheet and compare the different offerings. One may have outstanding
efficiency, but cost 60% more than the next most efficient. The difference in efficiency
wont pay off for 12 years at the current cost of electricity. Is the more efficient
transformer better? Why? If the initial cost is unimportant (an extremely rare event)
then that transformer may be better, but in the real world, probably not.

Its your job to determine what parameters are more important, and then determine
which product may be best for your particular application. And bear in mind, for
different applications different vendors may have superior products. Transformer
vendor A may make an outstanding substation class product, but vendor B makes a
better distribution unit - for your particular project.

What is the best way to understand a transformer in

power distribution?

Transformer is a static electric device which is used to increase power but it doesn't
change the frequency .Transformer is mainly of two types 1 step up which steps up the
voltage level

2 step down tran. which step down or decreases the voltage

purpose in transmission

Transformer is used to increase the voltage level as at higher voltage losses in

transmission line get decreases

Purpose in distribution

in case of distribution transformer step down or decrease the voltage so that we can
supply the required voltage to the consumers.
How do power transformers work?

The transfomer works in the principle of mutual induction.

The varying alternating current in the primary coil of current induces the magnetic field
in the core .The core linked induces the current in secondary side of the core.

The power in the primary side of the core is equal to the secondary side of the core if we
are neglecting the losses in the transformer.

Do distribution transformers work at full efficiency?

100% efficiency is not possible, it's only an ideal case but tranformers are the
most efficient of the all electrical machines. Efficiency upto 98% has been
achieved, and I think distribution transformers in India would also not be that
bad so they would also be having decent efficiency.
There is a general principle that any machine works most efficiently near its full
load for which it is designed and I am not talking about what maximum efficiency
can be achieved. At what load maximum efficiency is there, it also depends on
power factor of the load so we can generally say that maximum efficiency can
occur from 80% of full load to full load.

Yes and no.

Distribution transformers are designed to operate at maximum efficiency when

the load on them is around 60-70% of rated load.

So, yes, when the load connected is around 60-70% of rated load.
And no if distribution transformers are operating on full load or at low loads.