SUBMERSIBLE DRY-TYPE

TRANSFORMER

MORA RAJASHEKAR REDDY

B151072EE
INTRODUCTION
Dry-type transformer can be used in an underground distribution network
as an option for liquid-immersed transformers.

Due to the risks of explosion, fire, and environmental contamination

dry-type transformers are used instead of liquid-immersed transformers.

Development of dry-type transformers for underground distribution

networks, capable of operating in the open air, partially submerged or
completely submerged in water is discussed.
Development Parameters
● Power rating : A three-phase 500 to 2000 kVA transformer,
which is the same rating range as the liquid-immersed transformers
for underground distribution networks, that are presently used.
● HV Winding:For the 13.8-kV winding, provided with taps of ±5%,
the taps are selected by means of a tap panel. Terminals are for
separable insulated connectors , plug-in type for 200 A. The
connection is a delta connection.
Terminals on an HV winding
LV Winding
The voltage is 220V between phases, star connected and neutrally accessible.
Terminals are bars with six holes for the cable terminal connection.
Connection Group :
This is “Dyn1” vector group connection.

Size,weight and Footprint :

They are comparable to liquid-immersed transformers. The transformer
size is limited by the size of the hole through which the transformer is
installed in the underground chamber.

Efficiency and Impedance:

They are comparable to liquid-immersed transformers.

Installation Chambers :
The transformer chamber may be located underground, below floor level,
subject to immersion in water from rain, infiltration, or burial. Water
depth is limited to 3 m.
Limiting factors and Solutions

The development of the submersible dry-type transformer has been dealt

with in the following topics and their solution:

1. Cooling
2. Insulation
3. Submersible Operation
Cooling
Adequate cooling of the transformer is achieved by the balancing heat due
to losses and its dissipation to the external ambient,considering the
following factors:

1. Transformer shape
2. Water level
Transformer shape
● The transformer in operation has losses in the core and in the
windings. The transfer of heat to cooling element depends on factors,
such as thermal resistance between the loss generation point to the
dissipation point and to the cooling element.

● The efficiency of the heat transfer will define the temperature

gradient between the temperature at the source of the heat and the
temperature of the cooling means.

● For transformers in the 500 to 2000 kVA range, greater thermal

dissipation is necessary. The solution involves the usual multiple
components for cast resin transformers having core, LV windings,
and HV windings separately manufactured and assembled together,
including cooling ducts between each component.
Water level
The transformer is expected to operate, dry in the air, be fully submerged,
or partially submerged with some level of water from 0 to 3 m deep.

The heat produced by the losses from the transformer is transferred to the
surrounding cooling substance according to each situation.

● In the dry condition, the cooling of the transformer occurs by natural

convection from the heated components of the transformer to the
surrounding air, creating a stream of ascending air.

● In the fully immersed condition, the heat of the transformer

components is transferred to the surrounding water. The
heat-transfer factor from solid components, such as coils to water, is
about 10 times higher than transferring to air.
An intermediate situation between operation in dry conditions and fully
submerged requires special attention for the performance of cooling,
especially if the level of water attains the bottom of the coils.

This reduces the free circulation of the ascending stream of air flowing
into the spaces between coils. If the vertical cooling ducts are closed at the
bottom by the water, the section of wet coil is not enough to cool the entire
winding.

In order to increase cooling capacity of the coil, the coils are provided with
a profile cooling dissipater at the bottom. Part of the heat of the coils is
transferred to the radiator at the bottom by conduction, and the rest is
dissipated by convection.
Insulation
Insulation of the windings and tap panel is of special importance
for this submersible dry-type transformer.

The insulation of the submersible dry-type transformer

is exclusively solid. The insulation concept is
comparable to that of HV cable insulation, with a
grounded shield that is wrapped around the coils.
The grounded shield is extended to bushings,
delta connection, and tap panel.
Tap Panel on HV Winding
● The taps required on the HV winding are ±5% of the rating voltage.
The level of insulation of the tap terminal to ground is the same as for
the winding.
● The same insulation criteria applied to the winding are applied to the
taps.
● In addition, the taps need tap-changing facilities, and reconstruction
of the insulation, shielding, and submersible capability.
LV Winding and Star Connection
● The voltage of the LV winding is 220 V. For the 500-kVA rating, the
current is 1312 A.
● The insulation of the winding and its leads is casted resin and solid
insulation at the connections.
● The LV terminals for connection to the network are bars with three
couples of holes, including those for neutral connection.
Submersible Operation
The transformer in a water-immersed state is affected by
1. Physical and Chemical Effects of the Water on Transformer
Components.
2. EM Effects on the Water Surrounding the Transformer
Physical and Chemical Effects
● For metallic parts, a special surface protection in order to avoid
corrosion was defined and tested.
● A special core-cutting process and sheet assembly was developed in
order to improve the performance of the surface protection.
● For nonmetallic parts, water absorption phenomena were analyzed.
Tests were carried out with defined dimensions and test procedures to
determine the amount of water absorbed by resin specimens.
● The immersion test was performed during one year at an average
ambient temperature of 20 °C, and at atmospheric pressure.
EM Effects
● The rain water, which invades the transformer chambers of the
underground distribution network, is electrically more or less
conductive.
● Therefore an insulation system was developed to prevent water
producing the turn effect around the core with an insulation barrier.
● The effectiveness of the insulation barrier at the core window in
preventing water turn formation with the water surrounding the core
is proven by the no-load test at the rating voltage.
● The measured values of no-load losses and no-load current, measured
in dry and underwater conditions, are the same.
Submersible dry-type transformer in the factory test under immersed conditions.
Submersible dry-type transformer, 500 kVA, 13.8 kV ±5%, 220V, dy1.
● The first set of transformers was installed and commissioned on the
underground distribution network in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Conclusion
● The submersible dry-type transformer points to a possible alternative
for underground distribution systems, where transformers are
required in the range of 500 to about 2000 kVA and capable of
undergoing immersion.
● The submersible dry-type transformers may be applied totally or
partially to other transformers subjected to other less extreme
conditions, such as, for example, heavy humidity or a heavy industrial
environment with conductive dust etc,.
REFERENCES
[1] "C57.12.01", IEEE Standard for General Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution and Power
Transformers .

[2] "IEC 60076-11 Power Transformers", Part 11. Dry-Type Transformers .

[3] M. A. Navarro, R. Sille, F. Sorg, F. Alber, Distribution transformer .

[4] M. A. Navarro, A transformer provide with a taps panel an electric insulation method taps panel
of a dry distribution transformer and a taps panel for a dry distribution transformer'- WO
2012/139187 A1 .
 THANK YOU
.