THE MEASUREMENT OF TRANSFORMER CHARACTERISTICS AND POWER LOSS

June 27, 2011 | Filed under: Articles | Posted by: admin THE MEASUREMENT OF TRANSFORMER CHARACTERISTICS AND POWER LOSS
by Oleh W. Iwanusiw, P. Eng.Consultant, ELTEL Industries, Bengaluru

ABSTRACT The classical voltmeter-ammeter-wattmeter method, using traditional instruments and instrument transformers, is reviewed and its shortcomings outlined. This is followed by an outline of an electronic metering system capable of accurately measuring the characteristics and power loss of power transformers over a wide range of current and voltage. Appended to the paper are descriptions and specifications for a polyphase metering system operating over the range of 0-2,500 amperes and 0-138 kV. INTRODUCTION The method of power transformer characteristics and loss measurement to be described here is conventional and should be well known and understood. It is the classical voltmeter-ammeterwattmeter method. The methodology for the test equipment, however, is very up to date and capable of high accuracy over a wide range of voltage, current, power factor and frequency. THE REQUIREMENTS The requirements of the TLMS is to accurately measure the characteristics of power and distribution transformers, primarily its impedance and power loss. Such characterisitics are measured during the final testing of the transformer and consist of short circuit tests to determine the impedance and copper losses, and open circuit tests to determine the iron losses. The test sample may be a single-phase transformer, or a three-phase transformer connected

star or delta requiring the appropriate connections. It is interesting to note that international or nation specifications dealing with transformers do not specify the measurement accuracy for such tests, but some do specify the connections that must be used. Thus for example, the three-wattmeter method of power measurement is specified for a three-phase test sample, regardless if the sample is star or delta connected. The measurements system must be also capable of accurately measuring power at low power factors, as some of the measurements may involve power factors as low as 1%, or even lower. As such a system must be periodically calibrated, it should offer features that will allow such calibrations to be carried out conveniently and with ease. One such calibration method or system is described in the NBS Technical Note 1204, Calibration of Test Systems for Measuring Power Losses of Transformers. This system outlines recognised procedures and equipment that can be effectively used to calibrate transformer loss measuring systems. More : Click here for complete pdf

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