TRANSFORMER

A transformer is an electrical device which, by the

principles of electromagnetic induction, transfers electrical
energy from one electric circuit to another, without
changing the frequency.
The energy transfer usually takes place with a change of
voltage and current. Transformers either increases or
decreases AC voltage.
Transformers are used to meet a wide variety of needs.
Some transformers can be several stories high, like the
type found at a generating station or small enough to hold
in your hand, which might be used with the charging cradle
for a video camera. No matter what the shape or size, a

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A TRANSFORMER

Transformer works on the principle of mutual induction of two coils. When

current in the primary coil is changed the flux linked to the secondary coil also
changes. Consequently an EMF is induced in the secondary coil.
Transformers do not generate electrical power; they transfer electrical power
from one AC circuit to another using magnetic coupling. The core of the
transformer is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux generated
in the transformer by the current flowing through the windings, which are also
known as coils.

PARTS OF A BASIC TRANSFORMER

There are four primary parts to the basic transformer.
Input Connections - The input side of a transformer is called the primary side (Primary Coil)
because the main electrical power to be changed is connected at this point.
Output Connections - The output side or secondary side (Secondary Coil) of the transformer is
where the electrical power is sent to the load.
Winding - Transformers have two windings, being the primary winding and the secondary
winding. The primary winding is the coil that draws power from the source. The secondary
winding is the coil that delivers the energy at the transformed or changed voltage to the load.
Core - The transformer core is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux generated
in the transformer. The core is generally not a solid bar of steel, rather a construction of many
thin laminated steel sheets or layers. This construction is used to help eliminate and reduce
heating.

Types of Transformer
There are several types of transformers, depending on the application, design and
constructions.
Transformers generally have one of two types of cores: Core Type and Shell Type. These
two types are distinguished from each other by the manner in which the primary and
secondary coils are place around the steel core.
Core type - With this type, the windings surround the laminated core. The coils
used for this transformer are form-wound and are of cylindrical type.
Shell type - In shell-type transformers the core surrounds a
considerable portion of the windings. With this type, the windings are
surrounded by the laminated core.

Common Types of Transformers

1.The voltage transformer is similar to the more common power
transformer. It is also referred to as a potential transformer and is used for
metering and protection in high voltage circuits. It is designed in order to
achieve an accurate voltage ratio over the range of the load and is often
used to step up low voltages or to step down high ones.

2. The power transformer is the most commonly used transformer. One

thing to remember is that a transformer does not actually create power, but
transfers it from one coil winding to another. The power transformer is
actually a type of voltage transformer and it is used in many different power
type applications. Some of these transformers are immersed in oil in order to
keep them cooler and stop them from overheating.

3. The current transformer is also known as a series

transformer. It is often placed in series with a high current
circuit. It is used for the measurement of electric circuits and
they are often used in metering and protective relays.

4. The impedance transformer was designed to ensure accurate

impedance transformation. For example, a transformer may be used to
"match" the impedance of an amplifier to a speaker. In fact, they are
often used in low-frequency amplifiers.

The Isolation transformer has no direct connection between windings,

but they are connected via the magnetic flux in the core. In most cases,
the winding ratio is a one to one. In other words, it is neither a step up,
nor a step down but a means of isolating the circuit from the power
supply.

The auto transformer is unique in its tapped windings. The primary is

normal, but the secondary has at least three taps where electrical
connections can be made and these different taps result in different
voltages. They are often used in applications where it is needed to
interconnect systems operating at different voltages.

TRANSFORMER COOLING SYSTEMS

The Transformer is a device used to convert the energy at one voltage
level to the energy at another voltage level. During this conversion
process, losses occur in the windings and the core of the transformer.
These losses appear as heat. The transformers output power is less than
its input power. The difference is the amount of power converted into heat
by core loss and winding losses. The losses and the heat dissipation
increases with increase in the capacity of the transformer.
Cooling of transformer is the process of dissipation of heat developed
in the transformer to the surroundings. The losses occurring in the
transformer are converted into heat which increases the temperature of
the windings and the core.
How to cool the transformer?
There are two ways of cooling the transformer:
First, the coolant circulating inside the transformer transfers the heat from
the windings and the core entirely to the tank walls and then it is
dissipated to the surrounding medium
Second, along with the first technique the heat can also be transferred by
coolants inside the transformer.
The coolants used in the transformer are air and oil. In dry type
transformer air coolant is used and in oil immersed one, oil is use. In the

METHODS OF COOLING OF TRANSFORMER

Based on the coolant used the cooling methods can be classified into:
Air cooling:
In this method, the heat generated is conducted across the core and
windings and is dissipated from the outer surface of the core and windings
to the surrounding air.
Oil and Air cooling:
Heat is transferred to the oil surrounding the core and windings and it is
conducted to the walls of the transformer tank. Finally the heat is
transferred to the surround air by radiation and convection.
Oil coolant has two distinct advantages over the air coolants.
It provides better conduction than the air
High coefficient of conduction which results in the natural circulation of the
oil
Oil and Water cooling:
In this method along with oil cooling, water is circulated through copper
tubes which enhance the cooling of transformer. This method is normally
adopted in transformers with capacities in the order of several MVA.

TRANSFORMER COOLING DESIGNATIONS

1. Air cooling (Dry type transformers)
Air Natural(AN)
This method uses the ambient air as the cooling medium. The natural
circulation of the air is used for dissipation of heat generated by natural
convection. The core and the windings are protected from mechanical
damage by providing a metal enclosure. This method is suitable for
transformers of rating up to 1.5MVA. This method is adopted in the places
where fire is a great hazard.
Air Blast (AB)
In this method, the transformer is cooled by circulating continuous blast of
cool air through the core and the windings. For this external fans are used.
The air supply must be filtered to prevent accumulation of dust particles in
the ventilating ducts.

2. Oil cooling (Oil immersed transformers)

Oil Natural Air Natural (ONAN)
The transformer is immersed in oil and the heat generated in the cores and
the windings is passed on to oil by conduction. Oil in contact with the
surface of windings and core gets heated up and moves towards the top
and is replaced by the cool oil from the bottom. The heated oil transfers its
heat to the transformer tank through convection and which in turn
transfers the heat to the surrounding air by convection and radiation.
Oil Natural Air Forced (ONAF)
In this method, the heated oil transfers its heat to the transformer tank.
The tank is made hollow and air is blown to cool the transformer. This
increases the cooling of transformer tank to five to six time its natural
means. Normally this method is adopted by externally connecting elliptical
tubes or radiator separated from the transformer tank and cooling it by air
blast produced by fans.
Oil Forced Air Natural (OFAN)
In this method, copper cooling coils are mounted above the transformer
core. The copper coils will be fully immersed in the oil. The tank is made
hollow and air is blown to cool the transformer. This increases the cooling
of transformer tank to rapidly above its natural cooling level.
Oil Forced Air Forced (OFAF) OR (ODAF)
In this method the oil is cooled in the cooling plant using air blast produced
by the fans. These fans need not be used all the time. During low loads
fans are turned off. Hence the system will be similar to that of Oil Natural

3. Oil and Water cooling (For capacity more than 30MVA)

Oil Natural Water Forced (ONWF)
In this method, copper cooling coils are mounted above the transformer
core. The copper coils will be fully immersed in the oil. Along with the oil
natural cooling the heat from the core passes to the copper coils and the
circulating water inside the copper coil takes away the heat. The
disadvantage in this method is that since water enters inside the
transformer any kind of leakage will contaminate the transformer oil.
Oil Forced Water Forced (OFWF) OR (ODWF)
In this method hot oil is passed though a water heat exchanger. The
pressure of the oil is kept higher than that of the water therefore there
will be leakage from oil to the water alone and the vise versa is avoided.
This method of cooling is employed in the cooling of transformers with
very larger capacity in the order of hundreds of MVA. This method is
suitable for banks of transformers. Maximum of three transformers can be
connected in a single pump circuit. Advantages of this method over
ONWF are that the transformer size is smaller and the water does not
enter into the transformer. This method is widely used for the
transformers designed for hydro electric plants.

Treatment of Dielectric Oil of Electrical Transformer

Why need treat Transformer oil?
The majority of power transformers in operation today are filled with
mineral oil. The primary function of the oil is to provide a high dielectric
insulating material and an efficient coolant. The effectiveness of the oil as
an insulating material is reduced as the moisture level increases, while
cooling is reduced as the oil oxidizes. Paper insulation will also absorb
moisture from the oil, thus increasing power factor readings.
The oxidation of transformer oil begins as soon as the transformer is
energized. A chemical reaction occurs when the oil is exposed to a
combination of heat, oxygen, and core and coil components. As the
process of oxidation progresses, acids and polar compounds are formed
and in turn become sludge. This sludge will then coat heat transfer
surfaces on the core/coil and the tank/radiators, reducing the heat transfer
capacity of the system. The operational temperatures are increased, thus
accelerating the degradation of the oil.
OXIDIZING TRANSFORMER INSULATION OILS
Oil Which Is In The Initial Stages Of Oxidization, Forming Acids And Polar
Compounds. Some sludge deposits will be found in a small percentage of
oils in this initial stage of oxidization (Acidity levels <.20mg KOH/g oil).
Oil Which Has Advanced In The Oxidization Process To The Point Where
Sludge Deposits Have Been Formed. This precipitating sludge coats all

MOISTURE INTRODUCED INTO TRANSFORMER OILS

Through Absorption From The Atmosphere Above The Oil Level. Many
transformer tanks are designed to seal the transformer from the outside
atmosphere; however, top side leaks may develop that allow normal
temperature changes to cause breathing . With each new inhalation comes
more moisture to be potentially dissolved in the oil. Units designed as free
breathing also can experience a build-up of dissolved moisture. In extreme
cases, top cover leaks may be present which can allow rain to enter into the
unit directly.
Condensation Inside Transformers. The moisture is introduced by exposure
to the atmosphere above the oil level. Sudden temperature changes can
condense the moisture allowing it to run down the tank walls into the oil.
There it will dissolve slowly.
Oxidation Of Oil And Paper Insulation. Since oil and paper are organic
compounds containing hydrogen, gradual oxidation will allow the formation of
moisture. This can account for a major portion of the moisture in badly
deteriorated oils.
LEVELS AT WHICH TREATMENT IS RECOMMENDED
TSI has found that production of moisture can become a problem if oil is
allowed to deteriorate beyond an acidity level of .05mg KOH/g oil; therefore,

OIL TREATMENT METHODS

Correcting the problems of oil oxidation can be accomplished in several ways
with varying degrees of success.
Changing the oil This will result in clean oil, but will do little to remove
sludge adhering to the radiators, tank walls, and core and coil. Within a year
of changing the oil, oxidation products not removed will be redissolved into
the new oil resulting in acidity and polar compound levels appreciably above
those of new oil. Subsequent oil changes may be required to remove these
redissolved products of oxidation. Each time this is done, the transformer
must be de-energized.
Filter press the oil - The only thing accomplished by filter pressing is the
removal of solid particles that have been in suspension and free water. This
process does not significantly change the acid or polar compound levels, or
remove dissolved water. Oxidation and sludge formation will continue as soon
as filtering is stopped. Very little is gained from this method.
Un-tank a unit, flush the tank, radiators, and core and coil with
solvents, then refill the unit with new oil - This method can result in a
successful stabilization of the oil, but there are several major drawbacks. The
units must be de-energized and sent to a service shop. This means days or
weeks without the use of the unit, plus expensive handling, transportation,

HOT OIL TREATMENT - ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT

The treatment of oil in the initial stages of oxidization is called HOT OIL
TREATMENT. Within this category there are two exposure time periods.
Oils With Acid Levels Below .10mg KOH/g oil have an exposure time based
on six (6) passes at a flow rate of 600 to 900 GPH.
Oils With Acid Levels From .10 To .19mg KOH/g oil have an exposure time
based on ten (10) passes at a flow rate of 600 to 900 GPH.
D-SLUDGING - ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT
The treatment of oil in the advanced stages of oxidation is called DSLUDGING, which is a two step treatment process. Oils with acid levels
greater than .20mg KOH/g oil are exposed to 10 passes for Step 1, and six (6)
to ten (10) passes for Step 2, at an average flow rate of 600 to 900 GPH. A
time interval of at least six (6) months occurs between Steps 1 and 2. This
time interval is referred to as the D-SLUDGING period. The clean oil from Step
1 redissolves decay products into the oil which are removed from the oil in
Step 2. After treatment the oils will meet or exceed the following
specifications:
I.F.T. (Interfacial Tension Test)- 34.0 dynes/cm MIN
ACIDITY - .03mg KOH/g oil MAX
DIELECTRIC - 35Kv MIN
MOISTURE - <15Kv - 30ppm >15Kv - 20ppm
DEHYDRATION/DEGASSING
Hot oil treatment through the vacuum degasser will remove moisture and
gasses from the oil. Drying of the solid insulation is a multi pass process. The

Open circuit and Short circuit Test on transformer

These two transformer tests are performed to find the parameters of
equivalent circuit of transformer and losses of the transformer Open circuit
test and short circuit test on transformer are very economical and
convenient because they are performed without actually loading of the
transformer.
Open circuit or No load test on Transformer
Open circuit test or no load test on a transformer is performed to determine
'no load loss (core loss)' and 'no load current I0'. The circuit diagram for
open circuit test is shown in the figure below.
Usually high voltage (HV) winding is kept open and the low voltage (LV)
winding is connected to its normal supply. A wattmeter (W), ammeter (A) and
voltmeter (V) are connected to the LV winding as shown in the figure. Now,
applied voltage is slowly increased from zero to normal rated value of the LV
side with the help of a variac. When the applied voltage reaches to the rated
value of the LV winding, readings from all the three instruments are taken.

Short circuit or Full Load Impedance test on Transformer

The connection diagram for short circuit test or impedance test on
transformer is as shown in the figure below. The LV side of transformer is
short circuited and wattmeter (W), voltmetre (V) and ammeter (A) are
connected on the HV side of the transformer. Voltage is applied to the HV
side and increased from the zero until the ammeter reading equals the rated
current. All the readings are taken at this rated current.
The ammeter reading gives primary equivalent of full load current (I sc).
The voltage applied for full load current is very small as compared to rated
voltage. Hence, core loss due to small applied voltage can be neglected.
Thus, the wattmeter reading can be taken as copper loss in the transformer.