27 Transformer types Depending on the Use or Application || Part-1

Transformer Types
Transformer Types

 Transformer types Depending on the Use or Application

We shall cover various transformer types in this article in accordance with their applications. The data is as follows:

1-Power Transformer, Industrial, Step-Down, EHV, UHV

Industrial power and distribution step down Transformers are utilized in many different fields to change the output current and voltage in a supply circuit without changing the total power. Transformers are used in power transmission to increase or change the input voltage of a power source, allowing for relatively low-loss energy transfer over long distances.

Power Transformer, Industrial
Power Transformer, Industrial

After that, the voltage is stepped down in preparation for distribution. Power networks often use power transformers, typically with ratings exceeding 250 MVA, for power transmission system and distribution systems.

IEC 60076-1-2011 / IEEE C 57.12.00-2015; C57.12.10-2017/ IS 2026 (Part 1):2011 Power Transformers

2-Low voltage and high voltage Distribution Transformer

However, the most common type of isolation transformer is a distribution transformer. This transformer’s primary job is to convert high voltage to a low voltage, like 11,000 to 415 volts, for use in power distribution. In the distribution system, there are different kinds of transformers, such as single-phase, three-phase, underground, pad-mounted, and pole-mounted.

Distribution transformers
Distribution transformers

Most of the time, these transformers come in different sizes, efficiencies, and types of insulating oil. There are various sizes and levels of efficiency available for these transformers. The user’s needs and budget have a major role in the transformer’s selection. Connections for distribution transformers can be made in four different vector group configurations, including star-star, delta-star, star-delta, delta-star, and zigzag/delta-zigzag.

IEC 60076-1-2011 /IEEE C57.12.36-2017/ IS 1180(part 1)-2014

3-Voltage-regulated distribution transformers.

With most distribution transformers, a high-voltage tap-changer is used to choose a transmission ratio that works best for where the transformer is installed. By selecting an acceptable transmission ratio, the voltage in the entire linked LV grid can be kept within the permitted voltage limits.

The de-energized tap-changer is installed and rarely has to be modified, in particular in reaction to altered grid conditions. So, for most distribution transformers, tap-changers are DETCs, which can only be turned on when the transformer is turned off.

The Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformer (VRDT), which can be turned on manually or automatically when on-load and powered, was made possible by the fact that customer-oriented voltage regulation can sometimes help keep voltage stable, especially as the structure of power generation and use changes more quickly than ever before. No matter what technology is used to make it or how it works, a VRDT usually has three parts: an active transformer, a controlling component, and a control unit with regulation.

IEC 60076-24-2020 Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers

4-Generator step-up or a generator transformer Unit Transformer for Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear, and Pumped Storage Hydro in the USA

Generator transformers are the transformers that are directly connected to the generator to increase the voltage for transmission. The producing transformer does not always need to have three-phase or single-phase windings. It is based on the generator’s MVA rating. Generator transformers are used on thermal plants, hydro plants, nuclear plants, and many others.

5-Station Start-up Transformer—Station Service Voltage Transformer 

In general, a station transformer is a step-down transformer, which reduces the voltage, as opposed to a step-up transformer, which raises it by default. This dynamic ensures that residences get the proper amount of power, with the step-down transformer reducing it to a level that is more manageable for the typical building.

If there was no way to regulate it, the electricity system would supply too much voltage to buildings, which is easily overheated and can damage electrical equipment. This alone demonstrates the importance of a station transformer since it makes it possible for residential areas to consume power in a controlled and efficient manner.

  Transformers directly connected to Generators: C57.116-2014 Guide

6-Unit Auxiliary Transformer, manufactured in the United States

Electricity for auxiliary loads at a producing station is provided by auxiliary transformers ( battery charging, feed pumps, a control panel, cooling pumps, and protection devices that a power plant needs to operate). There are a few different auxiliary transformer types to remember, but thankfully there are more acronyms to make things simpler.

A unitary auxiliary transformer, which steps down voltage to serve the auxiliary power system buses, is linked to the same bus as the generator. The UAT is always providing the auxiliary load while the generator is operating.

A backup transformer linked to an offsite high voltage system, the reserve auxiliary transformer  or starting auxiliary transformer  provides supplemental power to the plant during startup or interruption periods.

7- Auxiliary transformer for substations

Auxiliary transformers are used to provide low voltage for the substation’s AC power system, which includes the lighting load, air conditioners, AC and DC fans, and other AC and DC supply systems, as well as the DC power system, which includes SCADA and telecom, intercom systems, batteries for charging, protection relays, and other DC supply systems.

Auxiliary transformer for substations
Auxiliary transformer for substations

8- A grounding (or earthing) transformer

It is a unique transformer that offers a return route for an earth fault on a transformer connected to a transmission and distribution delta line.

9- The track-side transformer (traction supply transformer)

The main grid’s high supply voltage (33KV to132KV or 220 kV) must be stepped down to 11 kV by the traction transformers. The traction transformers are carefully designed to have a high short-term peak capacity and be able to tolerate challenging operating conditions

EN 50329-2003, IEEE 1653.1-2016, and IEC 62695 ed1.0-2014 Transformers for traction and power rectifying in fixed installations and substations

10- Locomotive Transformer (Traction Transformer): roof-mounted and vertically positioned beneath the frame. 

The dc supply necessary for the motors used by the railway locomotives is stepped down using the loco transformer. The dimensions and weight of this transformer are quite reasonable. By placing the active component horizontally, the height of the device is decreased.

IEC 60310 ed4.0-2016 Traction Transformers and Inductors

11-The booster transformer

Booster transformers are often installed at the ends of transmission lines in order to raise the voltage to the appropriate level. It regulates the voltage of a feeder located far from the grid station’s main transformer. The primary of the booster transformer is powered by the secondary of the regulating transformer, whose winding is linked in series with the transmission line.

The main input winding of the booster transformer is connected to the secondary output winding of the regulating transformer. This ensures the injected voltage is in phase with the supplied voltages. By adjusting the taps on the regulating transformer, both the amplitude of VB and the voltage entering the circuit may be altered.

Only a minor portion of the rating of the regulating transformer is affected by the rating of the primary transformer. suggested by the term.

12- Electric arc transformers (furnace transformers)

A furnace transformer, also called an arc transformer, is a tool or device that changes the voltage of alternating current (AC) so that it can be used in your heating furnace. It moves electrical energy from one circuit to another using electromagnetic induction.

In a furnace, the main job of a transformer is to change the input voltage so that it meets the needs of the system. Depending on how much power the furnace needs, the transformer may cut or raise the amount of electricity used. The transformer is normally found within the furnace in HVAC systems, but sometimes it may be found in the outside air conditioning unit.

 Furnace Transformers, IEEE C57.17-2012 / IS 12977-1990

13-Welding Transformer 

Welding transformers are required in electric machines to transform the power line’s alternating current into a secondary coil current with a low voltage and high current. A pair of primary and/or secondary taps on the welding transformer are often used to make large changes to the welding current and/or to change the secondary voltage.

For a certain duty cycle, transformer ratings for electric machines are indicated in KVA (kilovolt-amperes). This duty cycle rating, which is also known as a “thermal rating,” describes how much energy the transformer can produce for a certain portion of a given time period, often one minute, without going above its temperature rating.

The maximum current that may be drawn from the transformer is indicated by the RMS short-circuit secondary current standard. The thickness of the materials that may be welded is indicated by this characteristic since heating is a factor in the welding current.

14-Rectifier Transformer for Smelters

A rectifier transformer is a type of transformer that has both semiconductors and rectifiers in the same tank. Voltage control might be included as well. For industrial procedures requiring a sizable direct current (DC) supply, rectifier transformers are utilized. DC locomotion, electrochemical processes, smelter processes, massive variable-speed railway drives, and so on are typical examples.

15-Phase-switching Transformer

A specialized type of transformer called a phase-switching transformer (PST) is commonly used to regulate the active flow of electricity on three-phase electrical distribution networks. By controlling the voltage phase shift difference between both of the system’s two devices, it achieves this.

Phase-switching Transformer
      Phase-switching Transformer

The theory is based on a series-connected transformer supplied by a shunt transformer that delivers a phase-switching voltage source into the line. The arrangement of the parallel and series transformer units causes the phase switching.

Phase-shifting Transformer IEC 62032-ed2.0-2012 IEC/IEEE 60076-57-1202-2017 IEEE C 57.135-2011

16- HVDC transformers (line transformers and back-to-back transformers).

17- Wind Turbine Transformer

The wind transformers provide a connection between the grid system and the wind turbines. It increases the generator’s small output voltage to a larger level for distribution. Since they are used in wind turbines, transformers are seen as one of the most fragile parts of a wind farm.

Power Transformers for Wind Turbines, IEC 60076-11:2011

18- Solar power Transformers 

 A solar power transformer was used for solar power applications. Before the DC voltage of photovoltaic systems can be raised to the rated output, it must be changed by a solar panel transformer. It can also be called a solar inverter transformer because it changes DC to AC.

19- Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) Transformers

Transformers for electrostatic precipitator rectification An electrostatic precipitator is a big piece of industrial emission-control equipment. It is intended to catch and eliminate dust particles from industrial operations’ flue gas streams.

20-Variable frequency drives (VFD) transformers 

A VFD transformer is basically a one-to-one isolation transformer that is used with variable frequency drives for fault protection.

21-Transformers for voltage regulators 

An autotransformer is one type of transformer that may be used to convert AC voltages in a unique way. Although there is also a physical electrical connection between the primary and secondary windings in the autotransformer, the voltage is also changed magnetically via the steel core.

22-Transformers K factor rating

A K-factor rating tells you how much harmonic power flow a transformer can handle without getting too hot. The K-rating number of the transformer (1, 3, 6, 9, 13, 17, 20, etc.) shows how much harmonic current the transformer can handle.

23- Transformers for control Panel

In the control panel, this type of transformer is used for multi-function protection, such as voltage step-up and step-down for the AC supply of various components.

24- Transformers for isolating power

The isolation transformer is a part that sends power from an AC power source to a piece of equipment or device without connecting the powered item to the AC power source. This is often done for safety concerns or to lessen transients and harmonics.

25- Transformers used for short circuit testing

This transformer is used for testing, specifically on motors, transformers, breakers, and cable short circuits. Additionally, it is used for routine testing of all types of instruments that perform short-circuit tests.

26- Transformers used for high voltage testing

High-voltage test transformers are single-phase transformer solutions that must increase the supply voltage to the required level to perform a dielectric withstand test on liquid or solid insulation.

27-Pulse Transformers

Pulse transformers are a large family of transformers used to connect a load to a control circuit and send digital control signals. They provide a circuit’s electrical isolation while enabling quick control signal transmission without affecting the signal’s form.

 

 

About Engr.Shahid Ali 71 Articles
My self… Good day! I'm glad you're here. I'm Shahid Ali, and I am working in the field of electrical engineering, specifically for a manufacturer of power and distribution transformers. I've got versatile experience working in the testing laboratory for quality control and quality assurance. I have seen both their differences and similarities in every part of operations, from the technical to the quality management. I have more than 10 years of experience with expertise in the QA/QC Department, Electrical Testing, Customer Support, Troubleshooting, Operational Management, Quality Control Lab, and Administration. I am very good at testing, maintaining, installing, or improving electrical systems, equipment, facilities, or products for home, business, or industrial use. About my job; When it comes to testing transformers, I know how to run both internal and external labs. Managing a testing lab is quite difficult. Transformer testing is more complicated than simply issuing a report and calling it a day. To assure quality and testing, there is a procedure that we must follow and keep in mind. In order to assist and direct individuals who may be considering entering this sector and offering transformer testing services, I will share my experiences and lessons learned on this platform. What can you find out on this website? Some of the things that you can learn here are: Transformer Testing Transformer Inspection Transformer faults Tracing Transformer Oil Testing IEC/ISO 17025:2017 Techniques Measurement Uncertainty Calculation, replicate Resting, Retesting, and many more The reason…. I started this website to assist my fellow transformer engineers who are new in the field of testing and who are involved in transformer testing, as well as people from other fields who want to learn about Transformers and their testing. In order to give a clear explanation of transformer testing to everyone, I will provide my experience on testing setups, testing processes, ISO 17025 interpretations, measurements and test equipment reviews, measurement uncertainty computations, and others that may be related here. I'll make an effort to offer the most simple presentations I can. I wish that everyone should be informed and educated in this sector because I think that technical knowledge will be helpful in our daily lives. What’s in it for me? I'll admit that I'm doing this to make a little money (hopefully), but I also thought that by working, I would be able to give back. Also, since I'm still learning, being able to use this website pushes me to work hard, grow, and learn more. There is always more to learn in this area. And for you... If you ever need help with oil testing, CT/PT testing, or switchgear testing, which is my area of expertise, I would be happy to talk to you. Simply leave your comment below, and be sure to check back often since I'll be updating my blog with fresh material that I come across that I think you'll find interesting. Furthermore, I encourage you to participate on my website if anything I write piques your interest. And please feel free to speak up if you have any interesting information to contribute or any opinions on the stuff I've written and posted on my website. Follow me on this journey of providing Tachnical knowledge Connect with me on my LinkedIn page All the best! Tachnical knowledge

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