Although many textbooks cover the topic of transformers as required of the curriculum, engineers after graduation generally learn about the practical applications of transformers either by trial and error or under the guidance of senior experienced engineers. The need for practical usage information is generally felt in power system utilities by professionals, budding consultants, electrical contractors, and to a larger extent by manufacturers too. This book fulfils the need of a handbook and provides a complete solution to the practical aspects of power transformers—construction, erection, and maintenance—to augment curriculum learning and make budding engineers ready for the field.
Key features:
Basic functions of transformers; information on core, windings, design, types of winding interconnections, connections in practice, tap operations, changing methods with on-load and off-load tap changers
Procedure and precautions to be observed in transportation, erection and commissioning of power transformers at site; pre-commissioning tests; checklist for commissioning power transformers
Maintenance aspects including that of external accessories; use of oil in transformers; various tests to be conducted; reclamation process using filters; oil handling systems; troubleshooting and remedial measures
Various protection schemes; the use of auto transformers in grid network; operation of transformers—loading, tap and parallel operation, emergency operation
Inferences from practical phenomenon: magnetic balance tests, observations made on voltages during Horn Gap fuse failures, sheared-delta connection; two-phasing phenomenon
Measures for enhancing performance by design
Case studies along with their analyses
H Kailasaraman, former Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, holds an ME degree in electrical engineering with specialisation in power systems. He has four decades of experience working in various areas on EHT transmission lines, grid network, substations and transmission and distribution network, as well as twelve years of teaching experience at the Transmission and Distribution Training Institute of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. He is presently a guest faculty at the institute. He is a member of the Institution of Engineers.
Power and Distribution Transformers: Theory, Conventional
Features and Design
Basic Functions of a Power Transformer
Introduction
Purpose of a Power Transformer
Main Parts of a Transformer
Transformer Action under No Load
Transformer Action under Load
Relations of Ratios
Losses in Power Transformers
Efficiency of Power Transformers
Calculation of Efficiency at Any Load
Equivalent Circuit Representation
Accounting for Parameters on One Side
Parameters Referred to as Percentage Values
Parameters in Percentages for Three-phase Transformers
Use of Parameters for Voltage Regulation and Power Loss: Sample Calculation
Core Formation
Types of cores
Formation of Core-Type Magnetic Circuit
Formation of Limb
Formation of the Yoke Section
Core Clamping
Earthing of Transformer Core
Basic Core Dimensions
Position of Windings
Coil Notations and Numbering
Design Consideration of Windings
Winding Direction
Types of Windings
Winding Insulations
Winding Coil Interconnections
Connections in Practice
Delta Connection in the Primary
Star Connection in the Secondary
Characteristics of Delta/Star Combination and Vector Group
Interchangeable Vector Group for 41DY11
Zigzag or Interconnected Star
Coil Connection for Double Ratio Transformer
Voltage Control by Tappings
Method of Tappings
Effect of Tapping on Impedance of Winding
Off-load Tap Changers
On-load Tap Changers (OLTC)
Mechanism for On-load Tap Changers
Transportation, Erection and Commissioning of Power Transformers
Transport, Erection and Commissioning
Low-Weight Transformers
Handling of Heavy-weight Transformers
Transporting the Transformer
Dismantling of Accessories
Loading Transformer on Trucks
Precautions to be Taken in Transportation
Unloading the Transformer on the Plinth
Assembly after Erection
Hot Oil Circulation
Pre-commissioning Test
Checklist for Commissioning of Power Transformers
List of Pre-commissioning Tests
Ratio Test
Short Circuit Test
Open Circuit Test
DC Resistance test
Vector Group Test
Phasing-Out Test
Insulation Resistance Test
Other Tests Conducted
3. Maintenance of Power Transformers
3.1 External Accessories of a Transformer
Main Tank with Flow Valves and Top Cover
Cooling system
Conservator
Breather
Oil Level Indicators
Temperature Measuring Systems
Bushings
Buchholz Relay
Explosion Vent
Pressure Relief Valve
Equiliser Pipe Arrangement
Air Release Cock or Plug
Use of Oil in Transformers
Standards for New Unused Oil
Use of Transformer Oil
Possible Contamination of Oil
Oil Test for Contamination and Interpretation
Analysis of Gas in Transformer Oil
Reclamation of Oil Using Filters
Maintenance of Oil Handling Systems
Testing of Oil Samples
Measurement of Insulation Resistance Values (IR Values)
Improvement of IR value
Operation of Power Transformers
Protection Schemes for Power Transformers and Their Operation
Types of Protection
Differential Protection
Overcurrent Protection
Buchholz Protection for Isolating Faulty Transformers
Protection from Over-temperature (Thermal)
Protection from Excessive Pressure or Turbulence
Protection from High Voltage, High Frequency Surges and Lightning
Principle and Economic Considerations
Usage of Autos in Power Systems
Use of Tertiary Windings in Autos
Nameplate Details
Loading Operation
Tap Operation
Parallel Operation of Transformers
Emergency Operation of Transformers
5. Inferences from Observed Phenomena and Some Case Studies
Inferences from the Transformer Phenomena
5.1.1Magnetic Balance Test
5.1.2 Observation on LT Voltage for HV Side Fuse Failure
Delta lead cut off: Inference and observation on LT side
Two-Phasing Inference
Case Studies on Power Transformer
Case Studies on Defects in Distribution Transformers
Conclusion Drawn from Case Studies
Performance Enhancement by Design of Distribution Transformers for Field Working Condition