Transformer Substation

Introduction:
Transformer
Device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or
more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping down) the
voltage. Uses for transformers include reducing the line voltage to operate lowvoltage devices (doorbells or toy electric trains) and raising the voltage from electric
generators so that electric power can be transmitted over long distances. Transformers
act through electromagnetic induction; current in the primary coil induces current in
the secondary coil. The secondary voltage is calculated by multiplying the primary
voltage by the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to that in the primary.

Transformer Substation
An electric substation that steps up or steps down the voltage of an AC power system,
and also distributes electric power.
Step-up substations, which are usually built at electric power plants, transform the
voltage produced by the generators into a higher voltage (of one or more values) that
is necessary for the transmission of electric power over power lines. Step-down
substations transform the primary voltage of electric power systems to a lower
secondary voltage. Step-down substations may be of the regional, principal, or local
(plant) type, depending on their purpose and the values of the primary and secondary
voltages. Regional substations take electric power directly from the high-voltage
power lines and transmit it to the main step-down substations, from whichafter
reduction to 6, 10, or 35 kilovolts (kV)it is fed to local and shop substations, where
the last stage of transformation is accomplished (with step-downs to 690, 400, or 230
V) and the electric power is distributed to consumers
. Substations
A substation is a high-voltage electric system facility. It is used to switch generators,
equipment, and circuits or lines in and out of a system. It also is used to change AC
voltages from one level to another, and/or change alternating current to direct current
or direct current to alternating current. Some substations are small with little more
than a transformer and associated switches. Others are very large with several
transformers and dozens of switches and other equipment. There are three aspects to
substations:

Substation Types: Although, there are generally four types of substations there are
substations that are a combination of two or more.

Substation Functions
Substations are designed to accomplish the following functions, although not all
substations have all these functions:

Change voltage from one level to another

Regulate voltage to compensate for system voltage changes

Switch transmission and distribution circuits into and out of the grid system

Measure electric power qualities flowing in the circuits

Connect communication signals to the circuits

Eliminate lightning and other electrical surges from the system

Connect electric generation plants to the system

Make interconnections between the electric systems of more than one utility

Control reactive kilovolt-amperes supplied to and the flow of reactive kilovoltamperes in the circuits.

Features of Typical Substation Transformer

1. Round Cylindrical coils assure proper ventilation and provide mechanical strength
for fault stresses. The units are either barrel wound or disc wound (depending on
voltage) using aluminum conductor with insulated coil supports.
2. Core structures are fabricated in a stepped configuration from special high-grade,

cold rolled, silicon steel. The steel laminations are clamped at the top and bottom to
absorb vertical stresses on the core.
3. 220 degree C insulation systems using Nomex* paper and resin glass laminates
provides long operating life and quiet operation. The complete core and coil assembly
is impregnated with polyester varnish and oven cured to make the assembly highly
resistant to moisture.
4. High dielectric interphase barriers assure positive phase to phase insulating
characteristics.
5. High voltage tap connections are easily accessible by removal of front panels. The
centrally located taps are changed by moving jumpers between connection points
when the transformer is de-energized.
6. Rugged enclosure base with provisions for lifting, jacking, towing, skidding or
rolling for installation.
7. Rigidly braced low voltage bus bars arranged for proper electrical connections to
the transformer. The low voltage bus is equipped with flexible connectors to the core
and coil assembly to reduce transmission of vibration to the connected equipment.
8. Diagrammatic nameplate provides complete rating and connection information.
9. Vibration isolation pads isolate core and coil assembly from the base structure to
reduce sound levels.
10. Optional fan cooling equipment to provide an additional 33-1/3% KVA capacity
for units with self-cooled ratings of 300 KVA and above. (Provisions for future forced
air- cooling are provided as standard including sufficient current-carrying capacity
on internal bus bars.) Fans and controls can be installed at the factory or can be
shipped for installation at the jobsite.

Types of Electrical Transformers:

1 - Compact Secondary Substations

Compact substations are widely used in areas where underground

power reticulation is required, such as in residential, commercial
and industrial developments. Compact substations fully enclose a
transformer and HV and LV connections or switchgear, and are
shipped to site fully assembled. A compact substation is a costeffective and aesthetically pleasing solution.

2 - Oil Cooled Transformers

For multi-kilowatt high power work, oil cooled transformers are usually used. These
have metal pipes running through the core carrying a thin oil. This oil thermosyphons
around its circuit, carrying heat to tubes external to the transformer core for
dissipation. These are common in power stations & substations.

3 - Resin Cast Transformers

Dry type transformers are made of Resin Cast substance which is fire
retardant, non-polluting and humidity resistant . This makes Resin
Cast Transformer, one of the safest power distribution equipment.
Epoxy resin insulation material is non-hazardous which makes the
transformer windings maintenance-free, humidity-resistant,
tropicalized, fire-resistant and self-extinguishing.

4 - Medium Voltage Transformers

Voltage transformers are used to measure voltage in electric circuits. Their main role
is to condition (step down) the voltage to be measured
to levels suitable for the measuring instrument.
There are many different types of voltage transformers.
A medium voltage transformers can be connected
directly to a primary distribution circuit and generally
has the most load diversity.
There are a full range of medium voltage transformer
from liquid-filled, convention dry type as well as cast
coil transformers.
Liquid-Filled Transformers:
Liquid-filled transformers are used in commercial and industrial application they
come in pad-mounted and substation style. The pad-mounted style is best suited for
commercial applications in public access areas and where underground service is
required. The substation style is ideal for industrial applications and can be stand
alone or close-coupled to switchgear proving a complete substation line-up. Both

styles come in outdoor mineral oil design or high fire point fluids
for indoor use.
Dry-Type Transformers:
Dry-type transformer offer the most economical, dry solution for
wide range of industrial application. They can be installed close
to the load, therefore expensive cable runs are eliminated. Low
operating and maintenance costs round out what is the most costeffective transformer installation choice without sacrificing
quality and reliability.
Cast Transformers:
Cast transformers are designed specifically to provide long, uninterrupted
service in the toughest, most demanding applications and under the most
severe operating conditions. Cast coil transformers have an unequalled
capability to handle unusually high impact and short circuit loads. In
addition, the windings are completely protected from the negative effects
of moisture and airborne contaminants. Typical applications are
automotive, pharmaceutical, microchip, food and beverage, pulp and
paper, medical and metal producing