3 Phase Power Transformer

Basic functioning and Normal Operation

A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another
through inductively coupled conductorsthe transformers coils (windings). The
transformers coils are usually wound around a metal centerpiece the core.

Passing alternating current (ac) through the first or primary winding creates a varying
magnetic flux in the transformers core and thus a varying magnetic field through the
secondary winding.
This varying magnetic field induces an ac voltage in the secondary winding. This
effect is called inductive coupling.

The primary and secondary coils are wrapped around a core of very high magnetic
permeability, such as iron, so that most of the
magnetic flux passes through both the primary and secondary coils.

If a load is connected to the secondary winding, an electric current will flow in the
secondary winding and electrical energy will be transferred from the primary
circuit through the transformer to the load.

Abnormal Operating conditions

1. Over fluxing

If during operation, an electrical power transformer is subjected to carry more

than above mentioned flux density as per its design limitations, the
transformer is said to have over fluxing problem.

As per present day transformer design practice, the peak rated value of the
flux density is kept about 1.7 to 1.8 Tesla, while the saturation flux density
of CRGO steel sheet of core of transformer is of the order of 1.9 to 2 Tesla
which corresponds to about 1.1 times the rated value.

When the flux density in the increases beyond saturation point, a substantial
amount of flux is diverted to steel structural parts and into the air.

At saturation flux density the core steel will over heat. Structural steel parts
which are nu-laminated and are not designed to carry magnetic flux will heat
rapidly.

Maximum over fluxing in transformer shall not exceed 110%.

 Over fluxing can, therefore, occur either due to increase in voltage or decrease in-
frequency of both.

There are are several causes of transformer overfluxing

1. Over voltage causes due to sudden load rejection.

2. Low frequency generation of power.

3. Transmission line is lightly loaded (ferranti effect).

4. Proper shunt compensation in transmission system is not provided. etc.

2. Overvoltages

Two types of over voltages may stress and even destroy a transformer:

1. The lightning over voltages due to lightning stroke falling on or near an

overhead line supplying the installation where the transformer is installed

2. The switching over voltages generated by the opening of a circuit breaker or

a load break switch for instance.

3. Overloading

A transformer overload is always due to an increase of the apparent power

demand (kVA) of the installation.

The effect of any overload is an increase of the temperature of oil and

windings of the transformer with a reduction of its life time.