Design Guide of the Medium Voltage

Transformers for KACO Central Inverter

This document describes the requirements of medium-voltage transformers that are connected to
KACO central inverter.

KACO new energy only accepts the warranty for medium-voltage transformers that have been installed
following guideline provided in this application note.

12-NPD-01-3dm-170f
1. LIST OF THE CENTRAL INVERTERS OF KACO

Model Rated Power Rated AC Voltage Protection Class Type

XP100-HV 100kW 3*380V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformer

XP200-HV 200kW 3*380V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformer

XP250-HV 250kW 3*380V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformer

XP200-HV-TL 200 kW 3*290V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

XP250-HV-TL 250 kW 3*290V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

XP350-HV-TL 350 kW 3*290V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

XP500-HV-TL 500 kW 3*370V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

XP550-HV-TL 550 kW 3*370V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

BP1000 TL3 ID 1000kW 3*370V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

BP2200 TL3 ID 2000kW 3*370V(±10%) IP21, Indoor Transformerless

BP300 TL3 OD 300kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

BP333 TL3 OD 333kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

XP500-OD-TL 500kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

XP550-OD-TL 550kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

BP750 TL3 OD 750kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

BP875 TL3 OD 875kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

BP1000 TL3 OD 1000kW 3*370V(±10%) IP54, Outdoor Transformerless

Table. 1 List of central Inverters in compliance with IEC

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 Model Rated Power Rated AC Voltage Protection Class Type

XP550U-TL 550kW 3*370V(±10%) NEMA3R, Outdoor Transformerless

BP1000 TL3 OD 1000kW 3*370V(±10%) NEMA3R, Outdoor Transformerless

BP2200 TL3 OD 2000kW 3*370V(±10%) NEMA3R, Outdoor Transformerless

Table. 2 List of central Inverters in compliance with UL

Table 1 & Table 2 show the list of central inverter models of KACO, which can be connected to medium
voltage transformer.
KACO’s solar inverters are classified into 2 types : transformer type and transformerless type.
Unlike transformer inverters, the transformerless inverters don’t have transformers inside, so their
medium voltage transformers must be designed according to the guide when they need to be connected
with external medium voltage transformers.

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2. TECHNICAL PROPERTIES

Medium voltage transformer that is connected with transformerless solar inverter must comply with
following technical specifications:

1. The transformer must be suitable for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Inverter. The transformer
should be designed such that its magnetic flux is not saturated even if 1% of DC current flow on its
low voltage winding. Also the transformer should be designed and tested in accordance with
ANSI/IEEE, NEMA, IEC and Department of Energy standards.
2. The transformer must be designed considering the voltages that arise during pulsed operation of
the inverter. The voltages can reach a magnitude of maximum ±1400 V reference to ground. The
rms‑value of the voltages reference to ground is maximum 700V. (See Fig.2)

Central Inverter

MV Transformer

V0
Conductor voltage
regarding ground

Fig. 1 KACO central inverter with Double-winding Transformer

Fig. 2 Conductor voltage to ground and line-to-line voltage

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3. The transformer must be designed for voltages on its low‑voltage windings that can exhibit a
voltage gradient dV/dt of up to 500V/µs reference to the ground. The line‑to‑line voltages must be
sinusoidal.
4. A shield winding that is grounded to the tank is necessary between the low‑voltage windings and
the high voltage windings. This shield plate must be designed to protect against the heat due to
eddy current by the flux of both the low voltage winding and the high voltage winding. This serves
as an additional dV/dt filter.
5. In ambient temperatures off up to 50 °C the transformer must have a current load capability of
110 %.

Further information can be found in the following documents:

‒ KACO central inverter data sheet

‒ Power derating of KACO central inverter

6. During thermal rating, the load curve and the ambient conditions at the respective installation site
should be taken into account.
7. KACO new energy recommends to use a transformer with a tap changer on the high‑voltage side
that enables an alignment to the voltage level of the medium‑voltage grid. Our recommendation
is 5 taps with 2.5% resolution.
8. The country-specific grid frequency should be taken into consideration.
9. The country specific standards valid should be taken into consideration.

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3. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS, THAT ARE CONNECTED
TO 1 CENTRAL INVERTER

The transformer shown in Fig.3 is a double-winding transformer. Its low-voltage side is connected to KACO
central inverter of which rated output voltage is 370V, and its high voltage side is for connection to the
medium-voltage grid in Europe which is 20kV typically. However, other high voltages are also available: 10
kV, 15 kV, 22 kV, 25 kV, 27 kV, 30 kV, 34.5kV or 35 kV etc.

Central Inverter

MV Transformer

Fig. 3 KACO central inverter with Double-winding Transformer

This transformer must comply with the following technical specifications:

1. Equivalent series impedance between low voltage and high voltage winding:
The equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the transformer must be 6 %. Impedance voltage
tolerance limits of 5.4 % ~ 6.6 % must be maintained. This value can be determined when the high-
voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other low‑voltage winding is increased
until the nominal current flows. (see Fig.4).

Fig.4 Equivalent circuit with short circuited high voltage winding

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2. Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the double-winding transformer:
To summarize of the contents in Article 2, the equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the double-
winding transformer can be shown as followed.
ZL is the equivalent series impedance of low voltage winding, and ZH is the equivalent series
impedance of high voltage winding.

ZH(1%) ZLa(5%)

Fig. 5 Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of double-winding transformer

3. No neutral point is required on the low voltage side. Nevertheless, if a neutral point shows up on
the low‑voltage side, this neutral point must not be either connected or grounded.
4. Double-winding transformers with varying windings each on the high‑voltage side and the
low‑voltage side can be used. For example YNd11, YNd5, YNd1 or Dy11, Dy5, Dy1 with an
ungrounded neutral point on the low‑voltage side (see Fig.6)

Fig. 6 Diagram of double-winding transformer

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4. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS, THAT ARE CONNECTED
TO 2 CENTRAL INVERTERS

The transformer shown in Fig.7, is a dual stacked (four-winding) transformer. Its low-voltage side is
connected to KACO central inverter of which rated output voltage is 370V, and its high voltage side is for
connection to the medium-voltage grid in Europe which is 20kV typically. However, other high voltages
are also available: 10 kV, 15 kV, 22 kV, 25 kV, 27 kV, 30 kV, 34.5kV or 35 kV etc.

Central Inverter

Central Inverter
MV Transformer

Fig. 7 KACO central inverter with dual stacked (four-winding) transformer

This transformer must comply with the following technical specifications:

1. Equivalent series impedance between low voltage and high voltage winding:
The equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the transformer must, in relation to every inverter, be 6 %
in each case. Impedance voltage tolerance limits of 5.4 % ~ 6.6 % must be maintained. This value
can be determined when the high-voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time another low
voltage windings are idle (see Fig.8).

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 Fig.8 Equivalent circuit with short circuited high voltage winding

2. Equivalent series impedance between both low voltage winding:

The equivalent series impedance Z(%) between both low‑voltage windings must be 10 %. The
tolerance limits of this impedance voltage of 9 % ~ 11 % must be maintained. This value can be
determined when one of the low‑voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time the
high‑voltage windings are idle (see Fig.9).

Isc
Vsc Y ∆
Y ∆

Fig.9 Equivalent circuit with short circuited low voltage winding

3. Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the dual stacked (four-winding) transformer:

To summarize of the contents in Article 1 and Article 2, the equivalent series impedance Z(%) of
the dual stacked (four-winding) transformer can be shown as followed.
ZL is the equivalent series impedance of low voltage winding, and ZH is the equivalent series
impedance of high voltage winding.

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 ZLa(5%)

ZH(1%)

ZLb(5%)

Fig. 10 Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of dual stacked (four-winding) transformer

4. No neutral point is required on the low voltage side. Nevertheless, if a neutral point shows up on
the low‑voltage side, this neutral point must not be either connected or grounded.
5. dual stacked (four-winding) transformers with varying windings each on the high‑voltage side and
the low‑voltage side can be used. For example YNd11d11, YNd5d5, YNd1d1 or Dy11y11, Dy5y5,
Dy1y1 with an ungrounded neutral point on the low‑voltage side (see Fig.11).

Fig. 11 Diagram of dual stacked (four-winding) transformer

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5. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS, THAT ARE CONNECTED
TO 3 CENTRAL INVERTERS

The transformer shown in Fig.12 is a section-winding transformer.(Refer to the appendix) Its low-voltage
side is connected to KACO central inverter of which rated output voltage is 370V, and its high voltage side
is for connection to the medium-voltage grid in Europe which is 20kV typically. However, other high
voltages are also available: 10 kV, 15 kV, 22 kV, 25 kV, 27 kV, 30 kV, 34.5kV or 35 kV etc.

Central Inverter

Central Inverter

MV Transformer
Central Inverter

Fig. 12 KACO central inverter with section-winding transformer

This transformer must comply with the following technical specifications:

1. Equivalent series impedance between low voltage and high voltage winding:
The equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the transformer must, in relation to every inverter, be 6 %
in each case. Impedance voltage tolerance limits of 5.4 % ~ 6.6 % must be maintained. This value
can be determined when the high-voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time another low
voltage windings are idle (see Fig.13).

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 Fig.13 Equivalent circuit with short circuited high voltage winding

2. Equivalent series impedance between both low voltage winding:

The equivalent series impedance Z(%) between both low‑voltage windings must be 10 %. The
tolerance limits of this impedance voltage of 9 % ~ 11 % must be maintained. This value can be
determined when one of the low‑voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time the
high‑voltage windings are idle (see Fig.14).

Isc
Vsc Y ∆
Y ∆
Y ∆

Fig.14 Equivalent circuit with short circuited low voltage winding

3. Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the section -winding transformer:

To summarize of the contents in Article 1 and Article 2, the equivalent series impedance Z(%) of
the section -winding transformer can be shown as followed.
ZL is the equivalent series impedance of low voltage winding, and ZH is the equivalent series
impedance of high voltage winding.

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 ZLa(5%)

ZH(1%) ZLb(5%)

ZLc(5%)

Fig. 15 Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of section-winding transformer

4. No neutral point is required on the low voltage side. Nevertheless, if a neutral point shows up on
the low‑voltage side, this neutral point must not be either connected or grounded.
5. Section-winding transformers with varying windings each on the high‑voltage side and the
low‑voltage side can be used. For example YNd11d11d11, YNd5d5d5, YNd1d1d1 or Dy11y11y11,
Dy5y5y5, Dy1y1y1 with an ungrounded neutral point on the low‑voltage side (see Fig.16).

Fig. 16 Diagram of section-winding transformer

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6. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS, THAT ARE CONNECTED
TO 4 CENTRAL INVERTERS

The transformer shown in Fig.12 is a section-winding transformer.(Refer to the appendix) Its low-voltage
side is connected to KACO central inverter of which rated output voltage is 370V, and its high voltage side
is for connection to the medium-voltage grid in Europe which is 20kV typically. However, other high
voltages are also available: 10 kV, 15 kV, 22 kV, 25 kV, 27 kV, 30 kV, 34.5kV or 35 kV etc.

Central Inverter

Central Inverter

Central Inverter

MV Transformer

Central Inverter

Fig. 17 KACO central inverter with section-winding transformer

This transformer must comply with the following technical specifications:

1. Equivalent series impedance between low voltage and high voltage winding:
The equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the transformer must, in relation to every inverter, be 6 %
in each case. Impedance voltage tolerance limits of 5.4 % ~ 6.6 % must be maintained. This value
can be determined when the high-voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time another low
voltage windings are idle (see Fig.18).

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 Fig.18 Equivalent circuit with short circuited high voltage winding

2. Equivalent series impedance between both low voltage winding:

The equivalent series impedance Z(%) between both low‑voltage windings must be 10 %. The
tolerance limits of this impedance voltage of 9 % ~ 11 % must be maintained. This value can be
determined when one of the low‑voltage winding is short-circuited and the voltage on the other
low‑voltage winding is increased until the nominal current flows. At the same time the
high‑voltage windings are idle (see Fig.19).

Isc
Vsc Y ∆
Y ∆
Y ∆
Y ∆

Fig.19 Equivalent circuit with short circuited low voltage winding

3. Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of the section -winding transformer:

To summarize of the contents in Article 1 and Article 2, the equivalent series impedance Z(%) of
the section -winding transformer can be shown as followed.
ZL is the equivalent series impedance of low voltage winding, and ZH is the equivalent series
impedance of high voltage winding.

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 ZLa(5%)

ZLb(5%)
ZH(1%)
ZLc(5%)

ZLd(5%)

Fig. 20 Equivalent series impedance Z(%) of section-winding transformer

4. No neutral point is required on the low voltage side. Nevertheless, if a neutral point shows up on
the low‑voltage side, this neutral point must not be either connected or grounded.
5. Section-winding transformers with varying windings each on the high‑voltage side and the
low‑voltage side can be used. For example YNd11d11d11d11, YNd5d5d5d5, YNd1d1d1d1 or
Dy11y11y11y11, Dy5y5y5y5, Dy1y1y1y1 with an ungrounded neutral point on the low‑voltage side
(see Fig.21).

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1V 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1U 1W

1W 1V 1U
4W 4V 4U 3W 3V 3U 2W 2V 2U 1W 1V 1U

4U 3U 2U 1U

4W 3W 2W 1W

4V 3V 2V 1V

Fig. 21 Diagram of section-winding transformer

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APPENDIX

 Winding technology
Medium voltage transformer that is connected with transformerless solar inverter must be
designed with section winding transformer.

 Section winding transformer

Case1. Dual stacked Case2. Triple stacked

HVW1
LVW1
HVW1
LVW1

HVW2
LVW2
Core

Core
HVW2
LVW2

HVW3
LVW3

LVW: Low Voltage winding

HVW: High Voltage winding

 Multi-layer winding transformer

Case1. LLH Case2. LHL

Low Voltage winding2

Low Voltage winding2

Low Voltage winding1

Low Voltage winding1

High Voltage winding

High Voltage winding

Core

Core

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 18/14
High Voltage winding
Low Voltage winding3
Low Voltage winding2
Case3. LLLH
Low Voltage winding1
Core
B-1701~1716, 2ND Woolim Lions Valley, 146-8, Sangdaewon-dong, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-
do, South Korea

TEL +82-31-8018-2700 FAX +82-31-8018-2738 www.kaco-newenergy.kr

12-NPD-01-3dm-170f