POWER SYSTEM COMMISSIONING AND

MAINTENANCE PRACTICE
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

DET 310

POWER TRANSFORMER
 INTRODUCTION
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

A transformer consists essentially of two or more electric

circuits in the form of windings magnetically interlinked by a
common magnetic circuit. An alternating voltage applied to
one of the windings produces, by electromagnetic induction, a
corresponding e.m.f, in the other windings,and energy can be
transferred from the primary circuit to the other circuits by
means of the common magnetic flux.
 INTRODUCTION (continue)
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

Transformers are one of the primary components for the

transmission and distribution of electrical energy. Their design
results mainly from the range of application, the construction,
the rated power and the voltage level.
 Standards

BSEN 60076 1 :
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

Contains information relating to standard characteristics,

guaranteed performance and tolerances, testing and operation,
and conforms with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) Publication 60076: Power transformers:
Parts 1 to 12.
Range of Capacity and Voltage
The scope of transformer types starts with generator
transformers and ends with distribution transformers.

Generator Transformer: directly connected to the generator.

Power range :above 1000 MVA.
Voltage range : 1500 kV.

Interconnecting Transformer: Connect between network

Power Range: exceeds 1000 MVA
Voltage Range: 1500 kV

Distribution Transformer: Distribute to consumer/feeding from

high voltage to low voltage
Power Range: 50 2500 kVA
Voltage Range : up to 36 kV
Types of Transformer

There are three type of distribution Transformer

Resin Insulated Dry Type Transformer

Oil Transformer
Air Insulated Transformer
Types of Transformer (continue)

Resin Insulated Dry Type Transformer

Also known as cast resin

transformer.
Windings are encase in
epoxy resin.
The epoxy protects the
winding from dust and
corrosive atmosphere.
Types of Transformer (continue)

Oil Transformer

-windings are inserted

inside a enclosure
generally filled with mineral
oil.
- dispersing the heat
greater then cast resin
transformer.
Technical Comparison between Cast Resin and Oil Xmer
Fittings and Accessories

Nameplate
Terminal and Bushings
Conservator Tank
Breather
Oil gauge
Oil Temperature Indicator
Bucholz Relay
Explosion vent
On load/ Off load Tap Changer

Transformer Name Plate

The transformer nameplate contains most of the Important

information that will be needed in the field. The nameplate
should never be removed from the transformer and should
always be kept clean and legible.

Serial Number
Class
Dimension
KVA Rating
Voltage Rating
Vector Group
Basic Insulation Level
Percentage Impedance
Insulation Class
Terminal and Bushings

-Is specially designed electrical terminal for taking

out winding ends through openings provided at
top cover or wall of transformer tank and
connecting to the incoming and outgoing lines. It
prevented s/c due to breakdown in air.
Some outdoor bushings are fitted with arcing horns which
provide a safety gap to discharge an incoming surge which
might otherwise damage the transformer windings.
 Conservator Tank
INSUALTION TEST OF ELECTRICAL

The oil level in the tank and the

top-mounted bushings is kept
constant by a conservator vessel
or expansion tank mounted at
the highest point of the
EQUIPMENT

transformer. Oil-level changes

due to thermal cycling affect the
conservator only
Transformer Breather

Dehydrating breathers are used to prevent the

normal moisture in the air from coming in
contact with the oil in electrical equipment.
This device allows ingress and egress of air to
compensate for changes in oil volume.

The breather contains silica gel which has the

ability to scrub the moisture from the air as it
passes through the breather. The dehydrating
breathers are filled with Silicage1 that can absorb
20 percent of its own weight in moisture. The
breathers are also provided with an oil trap
preventing continuous contact between the moist
air and the Silicage1, allowing longer life of the
Silicage1 and lower maintenance.
Oil Gauge
it is used to show analogic indication of
oil level inside the conservator tank &
upon requirement it also gives alarm
signal when the oil level reduces below
minimum and / or maximum admitted
level.

Oil Temperature Indicator

Normally of the dial type, oil
thermometers can be arranged for
remote electrical indication of oil
temperature.
Buchholz Relay

The Buchholz relay is one of

the important protective
devices for oil immersed
power transformer, which will
operate based on the oil or
gas pressure. It detects two
types of faults i.e. minor and
major fault. Minor faults
comprise of faults in core
laminations, over heating in
windings, bad connections,
low oil levels etc. bubbles.
 Buchholz Relay - continue
In minor faults the alarm circuit
will be actuated to switch on the
buzzer.

In case of major faults like

internal short circuit between
phase and earth, phase to
phase fault, insulation break
down etc., the trip circuit will be
closed due to enormous amount
of gas bubbles.
 Buchholz Relay Working Principle

The Buchholz relay comprises hinged float and mercury

switch assembly for both the alarm and trip circuits. The entire
assembly is in an oil proof case which has two glass windows.
When the oil level is reduced from the desired level, the float
switch moves down that will touch the contact. In case of
major faults, the gases generated in transformer tank due to
decomposing of oil rush towards conservator tank through
Buchholz relay. These gases pressurize the oil and reduce
the oil level in Buchholz relay and the float switch go down to
close the trip circuit as shown in the below figure. While
reducing the oil level, the alarm will get activated. If the
pressure is higher in the transformer tank the trip circuit will
be activated to close the mercury switch and trip the power to
transformer.
Buchholz Relay Working Principle - continue
Explosion Vent

Intended to act as safety valves to

reduce internal pressure in the event
of a major fault within the transformer
and thus to protect the tank from
damage.

The vents can be spring loaded or

fitted with thin non-metallic
material to fracture under
pressure.
 Bucholz Relay (continue)-
Buchholz relay can be triggered by three operation
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

1) Air from atmosphere while filling the transformer oil

2) Mechanical failure
3) Insulation breakdown from oil
4) Winding insulation breakdown

Gas formed usually consists of hydrogen, Acetylene and

carbon monoxide.
1) If the gas only contained less then 2% carbon monoxide, only
breakdown in oil occurs.

2) If the gas contained more then 20%, the fault are due to both
breakdown of oil and insulation
Tap Changer

Off-circuit The tap change may only be carried out when

the transformer is not energized. The switches are under oil
and are designed to change position only when the
transformer is de-energized.
There is consequently no breaking of current flow
Tap Changer (continue)

Off-load The tap changer may be operated when the circuit is

energized but not when the circuit is drawing load current.
On-load The tap changer may be operated under load
conditions. An on-load tap changer has a much more difficult
duty than the off-circuit type.
Change tapping position with transformer load current flowing.
Tap Changer (continue)
 Transformer Cooling System

The most common types of cooling arrangements, detailed below,

are identified in IEC 60076 by a system of symbols which indicate
the cooling medium in contact with the windings; the cooling
medium in contact with the external cooling system; and the kind
of circulation for each. The symbols for the cooling media are:
O for mineral oil or an insulating liquid with fire point
< 300~
K for an insulating liquid with fire point > 300~
L for an insulating liquid with no measurable fire point
W for water
A for air
G for gas.
Transformer Cooling System (continue)
The symbols for circulation in a liquid immersed transformer
are:

N - for natural thermosyphon flow

F - for forced fluid circulation, but thermosyphon cooling
in the windings
D - for forced fluid circulation, with fluid directed into the
windings.

IEC specifications stipulate temperature limits for windings

(measured by resistance) and insulation and define
normal standard values for the temperature of the cooling
medium.
Transformer Cooling System (continue)

Air insulated, air cooled

Natural air cooling (AN)
The temperature rise measured by resistance is limited by
the class of insulation used. Typical figures are 60 K for
class A, 90 K for class B and 150 K for class C materials;
all rises being above a maximum ambient temperature of
40 C and a daily average of not more than 30 C.

Forced air cooling (AF)

The temperature conditions are the same as for AN, but the
improved heat transfer properties resulting from the forced
air stream enables the current density in the windings and
the flux density in the core to be increased and greater
output to be obtained from a given size of unit.
Transformer Cooling System (continue)
Oil immersed, air cooled
IEC 60076 recognises two maximum oil temperatures:
60~ when the transformer is sealed or equipped with a
conservator, and 55~ when the transformer is not so equipped
Natural oil circulation, natural airflow (ONAN)
The great majority of power transformers up to ratings of
5 MVA are of ONAN type. This type of cooling has no
mechanical moving parts and therefore requires little, if any,
maintenance. Many developing countries prefer this type
because of reliability, but there is an increasing cost penalty
as sizes increase.
 Transformer Cooling System (continue)
Oil Natural Air Force (ONAF)
A transformer supplied with fans fitted to the radiators will have a
rating, with fans in operation, of probably between 15% and 33%
greater than with the fans not in operation. The transformer
therefore has an effective dual rating under ONAN and ONAF
conditions. The transformer might be specified as 20/25MVA
ONAN/ONAF.

By directing an air blast on to an ordinary tubular tank or

on to separate radiators the rate of heat dissipation is increased;
thus, while the transformer itself is not reduced in size, less
external cooling surface is required.
 Transformer Cooling System (continue)
Oil Force Air Force (OFAF)

The OFAF system is employed for most large transformers. The

forced oil enables the windings and core to be economically
rated, while the forced air blast reduces the size of the radiating
surfaces, an important point for transformers of 30 MVA upward.
Transformer Parameter

- VA Rating
- Impedance
- Winding and Vector Group
- Voltage
- Basic Insulation Level
- Insulation Class
VA RATING
Every transformer has a maximum output current that it can
deliver at its standard output voltage. This VA rating (KVA or
MVA for large power transformers) is dependent on the
ambient temperature or cooling provided. Exceeding the VA
rating will cause over-heating of the core and windings
and subsequent damage.

The rated power for the three phase case given by IEC
definitions is:
Rated power = 3 * rated winding voltage * rated winding
current
S = 3 x Vr x I r (VA)
Vr= rated voltage at no load (V)
Ir = rated output current (A)
De-Rated capacity factor
Ambient Temperature
Higher ambient temperatures require a corresponding reduction
in temperature rise, and thus affect price or rated power as
follows:

1.0% reduction of rated power for each 1 K above standard

temperature conditions.

These adjustment factors are applicable up to 15 K above

standard temperature conditions.

Where Maximum Ambient Temperature as IEC 60076 is 40 C

De-Rated capacity factor

High altitude :

The transformers are suitable for operation at altitudes up to

1000 meters above sea level. Site altitudes above 1000 m
necessitate the use of special designs and an increase/ or a
reduction of the transformer ratings as follows:

2% reduction of rated power for each 500 m altitude (or part

there of) in excess of 1000 m.TR
De-Rated capacity factor
Example:
Determine rated power for 30 kVA power transformer which will
be installed in an area with ambient temperature of 50 C and
at the altitude of 4000 m above sea level.
Solutions:
VOLTAGE RATING

Transformer rated voltage is usually specified by the voltage

ratio
Example:
11/0.433kV Power Transformer
Primary rated Voltage : 11kV
Secondary rated Voltage: 0.433kV

33/11 kV Power Transformer

Primary rated Voltage: 33 kV
Secondary rated Voltage : 11 kV
Vector Group

Three phase transformers are allotted symbols giving the

type of phase and the phase angle difference between the
HV nd LV terminals.

The angle is described by a clockface hour figure.

The HV vector is taken as 12 oclock, the reference, and the

coresponding LV vector is represented by the hour hand.
Vector Group (continue)-

Windings fall into three main type: star, delta and zigzag

They are categorized into four groups:

Group 1: 0 phase shift ; Yy0, Dd0, Dz0, Zd0

Group 2: 180 phase shift; Yy6, Dd6, Zd6, Dz6

Group 3: -30 phase shift; Dy1, Yd1, Yz1, Zy1

Group 4: 30 phase shift; Dy11, Yd11, Yz11, Zy11

Vector Group (continue)-
VEKTOR GROUP (continue)-
VEKTOR GROUP (continue)-
VEKTOR GROUP (continue)-
VEKTOR GROUP (continue)-

The choice of phase relationship between the primary and

secondary windings is unimportant if only one transformer is
used for a given site network.

However, if more than one transformer is involved then they

must all have the same phase relationship or else it is
impossible to parallel them or to switch over the supply to the
network from one transformer to another.
Transformer Impedance

Transformer impedance is usually expressed as a percentage

reactance (a transformer is highly inductive) on the base of the
transformer rating.

The transformer impedance must be carefully specified to limit

the secondary fault level and still maintain good voltage
regulation

For any given rating and voltage the size and weight of a
transformer are functions of its percentage reactance. A small
percentage reactance means a large main flux requiring larger
iron cross-section.
Transformer Impedance

As reactance is increased the iron cross-section decreases,

iron loss decreases but copper loss increases.

High reactance may, however, be considered desirable

because it limits the short circuit current and therefore
maintains the rating of associated system switchgear.

The impedance of transformers is express in percentage

values to enable fault level calculations to be carried out
Transformer Impedance
Low percentage impedance leads to small voltage drop but
increases the fault curent.
Example:
Consider a 1500 kVA, 11/0.415 kV transformer with an
impedance of 7.5%

And in MVA
Transformer Impedance

For the purpose of protection against short circuit

stresses, IEC 60760 specifies 3 main categories:-

Category 1 Up to 2500 kVA

Category II - 2501kVA to 100000 kVA
Category III Above 100,000 kVA
Transformer Impedance
 Tap Changer and voltage Ratio
A transformer intended to connect, for example, a 132 kV system
to a 20kV system may, at first sight, simply require a voltage ratio
of 132/20kV. In practice,this may not be the most appropriate ratio
to specify to the manufacturersince the following aspects need to
be taken into account:

1. The 132 kV system voltage is not constant and may vary as

much as 10% from the nominal value.
2. Volt drop on load will depress the voltage at the 20 kV
terminals.
To accommodate these effects virtually every practical transformer
will need tappings to allow selection of different voltage ratios to
suit different circumstances
Tap Change and Voltage Ratio continue

Unless otherwise specified, the principal tapping is located in the

middle of the tapping range.

Example: A transformer with a tapped 160 kV winding having

altogether 21 tappings, symmetrically placed, is designated:

Where Tap 11 is principle Tapping

If for some reason the tapping range is specified asymmetrically

around the rated voltage:

In this case , principle Tapping is at Tap 13

Tap Change and Voltage Ratio continue

Usually for distribution transformer 11/0.433 kV off circuit tappings

giving 5.0%, 2.5%, 0%, -2.5% and -5.0% will be adequate for
majority of situations .

Example:

Determine Ratio for 11/0.433 V , 315 kVA power transformer at for

all taps.
Basic Insulation Level (BIL)

The amount of insulation applied to the winding conductors is

usually influenced by the impulse voltage rating of the winding
rather than by the power frequency voltage rating. Impulse
voltages due to lightning or switching activity appearing at the
terminals of the transformer stress the winding insulation and this
effect may be reduced by the application of surge arresters.
 COMMISSIONING AND MAINTENANCE

Commissioning and maintenance of power transformer

THE POWER TRANSFORMER

consists of:

- Data collection
- checks and inspection
- insulation tests
- winding resistance test
- vector group test
- ratio, magnetizing current test
- oil tests
- nuetral earthing resistance
- breather test
 Data Collection

- manufacture and date of manufacturer

THE POWER TRANSFORMER

- serial Number
- rating-normal and assisted
- nominal voltages
- full load current at nominal tap
- percentage impedance
- vektor group
- tap changer type, range and no of tap
General check and Inspection
-Coordinating Gaps
-Labelling
-Earth Connections
-Breathers
-Valves in operational position
-Tightness of fastening
-Insulators undamaged and clean
-No oil leaks
-Correct oil levels in conservators
 Insulation Tests

1. Check Insulation between low voltage winding to earth

with 1kV IR tester
POWER TRANSFORMER

2. Check Insulation between high voltage winding to

earth with 5 kV IR tester.

3. Check Insulation between HV and LV winding with 5 kV

IR tester

Duration of all are one minutes

Insulation Test 1kv and 5kV:

Power Transformer
Hv Side Lv Side

Bacaan 100 M,ohms keatas

ARB
 Polarization Index Test.
1) Carry out IR test between Low Voltage to Earth with 1kV
THE POWER TRAN SFOREMR

IR tester
2) Carry out IR test between HV to Earth with 5kV IR tester
3) Carry out IR test between HV to LV with 5kV IR tester
Duration of test is 10 minutes
Divide the value obtained with value for 1 min test

Polarization Index = R10/R1

 Polarization Index Test.
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

Between Insulation Resistance PI Accepted

(M) value
1 Minute 10 Minute
Primary & 4000M 7000M 1.75 Not less
Earth than 1.2
Secondary & 3500M 8000M 2.29
Earth

Primary & 5100M 10000M 2.00

Secondary
DC Winding Resistance Test

This test is not always carried out, but the results are helpful
during fault investigation. The resistance of each winding is
obtained and compared with manufacturers data.

-Normally carry out with low voltage DC 6 V battery.

- The current should be injected via a switch capable of

breaking potentially dangerous sources of stored energy in
winding.

-The resistance should be measured with transformer at all

tap positions
DC Winding Resistance (continue)

-Star connected measurement between Phase to

Neutral. Delta connected between phase to phase

- Resistance is calculated using Ohms Law

DC Winding Resistance (continue)

Example:

Tap A-n B n C-n

Volt Amp Volt Amp Volt Amp

1 1.235 2.59 0.47 0.839 1.81 0.463 0.885 1.8 0.491

7
2 1.221 2.58 0.473 0.837 1.83 0.457 0.853 1.75 0.487
3 1.226 2.62 0.467 0.84 1.86 0.452 0.831 1.72 0.483

Average measured (tap 1) : 0.476 ohm

Factory test: 0.435 ohm

Error% = (0.435 0.476)/0.435 x 100% =

 Ratio Test

1) Inject 415V three phase supply to HV side of

THE POWER TRANSFORMER

transformer with the LV side open circuited.

2) Measure the HV side and LV side voltage and calculate

the ratio.
Compare the ratio with the name plate value and ensure
that the ratio is within the tolerance.

3) Repeat for all transformer taps.

 Ratio Test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

R r
415V 3
supply
Y y

B b
 Primary Secondary output voltage Tap No Voltage
Voltage
AB: 200 an bn cn
BC: 200
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

4.32 4.32 4.32 1 11550

CA: 200
4.43 4.43 4.43 2 11275
4.54 4.54 4.54 3 11000
4.66 4.66 4.66 4 10725
4.78 4.78 4.78 5 10450

Example:
a) At tap changer no 1:
VAB = 200V (Delta)
1 433
Vab VAB x 200x 7.5V (line)
a 11550
7.5
Van 4.32V ( phase)
3
Therefore the ratio is correct.
 Impedance test:

Positive sequence impedance

THE POWER TRANSFORMER

1) Inject three phase supply to HV side of transformer with

LV side short circuited
2) With the transformer at nominal tap, measure and record
the current and voltage at HV side.
3) Calculate the percentage impedance as given

Vm I r
%Impedance x x100%
I m Vr
 Impedance test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER

Where Vm = measured voltage

Im = measured current
Vr = rated voltage
Ir = rated current

d) Compare the results with declared value on the

nameplate.
e) Repeat for highest and lowest tap
 Impedance test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER
 Impedance test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER
 Vector group test

a) Connect up test equipment as shown below. The

THE POWER TRANSFORMER

transformer is at nominal tap

b) Measure and record all possible voltage readings and from

the readings, draw the vector group of the transformer.
Compare the vector group with the declared one on the
name plate.
 Vector group test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER
 Vector group test (continue)-
THE POWER TRANSFORMER
Neutral Earth Resistance (NER)

1) Conduct IR test to ensure the NER Bushing and

Resistance have sufficient resistance level to earth

Resistance Test

1) 5A AC current is injected into the NER and voltage drop

is measured. Resistance is calculated using ohms law
and compared with calculation value
Neutral Earth Resistance (NER)

Example: Transformer Ynd 1; 132/33 kV, 90 MVA

S = 3 x V x I;
I = 1574.6 A;

V = I x R ; R = V/I = 11.91 ohm

4) NER grounding resistance shall not exceed 1 ohm using

earth tester

5) NER blade switch using contact resistance tester, inject

current into blade switch and measured the resistance. The
resistance shall not exceed 100
Zero Sequence Impedance
Zero Sequence Impedance (continue)

Procedures:

1) HV winding (R, Y, B) is short circuited and LV winding is

open circuit.
2) 240 V AC is applied in between RYB and N and then
measured the current.
3) Zeo sequence is obtained from

Z0 = 3V/I
No load and no load current

The iron losses and no load current are measured in this test.
The 433V winding is charged at 433V supply & the 11KV
winding is left open .

The power consumed by the transformer at no load is the no

load loss in the transformer.

Effect of actual frequency must be taken into account.

No load and no load current