DISTRIBUTION

TRANSFORMER
APPLICATIONS
1 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION

Distribution Transformers

The distribution transformer is a vital final

component in the electricity delivery system; it
provides the final voltage transformation in the
electric power distribution system. That brings down
the voltage used in the distribution lines to the level
used by the customer.
1 CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION

Mounting Location Type of Insulation

◦ Pole Mounted ◦ Liquid-Immersed
◦ Pad Mounted ◦ Dry-Type
◦ Underground Vault
1.1 CLASSIFICATION: Mounting Location
CLASSIFICATION: MOUNTING LOCATION

Pole Mounted Pad Mounted Underground Vault

Pole mounted Pad mounted Underground Vault

transformers are transformers are a transformer is
mounted on an ground mounted essentially the same
electrical service electric power as an aboveground
pole, usually at the distribution transformer, but is
level of the overhead transformer in a constructed for the
cables but locked steel cabinet particular needs of
occasionally at mounted on a underground
ground level. concrete pad. installation.
Classification: Mounting Location

Pole Mounted Transformers

(Single-Phase)
o
These transformers typically
service urban and rural residential
and commercial loads. Other are
light industrial and commercial
lighting applications.
o
Single-phase up to 167 kVA
o
Primary voltage up to 36 kV
Classification: Mounting Location

Pole Mounted Transformers

(Three-Phase)
o
The Three-Phase distribution
transformer are single-phase
transformer connected in bank.
o
Commonly applied for commercial
and industrial customers
o
Three-phase up to 315 kVA
o
Secondary voltages up to 480kV
Classification: Mounting Location

Pad Mounted Transfomers

o
More popular underground
transformers and is located at
surface level improving
accessibility.
o
These transformers are designed to
meet the needs of households and
neighborhoods serviced by
distribution lines located
underground as opposed to
overhead.
o
Can be single phase (15KVA – 167
KVA) or 3 phase (up to 2500 KVA)
Classification: Mounting Location
Underground Vault
Transformer
o
Essentially the same as an Pad
mounted transformer, but is
constructed for the particular needs of
underground installation. The
transformer is placed inside a
concrete vault and is accessed by
climbing down through a manhole.
o
Underground residential transformers
are usually single phase and has a
range of up to 167 KVA.
o
Underground commercial
transformers are usually 3 phase and
1.2 CLASSIFICATION: Type of Insulation
CLASSIFICATION: Type of Insulation

Liquid-Immersed Dry-type

Single-phase distribution Transfomers never uses any

transformers are used in insulating liquid where its
some underground systems winding with core be
installed in residential areas. immerged. Rather windings
Corrosion problems and the with core are kept within a
high cost of installation have sealed tank that is pressurized
minimized the use of with air.
submersible transformers.
Classification: Type of Insulation

Liquid-Immersed
Transformer
o
A transformer having its core and
coils submerged in an insulating
liquid such as oil.
Classification: Type of Insulation

Cast Resin Dry Type Transformer

o
This used in the high moisture prone areas.
It is because of its primary and secondary
windings are encapsulated with epoxy
resin. This encapsulation helps to prevent
moisture to penetrate to affect the winding
material. Complete protection is achieved
by this cast resin encapsulation so that the
transformer can work without disruption in
highly moisture prone area.
o
This type of transformer is available in
ratings of 25 KVA to 12,500 KVA
Classification: Type of Insulation

Vacuum Pressure Impregnated

Transformer
o
The windings of this transformer are made in
foil or strip in a continuous layer. The
insulation of the winding is void free
impregnation that is made with class H
polyester resin. The primary and secondary
winding with core are laced safely within a
vacuum protective box.

o
This type of transformer is available from 5
KVA to 30MVA
2 PARTS OF A TRANSFORMER
Parts of a Transformer
Coils/ Winding
- This is where where incoming alternating
current (through primary winding) generates
magnetic flux, which in turn induces a voltage in
the secondary coil.
o
High voltage winding - These are made of
copper coil. The number of turns is the multiple
of the number of turns in the low voltage
windings. The copper coils are thinner than those
of the low voltage windings.
o
Low voltage windings - These have fewer turns
than the high voltage windings. It is made of
thick copper conductors. This is because the
current in the low voltage windings is higher than
that of high voltage windings.
Parts of a Transformer

Tank
-serving as a mechanical package to protect
active parts, as a holding vessel for transformer
oil used for cooling and insulation.

Core
- The core is used to support the windings in
the transformer. It also provides a low reluctance
path to the flow of magnetic flux. It is made of
laminated soft iron core in order to reduce eddy
current loss and Hysteresis loss.
Parts of a Transformer

Conservator
-The conservator conserves the transformer oil.
It is an airtight, metallic, cylindrical drum that is
fitted above the transformer. The conservator tank is
vented to the atmosphere at the top, and the normal
oil level is approximately in the middle of the
conservator to allow the oil to expand and contract
as the temperature varies.
Breather
- The breather controls the moisture level in
the transformer. Moisture can arise when
temperature variations cause expansion and
contraction of the insulating oil, which then
causes the pressure to change inside the
conservator.
Parts of a Transformer

Tap Changer
-The output voltage may vary according to the
input voltage and the load. During loaded
conditions, the voltage on the output terminal
decreases, whereas during off-load conditions the
output voltage increases. In order to balance the
voltage variations, tap changers are used.

Cooling Tubes
- Cooling tubes are used to cool the
transformer oil. The transformer oil is circulated
through the cooling tubes. The circulation of the
oil may either be natural or forced.
Parts of a Transformer
Buchholz Relay
-The Bochholz Relay is a protective device
container housed over the connecting pipe from the
main tank to the conservator tank. It is used to sense
the faults occurring inside the transformer. It is a
simple relay that operates by the gases emitted due
to the decomposition of transformer oil during
internal faults.

Explosion Vent
- The explosion vent is used to expel boiling
oil in the transformer during heavy internal faults
in order to avoid the explosion of the transformer.
During heavy faults, the oil rushes out of the
vent.
3 CONNECTION OF A TRANSFORMER
CONNECTION OF A TRANSFORMER

Delta - Delta
◦ The connection is economical for large, low voltage
transformers.
◦ If one (1) unit is defective and should be repaired, the bank
can still be used. As open delta or V-V connection, but can
only supply 57.7% of the original bank.
◦ Suitable for underground systems.
◦ The connection is susceptible to Ferro resonance.
◦ Each unit must have the same turns ratio, impedances, and
voltage ratings.
◦ The connection can be used supplying unbalanced loads.
◦ Not suitable for 4-Wire service.
CONNECTION OF A TRANSFORMER

Delta - Wye
◦ Generally used for stepping up voltages.
◦ Delta – Wye connection is suitable for both ungrounded and
effectively grounded systems.
◦ The connection is susceptible to ferro resonance.
◦ Zero-sequence currents flowing in the secondary circulates
in the closed delta primary windings.
◦ Each unit must have the same turns ratio, impedances, and
voltage ratings
CONNECTION OF A TRANSFORMER

Wye - Delta
◦ The main use of this connection is for stepping down the
voltage, usually located at the end of the transmission line.
◦ Delta – Wye connection is suitable for both ungrounded and
effectively grounded systems.
◦ Neutral point of primary windings with unbalanced/single-
phase secondary load is locked at ground potential.
CONNECTION OF A TRANSFORMER

Wye - Wye
◦ Wye – wye connection is suitable for 3-Wire service only.
◦ Unbalanced loading may cause line to neutral overvoltage
due to neutral shift.
◦ Third-harmonic line current is suppressed.
◦ Most economical for small, high voltage transformers due to
the number of turns per phase and having minimum amount
of insulation required.
◦ Works satisfactorily only if the load is balanced.
 INSTALLATION OF DISTRIBUTION
4
TRANSFORMER
INSTALLING DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

1. Turn off main circuit breaker to the pole, and perform

utility pole bypass procedures, according to guidelines and
safety protocols established by the utility company. This
procedure takes the utility pole off line, while the transformer is
being installed.

2. Mount the transformer on the pole according to

guidelines established by the utility company. Each utility
company has special mounting assemblies, harnesses and
procedures unique to their geographic location and
environmental considerations.

3. Identify the primary side of the transformer, and

locate the high-voltage input terminals. Connect the high-
voltage utility power lines to the input terminals of the
transformer. Some transformers have these terminals
marked as H1 and H2.
INSTALLING DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

4. Locate the secondary side of the transformer. Most

transformers have a phase A, for 120-volt output, and phase B,
for 240-volt output and a center tap for ground. Ground the
center tap per procedures established by your utility company
and per compliance with the National Electrical Code.

5. Locate the main circuit breaker panel and the associated

input terminals. Connect the phase A output from the secondary
winding of the transformer into one side of the main breaker.
Connect the phase B output from the secondary winding to the
second side of the main breaker. Ensure all connections are
tight and secure.

6. Perform pole restoration procedures, as required, to bring

the utility pole back on line, according to the procedures
established by the utility company. Turn on the main breaker,
and restore power.
 TROUBLESHOOTING OF
5
DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER
TROUBLESHOOTING OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

1. Regulate the temperature in order to ensure the chances

of overheating -- or even personal injury -- are reduced.
Ambient temperature should never exceed 40 degrees Celsius
or average more than 30 degrees C in one 24-hour period.

2. Check the level of cooling liquid in the main tank and

liquid-filled compartments. This fluid is vital for cooling and
lubrication. Add clean liquid if necessary to fill to the indicated
level.

3. Shut down the transformer and clean the contacts by

rotating the tap-changer handle back and forth a few times.
Return the handle to its original position if no change in voltage
ratio is desired as any change in the handle's position changes
the voltage.
TROUBLESHOOTING OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

4. Look at the pressure gauge reading. If is shows zero

pounds per square inch, it could be indicative of a leaking seal.
Slowly add nitrogen or dry air at low pressure until gauge reads
5 psi. Use a brush to apply soapy water or detergent to the seals
above liquid level. Consequential bubbles will indicate the
location of the leak, which you can then repair, if possible. You
can then replenish the lost fluid.
End of our report
Thanks!