Selection of distribution transformers for supplying power to LV

networks
electrical-engineering-portal.com/distribution-transformers-lv-networks

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1/4/2017

Selection of distribution transformers for supplying power to LV networks (photo credit: gelexcambodia.com)

Distribution transformers (50-2500 kVA)

The characteristic data of distribution transformers are determined by the requirements of the network. The eective
power determined must be multiplied by the power factor cos to give the rated power SrT. In distribution networks
the value u k= 6% is preferred.

Transformer losses are made up of no-load losses and short circuit losses . The no-load losses are caused by the
continuous reversal of magnetization of the iron core and are practically constant and independent of loading. The
short circuit losses are made up of the ohmic losses in the windings and losses due to leakage elds. They are
proportional to the square of the loading.
Oil-lled transformers and cast resin dry-type transformers are preferred. The use of askarel transformers is
forbidden!
In this technical article, the most important criteria for the selection of distribution transformers in the power range

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from 50 to 2500 kVA for supplying power to low voltage networks will be discussed.
1. Requirement of operational safety:
1. Routine tests (losses, u k, voltage test)
2. Type testing (heating, surge voltage)
3. Special tests (short circuit strength, noise)
2. Electrical conditions:
1. Short circuit voltage
2. Connection symbol / vector group (learn more)
3. Transformation ratio
3. Installation conditions:
1. Interior and outside installation
2. Special local conditions
3. Environmental protection conditions
4. Designs: oil-lled or cast resin dry-type transformer
4. Operating conditions:
1. Loading capacity (oil-lled transformers or cast resin dry-type transformers)
2. Load uctuations
3. Number of hours in operation
4. Eiciency (oil-lled transformers or cast resin dry-type transformers)
5. Voltage regulation
6. Parallel transformer operation (learn more)

5. Characteristic data for transformers with examples:

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5. Characteristic data for transformers with examples:

Rated power SrT = 1000 kVA
Rated voltage UrOS = 20 kV
Lower side voltage UrUS = 0.4 kV
Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage UrB = 125 kV
Loss combination
No-load losses P0 = 1700 W
Short circuit losses Pk = 13000 W
Acoustical power L WA = 73 dB
Short circuit voltage ukr = 6%
Transformation ratio PV/SV = 20 kV/0.4 kV
Connection symbol Dyn5
Termination systems, e.g. lower voltage and upper voltage side ange systems
Interior or outside installation

Figure 1 Interior installation of liquid-lled transformers

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Where:
1. Cable conduit
2. Zinc-plated at steel grate
3. Exhaust opening with protective grate
4. Unscrewed conduit with pump
5. Ramp
6. Air intake opening with protective grave
7. Gravel or crushed rock layer
8. Ledge

The installation of transformers should be free of underground water and ooding. The cooling must be protected
against sunlight. Fire protection measures and environmental compatibility must also be ensured. Figure 1 illustrates
a transformer with oil lling < 1000 liters. Here, an impermeable oor is suicient.
For oil lling > 1000 liters, oil collecting troughs or oil sumps are mandatory.
The heat losses of transformers must be properly dissipated! This requires air intake and exhaust openings. The
air intake must ow in underneath the transformer close to the oor and the exhaust must be led upwards.
The size of the exhaust opening is shown without grate in Figure 2 for a room heating of 15 K.

Figure 2 Ventilation for the interior installation of a cast resin transformer

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Figure 3 Permissible overloading of Siemens GEAFOL cast resin transformers

Pv = P0 + k Pk75 [kW]
The meanings of the symbols are:
A Air exaust opening and intake opening
Pv Transformer power loss
k = 1.06 for oil-lled transformers
k = 1.2 for cast resin transformers
Po No-load losses
Pk75 Short circuit losses at 75 in kW
h Dierence in height in meters
Figure 3 gives the permissible overload capacity of cast resin transformers in the power range from 400 to 2500
kVA. The determination of the loading capacity of oil-lled transformers can be made on the basis of IEC 60076-1.
The heating losses which arise while operating a transformer (Figure 4) must be dissipated. If it is not possible owing
to the conditions for installation to utilize natural ventilation, it is necessary to install a fan. The overall temperature of
the transformer must not exceed 40C.

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Figure 4 Ventilation of the transformer room

The overall losses in a transformer room are given by:

Qloss = Ploss
Ploss = P0 + 1.2 Pk75 (SAF / SAN)2
The total losses are dissipated through:
Qv = Qloss1 + Qloss2 + Qloss3
The individually dissipated amounts of heat can be calculated from the following:
Natural air current: Qloss1 = 0.098 A1.2 H L3
Losses dissipated by forced air currents (Figure 3):
Qloss3 = VL CPL
Losses dissipated through walls and the ceiling (Figure 4):
Qloss2 = 0.7 AW KW W + AD KD D
The meanings of the symbols are:
Pv Transformer power loss in kW
Qv Dissipated losses in kW
QW,D Dissipated losses through walls and ceiling in kW

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QW,D Dissipated losses through walls and ceiling in kW

AW,D Area ofwalls and ceiling in m 2
KW,D Heat transfer coeicient in kW/m 2 K
SAF Power for the cooling type AF in kVA
SAN Power for the cooling type AN in kVA
VL Air ow rate in m 3/s, m 3/h
Qv1 Part dissipated in natural air current in kW
Qv2 Part dissipated through walls and ceiling in kW
Qv3 Part dissipated in forced air current in kW
The transformer noise is a combination of magnetic noise and the noise of additional ventilation.
Figure 5 shows the noise level of dierent transformers according to IEC Publication 551. The magnetic noise is the
result of oscillations of the iron core (induction-dependent) and depends on the material properties of the
core laminations.

Figure 5 Sound pressure level of transformers

The acoustical power (Figure 6) is a measure of the noise level produced by an acoustical source .

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Figure 6 Acoustical power level of transformers

50KVA distribution transformer 20Kv-400V

Reference // Analysis and design of low voltage power systems by Ismail Kasikci (Purchase hardcover from
Amazon)

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