POWER

TRANSFORMERS

➢Constructional features
➢Types of Transformers
➢OLTC
➢Grounding
➢Parallel operation

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Introduction
➢ The function of increasing or decreasing voltage
levels is performed by an equipment known as
transformers.
➢ Starting from the generating station,
transformers are used to step up the voltage for
transmission. The transformer is basically a
passive device for transforming the voltage and
current magnitude levels.

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 CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES
The following topics will be discussed
◼ Windings
◼ Core
◼ Terminal Bushings
◼ Insulations
◼ Main tank and gasketing
◼ Conservator
◼ Transformer Oil
◼ Silica gel Breathers

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 CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES
◼ Bucchholtz relay
◼ Vent pipe / PRV
◼ Cooling system (radiators, fans and
pumps)
◼ OTI & WTI
◼ Tap changers

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5
6
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BUSHINGS

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800KV Condensor Bushing

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 TRANSFORMER OIL
◼ Dielectric and coolant media
◼ Petroleum crude- naptha or paraffins base

◼ Physical properties
Density
Viscosity
Flash point
Pour point
Inter facial tension
Appearance

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◼ Chemical properties
Acidity
Oxidation stability
Moisture content
Inhibitor
Sulphur content
DGA

◼ Electrical properties

Dielectric strength (BDV)

DDF ( Tan delta)
Resistivity
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12
 INTRODUCTION
One of the simplest and most inexpensive methods
of providing for adjustments in supply voltages is to
arrange tapings upon transformers.
The needs of providing tap changers are
1. Adjustment of consumers voltage within statutory
limits.
2. To control active and reactive powers over a line
connecting the two Generating Stations, depending
upon seasonal requirements.
3.Voltage variations in the Power System can be
carried out quite effectively by arranging tap
changers upon transformers.
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The tap changers are divided into two
categories.

1. Off-Load Tap Changers

2. On-Load Tap Changers

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◼ In power transformers , normally,
On-Load Tap Changers are used for
voltage regulation under load without
interruption.
◼ These are generally located on high
voltage windings because of the
smaller currents to be dealt.
Volts/turn ratio can be maintained
within limits.
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 Main Parts of OLTC
1. Tap Changer head
2. Diverter Switch/Compartment
3. Tap selector
4. Motor Drive unit
5. Protective Relay
6. Reversing switch

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OLTC – MR
MAKE

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 CONSTRUCTION
◼ The ON-LOAD TAP CHANGERS consists of a
high speed resistor transition diverter switch, tap
selector, driving mechanism and external driving
shaft with Bevel Gear.
◼ The Diverter Switch consists of contact
compartment, transition resistors, spring action
mechanism and worm-gear assembly. Current
limiting resistors consists of nickel-chromium
wire wound heat resisting bobbins. Moving and
fixed contacts are arranged in contact
compartment depending upon location of the
Tap Changer i.e. the neutral or line terminal of
the transformer. 18
The spring action mechanism matches with the
interruption characteristic of diverter switch. The
Tap-Selector serves for selecting the desired
tap which is operating on no-load. A motorised
driving mechanism is used for providing the
driving force for tap changing and mounted on
the side of the transformers. The driving power
from the driving mechanism to the tap changers
is transmitted by means of a set to vertical and
horizontal shafts, which are coupled through
bevel gears. A typical electrical and mechanical
circuits are used for this operation. The diverter
switch compartment consists of Transformer Oil
which is not connected with Main Transformer.
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 OPERATION
Tap changer operation is initiated by
starting the motor drive. The diverter
switch and the tap selector which operate
on high-potential are driven from there.
The mechanism of the tap changers is
designed to carryout a complete operation
after definite number of revolutions are
completed. The motor drive stops
automatically after the tap change
operation is complete.
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OLTC General Arrangement

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 CHARACTERISTICS OF
ON-LOAD TAP CHANGERS
1. Through current, step-voltage and
switching capacity.

2. Insulation i.e. withstand voltage.

3. Number of steps.

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 FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE

1. Transformer Oil characteristics in the diverter switch

compartment.
2. Carbonization due to heavy sparking during
transition.
3. Deterioration of contacts
(Burning or Burning marks )
4. Operation of Oil Surge (BUCHOLZ) relay.
5. Decoupling of mechanism drive joints
6. Transformer Oil Leakages
7. Mismatching of tap selector and diverter switch
operations.
8. Handling of tap-changers by the operator greatly
affects the system.
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 CONDITION MONITORING AT
SITE
A great care must be taken in monitoring the
condition of ON-LOAD TAP CHANGERS which
effects directly the POWER TRANSFORMER.

Check Remarks

Tap changer If low, top up with

conservator oil level new filtered oil.
Dielectric Strength of oil Filter or replace if
in the diverter the BDV is less than
compartment required.
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Check Remarks

Oil leaks Check the gasket joints,

oil seals in Gear Box and
internal compartment
Drive Mechanism Lubricate gears
periodically
Oil surge relay Rectification of defects if
(BUCHOLZ) any observed
Contacts If burning or pitting
observed, replace it.
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Linear resistors Check physically
and measure the
resistance
Thickness of arcing If thickness is
contacts reduced due to
wear and tear,
replace it.
Step-by-Step Operation Check the
operation, adjust
the timers if any
abnormality is
observed.

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 CLASSIFICATION
◼ Classification of Transformers as per place of installation
and application.
◼ Power Transformers:
Generator Transformer
Unit Auxiliary Transformer
Station Transformer
ICT/Grid Transformer
LT Auxilary Transformer
❑ Instrument Transformers:
Current Transformer
Voltage Transformer
❑ Others
Rectifier Transformer/Converter
Reactors 27
 Voltage Levels Used In Dr.NTTPS
415 v SA BUS
Station
Bus
TSS-1
6.6/ 0.433 KV
1.6 MVA 1A BUS
22
415 v
ESP
Bus
TEP-1
6.6/ 0.433 KV
ST-1
1.6 MVA
220 / 7.1 KV
31.5 MVA

220 KV BUS BAR

UAT - A
15.75 / 6.9 KV
15 MVA

GEN 220222

220
GT 15.75 / 236 KV
UAT -B
15.75 / 6.9 KV 247 MVA
15 MVA

415 v
Unit
Bus
TU-1
6.6/ 0.433 KV
1.6 MVA ST-2
220 / 7.1 KV
415 v 1B BUS 31.5 MVA
Station
Bus

TSS-2
6.6/ 0.433 KV 28
SB BUS
1.6 MVA
Voltage Levels in 500MW Unit

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 GENERATOR TRANSFORMERS
◼ The Generating Voltages are normally varies from 11 KV
to 22 KV. In our station, the generating voltage is 15.75
KV. The generating voltages shall be raised to the
transmission voltages ( 220 KV ).
◼ The Generator Transformer is connected between
generator and the EHV sub station ( grid ).
◼ Generator transformers are step up transformers
◼ Generator transformers are designed either single phase
or three phase depending upon the capacity,
transporting and erection facilities available at site.

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 STATION TRANSFORMERS
◼ To start up a Thermal Power Unit, various auxiliary
equipments are to be taken into service to meet the
required parameters. This power has to be drawn from
the EHV sub station (Grid) through the Station
Transformer. These transformers are step down type
and designed as per the auxiliary voltages required for
the power station. It is also useful to provide un
interrupted supply to the auxiliary equipment in case of
tripping of the unit.
◼ The Station Transformer is connected between the EHV
sub station ( grid ) and Station Switch Board.

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 UNIT AUXILARY TRANSFORMERS
◼ The Unit Auxiliary Transformer is a step down
transformer and designed as per the auxiliary
voltages required for the power station.
◼ The HV side of the transformer is tapped from
the generator output before feed to the
generator transformer. The LV side of the
transformer is connected to the Unit Switch
Board.

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 LT AUXILIARY
TRANSFORMERS
◼ The LT Auxiliary Transformers are step
down transformers and designed as per
the LT auxiliary voltages required for the
accessories and lighting system etc.
◼ These transformers are fed from the Unit
& Station Switch Boards and connected to
the various LT switch boards. Normally,
there are two types of transformers i.e
Dry type and oil immersed

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 INTERCONNECTING POWER
TRANSFORMERS
◼ These transformers interconnected
between different EHV voltage levels in
the same grid. These transformers are
very high capacity and used to step up/
step down the voltage levels.

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 PARALLEL OPERATION OF
TRANSFORMERS
◼ General conditions:
◼ Same polarity
◼ Same Vector group
◼ Same percentage impedance
◼ Same voltage ratio
◼ Same phase rotation

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◼ In our power station, radial feeding is
adopted for all types of buses. In case of
failure of a bus due to tripping of the
power transformer, the stand by supply
extended from the other buses of the
same voltage. In case of planned shut
down of the transformers taken for
maintenance works, the buses will be
paralleled for a very short time duly
following the above five conditions.
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 Grounding of transformers
Grounding
1. System grounding
2. Equipment grounding

Need for Grounding

1. To limit the potential gradient of earth (zero potential) to
the metallic parts, electrical circuits etc.
2. Safety of the personnel
3. Improvement in service reliability
4. Lightning and surge protection

Grounding methods
◼ Solidly grounded system
◼ Resistance grounded system
◼ Reactance grounded system
◼ Transformer Earthing ( NGT)

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Transformer grounding – Solidly grounding system

Delta / Star winding with Neutral Solidly earthed Transformer

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