Electrical Substation Equipment: Distribution Transformer and Its Functions

A distribution transformer is a type of electrical transformer that is used to step down the voltage of electrical power distribution systems. Its primary function is to take high-voltage electricity from the transmission system and reduce it to a lower voltage suitable for local distribution. 

A distribution transformer is a static electrical device that transforms electrical energy from one voltage level to another, primarily lowering the voltage to a level suitable for local distribution within a neighborhood or industrial area. It typically operates at lower power ratings compared to power transformers used in the transmission of electricity over long distances.

Distribution Transformer and Its Function in an Electrical Substation 

A distribution transformer, often simply called a "transformer," is a critical component in the electrical distribution system. It plays a vital role in the distribution of electrical power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage levels suitable for use in homes, businesses, and industries. Here are its primary functions and key features:

1. Voltage Transformation: The primary function of a distribution transformer is to change the voltage level of electricity. It typically steps down the high-voltage electricity received from transmission lines to a lower voltage suitable for distribution to consumers. In many cases, distribution transformers are designed to reduce the voltage from medium voltage (usually 2.4 kV to 34.5 kV) to low voltage (typically 120/240 volts for residential use or 480 volts for industrial use).
2. Isolation: Distribution transformers provide electrical isolation between the high-voltage side (primary winding) and the low-voltage side (secondary winding). This isolation helps to protect electrical equipment and end-users from dangerous voltage levels.
3. Efficiency: They are designed to be highly efficient to minimize power losses during the voltage transformation process. This efficiency is crucial for reducing energy waste and operational costs in the distribution network.
4. Load Matching: Distribution transformers are sized and selected to match the load requirements of the area they serve. This ensures that the voltage supplied to consumers remains within acceptable limits even during peak demand.
5. Cooling: Distribution transformers are equipped with cooling systems, which can be either natural (air-cooled) or forced (using fans or oil pumps). This helps dissipate heat generated during operation, ensuring the transformer operates within safe temperature limits.
6. Protection: Transformers often include protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers to safeguard against overcurrent or short-circuit conditions.
7. Reducing Fault Currents: Distribution transformers can reduce fault currents, which are high currents that occur during electrical faults or short circuits. This helps protect the distribution system and connected equipment.
8. Voltage Regulation: Distribution transformers help maintain a relatively stable voltage level in the distribution network, minimizing voltage fluctuations and ensuring the quality of electricity supplied to consumers.
9. Noise Reduction: Transformers are designed to operate quietly, with noise reduction features to minimize sound pollution in residential and urban areas.
10. Remote Monitoring: In modern distribution systems, some transformers are equipped with sensors and remote monitoring capabilities to enable real-time monitoring of their performance and condition.

Distribution transformers are essential components of the electrical grid, facilitating the safe and efficient distribution of electrical power to homes, businesses, and industries. Their proper design, installation, and maintenance are crucial for the reliability and quality of electrical service.

Common KVA Ratings of Single-Phase and Three-Phase Distribution Transformers 

Distribution transformers come in various KVA (kilovolt-ampere) ratings to suit different power distribution needs. The common KVA ratings for both single-phase and three-phase distribution transformers are as follows:

Common KVA Ratings of Single-Phase Distribution Transformers

A single-phase transformer is an electrical device used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another, typically with a change in voltage level, without changing the frequency of the alternating current (AC) involved. Here's a more detailed definition:

Single-Phase Transformer: A single-phase transformer is a static electromagnetic device consisting of two or more coils of wire (usually insulated copper) wound around a common iron core. It is designed to transfer electrical energy efficiently and safely between two separate electrical circuits by electromagnetic induction.

Key points to understand about single-phase transformers:

Two Windings: Single-phase transformers have two windings or coils: the primary winding and the secondary winding.

Primary Winding: The primary winding is connected to the source of electrical power and receives the input voltage. It consists of a specific number of turns of wire depending on the desired voltage transformation.

Secondary Winding: The secondary winding is connected to the load and delivers the output voltage. It typically has a different number of turns compared to the primary winding, which results in a change in voltage from the input to the output.

Iron Core: Both windings are wound around a common iron core. The core provides a low-reluctance path for the magnetic flux generated by the alternating current in the windings, enhancing the transformer's efficiency.

The Common KVA Ratings of Single-Phase Distribution Transformers are as below:

5 KVA: These are typically used for residential purposes and small commercial applications.

10 KVA: Often used in small to medium-sized commercial establishments.

15 KVA: Commonly used in residential complexes, small factories, and commercial buildings.

25 KVA: Suitable for small to medium-sized industrial applications and larger commercial buildings.

37.5 KVA: Used in various commercial and industrial applications where higher power requirements are necessary.

50 KVA: Often found in small industrial setups and larger commercial facilities.

75 KVA: Suitable for medium-sized industrial applications and some larger commercial establishments.

100 KVA: Common in medium-sized industrial facilities and larger commercial buildings.

Common KVA Ratings of Three-Phase Distribution Transformers

A three-phase transformer is a type of electrical transformer that is designed to handle and transfer electrical power in a three-phase alternating current (AC) electrical system. In three-phase power systems, there are three conductors, typically labeled as phases, carrying AC voltage waveforms that are 120 degrees out of phase with each other. These three phases are denoted as "A," "B," and "C."

Here's a basic definition of a three-phase transformer:

A three-phase transformer is an electrical device used for the transformation of electrical energy between three-phase AC systems. It typically consists of three sets of windings (primary and secondary) that are wound around a common iron core. The primary windings are connected to the input three-phase power supply, and the secondary windings are connected to the output three-phase load.

Key features and considerations of three-phase transformers:

Three Sets of Windings: As mentioned, a three-phase transformer has three sets of windings, one for each phase. These windings are typically designed to handle the specific voltage and current requirements of the application.

Core: The windings are wound around a shared iron core. The core provides a low-resistance path for the magnetic flux generated by the AC current, facilitating efficient energy transfer.

Voltage Transformation: Three-phase transformers can be used to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage between the primary and secondary sides, depending on the winding ratios. Voltage transformation is one of their primary functions.

The Common KVA Ratings of Three-Phase Distribution Transformers are as below:

15 KVA: These transformers are often used in small industrial applications and commercial buildings with moderate power demands.

30 KVA: Suitable for medium-sized commercial buildings and some industrial applications.

45 KVA: Found in larger commercial and industrial facilities.

75 KVA: Commonly used in medium to large industrial setups.

112.5 KVA: Suitable for larger industrial and commercial buildings with substantial power needs.

150 KVA: Used in various industrial applications, including manufacturing plants and large commercial buildings.

225 KVA: Found in larger industrial facilities and power distribution networks.

300 KVA: Common in heavy industrial applications and larger commercial complexes.

500 KVA and above: These higher ratings are typically used in large industrial facilities, data centers, and distribution substations.

Please note that these are common KVA ratings, and transformers can be custom-designed for specific power distribution needs. The choice of KVA rating depends on factors such as the load requirements, voltage levels, and the specific application's demands. It's essential to consult with a qualified electrical engineer or transformer manufacturer to select the appropriate transformer rating for a given application to ensure efficient and reliable power distribution.

Major Parts of a Distribution Transformer

A distribution transformer is a key component of an electrical distribution system, typically found on utility poles or in substations. Its primary function is to step down high-voltage electricity from the transmission system to lower voltages suitable for distribution to homes and businesses. The major parts of a distribution transformer include:

Core: The core is typically made of laminated steel sheets or other magnetic materials. Its purpose is to provide a low-reluctance path for the magnetic flux generated by the transformer's windings. This helps in efficient energy transfer and reduces losses.

Windings: There are two sets of windings in a distribution transformer:

Primary Windings: These are the input windings connected to the high-voltage source. They typically have fewer turns of wire compared to the secondary windings.

Secondary Windings: These are the output windings connected to the low-voltage distribution lines. They have more turns of wire compared to the primary windings.

Insulation: To prevent electrical arcing and short circuits, the windings are insulated from each other and from the transformer's core. This insulation is usually made of materials like paper, oil-impregnated paper, or synthetic materials.

Oil Tank: Distribution transformers are often immersed in a tank filled with transformer oil (usually mineral oil). The oil provides insulation and helps dissipate heat generated during operation. It also serves as a coolant.

Bushing: Bushings are insulating devices that protrude from the transformer tank to allow for the connection of high-voltage and low-voltage conductors. They help to insulate and protect the connection points.

Tap Changer: Some distribution transformers have a tap changer mechanism that allows for adjustments to the transformer's turn ratio. This enables fine-tuning of the output voltage to compensate for variations in the input voltage or to match load requirements.

Cooling System: Distribution transformers are equipped with cooling systems to dissipate the heat generated during operation. Common cooling methods include natural convection (oil-cooled transformers), forced air cooling, or forced oil cooling.

Breather: A breather is a device that helps maintain the integrity of the transformer oil by preventing moisture from entering the transformer tank as the oil expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Pressure Relief Device: This safety device is designed to release excess pressure inside the transformer tank to prevent explosions in case of internal faults or overheating.

Tank Grounding: The transformer tank is typically grounded to provide safety against electrical faults and lightning strikes.

Accessories and Monitoring Devices: Distribution transformers may also include accessories like temperature sensors, pressure gauges, and monitoring devices to ensure safe and efficient operation. These devices help detect and respond to issues such as overheating or low oil levels.

These components work together to transform electrical energy from the high-voltage transmission system to the lower voltages used for distribution, making electricity safe and usable for consumers.