Operating conditions on transformer losses, a way to optimise transformer operation

Transformer is the heart of any electrical system. Whether it is a distribution sub- station or a receiving station, it is the most expensive and critical asset considered. To ensure reliable power supply, superior power quality, asset health and human safety, it is advisable to ensure optimum operation of a transformer. Reducing transformer losses can increase its efficiency.

Type of Transformer Losses

There are two components that make up transformer losses. The first is “core” loss (also called no-load loss), which is the result of the magnetising and de-magnetising of the core during normal operation. Core loss occurs whenever the transformer is energised; core loss does not vary with load.

The second component of loss is called copper or load loss (I2R loss), because these losses occur in the windings of the transformer. Copper loss is a function of the resistance of the winding materials and varies with the load on the transformer.

Variation of Transformer losses during operation
The transformer losses vary during the operation due to loading, voltage changes, harmonics and operating temperature.

• Variation of losses with loading level
  The basic D.C. resistance copper losses are assumed to be 90 percent of the load losses. Eddy current losses (in conductors) are assumed to be 10 percent of the load losses. Basic I2R losses increase with temperature, while eddy losses decreases with increase in temperature. Thus, 90 percent of the load losses vary directly with rise in temperature and 10 percent of the load losses vary inversely with temperature. Calculations are usually done for an assumed temperature rise, and the rise in temperature is dependent on the total losses to be dissipated. Operating temperature = Ambient temperature + Temperature rise.
• Variation in Constant losses
  The iron losses measured by no load test are constant for a given applied voltage. These losses vary as the square of the voltage.
• Variation in iron losses due to system voltage harmonics
  The system input voltage may contain voltage harmonics due to aggregate system pollution in the grid. The current harmonics of the local harmonic load adds to this by causing additional harmonic voltage drop depending upon magnitude of a particular harmonic and the system short circuit impedance at the point of supply, and the transformer impedance for that specific harmonic frequency. The combined total harmonics affect the flux waveform and give added iron losses. The increase in constant loss is quite small, due to this voltage distortion.
• Variation in Load Losses
  About 90 percent of the load losses in a Transformer as measured by short circuit test are due to I2R losses in the windings. They vary with the square of the current and also with winding temperature.

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Variation in load losses due to load power factor
Any reduction in current for the same kW load by improvement in power factor reduces load losses.
• Variation in losses due to current harmonics
  The system current harmonics increase the r.m.s current and thus increase the basic I2R losses. In addition, the major increase comes from the variation in eddy current losses in the windings (Usually 5 to 10 percent of the total load losses), which vary with the square of the frequency.

Optimising transformer operation
From above explanation it is quite evident that core or no-load losses in transformer are constant irrespective of load whereas copper (I2R) losses vary with load. So to optimise transformer operation it becomes necessary to monitor effect of varying load on transformer.

To achieve this Real Time Monitoring System installed on a transformer plays a key role:

• It helps in monitoring the load patterns, which helps to conclude whether transformer is under loaded, overloaded or optimally loaded. If a transformer is under loaded then in that case due to light loading operation of transformer, it is considered less efficient as % energy losses will be high. Whereas overloading or loading transformer up to its rated capacity of may increase load current and I2R losses leading to reduced efficiency.
• Generally iron losses are constant with varying load but it may vary with variation in system voltage & voltage harmonics. These losses vary as the square of voltage. So it also becomes important monitor variation in voltage and voltage harmonics.
• Power factor also plays a key role in transformer losses. If load is having low lagging power factor, it may lead to high load current increasing I2R losses. Whereas any reduction in current for the same kW load by improvement in power factor reduces load losses (I2R losses). So it becomes important to monitor power factor for optimum operation.
• In general, selection of only one transformer of higher rating gives maximum efficiency and simpler installation. For large plants with long in plant distances, two or more transformers of equal rating may be selected. Moreover for critical continuous operation plants, power may be obtained from two independent feeders at similar or different voltage levels. In all such cases, each transformer may be sufficient to run the plant. Thus normal operation may be at 50 percent load. Such a situation may lead to lower than 25 percent load at some times. For non-continuous operation of plants with holidays or seasonal industries, switching off one transformer to save part load losses is generally considered. In such cases real time monitoring plays key role, by virtue of this proper load management and scheduling can be planned leading to optimum transformer operation.

Motwane provides a digital transformer monitoring solution – IoTx, it monitors and provides alerts for abnormalities through email and sms. IoTx with Motware – Our in-house cloud based analytic platform provides graphic representation of your test records for trend analysis and reporting.
 
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