10.

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TRANSPORTATION OF TRANSFORMERS Page 1/3

Distribution Transformers are transported after they are filled with oil and their wheels
are dismounted. Generally there is no need for a special packaging. Only the bushings
and certain parts on the cover plate are protected by means of a wooden case.

In open type breather transformers, in order to prevent oil-spoiling of the silica gel, the oil
in the oil container of the breather should be drained off. In open type transformers with
no breathers, on the other hand, a gasket should be put under the filling lid; but this
should be removed again, when putting the transformer into operation.

In order to prevent shaking during transportation, the transformers should be fixed onto
the frame of the vehicle. Due care should be taken during transportation and the vehicle
should not exceed the normal cruising speed of 50 km/h, and excessive shakings should
be avoided. One should be also careful when unloading and placing the transformer
onto its foundation and measures should be taken against any probable damage.

The transformer is lifted as shown Figure 1:

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TRANSPORTATION OF TRANSFORMERS Page 2/3

FIGURE 1
If the transformer has lifting lugs for inner part, lifting lugs for whole transformer and
jacking lugs are as shown below :

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TRANSPORTATION OF TRANSFORMERS Page 3/3

FIGURE 2

When levering the transformer, force must be directed as shown in Figure 3 :

FIGURE 3

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CONTROLS TO BE CARRIED OUT AFTER

TRANSPORTATION Page 1/1

The transformers should be checked for any damages during transportation, when they
arrive at the erection site.

Areas where painted surface has been scratched out should immediately be cleaned
and repainted. If there are small oil leakages, these can be prevented by tightening the
gasket connection. If an important damage or oil leakage is observed, this should be
reported to ABB ESA.

The normal oil level in the 20C temperature environment has been scaled on the oil
level indicator which is located on the expansion vessel. Oil level should be checked, by
considering the environmental temperature where the transformer has been placed, and
if necessary, degassed and dehumidified oil of same type should be added.

If there is a dehydrating breather, the colour of silica gel should be checked and if 2/3 of
it has turned to pink, it should be replaced or reactivated in accordance with the
directions given in its manual. In addition to this, oil container of the dehydrating breather
should be filled up to the specified level.

ABB Elektrik Sanayi A.S.

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STORAGE Page 1/1

If the transformer is subject to a long period of storage (3-6 months) before it is taken
into operation, proper measures should be taken to prevent wear due to environmental
conditions.

The transformer should not be placed, close to the ground where water might
accumulate; it should be also kept clean and no damage should be allowed.
Furthermore, the oil indicator and dehydrating breather should be checked monthly and
the silica gel should be reactivated whenever necessary.

For transformers, which are not under operation for a long time period, periodic
maintenance should be carried out, and before they are taken into operation all
necessary controls and checks explained in the section T a k i n g I n t o O p e r a t i o n
should be done accordingly.

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ERECTION Page 1/1

Since distribution transformers are transported in general as to-be-yet-erected and they

are filled with oil, their placement and operation does not require much effort.

The wheels of transformers, excluding those which are to be erected onto poles, should
be selected in accordance with the supplied drawings. Transformers to be erected onto
poles are normally placed and fixed without wheels.

Before making onto the electrical connections, the insulation resistance of low voltage
and high voltage windings with respect to each other and to the tank should be
measured by means of Megger. During this test, all the bushings should be dry and
clean. In oil-transformers, the lower limit for insulation resistance is calculated by the
following formula :

R = 1.5 x E / N

Where ;

R : is the lower limit (M) for the value to be taken at the end of a one-minute period
with Megger test at a 20C ambient temperature.

E : is the voltage (kV) between phases for Delta connections or between phase and
neutral for Star connection.

N : is the rated power (kVA) of the transformer to be tested.

The test results should be compared with the calculated value above; if its lower, ABB
ESA should be contacted.

Transformers with proper insulation resistance are ready to be mounted. For this
purpose, the high voltage main terminals are connected to the high voltage bushings of
the transformer and the low voltage bars are connected to the low voltage bushing
connection pads; cabeling of the protective relay and other components are done and
grounding terminal is connected to the system grounding.

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TAKING INTO OPERATION Page 1/3

For taking into operation of transformers which are newly built or have
been out of operation for a long time, the specified test and controls
should be done in the following sequence.

1. Check the arching horns located on the high voltage bushings if there is any
deformation. Measure the distance between the tips of the horns and compare the
results with the table given below; if necessary, make calibrations.

INSULATION CLASS A (mm) *

10N 85
20N 155
30N 220
* : Acc. to DIN 42531

2. Check the pockets where the

thermometers are located and if they are
empty, fill them with oil. The oil necessary for
this task can be taken by loosening the bolt
under the oil level indicator.

3. Check the oil container of the dehydrating

breather and silica gel. The oil container
should be filled with oil up to the marked
level; silica gel should be blue and if it is not,
it should be replaced or reactivated. ( S e e
Operations Instruction for the
Breather)

4. Check the vector group of the transformer

and the ratio for each tap.

5. Test the transformer oil for breakdown voltage in accordance with IEC 156 or TS 623
specifications. If this value lower than 40 kV, the oil is heated, degassed and filtered by
passing it through an oil treatment plant.
Oil samples for test purposes should be always taken from oil draining valves and to
prevent contamination of the sample oil, oil should be taken after a little oil is drained off.

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TAKING INTO OPERATION Page 2/3

6. Check the oil level in the expansion vessel; if necessary, add dehumidified and
degassed oil. The added oil should have the same properties with the oil in the
transformer and its breakdown voltage should not be less than 40 kV.

7. Check and calibrate the signal contacts of the dial contact thermometer. It is
recommended that the alarm contact is calibrated at 80C and trip contact at 90C.
However, considering the environmental conditions the user can select for other
optimum values for an effective operation.

8. Check the alarm and trip circuits of the Buchholz relay by pressing the test button. At
the same time, examine also the circuit breaker of the transformer and check if it
operates correctly or not. ( S e e O p e r a t i o n s I n s t r u c t i o n f o r B u c h h o l z R e l a y )

9. After min. six hours waiting, release the air accumulated in the bushings and Buchholz
relay chamber. For this purpose, in bushings up to the 250 Ampere, the nut of the bolt is
loosened and the bolt is pushed into the bushing for about 2-4 mm. In larger bushings,
there are special air removing screws. After the accumulated air is completely released
and oil starts coming out from these places, the bolts should be retightened.

10. Check if there are oil leakages on the transformers or not. If there are small oil
leakages, these can be eliminated by tightening the gasket connections, slightly.
Care should be taken during tightening that yield limit of the gasket is not exceeded.

11. Clean and paint the area where the paint is degraded or scratched.

12. Check all the electrical connections once more. Avoid any faulty or loose
connections.

13. Check if the protective relays on the transformer correctly function.

14. Considering any voltage drop in the mains supply to which the transformer is
connected, change the tap changer to a correct position. To secure good and correct
contact between the contacts of the tap changer the knob should properly be inserted
into its location.

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TAKING INTO OPERATION Page 3/3

15. Check if the valve position is O.K.

16. On-load tap changer must be tested separately.

17. Cts are also checked. (resistance, polarity)

After all the above mentioned tasks are completed and proper
conditions are secured, the transformer can be energized. However,
for a certain period the operation of the transformer is observed and
in the case of any abnormality, it should immediately be taken out of
operation and if necessary, ABB ESA is informed.

Neoprene rubber and cork is used for sealing at the joint between tank and cover, and
nitrile rubber or rubber cork for sealing bushings to cover. These gaskets are shrinkable
and need to be retightened after some days operation of transformer. Maximal tightening
torque for bushings is shown in the table below, column 4. In column 5 is shown max.
torque when tightening a cable lug between two nuts. For the three largest listed current
it is the torque used to tighten the terminal pad.

1 2 3 4 5
RATED RATED THREAD TIGHTENING TIGHTENING
VOLTAGE CURRENT ON TORQUE TORQUE FOR
max. kV FOR STEM STEM Nm ELECTRICAL
Amp. mm CONNECTIONS
Nm
12 250 M12 15 40
24 250 M12 15 40
36 250 M12 15 40
1 250 M12 15 40
1 630 M20 30 120
1 1000 M30 75 30 1)
1 2000 M42 95 30 1)
1 3150 M48 110 30 1)
1
) M12 Screw for
tightening terminal
pad.

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OPERATION & MAINTENANCE Page 1/2

The life of a transformer depends, largely, on operational conditions.

By means of a proper operation and regular maintenance, mechanical
and thermal wear due to the environmental conditions, electrical,
mechanical and thermic stresses can be brought down to a minimum.

For this purpose, following measures should be taken during

operation and the transformer should be checked frequently in such a
way that preventive measure is taken before problem occurrence.

1. The voltage adjustment in the distribution transformers is carried out by means of

Off-Load Tap Changer which is driven by the handle on the cover plate.

WARNING
Care must be taken that tap changer can only be operated when
the transformer is off-circuited, and the transformer should not be
put into operation unless the tap changer handle is secured by
means of a pin or another locking mechanism.

2. The LV and HV connections must be disconnected before the transformer is taken out
of operation or maintained. It is important for life security.

3. One of the major issue in the transformers is the status of oil. The oil level should
always be checked. If the oil level is below the minimum level, it should be recovered
with the oil of same type. If there is a continuous drop in the oil level within a few days,
the transformer tank should be closely examined and any oil leakage should be
removed. It should be examined by taking oil samples at regular intervals (not more than
one year) and breakdown voltage should be tested, too. If the breakdown voltage,
measured in compliance with IEC 156 or TS 623 specifications, is less than 25 kV, the
oil should be dehumidified and filtered. If the color of the oil has darkened and there is
sludge formation in the transformer, it is recommended that the oil should completely be
changed. Before taking oil sample for test purposes, to remove the precipitation in the
valve, oil should be allowed to flow freely for a while. In the case that new oil is added to
the transformer, care should be taken that it has the same quality. Detailed information
about oil maintenance in the transformer can be taken from IEC 422.

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OPERATION & MAINTENANCE Page 2/2

4. If there is a breather on the transformer, it should be frequently checked and if the

color of the silica gel has turned out into pink, it should be replaced or reactivated in
accordance with the directions given in the related documents.

5. The oil temperature should be constantly checked. A temperature increase can be

caused by excessive loading, but it may also result from an internal failure. If any
temperature increase beyond normal ranges is observed, its causes should be
examined. If there is no excessive load or any failure, oil may be stiff and the sludge or
particles have blocked the oil channels. In this case, oil should be also examined, and if
necessary, it should be replaced, and the active part should be flushed by new oil to
clean the sludge and particles.

6. Any gas accumulation in the Buchholz relay chamber should also be checked at least
once a month and any such accumulation should be removed. Furthermore, any alarm
and trip contacts should be tested as explained in the related specifications.

7. The bushings should be cleaned at regular intervals.

8. The transformer should be examined at regular intervals for general condition and if
there is any oil leakage and degradation on its paint, all the necessary measures should
be taken and wheel axis should be greased.

9. All the electrical connections, cables, signalling and operational circuits of the auxiliary
devices should be examined at regular intervals and care should be taken that protective
relays should remain operative all the time.

Beside the constant examinations, the transformer should be taken out of operation at
regular intervals and taken into general maintenance. During the general maintenance,
the oil is tested, and if necessary, it is dehumidified and filtered by a treatment plant or
replaced; the operation of the accessory devices are examined; all the necessary
calibration is done; electrical circuits are checked; oil leakages are removed; bushings
and the tank is cleaned; those areas where the paint is degraded are repainted.

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OPENING / RESEALING HERMETIC SEALED

TYPE TRANSFORMERS Page 1/2

Sealed transformers must not be opened unnecessarily as this could

cause the oil to come out air to go in depending on the temperature
of the oil.

This results in disturbances of the normal pressure variations

causing increased stress on the tank due to under-pressure or over-
pressure.

When opening the transformer, for example to replace a bushing,

opening and resealing must be performed according to these
instructions.

Opening
If the temperature of the transformer oil is higher than +20 ..... 25C, approx. 5% of oil
must be drained through the drain valve to relieve the overpressure.

If the temperature of the transformer oil is below +20C no draining is needed as there is
an under-pressure inside the tank.

The filling plug can then be opened. If necessary the oil level can be lowered by draining
through the drain valve before carrying out the planned maintenance. (If the transformer
is provided with an oil level indicator, it also acts as the filling plug.)

Resealing
When resealing the transformer, the temperature of the oil must be within +20 .... 25C
to ensure the normal pressure inside the tank during operation.

Fill in oil through the filling plug until the oil level is above cover level, then close the
filling plug.

Loosen the upper nuts and upper gaskets of all bushings and possible de-airing plugs.

Fill with oil through high voltage bushings until it runs out through the low voltage
bushings and possible de-airing plugs.

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OPENING / RESEALING HERMETIC SEALED

TYPE TRANSFORMERS Page 2/2

Tighten the upper nuts of low voltage bushings and de-airing plugs.

Continue filling with oil until the high voltage bushings are completely filled.

Tighten the upper nuts of the high voltage bushings.

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TRANSFORMER OVERLOAD CAPACITY

Page 1/2

A. Permissible Continuous Loading

Transformers can be loaded up to the rated power continuously under ambient

conditions where air temperature is not exceeding.

60/65 C 55/60 C 50/55 C 45/50 C Trf. design temp. rise

Ambient 40 C 45 C 50 C 55 C as the maximum reached
Ambient 30 C 35 C 40 C 45 C as the average of any day
Ambient 20 C 25 C 30 C 35 C as the average of any year

The dimensioning and the mentioned limits are based on IEC Publication 76 Power
Transformers.

B. Permissible Short Time Loading - Continuous and Cyclic Duty

( A c c . t o IE C 3 5 4 )

In practice the transformer is very seldom continuously loaded at the same load. The
load and the temperature primarily fluctuate according to the time of the day. If the
transformer loading is, part of the time, lower than the continuous load capacity at the
relevant permissible ambient air temperature, it can be correspondingly loaded more at
other times even though the ageing remains normal during the whole time (e.g. during
24 hours). IECs loading guide 354 also gives short-term loads on this basis. TABLE 1
shows permissible continuous or cyclic duty as a function of the ambient air temperature
and the loading time, provided the loading capacity at other times of the day does not
exceed 25%, 50% or 90% of the rated power. The hot-spot temperature in winding is
limited to 140C and oil temperature to 115C. Note max. permitted power is 1.5 times
the rated power. Also daily use of life (V) is 1 or less, which means that ageing of the
transformer is normal.

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TRANSFORMER OVERLOAD CAPACITY

Page 2/2

TABLE 1. Permissible Continuous Short Time Loading - Continuous and Cyclic Duty, Vmax=1
Trf.
design
temp.
Permissible Continuous Short Time Loading. Preload=25% rise
AmbC -5 5 15 25 35 45 55 45/50C
Amb.C -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 50/55C
Amb.C -15 -5 5 15 25 35 45 55/60C
Amb.C -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 60/65C
T2 (h) S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V
0.50 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.02 150 0.07
1.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.03 150 0.10 150 0.30
2.00 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.03 150 0.11 150 0.34 149 1.00 138 1.00
4.00 150 0.00 150 0.25 150 0.80 143 1.00 134 1.00 125 1.00 115 1.00
6.00 150 0.51 147 1.00 139 1.00 131 1.00 123 1.00 114 1.00 105 1.00
8.00 147 1.00 140 1.00 133 1.00 125 1.00 117 1.00 108 1.00
12.00 140 1.00 133 1.00 126 1.00 118 1.00 110 1.00 102 1.00
Permissible Continuous Short Time Loading. Preload=50%
T2 (h) S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V
0.50 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.02 150 0.06 150 0.19
1.00 150 0.00 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.02 150 0.07 150 0.22 150 0.71
2.00 150 0.01 150 0.02 150 0.06 150 0.20 150 0.63 143 1.00 131 1.00
4.00 150 0.11 150 0.36 149 1.00 140 1.00 131 1.00 122 1.00 111 1.00
6.00 150 0.62 146 1.00 138 1.00 130 1.00 121 1.00 112 1.00 102 1.00
8.00 146 1.00 139 1.00 132 1.00 124 1.00 116 1.00 107 1.00
12.00 140 1.00 133 1.00 126 1.00 118 1.00 110 1.00 101 1.00
Permissible Continuous Short Time Loading. Preload=90%
T2 (h) S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V S% V
0.50 150 0.00 150 0.01 150 0.05 150 0.15 150 0.48 123 1.00
1.00 150 0.01 150 0.03 150 0.10 150 0.30 150 0.97 110 1.00
2.00 150 0.04 150 0.12 150 0.39 147 1.00 132 1.00 101 1.00
4.00 150 0.32 150 1.00 141 1.00 131 1.00 118 1.00
6.00 149 1.00 141 1.00 133 1.00 124 1.00 112 1.00
8.00 144 1.00 136 1.00 128 1.00 119 1.00 109 1.00
12.00 138 1.00 131 1.00 123 1.00 115 1.00 105 1.00
T2=Duration of the peak load, V=Relative rate of using life, S=Loading as percent

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 1/4

If transformers intended for natural cooling are installed indoors, e.g. in cells, sufficiently
large ventilation openings must be provided above and below the transformer so that
natural air movement is sure to remove the heat losses.

For transformers of normal construction one can assume a rise in air temperature of
12K, which is equivalent to an air throughput of 4 to 5 m3/min. per kW of heat losses.
The rate of heat flow is governed by the size of the air openings, the height of the
exhaust shaft and resistances in the air path.

The resistance of the air path is generally:

R = R1 + m2.R2

Here, R1 resistance and acceleration coefficients in the inlet duct, R2 resistance and
acceleration coefficients in the exhaust duct, m ratio of inlet duct cross-section A1 to
exhaust duct cross-section A2. Commonly used arrangements are shown in Fig. 1.

The total resistance is made up of components. The following values can be used for the
respective resistance and acceleration coefficients:

Acceleration 1.0
Right-angled elbow 1.5
Rounded elbow 1.0
Elbow of 135 0.6
Gradual change of direction 0...0.6
Wire grille 0.5...1
Louvres 2.5...3.5
Divergent cross-section 0.25...0.9 1)

1)
The lower value is for a ratio of inlet area to shaft area of1:2, the higher value for 1:10.

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 2/4

Figure 1

Section through transformer cells:

a) Air inlet at ground level, air extracted via shaft. b) As a) but without shaft c) Air inlet
below ground. Air extracted through an opening in the wall. d) Transformer bay with fan.
A1=air intake area, A2=air exhaust area, H=shaft height, 1=fan, 2=exhaust louvres, 3=
inlet grille or louvres, 4=skirtings, 5=baffle plate.

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 3/4

For the case shown in Fig.1a), we arrive at

air intake : acceleration 1

grille 0.75
divergent cross-section 0.55
gradual change of direction 0.60
R1 = 2.90

exhaust air : acceleration 1

right-angled elbow 1.50
louvres 3
R2 = 5.5

If the exhaust duct is made 10% larger than the inlet duct, then

m= A1/A2 = 1/1.1 = 0.91 and m2 = 0.83,

and hence R=2.9 + 0.83 . 5.5 = 7.5

The ventilation conditions can be calculated with the formula;

()3 . H = 13.2(P2v/A21).(R1 + m2R2)

Numerical equations with in K, H in m, Pv in kW and A1 in m2.

Example1:
Transformer losses Pv = 10 kW, = 12K, R = 7.5 and H = 6 m gives us:
A1 1 m2

Experience has shown that the ventilation cross-sections can be smaller if the
transformer is not permanently under full load, the bay faces north or cooling is favoured
by other factors. A small amount of the heat losses is also dissipated through the walls.
For exact calculation, see DIN 4701.

Forced-Flow Ventilation of Transformer Cells

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 4/4

If natural ventilation is not adequate, or the required flow area would be too large or the
shaft too high, a fan must be provided. This must be appropriate for the required flow
rate and head.

With air of specific heat Cp 1008 Ws/kg.K, a density at 50 C of = 1.1 kg/m3 and
Pv in kW, the required cooling air flow rate is:

Q = 54.Pv / in m3/min.

The fan must provide not only the static pressure needed to overcome resistances in the
air path, but also the dynamic or discharge pressure. Static and dynamic pressure
together amount to 0.2 ... 0.4 mbar.

The power to drive the fan is then;

PL = Q.P /

Example 2:
If the circumstances are as in Example 1, but now the bay is to contain a transformer of
1600 kVA with losses of 20 kW, the required air flow rate becomes;

Q = 54x20/12 = 90 m3/min.

and the fan rating (efficiency = 0.2) is

PL = (90m3/min x 0.35mbar) / 0.2 = 0.263 kW

Dust filters (p 0.4 - 1.2 mbar) call for special attention.

To ensure adequate air circulation the distance between transformers and walls should if
possible not be less than 400 mm.

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 1/4

If transformers intended for natural cooling are installed indoors, e.g. in cells, sufficiently
large ventilation openings must be provided above and below the transformer so that
natural air movement is sure to remove the heat losses.

For transformers of normal construction one can assume a rise in air temperature of
12K, which is equivalent to an air throughput of 4 to 5 m3/min. per kW of heat losses.
The rate of heat flow is governed by the size of the air openings, the height of the
exhaust shaft and resistances in the air path.

The resistance of the air path is generally:

R = R1 + m2.R2

Here, R1 resistance and acceleration coefficients in the inlet duct, R2 resistance and
acceleration coefficients in the exhaust duct, m ratio of inlet duct cross-section A1 to
exhaust duct cross-section A2. Commonly used arrangements are shown in Fig. 1.

The total resistance is made up of components. The following values can be used for the
respective resistance and acceleration coefficients:

Acceleration 1.0
Right-angled elbow 1.5
Rounded elbow 1.0
Elbow of 135 0.6
Gradual change of direction 0...0.6
Wire grille 0.5...1
Louvres 2.5...3.5
Divergent cross-section 0.25...0.9 1)

1)
The lower value is for a ratio of inlet area to shaft area of1:2, the higher value for 1:10.

ABB Elektrik Sanayi A..

 1LTR-9544-109
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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 2/4

Figure 1

Section through transformer cells:

a) Air inlet at ground level, air extracted via shaft. b) As a) but without shaft c) Air inlet
below ground. Air extracted through an opening in the wall. d) Transformer bay with fan.
A1=air intake area, A2=air exhaust area, H=shaft height, 1=fan, 2=exhaust louvres, 3=
inlet grille or louvres, 4=skirtings, 5=baffle plate.

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 3/4

For the case shown in Fig.1a), we arrive at

air intake : acceleration 1

grille 0.75
divergent cross-section 0.55
gradual change of direction 0.60
R1 = 2.90

exhaust air : acceleration 1

right-angled elbow 1.50
louvres 3
R2 = 5.5

If the exhaust duct is made 10% larger than the inlet duct, then

m= A1/A2 = 1/1.1 = 0.91 and m2 = 0.83,

and hence R=2.9 + 0.83 . 5.5 = 7.5

The ventilation conditions can be calculated with the formula;

()3 . H = 13.2(P2v/A21).(R1 + m2R2)

Numerical equations with in K, H in m, Pv in kW and A1 in m2.

Example1:
Transformer losses Pv = 10 kW, = 12K, R = 7.5 and H = 6 m gives us:
A1 1 m2

Experience has shown that the ventilation cross-sections can be smaller if the
transformer is not permanently under full load, the bay faces north or cooling is favoured
by other factors. A small amount of the heat losses is also dissipated through the walls.
For exact calculation, see DIN 4701.

Forced-Flow Ventilation of Transformer Cells

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VENTILATION OF TRANSFORMER CELLS Page 4/4

If natural ventilation is not adequate, or the required flow area would be too large or the
shaft too high, a fan must be provided. This must be appropriate for the required flow
rate and head.

With air of specific heat Cp 1008 Ws/kg.K, a density at 50 C of = 1.1 kg/m3 and
Pv in kW, the required cooling air flow rate is:

Q = 54.Pv / in m3/min.

The fan must provide not only the static pressure needed to overcome resistances in the
air path, but also the dynamic or discharge pressure. Static and dynamic pressure
together amount to 0.2 ... 0.4 mbar.

The power to drive the fan is then;

PL = Q.P /

Example 2:
If the circumstances are as in Example 1, but now the bay is to contain a transformer of
1600 kVA with losses of 20 kW, the required air flow rate becomes;

Q = 54x20/12 = 90 m3/min.

and the fan rating (efficiency = 0.2) is

PL = (90m3/min x 0.35mbar) / 0.2 = 0.263 kW

Dust filters (p 0.4 - 1.2 mbar) call for special attention.

To ensure adequate air circulation the distance between transformers and walls should if
possible not be less than 400 mm.

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1. Conditions For Parallel Operation

If two or more transformers have to be connected in parallel, it is important to remember

that only transformers bearing indentical indices (See TABLE 1) can be run in parallel.
The index is stamped on the transformer rating plate.

Transformers with indices 5 and 11 can also be run in parallel if the conductors of both
the LV and HV side are suitably crossed. The connections which are possible in such
cases are shown in TABLE 2. Fig. 3 shows one of the possible alternatives.

Other conditions for parallel running are :

Poles having the same polarity on the HV side and LV side shall be connected in parallel
(except with transformers bearing the indices 5 and 11 as stated in the above
paragraph),

Transformers shall have the same transformation ratio,

The short-time withstand voltage shall have to be the same (within 10% accuracy),

The rated outputs of the transformers must not deviate from each other more than 1:3.

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INDEX 0 5 6 11
Dd0 Dy5 Dd6 Dy11
CONNECTION Yy0 Yd5 Yy6 Yd11
Dz0 Yz5 Dz6 Yz11

TABLE 1. Indices and connection groups

HV SIDE LV SIDE

Main Busbar L1 L2 L3 L1 L2 L3

Transformer which is in connection A B C a b c

Dy5, Yd5, Yz5
A B C c b a
or
Transformer which is in connection C B A b a c
Dy11, Yd11, Yz11 or
B A C a c b

TABLE 2. Connection in parallel of transformers with indices 5 and 11.

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Figure 3 : Example of connection in parallel when the transformer indices are 5 and 11.

The above matters can be clarified on the basis of the data printed on the transformer
rating plate.

Before connecting the transformers in parallel for the first time, it is vital to check the
voltages. For this purpose the HV sides of the transformers are connected in parallel
and similarly the star points of the LV sides or two corresponding phases. When high
voltage is applied to the HV side, no voltage must exist between the poles of the LV side
which are intended to be connected in parallel, whereas normal voltage must exist

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between the various phases. Should this not be the case, then the transformers are
incorrectly connected.

It is recommended after the transformers have been put into operation, to measure the
currents in the different transformers. They should be distributed approximately in
proportion to the rated outputs.

2. Load Distribution Between Parallelly Running Transformers

To enable the calculation of load distribution the rated output SN and the short-time
withstand voltage zk of each transformer running in parallel must be known.

During parallel running it is common practice for the transformer with the lowest short-
time withstand voltage zkmin to be the most heavily loaded.

When this transformer is loaded at its rated output, the maximum total output Smax of all
the transformers operating in parallel can be obtained. The output can be calculated by
means of the following equation, where each term is indicating the load of the
corresponding transformer.

An example for the parallel operation of three transformers:

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Smax = (zkmin/zk1).SN1 + (zkmin/zk2).SN2 + ....

An example of the parallel operation of three transformers:

Transformer 1.............. SN1 = 500 kVA................... zk1 = 5.0%

Transformer 2.............. SN2 = 800 kVA................... zk2 = 5.4%

Transformer 3.............. SN3 = 1000 kVA................. zk3 = 6.0%

Total Rated Output : SN = 2300 kVA

zkmin= 5%

S1 = (5.0/5.0).500 kVA = 500 kVA

S2 = (5.0/5.4).800 kVA = 740 kVA

S3 = (5.0/6.0).1000 kVA = 830 kVA

Smax = S1 + S2 + S3 = 2070 kVA

i.e. approx. 90% of the total rated output.

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