K-Factor Transformer

In today's industrial workplace, the proliferation of solid

state devices (lighting ballasts, motor drives and controls,
communications equipment, and other DC-powered loads) has
created a major problem for specifying engineers, contractors
and building owners. The non-linear nature of their switched-
mode power supplies generates harmonic currents that cause
transformers and system neutrals to overheat and destroy
themselves.

Linear and nonlinear loads:

Linear Circuit:-
In simple words, a linear circuit is an electric circuit in which
circuit parameters (Resistance, inductance, capacitance,
waveform, frequency etc.) are constant. In other words, a circuit
whose parameters are not changed with respect to Current and
Voltage is called Linear Circuit.
Nonlinear circuit:-
A nonlinear circuit is an electric circuit whose parameters are
varied with respect to Current and Voltage. In other words, an
electric circuit in which circuit parameters (Resistance,
inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency etc.) is not
constant, is called Non Linear Circuit.
 So, to solve the harmonic problem we use K-factor
transformer.

Harmonics:
Harmonics:

In an electrical power system, harmonics are current and voltage

with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental
power frequency.
That is, in a power system with a fundamental frequency of
60Hz, the second harmonic is 120Hz; the third harmonic is
180Hz, and so on.

Harmonics have no useful purpose, yet contribute to losses and

lower system efficiency.

Harmonics return over the neutral and are dissipated as heat in

connecting cables and transformers.

These frequencies are referred to as nonsinusoidal loads. The

presence of nonsinusoidal harmonic content in the current
waveform will have the effect of increasing eddy current losses
in the transformer leading to “harmonic distortion” of the
fundamental power frequency waveform
K-Factor:

 K factor was developed by Underwriters Laboratory in UL

1561.

 K factor transformers are designed to supply nonsinusoidal

loads.

 K-factor is a weighting of the harmonic load currents

according to their effects on transformer heating.

 The higher the K-factor, the greater the harmonic heating

effects.

>>>>K-factor of 1.0 indicates a linear load (no harmonics).

K-Factor Calculation

The K-factor is a number derived from a numerical calculation

based on the summation of harmonic currents generated by the
non-linear load. The higher the K-factor, the more significant
the harmonic current content

 The algorithm used to compute K-factor is:

The difference between K-Factor Transformers and
Standard Transformers:

 K-Factor transformers have additional thermal

capacity to tolerate the heating effects of the
harmonic currents.

 A well designed K-Transformer will also minimize the

winding eddy current losses through the use of
parallel conductors and other winding techniques.

 The K-factor indicates the multiples of the 50 Hz

winding eddy current losses that the transformer can
safely dissipate.

 K factor transformers are more expensive than

conventional transformers.

Disadvantage of using derated Transformers

instead of K-Factor Transformer
 Derating a transformer is a temporary fix and often
translates into lower efficiency operation and increased
heat for losses

 Derating transformers also run the risk of being perceived

to be partially loaded and future load additions are
possible

 While derating removes some stresses from the

transformer, a typical dry type transformer is not designed
to supply harmonic loads. Hence, it may be subject to a
shorter life span and lower efficiency.

 Oversizing of transformers, or selection of unnecessarily

high K factor ratings of transformers, can increase the
harmonic currents due to lower impedance.
Using a K-Factor Transformer

Once the harmonic current of the total load is known, and a K

Factor is specified (K4, K13 etc.), the appropriate type K Factor
transformer can be fully loaded up to 100% or nameplate KVA.

All other optional feature that the industry is accustomed to can

be specified.

I. Copper or Aluminum.
2. 80° C, 115°C, 150°C.
3. Electro-static shield.

 This table shows the sample of load K-Factors

Practical application on the administration building:
The strategy is to calculate the K-factor for your load and
then specify a transformer with a K-factor of an equal or higher
value. In this way, the transformer can be sized to the load
without derating.

As a “rule of thumb”:

0% electronic, 100% electrical –(K-1 rated)transformer

– (K-4 rated) transformer
– (K-9 rated) transformer
– (K-13 rated) transformer
– (K-20 rated) transformer

“Electronic” = Nonlinear Loads

“electrical” = Inductive and Resistive Loads

If we have some of that loads:

1. UPS (K-4)
2. Telecommunication equipment as: PBX (K-13)
3. Computer loads (K-20)

 So, we use (K-20 rated) Transformer