2.
4 Cooling
A wide range of cooling methods are used, each being
designated according to the symbols in AS 2374.2 , Table 1.
Transformers are identified by four symbols for each cooling
method. See also AS60076.11 for dry types.
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Cooling Medium: O Mineral Oil
L Non-flammable synthetic liquid
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G
A
Circulation Method: N Natural
Gas
Air
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F Forced (oil not directed)
D Forced (directed oil)
e.g.
1) An oil-immersed transformer with forced-directed oil
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circulation and forced air circulation would be
designated ODAF.
2) A dry-type transformer in a non-ventilated protective
enclosure with natural nitrogen cooling inside and
forced air cooling outside would be designated GNAF.
An example of directed flow within oil-immersed disc
windings is given in Figure 22(a) and the temperature
distribution of the winding in Fig 22(b). The hot spot
temperature is the primary characteristic used in
transformers. The allowable temperature rises are given in
Figure 23.
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Fig22(b)
Figure 22: Thermal design of windings.
(a) Showing directed flow: velocities are 1m/sec or higher
(b) Variation of temperature over the winding
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Figure 23: Allowable temperature rises.
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2.5 Tap Changers and Windings
Large transformers have on load tap changers that operate in
response to any change in system voltage from its rated
value. Typically the range of voltage available is about +/-
10% of rated voltage in steps of about 1.5%. on-load tap
changing involves switching contacts that generate arcing
that may cause damage to the oil insulation and other
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insulation in the tapchanger housing and so tapchanger
design is a specialist task and transformer manufacturers do
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not normally make the tapchangers that they install in their
transformers, but leave it to specialists manufacturers.
The switching is normally performed with diverter switches
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and use of switching resistors to limit arcing. Open switches
were initially used but modern tapchangers use vacuum
switching in OLTC operations.
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The possible locations of tapping windings are shown in Figs
12 and 13. Typical tapping values available are detailed in
Fig 24, where the general construction details are also shown.
Operation of a diverter Switch is also shown in Fig 24.
For 20 MVA or below, a separate diverter switch may not be
necessary. The choice of a tap changer requires careful
consideration of the anticipated currents, including power
factor of the load. The tapchanger position will change the
reactance of the transformer slightly and this may need to be
taken into account in fault calculations. The variation of
reactance as influenced by the winding position is shown in
Figure 25.
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With smaller transformers hand-operated off-load tap
changers are provided.
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Figure 24
General on load tapchanger tapping details, construction and tap
change operation method using diverter resistors
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Figure 25: Variation of reactance with tapping voltages
HV tappings
a: tappings in body of winding
b: tappings inside LV winding
c: tappings between HV and LV windings
d: tappings outside HV winding
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2.6 Bushings, Leads and Supports
An important feature of a transformer involves the correct
choice of the bushings, the arrangements of inter-connecting
internal leads and the various supporting structures and
mechanical restraints within the transformer.
Reference to Figure 13 shows how the lower end of a h.v.
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bushing must be correctly terminated and appropriate
insulation provided around the lead to the end of the winding.
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The stress distributor can be a source of partial discharging if
not efficiently connected. The correct choice of bushing is
essential in order to avoid partial discharging which may
invalidate readings obtained when trying to perform PD tests
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on the transformer windings. Low loss bushing units must be
used in order to avoid long term failures. Some older 11kV
bushings contain air gaps and should not be used if PD tests
are required.
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Leads and their supports and even clamping studs at the ends
of windings can produce problems on test and in service if
not correctly dimensioned and assembled.
The connection of cables to transformer terminals is
becoming simpler with the introduction of high permittivity
polymers that can be applied to connections with heat shrink
methods. Nevertheless, care must be taken to follow the
manufacturer's instructions to avoid problems due to, for
example, trapping of air in the joint.
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