ELEC9712

High Voltage Systems

TRANSFORMERS

1. BASIC PRINCIPLES

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The extensive use of transformers, both large and small has
allowed the development of sophisticated transmission and

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distribution systems capable of delivering generated a.c.
energy over long distances within a range of voltage and
current related to local consumer needs. As the transformers
are such vital links in the network they must be very reliable,
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especially in respect of effects due to lightning and overload
conditions including occasional short circuits and switching
surges.
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From the operational aspect, the larger transformers can be

used for changing voltage levels through tapping windings
and on-load tapchangers and therefore improving voltage
regulation and the system load flow. Also by means of their
designed-in reactance, some control of circuit fault levels is
achieved. Although of high power efficiency (typically about
98-99%, the overall energy losses inherent in transformer use
can be significant, thus contributing to the operating costs of
the supply system. The reduction of such costs must be
balanced against the capitalization charges involved in
purchasing more expensive low-loss designs.

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Because of these various requirements and conditions and
their high capital cost the quality assurance testing and
monitoring of transformers is an important part of the
acceptance and maintenance procedures.

An indication of the location of transformers and the typical

voltage levels in a system is given in Figure 1.

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660MVA

Generator
transformer

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780MVA

Transmission
lines
23kV

330kV ± 10%
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Transmission
transformer 400MVA

132kV

Distribution
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132kV

60MVA
33kV 66kV

10MVA 20MVA
11kV 11kV

70, 100, 400kVA 800kVA

415V 415V

Figure 1: Locations of transformers in power system.

(Note: auto-transformers, e.g. 330kV/132kV may be used
for inter-connecting major transmission systems)

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1.1 Transformer Standards and Specifications
The major Australian Standard has been AS 2374 but this
now being progressively replaced by AS60076 "Power
Transformers" (IEC60076). The Standard for transformers
consists of the following parts:
ƒ AS60076.1 : General requirements
ƒ AS2374.2 : Temperature rise
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AS60076.3 : Insulation levels and dielectric tests
ƒ AS60076.4 : Guide to lightning and switching impulse
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AS70076.5 : Ability to withstand short circuit
AS2374.7 : Loading guide for oil-immersed transformers
AS2374.8 : Application guide
AS60076.10 :Transformer and reactor sound levels
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ƒ AS60076.11 : Dry type transformers
ƒ AS2374.1.2 : Minimum energy performance levels

The Standard covers all power and distribution (up to 36kV

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Class) transformers.
Other relevant Standards include:
AS60214.1-2005 Tap-Changers
AS2558-2006 Transformers for Use on Single Wire
Earth Return (SWER) Distribution Systems
Instrument Transformer (CTs and VTs) Standards are:
ƒ AS60044.1-2003: Current transformers
ƒ AS60044.2-2003: Inductive voltage transformers
ƒ AS60044.5-2004: Capacitor voltage transformers

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In addition there are a number of Standards covering small
and special transformers, e.g

The minimum information required with an Enquiry and

Order for a transformer is detailed in Appendix A of
AS60076 Part 1. A brief summary of the major feature of a
transformer specification is given in Figure 2.
Specification will include the following:

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1. Rating(s) [MVA]
2. Voltage ratio(s)

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3. Reactance [impedance] 5% to 30%
4. Losses on no load (iron) and on load (copper)
5. Tapping range ±5% to ± 30% of nominal
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6. (a) Insulation test levels – power frequency, surge
(lightning, switching), direct (when required).
(b) Partial discharge tests – at 1.2 to 1.5 x operating
voltage when specified.
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7. Types of cooling and allowable temperature rises

8. Transport limitations – dimensions and weight

Figure 2: Summary of minimum specification requirements

Dielectric Test Levels:

Dielectric Test Levels and Requirements for different

categories of windings are given in Figures 3 and 4, including
Dry Type Units. Note the statement (+) in Figure 3 regarding
partial discharge measurements.

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Figure 3: Test requirements for windings of different categories

– new and after repair

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Figure 4: Power frequency and lightning impulse test levels

for windings up to 300kV class.

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Winding Connections:
The various methods of connection and relevant notations are
specified in AS2374 Pt.4. See Figure 5.

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Figure 5: HV vector diagrams.

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