Transformer power: what it really means and why it matters

Transformers play a key role in the transmission and distribution of electricity. They allow the voltage to be stepped down and stepped up efficiently. Thus, they can minimise losses in the transmission of electricity over long distances. From the point of view of the stability of the entire power grid, the performance of the transformer is crucial. Improperly sized ones can not only lead to energy losses. What else is at risk can be found in the following lines.

Transformer power in units of kilovolt-ampere (kVA) or megavolt-ampere (MVA)

It expresses the amount of electrical energy that the device is capable of efficiently transferring between the input and output sides. BEZ TRANSFORMÁTORY manufactures oil-immersed equipment from 50 kVA up to a maximum output of 16 MVA and dry cast-insulated variants from 100 kVA up to a maximum of 10 MVA, with maximum equipment voltages up to 38.5 kV.

Factors affecting efficient operation

Too low a transformer output can lead to overloading, while equipment with unnecessarily high output is both inefficient and unnecessarily more costly.

Znížený výkon transformátora môže spôsobiť vyššie teploty, ktoré znižujú schopnosť zariadenia odvádzať teplo. Napríklad olejové modely majú vyššiu schopnosť odvádzať teplo než suché. Výber správneho typu chladenia tak priamo ovplyvňuje aj výkon a životnosť zariadenia.

The transformer achieves best efficiency at loads in the range of 50 to 70% of rated power

At low loads, it is unable to use its full capacity. On the other hand, overloading can cause overheating and an increase in heat loss.

The ratio between active and apparent power is determined by the power factor (cos φ). In optimum operation, it generally reaches the highest values, which means that the equipment is operating efficiently and maximising the delivery of useful energy.

Properly sized transformer power minimizes losses and contributes to even power distribution

When selecting the power, consider first of all the expected load on the network. Consider also that for installations in confined spaces, such as urban substations, higher power also means larger dimensions and more demanding space requirements.

You need different transformer power for industrial plants and power stations and different power for public buildings, shopping malls and hospitals.

How to find the optimal solution? Recommendation when choosing a transformer

Vypočítajte si koeficient zaťaženia a zvoľte primeraný výkon.  Zohľadnite aj priestorové možnosti, vlhkosť, teplotu a prašnosť prostredia. Zvážte, či ide o vonkajšiu, alebo vnútornú inštaláciu. Vonkajšie priestory umožňujú použitie väčších jednotiek. Olejové modely sú vhodnejšie pre vonkajšie aplikácie napríklad pre umiestnenie v trafostanici, zatiaľ čo suché typy sú prednostne určené do vnútorných prevádzok napríklad v priemysle. 

BEZ TRANSFORMÁTORY is one of the leaders in the manufacturing industry and offers a broad portfolio of products designed for a variety of needs and applications. They provide long-lasting and efficient operation and represent a modern solution with an emphasis on safety and environmental friendliness. The company adapts to market needs, invests in research and development and develops products that meet the most stringent standards. It delivers optimal solutions and meets the needs of a variety of customers from small businesses to large industrial corporations.

Ak hľadáte spoľahlivé a efektívne riešenie, kontaktujte nás. Ponúkame široké portfólio olejových a suchých transformátorov, ktoré vám pomôžeme prispôsobiť presne vašim potrebám.

Súvisiace príspevky:

When to choose epoxy and when to choose oil transformer Transformer parts: key components and their role in electricity distribution Transformer losses: why they are important and how to minimize them