CAPTAN 12: Transformer Testing for Reliability

Transformer Differential Protection Testing: Before performing the tests, it is essential to properly configure several parameters to ensure the correct operation and selectivity of the protection. The main settings include: ✅ The current thresholds and tripping times of the protection, ✅ The type of protection relay (for example: RET615, SEPAM T87, SIPROTEC), ✅ The current transformer ratios for the primary and secondary sides (e.g., 1000/1 A and 100/1 A), ✅ The transformer vector group (e.g., Dyn11), ✅ The rated power (e.g., 5 MVA), ✅ The rated voltage (e.g., 30/5.5 kV), ✅ And the current polarity. These settings are essential to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and selectivity of the transformer’s differential protection. +213 660490623 +213 542 62 97 53 abdelkader.boudhar@ceamenergy.com #ElectricalEngineering #TestingAndCommissioning #PowerSystems #RelayProtection #HighVoltage #IECStandards #Transformer_Differential_Protection #Maintenance #Omicron_ISA #HTA_HTB_BT

Voltage Drop Explained ⚡ In high-voltage environments, voltage drop isn’t just an efficiency issue — it’s a safety and performance concern. When current flows through conductors, resistance causes a reduction in voltage along the cable length. Excessive voltage drop can lead to equipment malfunction, overheating, and reduced system reliability. That’s why regular HV testing and monitoring is critical. By measuring voltage drop under load conditions, engineers can identify undersized cables, poor connections, and ageing infrastructure before they cause costly downtime. At Acutest, we supply industry-leading test and measurement solutions for HV professionals — helping you maintain system integrity and ensure compliance with standards like BS 7671. 🔍 Explore our ranges below: 📊 Power Quality Analysers - https://lnkd.in/etG_VxSe 🧲 Insulation Testers - https://lnkd.in/eGtMc2US ⚙️ Low Ohmmeters/Ducters - https://lnkd.in/e2Qhj8mC #VoltageDrop #HighVoltageTesting #ElectricalTesting #PowerDistribution #PowerQuality #Insulation

🔹 Transformer Sizing A transformer is an electrical device used to transfer power between circuits and step up or step down voltage levels efficiently. It plays a key role in ensuring safe and reliable power distribution. Proper transformer sizing is important to meet the load demand, maintain efficiency, and allow for future expansion. 1️⃣ Find Maximum Demand Pmax = Connected Load × Demand Factor 2️⃣ Adjust for Power Factor S (kVA) = Pmax (kW) ÷ Power Factor 3️⃣ Apply Future Load Growth Add a 25–30% margin to allow for future expansion. 4️⃣ Select Standard Rating Choose the nearest standard transformer size (as per IEC/NEC ratings). Example: • Connected Load = 400 kW • Demand Factor = 0.8 → Max Demand = 320 kW • Power Factor = 0.9 → S = 320 ÷ 0.9 = 356 kVA • Add 25% growth → 445 kVA Nearest Standard Size: 500 kVA Transformer Power Projects Pruthivi Raj Kartheeswaran A U Amit N Rathod SRIRAM PRASATH P Mathusoothanan T NARENDRA MEESALA #TransformerSizing #ElectricalEngineering #PowerSystems #IEC60076 #EngineeringKnowledge #LearningEveryday

⚡ Harmonics in Industrial Power Systems – The Silent Efficiency Killer In modern industries with heavy non-linear loads like VFDs, UPS systems, and rectifiers, harmonics have become a major challenge. These unwanted electrical disturbances distort voltage and current waveforms, leading to reduced efficiency, overheating, equipment malfunction, and increased energy costs. 🔍 What Causes Harmonics? 🔹 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) 🔹 Inverters and rectifiers 🔹 UPS systems 🔹 LED lighting and electronic power supplies ⚠ Impact of Harmonics: ❌ Overheating of transformers and cables ❌ Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers ❌ Reduced power factor and energy wastage ❌ Damage to sensitive electronic equipment ❌ Increased maintenance costs and system downtime ✅ Solutions to Minimize Harmonics: ✔ Install Active or Passive Harmonic Filters ✔ Use 12-pulse or 18-pulse VFDs for improved waveform quality ✔ Monitor harmonics through power quality analyzers ✔ Maintain proper grounding and balanced loads ✔ Follow IEEE-519 compliance standards Harmonics may be invisible—but their effects are costly and dangerous. Proactive monitoring and mitigation are essential to keep the system safe, efficient, and compliant. 💡 Does your facility have a harmonic filtering system installed? #PowerQuality #Harmonics #ElectricalEngineering #IndustrialMaintenance #EnergyEfficiency #VFDSystems #HarmonicFilters #IEEE519 #PowerSystems #ReliabilityEngineering

⚡Why Power Factor Needs to Be Maintained? Power Factor (PF) = Ratio of Real Power (kW) to Apparent Power (kVA) Power Factor = 𝑘𝑊/𝑘𝑉𝐴 Ideal PF = 1.0 (Unity) Lagging PF (less than 1) = due to inductive loads (motors, transformers, etc.) Low PF means higher current flow, more losses, and penalty from electricity boards. 🔷Common Methods to Improve Power Factor: 1.Capacitor Bank – Adds leading reactive power to balance inductive loads and reduce current draw. 2.Synchronous Condenser – An overexcited synchronous motor that supplies reactive power to boost PF. 3.Static VAR Compensator (SVC) – Uses electronic control (thyristors) for automatic reactive power adjustment. 4.Automatic Power Factor Controller (APFC) – Automatically switches capacitor banks to maintain PF near unity. 5.Phase Advancer – Improves the power factor of large induction motors by reducing reactive power demand. 🔹 Importance of Maintaining Power Factor: 1.Reduce power losses in cables and transformers. 2.Improve voltage regulation. 3.Reduce electricity bill penalty. 4.Increase system efficiency and capacity. 5.Avoid overheating of equipment. #PowerFactor #ElectricalEngineering #EnergyEfficiency #ElectricalSystems #Industry #LinkedInLearning #Sustainability

🛠️ Why is the Tap Changer Installed on the HV Side of Power Transformers? In power transformers, the on-load tap changer (OLTC) is typically installed on the high-voltage (HV) side. The main reason? Efficiency, reliability, and lower mechanical stress. Because current on the HV winding is significantly lower, the tap changer handles: ✅ Lower current ✅ Reduced arcing during switching ✅ Less contact wear and longer equipment life ✅ Better electrical insulation design Additionally, voltage regulation in transmission systems is more effective when controlled at the HV side, where voltage variations have broader network influence. In short, placing the tap changer on the HV winding optimizes performance, lifespan, and system stability — a key detail in transformer engineering often overlooked outside the power industry. --- #Engineering #PowerSystems #ElectricalEngineering #Transformer #Substation #HighVoltage #OLTC #GridStability #EnergyInfrastructure #PowerTransmission #UtilityEngineering #SmartGrid #IndustrialAutomation #EnergySector #RenewableEnergy #ElectricalDesign

Ever wondered why a single Current Transformer (CT) has multiple cores? It's all about purpose! Each core is engineered for a specific job. 🔵 Metering Core: Built for high accuracy under normal conditions for precise billing and instrumentation. 🔴 Protection Core: Designed with a high saturation point to faithfully measure large fault currents, ensuring protection relays operate correctly when it matters most. 🟡 Special Protection Core: Tailored for high-sensitivity schemes like differential protection, requiring specific characteristics to ensure system stability and security. Choosing the right core is fundamental for system reliability, safety, and accuracy. #ElectricalEngineering #PowerSystems #CurrentTransformer #CT #Substation #PowerProtection #HighVoltage #EngineeringExplained #Metering #ProtectionRelay

Russelectric #switches are designed to transfer #electrical loads from a preferred power source to an alternate power source when voltage and/or frequency varies from preset limits, and to retransfer loads when the preferred source is restored. https://bit.ly/47oC02R

➡️ Transformer Sizing A transformer is an electrical device used to transfer power between circuits and step up or step down voltage levels efficiently. It plays a key role in ensuring safe and reliable power distribution. Proper transformer sizing is important to meet the load demand, maintain efficiency, and allow for future expansion. 1. Find Maximum Demand Pmax = Connected Load x Demand Factor 2. Adjust for Power Factor S (kVA) = Pmax (kW) + Power Factor 3. Apply Future Load Growth Add a 25-30% margin to allow for future expansion. 4. Select Standard Rating Choose the nearest standard transformer size (as per IEC/NEC ratings). 🖊️Example: • Connected Load = 400 kW • Demand Factor = 0.8 Max Demand = 320 kW • power Factor = 0.9 S = 3200.9 = 356 KVA • Add 25% growth → 445 KVA Nearest Standard Size: 500 kVA Transformer #TransformerSizing #ElectricalEngineering #PowerSystems#IEC60076 #EngineeringKnowledge #LearningEveryday

Substation Circuit Breakers are critical components in power systems designed to interrupt fault currents and protect electrical equipment. They operate automatically or manually to isolate faulty sections, ensuring system stability, reliability, and safety. These breakers handle high voltage and current levels, using technologies such as SF₆ gas, vacuum, or air insulation for efficient arc extinction and fast fault clearance. #EngenhariaElectrica #ProtecçãoElectrica