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Transformer Extra Losses Due To Harmonics

Edvard

Nonlinear loads, such as power

Trans fo rme r Extra Lo s s e s Due To Harmo nic s (o n p ho to PECO fin s ub s tatio n 2)

electronic devices, such as variable speed drives on motor systems, computers, UPS systems, T V sets and compact f luorescent lamps, cause harmonic currents on the network. Harmonic voltages are generated in the impedance of the network by the harmonic load currents. Harmonics increase both load and no-load losses due to increased skin ef f ect, eddy current, stray and hysteresis losses. T he most important of these losses is that due to eddy current losses in the winding; it can be very large and consequently most calculation models ignore the other harmonic induced losses. T he precise impact of a harmonic current on load loss depends on the harmonic f requency and the way the transf ormer is designed. In general, the eddy current loss increases by the square of the f requency and the square of the load current. So, if the load current contained 20% f if th harmonic, the eddy current loss due to the harmonic current component would be 5 x 5 x 0.2 x 0.2 multiplied by the eddy current loss at the f undamental f requency meaning that the eddy current loss would have doubled.

In a transf ormer that is heavily loaded with harmonic currents, the excess loss can cause high temperature at some locations in the windings. T his can seriously reduce the lif e span of the transf ormer and even cause immediate damage and sometimes f ire. Reducing the maximum apparent power transf erred by the transf ormer, of ten called de-rating. To estimate the required de-rating of the transf ormer, the loads de-rating f actor may be calculated. T his method, used commonly in Europe, is to estimate by how much a standard transf ormer should be derated so that the total loss on harmonic load does not exceed the f undamental design loss. T his de-rating parameter is known as factor K. T he f actor K is given by: where: e - the eddy current loss at the f undamental f re-quency divided by the loss due to a DC current equal to the RMS value of the sinusoidal current, both at ref erence temperature. n - the harmonic order I - the RMS value of the sinusoidal current includ-ing all harmonics given by In - the magnitude of the n-th harmonic I1 - the magnitude of the f undamental current q - exponential constant that is dependent on the type of winding and f requency. Typical values are 1.7 f or transf ormers with round rectangular cross-section conductors in both windings and 1.5 f or those with f oil low voltage windings. Developing special transf ormer designs rated f or non-sinusoidal load currents. T his process requires analysis and minimising of the eddy loss in the windings, calculation of the hot spot temperature rise, individual insulation of laminations, and/or increasing the size of the core or windings. Each manuf acturer will use any or all of these techniques according to labour rates, production volume and the capability of his plant and equipment. T hese products are sold as K rated transf ormers. During the transf ormer selection process, the designer should estimate the K f actor of the load and select a transf ormer with the same or higher K f actor. K factor is defined as: As an example IEC 61378-1 deals with the specif ication, design and testing of power transf ormers and reactors, which are intended f or integration within semiconductor converter plants; it is not designed f or industrial or public distribution of AC power in general. T he scope of this standard is limited to applications of power converters, of any power rating, f or local distribution, at moderate rated converter voltage, generally f or industrial applications and typically with a highest voltage f or equipment not exceeding 36 kV. T he converter transf ormers covered by this standard may be of the oil immersed or dry-type design. T he oil-immersed transf ormers are required to comply with IEC 60076, and with IEC 60726 f or dry-type transf ormers.

Resource: Selecting Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers by Intelligent Energy Europe